September 4, 2008

9/4/08

Greetings from the end of our first expedition!

Many would assume that after being at a new school for just four days and then being put on a bus to go camping for two weeks with nine out of the forty new boys and girls you just barely met would be nerve wracking. Truth is, it was. However, I bet that most of us would tell you with all honesty that after the first twenty four hours of our trips, we knew they would be fun and memorable ones. Within the first day of our trip, we played multiple games to "break the ice;" some groups even had OHT (pronounced oat): Official Hang-Time. Every night, most groups played "Spotlight," a game where someone from the group is chosen, and everyone is allowed to ask one question to get to know them better. In the beginning, the awkwardness of the forced "get to know" was evident, but already by the end of the van ride to the trailhead, the ice was definitely broken.

During the first week, we split into two hiking groups each day; this provides a great opportunity to get to know everyone a little bit better and learn each other's ways on the trail. For the second week, we split up into three hiking groups. Some of our best days hiking were spent in small groups of three or four people with one or two instructors. We started to learn how to use our individual leadership and basic skills, while simultaneously working as a team to get to the "x". We were challenged everyday; however, by the time we were cruising back to HMI, each group had become a trusting unit, familiar with everyone's idiosyncrasies. It is this which will allow RMS XXI to embrace each mountain that comes our way.

While we were roaming over the mountains and through the woods, we needed to learn certain Wilderness "Skillz". We are proud to report that by the end of the expedition we had all attained some of the "skillz" we need to survive in the wild. We learned how to read maps through Common Sense Navigation, and we got to practice this skill while we were hiking, learning by getting lost. We RMS "newbies" also learned how to live like true backcountry veterans; we can now choose and set up campsites, purify our water, stay warm, perform basic wilderness first aid, and cook up delicious meals of backcountry cuisine. But wait! There's more! We, the young lads and lasses of RMS XXI, learned about effective communication, the principles of Leave No Trace, and leadership roles. Thanks to the Leader of the Day position, in which a student led each hiking group by taking charge of all aspects of the hiking day, we all got to give leadership roles and communication skills a try. Now, at the successful conclusion of our forays into the wilderness, us young'uns of RMS XXI have crazy Wilderness Skillz!

Academic classes during an expedition begin the same way as any other: a designated meeting time bringing the students and instructors together. However, their unique locations and class style make expedition classes quite a departure from the ordinary. Our first class on the expedition was a class detailing the different characteristics of rocky mountain trees, taught by the science teacher, Audrey. But unlike other classes, we walked around our campsite and got a chance to touch, observe, and describe the trees ourselves, making the class a hands-on experience. The following P & P classes described things like how to effectively communicate, conflict resolution, stages of group development, and the "Leave No Trace" guidelines. These classes, although not quite as hands-on as the science classes, taught us some excellent ways to improve our backcountry experience, as well as lessons that are applicable to every day life. And of course, each of these classes took place in a different rocky mountain classroom, some with views of rivers and lakes, and others deep within quiet aspen groves.

Our discussion classes, English, history, and a P & P class, each revolved around readings that detailed the value of wilderness from the perspective of each author. Once again taking place in some of nature's most beautiful classrooms, these classes offered us a chance to discuss both our opinion of the authors' ideas and our own opinions on what the wilderness has to offer.

What a wonderful time we had in the Collegiate Mountains named after famous colleges within the U.S. What started as eagerness inside the bus driving by Buena Vista evolved to nervousness as we headed up a bumpy dirt road in a small bus. We finally reached our destination and soon departed into the unknown wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. Though it was tough from the start (hiking with 40 pound backpacks, sleeping under tarps on roots, rocks, and other rough things), we finally had our first connection with nature. While hiking through Brown's Pass, the setting sun stroked the high ridge of Mt. Yale, a 14,000+ peak, florescent colors shone through the infinite atmosphere. Purple haze shrouded the mountain and the pink clouds captured and captivated the bounds of light that would make the final yellow light across the blue night. Once we experienced this beautiful moment, we knew we were right at home. Those fourteen days of back aching work glided to packs light as a feather just because of the mental inspiration to see over a pass or to summit Grizzly Mountain, which is over 13,700 feet. Every one of those days soared by until we realized we were heading home. Even though our first expedition has come to an end, our memories of those mountains, those animals, those sunsets, those smiling faces, and those exciting times remain in our minds as the first link where nature and minds meet.

By: Emily Blau, Andrew McCue, Walker Nordin, and Devan Erickson