Expedition Journal--July 31

Their awesome beauty represents the pristine wilderness which is so different from civilization. Once again I realize how truly "out here" we are, and the thought only makes me more protective about Leaving No Trace, so others can have the opportunity to experience what I am experiencing.

Rachel Flood
"Wandering and wondering are part of the same process."

Today was a really long but informative day. We're still camped at the Gates where we have been for the past two nights. We spent most of the day working on some of the skills we will need for the river portion of the trip. "The point away, paddle away, look away" and "broaching is bad."

It was another great day. It's amazing how much more you appreciate the sun after it's been gone for so long. I was actually able to wear shorts. It's great that the bad weather had dissipated. The river has gone down quite a bit. We will most likely be able to head out tomorrow.

Vanessa Bacher
Right now I am sitting by the river reflecting back on this whole trip, from the first time I saw the article that began this whole adventure to today. The whole aspect of this trip is so overwhelming it's almost frustrating at times because so much has happened through this adventure grant that I can't put my thoughts into place. I have sat here thinking about what my expectations of this are, but interestingly enough, I really don't think I have any expectations. On the other hand, I do have goals and they are to learn as much as I can from this trip and to make it the best adventure possible. As Cleve would put it, "don't just eat down to the bone, but also suck the marrow out of it."

If I think about the way I pictured camping before this trip to the way I picture it now, they are completely different. The whole Leave No Trace concept has really impacted me immensely.