Team learns to live naturally

Dispatch from Dan Solmon — July 14, 1997

Dan details the rationing process at NOLS camp (1.4MB avi or 1.4MB mov)

After a time spent packing boats while waiting for Del to return from town, we set off at 10:45 a.m. As we paddled from the last civilization we would see for 15 odd days there was a feeling of elation throughout the group. We were leaving all the castles of car camping — we were truly beginning the voyage into the wild.

The paddle began slowly as most of the group was inexperienced and it has been nearly a month since we last kayaked. After a few miles, we stopped at a creek (the first of five that we would pass while we looked for a camp). Near this creek there were relics of a past decade. There were sand and gravel trucks — broken but still holding their engines. We continued and a small debate formed upon reaching the second stream. The land forms near there resembled those near the first on the map. It turned out the first was not significant enough to be on the map. The rest of this day was uneventful save that the water became slightly choppy.

All along the lake the scenery was beautiful with mountain ranges and snow capped peaks. We arrived at the creek at 2:30 p.m. Setting up our camp, we kept many bear-safety issue in mind. Our kitchen was placed several yards from our tent. All food and other odorous objects (soap, deodorant, sunscreen) must be placed in the kitchen at night.

When heading into the woods, we went in groups saying, "Hey bear," to notify the bears of our presence. Del also taught us how best to deal with our excrement. To do this one must find a private area far from water, camp, or trails. A hole should be dug about 6-inches deep and the top layer should be replaced. When you use regular toilet paper it must be packed out. Other options include leaves, rocks, and snow; these can be left. Finally, we were instructed in the low-impact construction of another camp necessity — fire. There are two styles; a pit and a mound.

All in all, today was a good day. Tomorrow we paddle closer to Palmer Creek. We are all excited.