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Day 1
Monday, May 28, 2007
We got off to an early start this
morning, as we met in front of Sportspectrum at 5:30 AM! After getting acquainted
with one another and going over the trip guidelines we all piled into the vans and set off on our long journey to Colorado.
Although it was a long trip, we found ways to entertain ourselves. In between naps, one van puzzled over riddles pertaining
to the significance of fifty-three bicycles and debated topics such as the controversial cooking styles used by the vans occupants
(aka: the texture of bacon and cookies). The other vans had equally amusing topics of conversation. At stops, the participants
helped the drivers by taking turns pumping gas and washing the windshield. After fourteen hours of driving, we at long last
arrived at Raton, New Mexico. Everyone was exhausted, but
happy to have arrived. We checked into our motel, and, after a dinner at the
nearby Denny’s, everyone blissfully crashed into bed and rested up for the next day’s drive.
Day 2
We began our day with breakfast at McDonalds in Raton, New Mexico
and got off to an early start to finish our journey to Colorado. Our drive took six hours. We arrived
at camp and set up our tents. After camp was set up, we hiked up a beautiful trail to Agnes
Falls. We came back from the hike,
ate pizza, enjoyed the camp fire and went to bed.
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Day 3
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
We dove right in to our introductory course on white water rafting, with an early breakfast and commute to the
American Adventures Expedition’s outpost. We arrived, put our wetsuits
and safety gear and listened to the guides as they reviewed the day’s agenda.
The first stretch of river was mild and peaceful and we had the opportunity to become accustomed to our guides and
learn commands. Then we experienced our first Class II rapid with a little trepidation,
but great enthusiasm. But this was nothing compared to what was to come. After stopping for a stupendously healthy lunch, we hit Three Rocks, a Class IV rapid. It was a little scary, but we had complete faith in our guides and our own ability
to stay in the boat. The day turned chilly as we finally came to a stop, but
we were all happy about the experience. With a promise of bigger and better rapids
to come, we anticipated the next day.
Day 4
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Brown’s Canyon was definitely
the highlight of the day. It was an amazing mixture of exhilaration and fear,
but we all escaped the clutches of the river unharmed. Our guides were very safe,
as always, but ensured that we had a fun (and wet) experience. Sydell’s
Suckhole passed without major incident, and we all relaxed after that. Despite
our apprehension, it turned out to be an extraordinary day, that is marked in our group’s mind as a definite favorite
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Day 5
Friday, June 1, 2007
Group A biked today! After learning that we would not be able to climb, due to a complication on the part the climbing company,
we dealt with our disappointment well, and looked forward to hitting the bike trail.
With great gusto, every single one of our group did the harder single-track ride, and had a blast! Everyone got to the top and saw the mountains clearly framed in the background. The scenery was amazing, and the ride back down great fun. Following
the ride, was a trip into town to get ice cream and a visit to a ghost town!
Day 6
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Group
A successfully tackled Waterdog Lake! Every single person reached the top and played in the snow. After a considerably less stressful hike down, we went to Monarch
Pass, where the Continental Divide is located.
We had delicious hot chocolate, and raided the gift store for souvenirs.
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Day 7
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Today
both groups came together for the big hike that we take every year. This year,
however, our normal route was snowed over, and so we tried a different trail. The
result- success! After the exhausting climb to Waterdog
Lake, it was refreshing to actually enjoy a hike.
Though the pace was uphill at first, it soon developed into a flat stretch that led to a beautiful waterfall. After completing the hike, we went to St. Elmo’s, a ghost town. We fed the chipmunks and ground squirrels that reside there, and enjoyed the great souvenirs that we picked
up from the gift shop. After a picture session at Cascade
Falls, we went back to camp to prepare chicken and shrimp fettuccini. Our fishermen went to catch rainbow trout from a nearby lake, to complement our last feast.
One Great
River / Mothers Against Drugs of Louisiana, Inc., is a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit
Organization
PO Box 44349, Shreveport, LA 71134-4349
Phone (318) 798-0880
Email: Admin@onegreatriver.org
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