Since my last post I have lead two more trips in the backcountry for AMC's Teen Wilderness Adventures. They were both awesome. I am really enjoying this "work" as well as the sheer amount of time I am spending outdoors. Even on my off days I am enjoying my time in the White Mountain National Forest, while I can, before I head back to the farmland that is central Pennsylvania. Trip #2: 10 Day Backpack This trip was more fun than I ever deserved. The main reason for this was the group, which was made up of 7 campers all aged 17 and one counselor from an all girls camp in New Hampshire. They had known each other for 8 or 9 years in most cases and that group dynamic was super special to have on a backpacking trip. The trip had a leadership focus because it was a part of their program to become counselors. Teaching topics on leadership was certainly a highlight of the trip for me. The group of girls was absolutely hilarious and they sang a lot and were really quite talented. They self regulated very well and took care of each other diligently which made the job so much more pleasurable for my co and I. Honestly its quite hard to put into words how amazing the group was and how much fun I had. I pretty much laughed and smiled for 10 days straight. Our itinerary started out in the northern part of the Pemigewasset Wilderness loop (Zealand, the Bonds, Guyot, Garfield, Lafayette, South Twin) then went down into Franconia Notch. When we got to Lafayette Place Campground in the notch my co and I assessed the group's health and decided we needed to take some layover days. This was a big change to our itinerary but it was definitely the right decision for this group for health but also because it gave us more time to do lessons and activities. This itinerary change was something I've never done before, but it was a good lesson in adaptability for sure. Trip #3: 7 Day Multi Sport It rained a lovely 6 days in a row for this trip which was the hardest part. Besides the weather, the trip was really amazing. We had 2 days of day hiking first, where we did Pine Mountain on one day then up the 19 mile brook trail to the Carter Notch Hut on the other. The kids had a tough time with the rain on these days in particular, but the next day was nicer when we paddled 10 miles on the Androscoggin River in canoes. 80 and sunny was a fabulous relief from the rain until thunderstorms rolled in when we got back to camp. The final 3 full days of the trip were climbing days, which we contract out to EMS guides so it was definitely a chill end to the trip for my co and I. Third trip and third co leader, the changing of co leaders has been interesting for me, but luckily I've worked really well with all 3 and had so much fun with each so no complaints. But anyway back to climbing... so. much. fun. I got to climb as much as the kids did and had a fantastic time. Really made me look forward to having a top rope wall and bouldering cave at my disposal this coming school year. I am planning to take advantage of that for sure. The group on this trip was 14-16 year olds, 5 girls and 3 boys. They got along really well despite meeting each other for the first time on the trip, and I was really impressed with their maturity. Again, having such a good group made the trip so pleasant for my co and I. Days Off Between 10 day and 7 day trips I used 3 of my free hut bed nights for a one night overnight trip to Galehead Hut. I took my dad and my sister up to the hut and we had a lovely time. The hiking definitely kicked their butts but I promised them a genuine White Mountains experience so that's what they got. We did 7.5 miles up Garfield then over to Galehead Hut on the first day, then 6.5 Miles over North and South Twin out to the trailhead the second day. We ate a lot and enjoyed the meals and beds at the hut. The AMC has 8 backcountry huts that serve hot dinner and breakfast and provide a bunk for the night to hikers for the ~small fee~ of $140 per person per night. Free bed nights are a great perk of my job so I'll definitely use them but generally I feel like staying in the huts is super extra honestly. I don't have a better way to articulate on that. But regardless two days of hiking on my only two off days between trips was lovely and a great way to continue enjoying the amazing weather and fresh air. Between 7 day and midseason training (now) On the day of the writing of this post, I did a 14 mile day hike up to Mt. Isolation, a 4,000 footer. It was 14 miles round trip with over 5,000 feet of elevation gain. It took me 5hrs 45min. It was my first time hiking my own pace since like early July so it was awesome to see how strong of a hiker I've become and how fast I can go when I'm pushing myself. I have one more day off tomorrow before midseason training and I'll probably hike somewhere and get another 4,000 footer if I can. Summer is progressing along very nicely for me. This month has been a busy one but all of the time in the field is great for my physical health, mental health, wallet, career etc... I'm having a ton of fun and loving life. Midseason training soon then one more 10 day trip and my time in the mountains is done for at least a few months. Definitely trying to relish the end of the season. My first trip with the Appalachian Mountain Club's Teen Wilderness Adventures was really great. The week flew by and the group was a ton of fun. The participants were 12-14 year olds mostly from the New England area.
The first two days of the trip we did day hikes. First up Pine Mountain which offers a nice view of the Carter Range, then the next day we did 9.5 miles up North Carter Mountain, a 4,000 footer I had not yet done. At this point I am well over half way completing the 48 4k footers, I am hoping to finish them all before I graduate college. The next two days of the trip we spent backpacking, from Pinkham Notch Visitor Center to an impact site called The Bluff then to Osgood Shelter. From Osgood shelter we day hiked up Mt. Madison one day and had some awesome time above the tree line. The last 3 days of the trip we spent at Lake Umbagog on the border of New Hampshire and Maine canoeing. Despite one day of pouring rain, it was awesome. We saw a huge bald eagle, an osprey, two blue herons, and paddled within 10 feet of a huge loon just floating. It's a super gorgeous clear lake in a wilderness area, I love being there and especially falling asleep to loons calling. My co leader is super experienced, it is his 3rd season with Teen Wild, and he taught me lots of great new technical skills and tricks that I'll be able to use on future trips. My next trip is a 10 day all girls backpacking trip (ages 14-16) mostly in the Pemigewasset Wilderness which will be super awesome. Below are a few photos of the multi sport trip I just lead, click on the first photo to see the slideshow and captions. |
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