AAVE Trip BLOG » Hello UAK1B Family & Friends,
July 14, 2008
Hello UAK1B Family & Friends,
Posted by Nate at AAVE in : Ultimate Alaska , trackback
Ice Climbing School
All is well up here in the Last Frontier. We are nearly halfway into our Ultimate Alaska trip, and everyone is happy, healthy, safe and enthusiastic! As you might expect opportunities to communicate are limited.
We started our trip with a four-day backpacking trip in Chugach State Park, just east of Anchorage. Bushwhacking through thick forest and trekking over arctic tundra proved challenging, but the scenic beauty of the park was well worth the effort.
After enjoying a pizza lunch at “Moose Tooth”, one of Anchorage’s hot spots, we headed north to the Matanuska Glacier, Alaska’s only glacier accessible by road. We spent four days learning to ice climb on “the Mat”, a breathtaking and surreal site bulging from the Chugach mountains. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate the first two days, and we had to rely on our trusty rain gear to keep us dry. But by the third day, the sun was out and the climbing was ON! Everyone showed off their skills on the ice and their newly learned knot-tying skills. Just WAIT until you see the pictures!
We are hitting the river today for an overnight whitewater rafting trip. We will no doubt have more great stories and memories when this trip is through!
As for the campers:
Fitz has kept us all upbeat with his perpetual smile and positive attitude. His “never-say-die” mentality while climbing the ice walls of the glacier secured him the “hero of the day” nod from the rest of the group yesterday.
Sydney has proved to herself throughout the trip that she really can accomplish anything. Whether hiking towards the summit of Tikishla Peak, or pausing halfway up the ice wall before continuing to the top, she has shown great resolve and perseverance throughout the trip.
Jillian refuses to wipe the smile off her face. Even when her clumsiness kicks in (usually once per day), she is smiling, laughing and making friends with the rest of the group.
Ben’s enthusiasm and zest for adventure is an absolute asset to the group. He gives every part of himself to our activities, and fits right in with the adventurous nature of the great state of Alaska.
Zach is keeping the group in stitches with his incessant humor and “free-styling”. He is always there to lend a hand or joke to the Trip Leaders and campers.
Jamie is always upbeat and helpful, whether leading great evening meetings, cracking us up with her t-rex impression or preparing her “Jamie Surprise” dessert after dinner.
Adam is a blessing to the Trip Leaders. Whenever we holler for help, we turn around and find Adam waiting to lend a helping hand. He has definitely come out of his shell and is making friends with ease.
Lauren, although quiet and reserved, is enjoying every minute of her adventure in Alaska. She is friends with EVERYONE, and is contributing fully with all of her job teams (cook crew, clean crew, van and camp crew).
Melissa has impressed us all with her expert backpacking abilities. She even earned the moniker “The Robot” for her ability to hike for hours on end without a break. She has also introduced us all to the wonders of Barbara Streisand.
Ryan found the ice climbing quite challenging, as his Shaq-like feet were too much for his crampons to handle. He showed great determination while scaling the ice, and has been among the most outgoing members of the group.
After pushing her personal limits during the backpacking trip, Soo has found her niche within the group and embraced our crazy camp games. She had a blast with ice climbing, and looks forward to more challenges ahead.
Peyton’s infectious smile has been a huge part of the trip. After getting over the fact that she won’t be taking a shower every day, she has embraced life in the wilderness. She even said that this experience is “the best thing she’s ever done.”
That’s all for now. Stay tuned for more stories from Alaska Living the AAVE life! …
Nate & Kelsey
Trip Leaders
UAK1B
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