AAVE Trip BLOG » Rock ‘n River! - Colorado Discovery 3
July 30, 2010
Rock ‘n River! - Colorado Discovery 3
Posted by the AAVE team in : Colorado Discovery, General AAVE Trip BLOG , trackback
Rock climbing, whitewater rafting, horsepacking, oh my! Nothing like a series of challenging and broadening adventures to bring a group of young men together. Only this group, it didn’t need the help. Fast friendships, encouragement, and laughter characterized the first week of the Colorado Discovery trip, and as a trip leader, I couldn’t be more impressed by and proud of the young men I have the ultimate privlege of leading this summer. They are kind, honest, motivated, and extremely capable; and they can be counted on to uphold responsibilities, collective and individual.
On our first full day together, we hiked to an alpine lake swam in the crystal clear glacier melt – it was incredibly invigorating! “My favorite part of this trip so far was the hike. I really enjoyed the scenery, and swimming in a glacier run-off.” (Evan Carp) Rock climbing on cliffs overhanging the Arkansas River, along the same stretch of river we rafted two days later, brought the already exceptional group dynamic to new heights! We practiced new techniques for crack climbing, flake climbing, and face climbing – the campers proved themselves worthy of every new challenge and were exceptionally talented. Here’s what the kids had to say:
“The thrill of looking down when you were at the top, sent adrenaline through my blood.” - Blake Hishmeh
“Rock climbing was as follows: painful, hard, terrifying, but I enjoyed myself. It was a unique experience.” – Micah Zirn
“Rock climbing was very tiring, bloody, awesome, exhilarating, and a great experience.” -Jason McDonald
“The rock climbing was fun and very challenging; in a good way.” - Jonah and Max Kildon
Fun, Hard, Awesome and Challenging! - Alex Popovich
The rock climbing was super fun. When you get up high and look out it is an unbelievable view.
– Sam Lerman
The amazement of seeing the countryside at such a height and using all that energy was worth it!
- Antoine Smirnov
Rock climbing was a great experience. Beyond the exercise, the amazing vistas and group dynamic made this day absolutely unforgettable. –Henry Tracy
The water is rushing over the sides of the boat boat, we’re pinned between two rocks in the teeth of a Class III rapid, our burly guide Louie is out of the boat hurling his body weight against the side attempting to dislodge it, we’re holding onto each other desperately to keep from falling out, and we’re succumbing to fits of hysterical laughter. Such was our whitewater rafting adventure, which proved to be, for many of the campers, not only a highlight of their trip, but of their entire lives. I’ll document this claim with camper quotes!
Rafting – this was by far the most awesome thrilling experience of the trip! I can’t even imagine a more thrilling event! - Sam Lerman
Rafting was sweet! It was fun floating down the river in the freezing water.-Alex Popovich
White water rafting was awesome – it was the adventure I was looking forward to the most and it was better than I thought it would be! - Antoine Smirnov
Rafting was great fun today – despite getting wet, the rapids combined with typically beautiful Colorado views made the experience thoroughly enjoyable. –Henry
Rafting was awesome today – we jumped off a cliff into the river! The rapids were so much fun (even if I did almost fall out!). –Jason McDonald
Look forward to more updates in a couple days!
Dave and Renee
Comments»
no comments yet - be the first?