Teton Science School

Sean Dowling
October 17, 2017

Today we woke up very early in the morning, around 5:30am, because today we were visiting the Teton Science School and had over an hour drive to get there. After shiver through our breakfast and packing things up, we headed out. on the bright side of getting up early, we saw some awesome views of the Tetons and even two moose, though it seemed like the sun was trying to blind us for looking in their direction. When we pulled into TSS, we were greeted by Jordan who gave us one of the greatest gifts you could give someone in the morning; coffee. After a brief description of what TSS does and how they design their curriculum, he sent us off to view how they work in their different groups. Today they had some middle school kids from St. Anthony's. Boz, Kara, and I saw the TSS instructor, Sam. He lead them in a lesson about Geology. He started them off by having them do a team building exercise called "chocolate river" and taught them one of my favorite games called "camouflage". Everyone then headed out to continue the lesson on a trail loop in the Tetons. There, Sam taught the group how old the rocks were and gave us all a dance lesson with Rockity -Rock-Rock while we learned the three types of rocks. Throughout the hike, students did a skit about the rocks types, investigated some scats and tracks on the trail, and made their own stories about rocks they had found and their journey to how they found them. We could not stay with them the whole day sadly but before we left they gave us "three cheers" and a heartful goodbye. Walking back to the van, the three of us got to see a huge bull moose while crossing a bridge over Glacier Lake, which made arriving back at the parking lot a tad late worth it. We then went back to TSS to finish the day with a more in depth discussion with Jordan. When we got there, he surprised us with even more gifts of coffee cake and more coffee! What a great guy! After a video, discussing our day, TSS, and our future plans, Jordan then introduced us to a wonderful lady named Dorris, who Boz was overly excited to meet. Dorris spun and dyed her own wool that she used to make a variety of things from colorful butt pads, tapestries, and even 3D animals like bison and sheep. She then let some of us try a team braiding technique that they spent a good time trying to do and having lots of fun doing it. Before we left, we had to give some gifts of our own to Jordan, Dorris, and the three instructors we followed before giving our goodbyes. We then headed to our campsite and to keep this short was a small adventure in itself.

Yosemite Adventures

Kara Sahagian
October 25, 2017

This morning Tracy and I woke up well rested, warm, safe, and free from falling pinecones. Why you might ask? Because we slept in a tent! We were blessed again when we all stuffed our bellies full of Austin's wonderful breakfast. Thanks, again, Emma, for making the fluffiest warm pancakes only an angel could make. We cleaned the kitchen up and packed into the one van to see some sequoia trees. I knew sequoias were big trees but I did not actually know until I saw them in person. My mind was blown. The rest of the day we had to ourselves. Some of us went to the visitor center and then the village store. Once we were done being typical tourists, Sean and I sat at the shuttle stop waiting for a shuttle so that we could take a glorious shower at our next stop. We waited and waited. I was getting antsy. I kept thinking about that shower. Why wasn't a bus coming? I went to look for times that the shuttles ran when I saw it...A white sign that said :This shuttle stop is closed. Please go to stop #4 for the next shuttle." I cannot begin to describe how stupid I felt. We successfully got onto the next available shuttle towards the marvelous showers. Once I got into the women's bathroom, my joy quickly turned into sadness as I saw around 15 high school school girls an their teachers waiting in line to get a shower. One by one, I moved up the line. I wanted to cry tears of happiness but I knew these ladies would not understand the struggle of how rare a shower is on ECOEE. I held the tears in as I walked down to the newly opened shower. The steaming hot shower did not disappoint. Thank you, Yosemite for your beloved, warm showers. ECOEE 2017 is grateful. I was so clean that I did not even care that I got lost on my back to camp. Thanks to our wonderful graduate assistant, I was rescued. This reason #43 on why she gets paid the big bucks.

The Long Ride

By: Emily Maze

October 24, 2017

Our day started off with an egg thief. Tracy planned on making chorizo and eggs for breakfast and egg salad for lunch, but more than half of her eggs were already used by prior chefs. Half of us said we’d buy lunch along the way so others could have more.

            We packed up and left for our eleven-hour trip. Since only two people have been per bench seat, Austin has gladly gone to the back corner for more space to set stuff.

            After about an hour, we stopped at Walmart for groceries and some people got McDonalds. I had a mocha Frappuccino, but the machine wasn’t working, so I awkwardly had to tell her that I think it needs more ice. It worked after she filled it with ice. I walked out to the van to realize that Jeff went somewhere. Sean and I looked lost searching the parking lot. Lo and behold, he came back.

            Along the way, people switched between working on homework, sleeping, or looking out the window. Austin started his cross-stitch kit that he bought at Zion.

            When we crossed into Nevada, we eventually got tired of seeing Rabbitbrush, Sagebrush, and dirt. There was a long way to the next gas station and Kara and Emma had to pee, so we pulled over. They flew out the door and went behind the trailer. When they came back, we found out they both stepped on a cactus. The first people in our group on Nevada’s land and they peed and stepped on a cactus.

            When we reached what we assumed to be is California, there was only a click-it-or-ticket sign, Jeff seemed to pick up speed to create a roller coaster ride from all the hills. We caught a whiff of stinky feet which is apparently from the Sagebrush. After a while of our stomachs rising and dropping, we were in Yosemite.

            There are beautiful waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and rocks. We stopped to watch the sunset at Half Dome. It was beautiful until some group blasted music. It was about 8:30pm when we arrived at our campsite, set-up and ate grilled cheese sandwiches. I am looking forward to tomorrow, but I am not sure if Yosemite can top Zion so far.

Angels Landing

By Chris Friday

October 23, 2017 

            Today we the greatest hike yet on Ecoee, Angels Landing. This hike is not for those with a fear of heights, but our few folk are, truly showed a tolerance for adversity by doing this hike. Our journey began at 10:05 AM with our ascent of The Wiggles. These wiggles are far more interesting than the fruit salad ones. The Wiggles were steep and tiring, but when it was all said and done, The Wiggles were really nothing more than a warm-up for Angels Landing. Upon arrival at Scout’s Point, the area before the ascent of Angels Landing, I took my first look down  at the near vertical cliff side and became suddenly rather uneasy. I quickly shook that off as I looked to the path of the steep fin of Angels Landing. Sean and Emily began the trek up first, followed shortly thereafter by Emma, Ashley, and I. Ashley required a few encouraging smiles be me along the way. She said she wanted to hike with us because we were not afraid of heights, but little did she know, I’m afraid of heights. Personally, I think it was her overall enthusiasm and unknown about the hike that really got her through it with such flying colors. The most common words out of her mouth were, “ Righteous! Righteous!!” Upon arrival to the top, our trio had reunited with Sean and Emily. In other news, Emily only almost died once that I saw, although on the way down she got her foot stuck in a way only Emily could. The top of Angels Landing may have been the single greatest view I have ever experienced. Apparently, Angels Landing was another Ecoee first for us, or at least as long as Jeff has been leading it. I am so proud of all of us for braving this hike, especially Ashley, Tracy, and Boz, who are those who do not enjoy heights as much as others. After this, we moved onto Weeping rock where an interpretation was held by this lady named Ranger Tracy. She gave us an interpretation on why Zion was named Zion. Once this wrapped up, we made our way to Temple of Sinawava, but Jeff had decided to part ways with us. Once at the temple, we strolled through the canyon admiring the high walls around us, as Boz made a mad dash for the start of The Narrows. Sadly she reported that there really wasn’t all that much to see unless you really traveled into them, which she did not. It was here at Sinawava that Austin decided to take a little nap and was sadly left behind. Sorry Austin. When we got back to camp, we found that Jeff doe sin fact have some love in that tiny black heart of his. He got us some Angels Landing mugs. Thanks Jeff, you’re so sweet. For dinner we went to the Brew Pub for a much needed meal. It was a long day, but a very good one in my opinion. I’m going to miss Zion.

Emerald Pools

Ashley Demers

October 22, 2017

Waking up to knowing I would not be in Bryce anymore to look at the stars a night I was bummed, but going to Zion today I was excited! Doing the research and planning the week was just making me want to come more and more. We start our drive into Zion and my eyes lite up like kids at a candy store. Seeing the mesas when we first arrived and driving through the one miles long tunnel I was smiling ear to ear. (P.s. there’s a dead spider on this page, right about this spot.) Every turn I took, every look up, the beauty of the sandstone took me away with the iron giving the rock that red tint. We made our way to our campground, which was very cool, due to the cacti, I think but is very tight corridors. We hung out at the camp for a while, while Kara, Boz and Jeff went to town to get Kara some hiking shoes for her tendinitis. We couldn’t wait no more so Chris and I took our group on a hike, but first we took a shuttle. That’s where I dared everyone to do the limbo and Emma of course tried, while Chris and a few others shared Sean’s chew five gum dare and truths along the way. We make it to our stop where we all stick together and start our hike to upper Emerald pools. But at the trailhead a dew of us had to take our pants off to continue in the heat. Once we had layers off we set off on our hike. We passed over a bridge that looked out to the Mountains, with the creek flowing through. The further we got the more colorful the trees became with reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and some blue from the juniper berries. We made it half way to the little waterfall which was more of drips but still beautiful. Once at the top we enjoyed the view.

            “When the peak is worth reaching, the climb won’t be easy. You can’t grow without growing pains. It’s impossible to get to your success by skipping the process. Just because everything isn’t going right, doesn’t mean your path is wrong.” Trent Shelton

Bryce Canyon

By: Austin Orr

October 20, 2017

Waking up in Otter Creek Campground it was a lot colder than when I went to bed. I scrambled to find layers and slowly emerged from my tent. I grabbed my water bottles, Tang, an emergen-c and made my "hope to get better" concoction. I don't know if it's working but as long as I believe it is that's all that matters. Right? As we wrapped up breakfast we got in the van earlier than planned and got on the road to head to Bryce Canyon.

After arriving at Bryce Canyon, we selected a few campsites, we set up some tents, marked our campsites, and paid for them. We then went over to the visitor center where some went to watch the video and others, to know surprise, went to the gift shop. After getting my National Park Passport stamped I went to the exhibit and walked around. I soon realized I am not a fan of crowds and got out of there. After everyone did what they wanted to at The Visitor Center, we made our way to Rainbow point and got to see some amazing views as we made our way down the road making stops at every overlook. I was an awe at every site and fell in love with Utah.

We made our way back to camp where I gave my controversial issue on should motorized Outdoor Pursuits be considered in adventure programming? Kara also indulged us on mammals and how the baby sometimes looked different than the adults. We even got to learn how to make sounds like a koala. Soon after we started cooking supper where Chris tried making a soup we ended up with a spinach pasta thing instead. Either way it was delicious the Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies covered in brown sugar and cayenne were all so delicious. I never want to leave this trip, but I know the sites we see and the skills we learn will be beneficial and help us in everyday life when I return to our homes.

"In this world a man must either be an anvil or a hammer." -Henry W Longfellow

Still Chasing Warmth

By: Tacy Ellis

October 19, 2017

Today began with a visit to Elements Adventure Program. This is a program designed specifically for troubled boys. They spend 8 weeks living in the Utah “wilderness” while also using these experiences to promote growth and change in their life. I learned today how selfless those people at Elements really are to devote their time to better someone else’s life. I was unsure what to think about this program at first, but after listening to Karen talk, my opinion of wilderness therapy is nothing but positive. After the visit, we again piled gracefully into the van and took off towards our next destination. Half way there we took a pit stop at a very social and friendly Walmart to stock up on all the essentials as well as get in a few 15 pound charcoal lunges. It was not far to our first attempt at a camp site that had the most beautiful cottonwood tree. But unfortunately, these were not established camp sites and we were forced to move on. We then made it to Otter Creek State Park and before finding the new campsites Jeff and I discovered a new river that had just been formed because of Kara. Ashley made us a very delicious dinner, and Chris made the worst coffee known to man, but that’s okay, he gave a good effort. The night ended with a beautiful red sunset over the purple mountains. I think it is official, I love Utah.

The End