This is Just the Beginning

Emma Ngati

9-17-17

                  Today marked the transition from one adventure into another. Waking up in the front country for the first time in 28 days felt a bit odd. Hearing the noises of the cars on the highway right behind us was unfamiliar, and the people. Seeing other faces besides the ones I had grown used to seeing was a nice reminder that we were not alone after all. I almost felt spoiled with the privilege of using a real bathroom and drinking water from a fountain. If there is one thing the backcountry can teach you, it is to enjoy the little things.  As we began our day, we started with one last meal using our backcountry rations and thankfully we won’t be using that food again until the Tetons. We worked like busy bees the majority of the day organizing group gear and then our own to make sure all was in place for our journey back to the states. Later on we took a little trip to a gift shop down the road where we were reunited with the luxury of Wi-Fi. Many took advantage of the time we had there to get some work done. I on the other hand tried to contact my family, none of which answered my calls. Our next stop was a cute little historically based restaurant where Jeff graciously bought us all the food we could possibly eat. We left with uncomfortably full bellies back to Pancake Bay where Jeff led us in our backcountry expedition debrief. We all shared the lessons we have learned so far and reflected on how we would like to influence the group from here on. Although this feels like the end this is just the beginning of 12 more weeks together.