Out of the Backcountry

Wild Oregon A has completed the backpacking section of the program. They hiked out just before noon and everyone is doing very well. The leaders report a  tremendous sense of accomplishment! Throughout the entire section the group average over 2 miles per hour, rarely complained and never left each others side. Fiona was Leader of the Day (LOD) on Day 1, Jason on Day 2, David on Day 3, and Alyssa led the group out today. Highlights included the jaw dropping Punchbowl Falls and Tunnel Falls, eating an "insane amount Ramen Bombs at Whatum Lake, and beautiful views of snow covered Mt.Hood from the Benson Plateau. 

We are extremely proud of this group and will look forward to hopefully getting some photos later on tonight!

Backpacking Begins

Hello Wild Oregon A families-

We just heard from Wild Oregon A and they are about to head out on their 4 day, 26 mile backpacking section. Here is there planned route:

Day 1- Hike the Eagle Creek Trail to 7 1/2 mile camp

Day 2- Hike the Eagle Creek Trail to Whatum Lake

Day 3 Hike To Ruckle Creek Trail to Benson Camo

Day 4 Hike out

We will not hear from the group unless there is an emergency, so we won't be able to update this blog again until we hear from them on July 19th. We look forward to hearing how this group performs in the backcountry. Stay tuned!

Whoops, Ponderosas, Boxcars and Basket Full of Kittens

Alrighty, we heard from Leader Ali this morning and it sounds like the epic adventure has continued to unfold in awesome fashion. We need to back track a little, just to fill you in on some stories from the Mountain Biking day. For starters, they split up into 2 groups 1)The Whoops Team, and 2)The Stop and Smell the Ponderosas Team. Chloe was the lone female to join the Whoops team which charged the legendary Whoops Trail, involving a serious vertical climb of several miles and then a long and challenging down hill with plenty of opportunity for "Whoops"-types of scenarios. The Ponderosas also charged the trails but took more scenic and less challenging terrain. They did find the sweet fragrances of the Ponderosa too be "Most Delicious" in the words of one happy camper.

Onto the white water rafting update. Ali was quick to point out all of the wildlife they saw while out on the river and camping riverside amongst the desert sage. Kingfishers, black hawks, osprey, bald eagles, and a really cute My Little Pony that hung from a tree signifying to the group that they were approaching "Whitehorse" rapids. Whitehorse is a classic 3/4 mile series of class II & III rapids. They also conquered the Class IV "Boxcar" rapid, and one guide Olivia, told her rafting team of Ali, Tate and all the boys, that it was the best she had ever hit that rapid.  They also dominated the "Basket Full of Kittens" rapid, which you need to approach sideways, and then be willing to get completed soaked by the corresponding wave. There was a tremendous amount of team work involved. They also surfed several rapids, played "Wheel of Fortune" which involves one person standing on the front of the raft and the rest of the group spinning the raft in circles in an attempt to spin the "Stander" off and into the river.  Of course, this section is also known for it's incredible food provided by the rafting guides. The menu: French toast, eggs, bacon , sausage, roasted chicken, fajitas, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, etc. All in all the rafting section was a great success!

The group is headed to Mt.Hood today for some July skiing. We hope to have a bunch of new photos to share before the weekend is over. Stay tuned!

Quick Update on Wild Oregon A

Just a quick update for all the Wild Oregon A families. After  enjoying  a great day of mountain biking, the expedition made it's way up to Maupin for the rafting section. They put in on the Deschutes River and will be in the backcountry for the next 2  days. We will look forward to hearing from them when they get out on Saturday evening.  Stay tuned....

Rocks, Rattlers, Steelhead, Scorpions, Eagles and .....

For an indication of how things have been going on the Wild Oregon A expeditions we wanted to share with you a text we received last night. From Ali, "Jay. We just saw a pair of bald eagles, a rattle snake, and a scorpion, and watched the sunset behind 10 snow-capped peaks all while having Group!"

And so this group continues to gel and excel with each new challenge. They have spent the past 3 days climbing their hearts out in the morning and late-afternoon and evenings, while enjoying picnic lunches at the nearby oasis, Steelhead Falls, during the hot part of the day. So when not rock climbing, they are swimming in cool river water and getting a few safe and monitored cliff jumps in as well. Here are some shots of the climbing section.

 The team climbing at Dehydrals

 On Belay with I think Trip attacking a crack.

 Alyssa has proven to be a fearless climber. Takes after her older brother!

 Alyssa again with some nice blue helmets below

The climber in yellow is said to be David.

 Fiona Climbing

 Sarah going for Gold

We are also giving you parents a sneak peak, of behind the scenes. This never before seen footage of the leaders enjoying their "Leader Treats" under the cover of night. Our leaders are essentially working for 26 days straight and we have found that healthy treats go a long way in the back country. 

The group embarks on Mountain Biking tomorrow and will be calling home. We will hope for more photos in the next 2 days. Stay Tuned.

Girls at Crater Lake

Click the link to the right for more photos!

Sand, Summer, Springs, Falls, & Crater Lake

Wild Oregon A Expediton

We heard from Leader Kevin today with a great update. This crew continues to shine and the leaders report that they are already a really tight group. For starters, they are "super-helpful" and awesome at setting up and breaking down camp. The leaders have actually had to say things like, "No Chris, thanks for all of your help, but you can't help us clean anymore." and " Hey guys, you are waking up to early." So what have these youngsters been up to lately?

Well they made it to the Oregon Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, and enjoyed an epic day of sand boarding. Check out this video of Trip.

Some serious Hang Time and early 2013 brochure contender:

Alyssa has celebrated her last last 3 birthdays with us in the field. This year's celebration began with backcountry stick buns, the dinner was pasta marinara, and they somehow the fearless leaders were able to fight their way through the wilderness and bring back Oreo cookie blizzards for all!

The expeditions left the coast and headed up and over the cascades to legendary Crater Lake. We are longing to see photos from this always awesome day. They had a great day at this one-of-a-kind destination. Next they hit up the Umpqua Hot Springs, which were apparently a little "too hot," according to several of the girls on the program. So the leaders, adapted and hiked the group to the beautiful Toketee Falls. They celebrated the 4th of July last night with awesome fireworks above Diamond Lake. Tomorrow they head to the high desert plateau region of Oregon and Smith Rock State Park.

Kevin also gave us the scoop on the in between action times. David has apparently taken the tradition of "The Veggie Off" to an all new level. Fiona reportedly defeated  Veggie Off Veteran and leader Kevin. He was currently undefeated this season and took losing the epic battle rather hard. Devon's book of Ghost Stories has been a very popular evening activity, with the group huddle in a circle listening intensely.

We will look forward to more photos and updates from Smith Rock in the coming days!