Mt. Hood and The Gorge, Nothing but epic

 Report from the Field- Trip Leader Greg
    After an epic three days of frothy whitewater our next adventure brought us to the mighty Mount Hood.  We strapped on our skis and snowboards and rode the lift to what seemed to be a fantasy, a snow covered mountain with people of all ages riding in t-shirts and shorts.  We soon realized after a couple runs that we were over-dressed and we ended up riding in t-shirts screaming down the mountain like everyone else. Our skiers Daniel, Eli, Sara, Max, Isabel, and Jake S. put away there pizza slice technique and screamed down the mountain with precision and skill. Meanwhile our snowboarders Jake R., Emma, Greg, Miranda and Alec quickly improved their skills.  Our fearless ski and snowboard instructor Miranda helped all the kids take their skiing and snowboarding to the next level.  Run after run we blazed down the trails until we realized that the mountain had closed, however the lift operator graciously gave us the last ride up.  After a long day of riding we ended up staying at the beautiful Trillium Lake which boasts a beautiful view of Mount Hood off the calm waters.  Needless to say there wasn't much talking in the tents.
     The following day we rallied the troops and began to prepare for backpacking.  The campers learned about the seven principles of Leave No Trace, packing techniques, the ever amusing bathroom clinic, and everything needed for three days of backpacking.  Everyone learned the hard skills necessary as we enjoyed a nice campfire and told jokes and exchanged laughs with one another.
    Knowing the skills necessary for hiking we approached Eagle Creek trail head with confidence.  Along the trail we swam in the blustery waters of Punchbowl Falls and enjoyed the abundance of waterfalls we passed along the trail.  Seven miles later with zero blisters, the tired but stoked kids arrived at our first campsite along a stream bed.We had our first back country dinner and not a moment too soon, PIZZA BAGELS!!  Day 2 of backpacking kept us amused which different terrain and views of the valley.  We crossed streams, encountered strange birds, and walked uphill virtually the entire time.  Despite the uphill battle, the scenery and thought of an epic new campsite inspired the troops to walk at a strenuous pace led by the fearless Emma and Isabel.  We arrived at camp in what seemed like no time at all and had an amazing "Group" and prepared the Longacre classic backcountry meal, Ramen Bombs.  The EPIC Ramen bomb consisted of Ramen Noodles, Instant mashed potatoes, and velvetta cheese.  Okay sounds gross we know, but it is an explosion of flavor in your mouth.  After dinner everyone quickly faded and we look forward to day three of backpacking in the gorgeous Hood River Gorge.
    

Bearskins, Snakes, and Duckies!

 The Ultimate Oregon A team successfully completed their latest challenge-taming the Deschutes River via white water rafts. We heard from the leader's late last night and they reported the following. The rafting trip into the backcountry was a great bonding experience.They had fantastic weather and they seemed to be taking epic plunges into the river during the hottest part of the days. Many of the Expeditioners reported it as their favorite days of the program.  Each day they loaded up their gear in dry bags, boarded the raft and charged class II and III rapids. There were several occasion where the group was allowed to jump of the raft and swim through class II rapids, like the "Bearskin Rapids" Please note: Helmet and life jackets were worn at all times, of course. On the last day of rafting, Sara followed through on her promise to the group and was the first one to go for a swim that day by leaping off a rock and plunging into the river.  Jacob R. was apparently the "Duckie Master" as he successfully navigating 3 sets of Class III rapids without flipping. Jake S and Max were not so lucky as they successfully managed to flip the "Double Duckie"several times. The teamwork during these wipeouts was said to be exceptional. Jacob R. was also known to be a "Wildlife Master" as he caught several non-poisonous snakes and many students held a snake for their first time. The group also began a new tradition on the river of sleeping out under the stars. Their 1st night back on the main land they continued the tradition and will most likely continue to do so whenever the opportunity presents itself. The leaders feel great about the social dynamics and feel like it will only continue to improve the final week of the program !

Rope-A-Dope, Monkey Face, Fire works & Whoops

The Ultimate Oregon A group headed to the high desert plateau and the rock climbing mecca of Smith Rock. Upon arrival they enjoyed Emma's birthday cake, chocolate pudding pie, pizza bagels and an epic sunset. One of the top climbing destinations in North America, Smith Rock has a climb for everyone. LE legend, and 7 year veteran, Alli S., joined the group  as the rock climbing specialist. After a great hike on the Misery Trail to scout out the Monkey Face. They watched in awe as 2 climbers tamed this "wild beast" of a climb.

They began with some 5.4 and 5.6 climbs at Rope-A-Dope, but on the last day several kids had worked their way all the way up to 5.10s, with some even "banging out" a 5.10c.Max and Daniel cranked out 5.10c and have developed Spiderman-like reputations in the Bend, Oregon area. Pretty advanced climbing for these youngsters. They also hiked up to Superman another great hike and great place to Rock Climb, Isabell got the MVP this day for enthusiastic belaying. The kids pushed themselves harder each day, and there leaders were very impressed.Hope you were able to enjoy some of the photos.  Each night they practiced some bouldering on the bouldering wall before bedtime.They also enjoyed learning the art of slacklining, a rock climbing tradition. Essentially, it invovles wrapping webbing around two trees, pulling it tight and walking across it. A great exercise in balance, and good core-training!

Sarah has mastered the art of making guacamole, and incredibly important skill. On Fourth of July they went into the town of Bend for Ice Cream and fireworks. That night they had a short sing-a-long on the way home and  the crew hit the pillows sleeping that night.

Mountain Biking
Eli was particularly pumped about the mountain biking, and some reports suggest he was actually shaking with excitement. They did Phil's Trail to Ben's Trail To Ken's trail. It was a muddy and dirty day, finished of with a a couple of runs through the "pump trail". Showers were especially enjoyed that evening. The next morning the UOA girls woke up early to treat the group to French Toast. Everyone starts the day excited, and finishes the day tired and excited.

The social dynamics of the trip have been solid, and in the last 2 days the leaders have reported a bit of a "Storming" phase, which is very common when groups spend 24 hours a day together for an extended period of time. It is often good for the group to go through this phase and our leaders rely on Longacre's 31 years of Communication Workshops, to get the group through these phase and into the "transforming" phase. They had a great "Group" last night, and the leaders reported this morning that the group seems to be more tightly bonded and feeling good about this community they are creating. They were making omelettes this morning and have begun to talk about the fact that there are only 10 days left on this adventure. Another day of mountain biking today and then tomorrow they headed out onto the river rafting trip.

Snow? Crater Lake! Birthday!!!! Hot Springs!!!

Alrighty, the Ultimate Oregon A expeditions continues to shine. The crew parted from the Pacific and headed east to set up camp at the beautiful Diamond Lake. This beauty was quickly trumped by one of the world's most amazingly scenic destinations-Crater Lake. The nations deepest lake, provide the group with a one-of-a-kind experience. Crater Lake had a record setting snow year, and thus the snow preventing the group from hiking down to the water, but they were still able to spend time on the rim and snap some amazing photos.

The next day was Emma's birthday. She has celebrated her birthday Longacre-style for the past 3 summers and we knew we had to make this one extra special. The leaders took the group to the somehwat secretive Tokatee Hot Springs for an early morning birthday surprise. Upon reaching the falls, we sent a leader ahead to make sure they didn't encounter the sometimes elusive, yet rarely dangerous "naked Oregon hippy". Commonly found at hot springs throughout the Pacific Northwest! The soaked in the springs and had a celebratory feast. Later that day the headed to Smith Rock State Park to get ready for the rock climbing section. They enjoyed meeting their counterparts, The Ultimate Oregon B group, and continue to impress with there high energy and pursuit of fun. The leaders are super-pleased with the group dynamics, and confirm that they have a really tightly knit group. Hard to believe they are just a week into the program.  Be sure to take a look at Photos on Picasa

The Mighty Sand Dunes

Despite the cold weather and rainy mist, the Ultimate Oregon A Expeditioners were in fine spirits yesterday morning. It had been an eventful couple of days to say the least. The leaders were incredibly impressed with the entire groups level of enthusiasm while in the Surf. Jacob was the first to admit that he would be forever addicted to surfing and will be planning a surf trip upon returning home. All of the kiddos were able to stand up on the longboards and enjoy the long, rolling breakers. LE Leader Peter remarked that he couldn't believe how long the kiddos continued to surf each day. The combination of cold water surfing and hot backcountry dinners led to very early bedtimes for the crew each night. On the second day of surfing the group witnessed an incredible Search and Rescue operation from their surfboards. Apparently, a sea kayaker was wiped out to see and stranded on a long rock about 200 yards from shore. The kids watched as a helicopter lower a search and rescue professional down to the sea kayaker, and pulled him up and out to safety. To quote the group "It was the coolest thing, ever!" 

Upon completing the Surfing section the trip headed South to the Oregon Sand Dunes to parttake in a community service project with the Surfrider Foundation. The Oregon Sand Dunes are a one of a kind place. Be sure to take a look at the photos posted on Picasa and videos on Facebook. They will be taking on the Dunes via sandboards today, and we will look forward to seeing action shots from them soon.

Ultimate Oregon A- Surfs Up!

Epic Start To Utlimate Oregon A

Report from the field:

In summarizing the start of the Ultimate Oregon trip, Longacre Veteran leader Greg used just one word “Epic”.  The first evening featured an “epic” BBQ on the coast Oregon with a wondrous sunset over the Pacific. The 1st day of surfing with the legendary  surf instructor Paul Hansen, featured “epic” conditions, with all kids standing up on their boards. Both Jakes /Jacob paddled out in the line up, and enjoyed some great surf. “The waves are so much longer here’” both boys quoted! Last night, the group had their first Group, with great insights and input from all. Afterwards, in a round of 2 Truths and a Lie, Longacre leader Miranda ultimate lie was exposed. She had kept a terrific British accent intact since the beginning of the trip and they all believed she hailed from Bath, England. Upon hearing the news that she was an American from Vail, Colorado, Emma remarked,” Awww! I liked your old voice so much better!” Miranda has committed to fulfilling both identities throughout the remainder of the expedition. Second day of surfing starts today!