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.
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