On the Road, Again…
22 June 2006
Austin Robison

     We had another almost full day of driving today from Fairbanks, Tanana Valley Campground, to Denali at the Grizzly Bear. It took about three hours to get to Denali, but we ran into construction, so it took a bit longer. When we got to Grizzly, we had to get dinner ready really fast so the junior leaders and drivers could get to the river to go rafting. All the participants had to stay at camp. We had a lot of free time and we filled out teamwork papers for the junior leaders.
      The rafters all agreed that is was way better then they thought it would be. Here are some points of view from Andrew Kellogg and Amanda Willerick. Amanda thought it was an awesome experience. Even though it was her second time going, she still loved it. “Hanging out with my friends and doing something fun was the best part. There were two quite attractive rafting guys, which also made the trip even better. The water made my hands pretty cold though, so Tim helped keep them warm. I appreciated it greatly.” The raft that Amanda was on got stuck on a rock. “We were going down the river and I guess we weren’t paddling hard enough, so we got stuck and our raft started taking on water. We all had to go to the right side of the raft to try to get us off of the rock. We were all kind of scared, but afterwards we did a paddle high five and we were off having a great time once again.”
      Andrew’s story was a little less descriptive and more to the point. “It was sweet going on the rafting trip for the second time and being in the front to help lead.” Andrew also thought hanging out with friends and doing something amazing was the best part. The rafters all got back really late and have to get up really early tomorrow to get to Denali on time. Amanda would like to say, “Let’s hope the rest of our time in Alaska is as attractive as the two raft guides were.”

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Music To My Ears
22 June 2006
Sara Reed

     What’s a three-week trip in Alaska without a little music? Well, we’ve definitely got plenty of it between the near eighty of us, everything from Jack Johnson to Gabi strumming on her guitar.
      Today we went shopping for more food and other essentials. While some of our group was putting groceries in the food van, others were rocking out to Gabi’s “Upside Down” and “Breathe”, waiting to get on the road to Grizzly Bear Campground in Denali.
      I asked Gabi Fratta what inspired her to bring her guitar on the trip. She responded, “ I love having powwows and I also like playing while everyone just chats about numerous things. I also like how you don’t have to be the best at singing or playing guitar and no one thinks differently of you. Alaska seems like a laid-back place that is perfect for a powwow.”
      Another way AGLP participants and leaders get music into their day is through a van song. Most of the twelve vans have their own unique song. The Naked Van has mastered the “Cotton-Eyed-Joe” song and also the dance for it! These songs bring out each individual van spirit every time they pop the CD in and sing along.
      I was wondering why Braden, a naked van rider, liked his van song “Cotton-Eyed-Joe”. He answered with enthusiasm, “ Because of the violin and feeling in it, baby! Plus, it’s just sweet!”
      There are other techniques to have fun with music too. One exciting musical experience the AGLP group loves is dance parties. We turn the music up loudly and open the doors to the vans. Then we start dancing! Everyone has so much fun dancing together and belting out lyrics to the songs.
      I love having the dance parties, so I decided to get someone else’s opinion. I asked Anna Dickerson, “ Why do you think we should have these dance parties?” She said, “ It’s a chance to get together with everyone and have fun. It lets us find our souls.”
      All the music helps us get through the long car rides back and forth between towns. Now that’s what I call music to my ears!

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