Daily Report from the Journalism Committee:
One Last Adventure
Delaney Hurst
7 June 2008
This morning, we were happy campers; it was the first time in a long time that we actually got to sleep on flat, warm ground. Not to mention, sleeping in until nine. After the usual breakfast of cereal, and with our rain suits on hand, we took off for Hatcher Pass. There was a little lake that was so clear you could see the bottom. A few people took the path that goes around the lake over a small bridge and to a giant patch of snow and a waterfall. Jessica Vosburg was one of the participants who went body sledding down the side of the mountain. She said, “ I had a lot of fun sliding down the mountain. It was scary because it felt like you were going to fall into the water and down the waterfall.” There were also people who also got into snowball fights.
When we got down from the top of the mountain, we had hot dogs and chips for lunch at the parking lot right by where you could go panning for gold. Then we had a choice of panning for gold in the river, hiking some trails up the mountain, or hanging out in the lodge with hot chocolate and cards. I stayed in the lodge because it was wet and cold, but a handful of people took to the trails.
On the way back to the church, we stopped at a viewing spot by the river. Many years ago, Liz Smith and Sara Dillman started the tradition of dunking our heads into the water. Many participants, junior leaders and drivers took part in this chilly ritual, and took some pretty funny pictures. Lots of the vans took some van pictures too. We soon headed back to the church for some packing time and free time.
Back at the church, we had a lot of free time to hang out and relax before our last pool party and free showers. During this time, everybody helped clean the containers and organize all the utensils. While everyone was doing that the Bear van cooked the rest of the halibut we had for a great dinner.
At the pool party, we played dodge ball for a while, and then I went to the diving boards. After a few jumps and twists, Mike Kellogg judged Richie and me in a splashing contest. He beat me a few times, but I finally won with my “accidental” sideways cannonball. I still have the red mark on my right side. Everyone was really happy to have time to swim and to take showers for the last time here in Alaska.
Though we’ve had fun on this trip, Josh Webb says, ”I kind of wish I could go home for a week and come back. I miss home, but I really like it here.” I also asked Paul Ranville what he thought about the trip. Paul didn’t get to see everything that we did because he came late in the second week. “I think my favorite day was when we stayed at Seaside Farms and went to the Kilcher Homestead. I enjoyed the Kilcher sisters talking to us and roasting hot dogs. I also loved hang out with you kids. I knew a lot of you through coaching and Roni, but I never thought I’d get along with sixty, 14 year olds, but here I am. I love Alaska.” If there was one thing this trip has taught me, it would be to break out of my shell and be myself, and whoever likes me then, are my true friends that I will stick with for the rest of my life. |