June 25, 2011

Daily Report from the Journalism Committee

The Climb to the Top by Allison

When our group finally broke through the tree line, the view was instantly breathtaking. Reaching the top of Mt. Healy provided one of the most rewarding sights I have ever experienced. The trip to the top took most of our effort, but when we made it to the top it was definitely worth it.

We arrived at the Denali parking lot around eleven in the morning. After we were all gathered together we split into three groups that started the hike about fifteen minutes apart. For the first half hour the trail was relatively flat, but soon it became steeper, with longer uphill stretches that were more difficult. We took water breaks and picture-taking breaks every fifteen minutes or so, and when we reached harder parts the breaks became more frequent. As we climbed the mountain we could easily see the trees and other plants changing with elevation, which was very interesting to experience. The final stretch was all rocks. We climbed up the trail more than hiked. Then, right before the trail ended, the slope became gentle again, as if to give us a reward for making it so far. Our pace quickened as we caught sight of the beautiful rocky top. Once we made it we all found a place to sit down on the mountain and eat a much-needed lunch.

After relaxing on top of the mountain and taking pictures of the view for about an hour or two, we started our descent. The hike down was much easier, but it also seemed much more dangerous. It was easier to fall when going down such a steep slope over huge rocks, and everyone slipped at least once or twice.

When I made it to the bottom again, the images and feelings of being above everyone else on the mountain remained engraved in my head. The trip seemed to take almost all of my effort at the time, but once it was over it was so rewarding and I will never forget it.

Today We Stood On Top Of The World by Olivia

Today we stood on top of the world. We started off this morning by climbing out of bed and opening the tent doors one of the most beautiful, and clear days we've seen in quite a long time. After we got dressed, we headed down to the gazebo in Grizzly Bear Camp Ground, for a breakfast of Special K and Cheerios. We filled our bowls all the way to the top because today we climb Mt. Healy!

When everyone was prepared for the day, we headed to Mt. Healy. Before we knew it we were headed up the mountain with our backpacks heavy with water, sweat shirts, bug spray, lunch and of course sun screen. The hike started off fairly simple but before long we got into the hard, steep and rocky terrain that required much more effort. It was challenging but we saw many incredible things along the way.

We saw everything from exotic wild flowers, kinds of rocks and trees we didn't even know existed, and my personal favorite, the ground squirrel. As we kept hiking we saw more and more. By the time we reached the top we could hardly catch our breath, partly because we were tired but mostly because the view was one of the most amazing things we have ever experienced. You could see everything, mountains, valleys, rivers, towns, and even our vans parked far from the mountain (where we began our journey). However, as we all know, all good things come to an end, at some point or another.

We began our daring hike down to where we started. Getting to our vans required climbing over rocks, bridges, loose, sand and giant roots. This was tricky, nut still much more simpler than the hike up, for most people. When we reach the vans it was about time for dinner, so we loaded up the vans eager for food. When we got back to Grizzly Camp Ground we enjoyed a meal of chili, potatoes salad and mandarin oranges. Soon after dinner we had another hug time and got ready for bed. By the time we lied out heads down on our miniature camping pillows, we fell fast a sleep from a long, but wonderful day.