individual solos without returning to base camp at any time. Truly
impressive since they were all out of sight and sound from one another!
Upon re-uniting after the campers' individual solos, we discussed the
intention of the solo and how the natural world had communicated with each
of them. Each camper had very profound messages coming
from various sources such as the ocean itself, the birds that were around
them, the seals who were periodically checking in on us, the loneliness of
the night spent alone, and many others. It was apparent that this
experience helped to foster a relationship with the natural world that
these young men will take with them for a lifetime.
On our journey we traversed the western shores of the Olympic Peninsula
heading to our campsite along the Pacific Ocean. On our journey we
encountered many physical challenges. From seemingly never ending steps
up and down the small ravines, to VERY slippery uphill mud trails we
trekked through it all with poise and determination. At this point of the
trip the campers had gone through a rain storm, summited Anderson Pass,
and hiked in the dark all the while carrying around 50lbs on their back!
So they were ready for anything. The greatest of our physical feats came
on the sandy shores near Third Beach. To make it to our destination we had
to use thick ropes and literally pull ourselves up cliff sides to the top
of the cliff and once we were over, we lowered ourselves down the same
way. Talk about intense! Even though these were some physically
difficult moments, all of the campers and guides worked together to make
sure that everyone made it safely. Teamwork took on a whole new meaning
and everyone did great.
During our trip we invoked silence many times. One such time was on
top of Anderson Pass. As we summited, after a mile of vertical stone
steps, we came across a small mountain spring that was a part of the
headwaters of the beautiful Quinault River. You could feel the mystical
energy of that place. Birds were chirping as the breeze blew across the
summit. The clouds were all around us yet we could see all the way back
down the valley from which we had come through. We spent some time
playing in the snow, exploring the area, and resting. We had a great talk
there and all of us sat together in silence completely absorbed in the
magical beauty of this place. Truly an awe inspiring experience that
nobody on the trip will ever forget.
Submitted by Lonnie Johnson, guide
