Exploring the Wild...

Yosemite is AMAZING. Before this trip, I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to carry a backpack and hike six miles, but now I know. It is great to see beautiful mountains and lakes without huge crowds of people. I really feel like I have accomplished so much by making the effort to see such a wonderful place. And, it has been even better being able to share this with my group. Before we started this backpacking trip, I was really nervous. But being with everyone for the last three days and really working together as a team has really made all of us feel comfortable. I feel like I have ten new best friends!!!

Hiking Point Reyes National Seashore...

Our wonderful California adventure began with a day hike at Point Reyes just north of San Francisco. It was a great way to start the trip because I was able to talk with everyone as we hiked along the trail, which was high above the Pacific Ocean! I am from the east coast and today was the first time I've seen the Pacific ocean in person! It was amazing and much different than my notion of what beaches are supposed to look like! I can't wait to experience everything that is in store on this trip!

Cooling Off...

Our rafting trip was great. After backpacking, I needed a break and a chance to try something new. This day on the river was exactly what I needed! Our guides were great, they taught us how to guide the raft and they let each of us have a turn. The food at lunch today was so good! We had fresh fruit, meat, and veggies and our guides had even made dessert for us. Brownies on the bank of a river, now that is what I call roughing it!

Lost in Excitement...

After our backpacking trip in Yosemite, I thought nothing could be better. But the Lost Coast is great! It is awesome to be backpacking on the beach. And our leaders have been great. I'm sure glad I listened on the first day when they showed us how to keep the sand out of our stuff! Every night I fall asleep to the sound of the crashing surf, and during the day we've had awesome views of the headlands. Around every bend, there is another beautiful site or more wildlife. We've seen lots of seals and birds on the beach. Tomorrow we go to Black Sands Beach. It sounds really cool and I can't wait to see it!

Surfing the Coast of California...

I was a little nervous about surfing for the first time, but we when arrived at the beach our guides put me at ease immediately. It was a beautiful day in Half Moon Bay, CA and we spent the first part of the morning learning basics skills and laughing at each other as we tried to stand up on our boards. After lunch, we were ready to head back out and I was amazed when I stood up on my first try! It was awesome! The water was so blue and cool and the air was warm and I thought I must be in paradise!