BRX2: Out on the Trail

By Anne Izard on July 09, 2012

BRX2 kicked off Saturday with an awesome group of expeditioners! Everyone arrived and immediately got settled into their base camp at Reasonover. Basic skills and group tasks were reviewed and a GRP respect circle defined the opening night.

Sunday was spent peering over maps and routes and determining the backpacking plan for the week. The group decided to hike in Pisgah National Forest and tackle the “Art Loeb” and a portion of the “Mountains to Sea” trail. Expeditioners wasted no time on their planning! They picked a route, packed their bags, and departed early Monday morning for a 7 day adventure! Whoot! Whoot!

We spoke with Kaitlyn Varnot, one of the leaders, last night and she reported everyone was happy, healthy, and safe. They had a great first day, trudging uphill and mostly on ridge lines viewing the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains. The group got rained on a bit but nothing they could not handle. Everyone was in good spirits and was happy to be sleeping outside with the stars.

Anne Izard
Anne Izard

Anne has worked at Green River over the years at summer camp, expeditions, and the school programs as a counselor, expedition leader, mentor, and program director. Anne’s related camp experiences include working as a counselor and program assistant at Camp Ton-A-Wandah in North Carolina, an expedition leader for Wilderness Ventures and an environmental educator and expedition leader for the Teton Science School. Prior to returning home to GRP, Anne was the Director of Education for the Mountain Studies Institute in Silverton, Colorado. Anne and her husband, Steve, are both actively engaged in the American Camp Association, The Association of Environmental Education, and The North Carolina Youth Camp Association. When Anne is not working, she can be found trail running, paddling, cycling, or backcountry skiing with her husband Steve, their sons, Phen and Hawkins,daughter, Alida,and golden retriever, Irie Bird!