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BRX1: Got the show on the...TRAIL!

By Anne Izard on June 14, 2015

Yesterday, BRX1 was off to a great start! 10 expeditioners and 3 leaders came together to kickoff a great Blue Ridge trip. After the suspenseful hike down Reasonover Road, the expeditioners finally made it to basecamp. They got cozy and settled into their new home for the next 2 weeks. After a few “get-to-know-ya” games, the group had a Respect Circle and a Talking Stick Ceremony, where the expeditioners agree to “respect themselves, respect each other, and respect all living things” while they are part of the Green River Preserve community, and they talk about fears and excitements for the course. For lunch, they enjoyed turkey sandwiches with tomatoes, hummus, and lettuce from the farm.

Hiking near a beautiful waterfall!

After a hot day, a late afternoon thunderstorm rolled in giving the expeditioners a perfect opportunity to practice safety protocols and lightening procedures. The storm quickly passed, though, and they enjoyed delicious chicken and cheese quesadillas, sautéed onions and bell peppers, with salsa and avocados for supper.

Today, they woke up with a hot breakfast and traveled to basecamp for some climbing on the tower. They will also be doing some teambuilding skills and group bonding on the low ropes course. After a brown bag lunch, the group and leaders are going to venture and hike to the Lower Bald, which by far has the best view on the whole Preserve. Tomorrow, they will be heading to do some real rock climbing on a 28’ repel and spending time at a beautiful waterfall. It will be a day full of adventure!

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!