Notes from the Field: Expeditions Update BRX2 and OBX2

By Anne Izard on July 12, 2018

Both our OBX 2 and BRX 2 expeditions are doing great. OBX has started the week off getting to know one another and getting familiar with boating. Each expeditioner is assigned a boat, life jacket, paddle, and spray skirt for the trip. This is their gear to take care of and keep track of during their time. The first 2 days, the group learned basic paddling skills and ventured out on the White Oak River (literally in their front yard). Day three the group paddled in Croatan National Forest on Great Lake. They worked on their comfort level in the boats, practiced wet exits, and talked about communication and how that looks on the open water. Today the group is exploring the town of Beaufort. They will visit the maritime museum, walk by the water, and learn about Blackbeard and all of his glory. All in all the group is having a wonderful time and enjoying their time in the coastal area.

BRX has been backpacking in Pisgah National Forest since last Saturday. Some highlights of the trip thus far include: conquering the 8 mile hike from the top of Mount Pisgah to their first campsite. When they arrived, they gorged on Pita Pizzas and enjoyed hanging out around the campfire. The entire group really enjoyed the Pink Beds section of the trail, where there were lots of meadows and beaver bogs. The third night of the bakcpacking trip, they arrived to their campsite early and had time to chill by the river, read, and play cards. Everyone was grateful for the time off their feet to relax and enjoy one another. A few of the expeditioners went with leader Eli bushwacking through the forest in pursuit of High Falls. After wading through streams and tearing through rhododendrons, they finally discovered the falls and rewarded themselves by dipping their heads in the refreshing water. Their campsite the fourth night was nestled between two streams and a large field that they were able to play in. The group found a swimming hole to swim in and large rocks to dry out on. After a delicious burrito dinner that night, they played ninja and other games in the field. Everyone is doing well and the group has really bonded with their time in the woods together. They are all excited about their next adventure to the Cave!

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!

Tags
teen adventure Outer Banks explore the outer banks outer banks 2 obx 2 blue ridge expeditions blue ridge 2 Expeditions