Our Leadership Expedition has Returned!
Traiblazer Expeditioners Take on Panthertown June 20, 2018
Rain, blueberries, and bears. Oh my! Last week, the Trailblazer Expeditioner’s four-day backpacking trip kicked off a month-long intensive leadership course put on by Green River Preserve. Expeditioners are immersed in Green River Preserve philosophy that discovery, growth, independence, and community can create curiosity, resilience, autonomy, and connection. There is nothing like a good-ol’ adventure in the woods to foster that philosophy.
Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area is part of the Nantahala National Forest about an hour drive from Green River Preserve. The area is renowned for its labyrinth trail system, beautiful waterfalls, and scenic vistas.
The weather report for the first day was heavy rain in the afternoon. Taking a quick stop to revel in the beauty of Granny Burrow Falls, the expeditioners made it to the shelter right before the big storm hit. Entertained with cards, games, and poetry, the group waited out the storm in their protective shelter. The rain passed, allowing the expeditioners to cook a yummy meal followed by a moral-boosting campfire and smores.
A 6am thunderstorm woke the group up and it was a lazy morning of snuggling into their sleeping bags until the storm passed. The Trailblazer Expedition Leader, Brian, saved the day when he waded out into the rain to retrieve the bear canisters for a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and nuts.
When the rain cleared, they packed up their almond butter and jelly tortillas and headed out to explore the Great Wall. There are steps cut into the stone at the Great Wall with beautiful vistas from the top. On the way back to camp they practiced orienteering and ran through wilderness survival scenarios. After a heartfelt Rose, Bud, Thorn, the group fell asleep at the shelter.
On day three the expeditioners moved camp, away from the security of the shelter. With good weather in the forecast, they had their hopes set on camping atop Tranquility Point. On the way they spotted an unidentified snake, one of the many animals they would encounter that day. Once everyone set up the camp they headed down the trail to enjoy a dip at Schoolhouse Falls–grabbing handfuls of wild blueberries along the way.
When they got back to camp it was apparent that one of the staff members on the trip was not feeling well. The expeditioners and staff worked out an evacuation plan and hiked the staff member out to get medical attention. On their hike a couple group members spotted a black bear and, later, a white tailed deer. They almost had a Grand Slam in one day!
That night, the stars were out and shining. The talk around the campfire shifted from virtual reality to nature reality. Venus, Jupiter, Polaris, and the Big and Little Dipper were calling the expeditioner’s attention. When they retired to their tarps, the Wip-poor-will began their nightly banter, but nothing could keep this exhausted crew awake for long.
The group awoke to a beautiful silent sunrise. After a group yoga session, they picked fresh blueberries for their morning oatmeal. A short hike out and they were shuttled back to Green River Preserve–with a well-deserved stop for Mexican food in Brevard.
Adventures come in all shapes and sizes. The expeditioners maintained good attitudes that helped them in trying situations-weather, evacuation, and navigation. They have formed a team. Now the team gets integrated into the daily life at GRP…stay tuned.
