November 29, 2009

Colorado (09-10)

November 21-29, 2009
Organized by: Adam Scheletsky

The second Thanksgiving break trip to depart our college campus was a trip to Colorado State Forrest State Park [sic]. The trip consisted of snowshoeing form yurt-to-yurt (Montgomery Pass >> Ruby Jewel >> North Fork Yurt). The difficulty being mainly due to snow-depth and elevation. The weather on the trip was cold with 2 ft of snow, it is 10,000 ft after-all, but the yurts were toasty. Many layers of bacon and clothes made this trip awesome. MSR lightning ascent snowshoes are super bomber, Adam is buying a pair when he gets the money. Adam also forgot the back of the report sheet. As such we have no idea if everyone got along or if there are any dangers, but with no pending lawsuits we assume everyone survived and had a good time.

Members in Attendance:
Adam Scheletsky
Brandon Scherzberg
Rosemarie Scherzberg
James Basham
Toma Zikatanov






November 28, 2009

Everglades (09-09)

November 20-28, 2009
Organized by: Kelly McFadden, Joe Moran

The first Thanksgiving Break trip to depart, this trip explored the wonders of the Everglades National Park. The trip had varying degrees of difficulty depending on the current. As would be expected the weather was warm (80 degrees) and sunny, however it being Florida the weather was also unpredictable at times (high winds and downpours). All the perishable food perished within the first 3 days and large dry-bags were required to keep water-sensitive equipment safe and dry. The trip went smoothly. Note: many notes to follow.
  • Long-term weather forecasts are unreliable for Florida
  • it is suggested that perishable food be purchased in Florida to minimize spoilage
  • lots of bugs
  • bare feet = cut feet
  • sun = sun burn
  • Campsites in Everglades National Park must be reserved in person at the visitor center less than 24 hours before arrival at camp
Members in Attendance:
Nick Clabbers
Adam Cota
Brian Kocher
Pamela Lin
Thaddeus Line
Kelly McFadden
Joe Moran
Ed Wilson-Ewing



November 25, 2009

North Carolina (09-11)

November 20-25, 2009
Organized by: Zach Haas, Jake Catt

The third Thanksgiving trip of Fall 2009 was to Mount Mitchell and areas around it. The trip was originally planned to be ridge hiking, however wintery weather made traversing the mount dangerous and it was decided to change plans and go to Linville Gorge. The gorge was grossly underestimated and proved very challenging at points, most notably a long climb at nearly a 200% grade. The area was plagued by thick clouds, fog, drizzle, rain, and utter dampness. Fortunately all the gear was adequate and no emergencies arose. Other than falling off a cliff in the fog, or getting lost at night, or getting lost during the day in the fog, or trying to cross a freezing river in the rain, or... it was tricky. The group rolled with the challenges and turned out a terrific trip despite setbacks.

Members in Attendance:
Zach Haas
Jake Catt
Tony Hemming
Tyler Haas
Dave Alleman
Kaitlin Pope
Dan Trew


November 8, 2009

Milton Rock Gym (09-08)

November 8, 2009
Organized by: Kelly McFadden

This was the second official climbing trip to the Milton Rock Gym. There was much climbing to be had indoors. So far as we know, no one died, everyone had a good time.

Members in Attendance:
Attendance data is not available, if you have the trip roster please enter it here