Eighth grade Adventure Education headed south by train in mid-January bound for Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz Island. The adventure began on day one. Rain and snow caused flooding on Interstate 5. Amtrak cancelled the stretch of track between Seattle and Portland less than twenty-four hours before our departure. Fortunately, we were granted safe passage down to Portland via district bus. Once on the train, the group was able to keep to the planned schedule.
The weather in southern California was quite a change from the foot of snow we experienced in Washington prior to departure. Throughout the journey, the group experienced highs in the low to mid 80’s. Clear, sunny skies were the rule…sunscreen a must.Santa Cruz Island never ceases to inspire. Students were treated to a show of dolphins, pelicans and grey whales on the catamaran cruise over, mission impossible at night, fresh oranges and cherimoyas on the hike to Smuggler’s Cove, island foxes, slackline practice and spectacular views from the top of Montanon Ridge.
Highlights on the mainland included a tour of UC Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara mission and courthouse, Frisbee in Alameda Park and a look at the boardwalk while seated on a bicycle built for seven.- - - - -
This trip proved to be yet another giant success thanks in part to a mighty group of chaperones: Charlie Snelling, Johan Davis, Christian Gaggia and Jon Paul Dowdell. Your donation of time to the students of Langley Middle School will not be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Nels Bergquist
