Washington Coast Hike - May 14 - 18 and June 4 - 8, 2018

Sunset Silhouette - Yellow Banks

During the final month of school, over eighty eighth graders experienced the Shipwreck Coast. This was the largest percentage of the grade level to ever participate in the experience.

Weather conditions were, as usual, a mixed bag. The mid-May trek was overcast, but not a drop of rain fell. This made for ideal hiking days. June was wet on Tuesday evening and Thursday night. Groups woke to a downpour Friday morning; a set of soaked tents headed back to the high school.

This year, I offered two modified options for students who wanted to experience the coast, a three-day Ozette Triangle hike and a five day adventure up north that had little technical terrain. Several hikers opted for the three-day Ozette Triangle and even more opted for five nights north of South Sand Point. These offerings will be available in 2019.

I look forward to next school year when, for the first time, Pacific Northwest History will be the Social Studies focus for eighth grade. The coast experience will finally fit seamlessly into the academic curriculum. Countless other experiential activities will naturally present themselves. There is quite a lot to look forward to.

Below are several choice photos from the 2018 Shipwreck Coast adventure:

Lookout - Yellow Banks

Dinner - Ellen Creek

The Careful Down - Wedding Rocks

Gate - Chilean Memorial Approach

Bear Marker - Cape Alava South

Log Cabin - Ellen Creek

Dip - Yellow Banks

This experience was again made possible by an amazing group of chaperones. I read several email messages from parents thanking group leaders for their service. After all these years, staff and community members continue to give of their time to support this experience. The following people lead one or more coast groups in 2018:

Charlie Snelling, Danielle Klein, Sue Ann Brewer, Don Zisette, Katrina Leighton, Erik Jokinen, Rebekah Pomeroy, Rocco Gianni, Danielle Gianni, Kathy Gianni, Sean Ogle, Justin Stacey, Lars Bergquist, Chantel Duke, Donald Heggenes and Nisa Heggenes.

Thank you so much for your help.

Sincerely,

Nels Bergquist