Washington Coast Hike - October 5 - 9, 2009

Trail Snack - Washington Coast Hike

Adventure Education students were extremely lucky to experience fantastic weather on our latest trip to the Washington coast. The group worked well together as they tackled slippery terrain, steep overland routes and swarms of kelp flies while trekking from Rialto Beach to Cape Alava. As always, it is a pleasure working with the students of South Whidbey. Students' comments follow:

The most important thing that I learned on the trip was probably how to survive in the outdoors. That consisted of cooking, hiking and getting water from streams. And last but not least, I learned ow to make friends.
- Finley

The most important thing I learned on this trip was that teamwork gets things done faster than you can yourself.
- Matt

I learned that people can't always be there to guide me. I had to make good decisions about both where to go and how to get there. If I made the wrong choice, them I am there to fix it too.
- Taylor


One time we saw the sun as it set below the horizon. The clouds were pink, and the sky was purple. The sun slowly sank down until there was nothing but a sliver of gold, then went out of sight and everything started to darken...
- Chris


I learned that you really need to take things seriously and be safe.
- Rhylie


The most important thing that I learned on the trip was that we are very spoiled living here.
- Maia

I noticed that I don't need all the "required" things to live like makeup, my hair straightener and all the right clothes. I also noticed that my mom and dad aren't going to be there for me my whole life. That taught me to be self-sufficient and confident. This program is on of the best things I have ever been a part of.
- Odessa


One thing that I learned that I think is most important is to use space well.
- Mac


I learned how to sort my backpack. This was a key thing because I had to keep the pack level so each shoulder would share the weight. Another thing I learned was how much I relied on others and they relied on me to help them. On this trip, one of the most important things I learned was the souvenirs were not just a key chain, but a memory and memories tell thousands of words.
- Davin


I think the most important thing I learned on this trip was how fun it is to be out in nature away from civilization with a good group of friends.
- Sage

Overland Route - Washington Coast Hike

When we went to bed I was awoken by a growling noise. I looked out my tent and there were like four raccoons going through my garbage bag. Luckily they didn't get much. I really loved the group I was in.
- Anders

This trip was great, it was so much fun for me and I learned more on the coast then I would have in about a month in classrooms. My favorite thing I learned is that being away from home and away from things like the computer and TV for a week is really good for you. It changes how you feel about things like that.
- Jack

I think one of the most important things I learned on this trip was that working in a team really works. When someone needed help people would help them. As a group we really learned how to work as a team and I think that really made all the difference.
- Malika

I wondered what send flies tasted like so Donald tried one and he said it tasted like beef jerky, so I tried one but it was too small to taste. I would say that being strong, not giving up and committed is what I learned on this trip.
- Alexa

This coast hike was the funnest while at the same time the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Probably the most important thing I've learned was that no matter how short or long your life is, live it to the fullest. Sure, some parts will be terrible. It's about the good parts in life. Live it with your friends and family before it's gone.
- Riley

Whale Petroglyph - Wedding Rocks, Washington Coast Hike

We learned things about people that we wouldn't even talk to at school. By the end of the trip, we were truly like a big family.
- Helen

This experience has reminded me that I am physically and mentally strong and able to accomplish difficult things if I try. It has given me confidence in whatever I do. It has been the best class I have ever took.
- Chloe

- - - - -
Hats off to another amazing group of chaperones: Charlie Snelling, Lars Bergquist, Sara Diers, Johan Davis and Ryan Davenny. Your desire to test students' limits is noted. I will continue to push to keep this program at Langley Middle School.

Sincerely,

Nels Bergquist