Of Ocean and Trees: Oregon Coast

I spent spring break in the Portland area. On one of the days we ventured to the Oregon coast to see the Pacific Ocean. We drove through the Tillamok State Forest, which is one of the greenest most magical places I have ever seen. From there we headed out to Cape Meares where I got my first glimpse of the ocean. I stood there taking in the "bigness" of the ocean itself. The ocean is a picture of beauty and sheer power all wrapped together. I felt that my mind had difficulty comprehending the power that lie in the ocean. While at Cape Meares we hiked about and saw a lighthouse and the largest spruce in Oregon. After leaving Cape Meares, we drove up the coast on 101 and stopped at places along the way. We stopped at Battery Russel and explored the massive concrete rooms and stairs. Then we spent the fading light of the day at a sand beach with a shipwreck watching the ocean. From there we headed back through the hills to the Portland area. Here are a few pictures of the day.

Jubilee Youth Ranch Day 1

After two weeks of skill learning, as students we had to choose a skill in which to specialize. I chose to specialize in challenge course where we use facilitation to work with a group. As a part of specialization we went to Jubilee Youth Ranch in Eastern Washington. Jubilee Youth Ranch is a christian based behavior modification program for at-risk and troubled teenage boys with on campus counseling and an accredited high school. Throughout day 1, as a team we worked through the course to understand how it was set up and then we planned out a progression.

Rock Climbing Z-crack

A group of friends and I ended our day off by rock climbing z-crack. Here are some pictures of our afternoon.

Off to work we go...

About a week ago we had a day off of classes and skills. Explore students who are in their second year have been working on building a small prayer chapel up on the mountain at camp. A couple of us first years decided to go help. It was tons of fun to learn how to use a few new tools and get in on building a log chapel.

Day 5 of Backpacking

Today is our last day on the trail. We have several miles to hike that include hiking back up that mountainside and down a rockslide on the other side. But, there is a bit of excitement to head back to Camp Bighorn.