| Day 1 |
Arrival, Trust Initiatives & Ropes Course:
Immediately upon our arrival at the Colorado Outward Bound School outside of
Leadville, we were asked to "trust our instructors" and participate in a number
of Initiatives meant to break down barriers and stimulate trust between members of the
group. We were going to need it, cause the main event of the day was the famous OBS
Ropes Course. |
| Day 2 |
Rocks:
Start the day with the world famous "Run & Dip". Then, don your helmet
and cinch up your climbing harness! (That's right, Norf, if you want to save those
family jewels you gotta tie 'em up!) The day was spent on a rock face on the grounds
of the old Camp Hale, training facility for the 10th Mountain Infantry in
WWII. Rock climbing and repelling in grand tradition! |
| Day 3 |
Rafting:
Day 3 was a walk in the park compared to the first two. A picturesque ride down the
Arkansas River in wet suits and rubber inflatable rafts, guided by the experts at Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center. |
| Day 4 |
Base Camp:
The morning was spent dealing with the logistics of getting each patrol (9-11 people) out
on expedition for four days. Divy up food, assemble gear, pack backpacks, etc.
Then on to set up each of three different base camps to prepare for the ascent of
Mt. Elbert, Mt. Massive and Galina Mountain. |
| Day 5 |
Peak Ascent:
Up at 0-Dark-Hundred to climb our respective peaks. It was important to be
at the summit and ready to decend by noon, since the weather can turn suddenly to
lightning storms at that time of day. (Outward Bound frowns on turning out french
fried climbers!) |
| Day 6 |
Solo:
Another famous Outward Bound institution. Each person is set out on their
own campsite alone. You construct a small lean-to with minimal supplies. Only
24 hours or less in this case, but none the less a precious time to be completely alone to
collect your thoughts, commune with yourself and nature, write, or just putter. |
| Day 7 |
Closing Ceremonies:
In the morning we all return from our base camps and "de-issue"
("return" for all you non-OBS folks) our gear. Much appreciated showers
and semi-clean clothes. Then we go off into our patrols for the OB pin ceremony - a
last chance to say what the course has meant to each of us and to pick up a lapel pin from
the School. Back together as a full group at the fire ring for some inspirational
words from CD Sue, then we spread to the four winds. Go in peace, my friends... |
