Hello, Families.
The days are slipping by and we haven’t yet shared with you about our Yosemite adventures. So, here you go!
We are always awed by the depth of connection and personal growth that come through these immersive experiences. Long van rides, shared meals, laughter, conversation, and adventures that challenge the body, mind, and soul seem to be the recipe for remarkable growth. As I type, your teens are in the classroom working on their reflections from the trip in their first substantial essay of the year. Every person is reflecting on the joys and challenges they faced in Yosemite. This reflective process will help them take the learnings even deeper into themselves and will catalyze further growth and expansion.
On Thursday, upon arrival in the valley, we were met by a brief but dramatic summer storm. In fact, it was enough to have us double checking weather forecasts for the following day to make sure our safety plan was in place. As the weather lightened, we set up camp and set to work preparing lunches for the following day. Dinner was followed by a birthday circle to honor Leti (who graciously joined the adventure despite it being her special day!). Once fed, it was time for bed.
Night hikers caught a few hours of rest before silently and swiftly packing up camp. Gear packed, we headed to the trailhead and started the climb. A thrilling sense of anticipation propelled our feet forward through the dark. As we climbed, the clear night sky opened before us with the most magnificent display of starlight! The almost invisible waterfalls along the Mist Trail roared, reminding us of their unseen presence. And, occasionally the light of a headlamp illuminated the waterfalls just enough so that we could glimpse their majesty!
Having been on the trail before, it was interesting to experience it at night, only able to catch the next few yards of the trail at any given time. The air was cool and later cold, but the vigor of the hike kept us warm so long as we kept going.
What is, perhaps, most moving and remarkable about this adventure are the young people who took it on. Whenever someone faltered, others rallied around to bolster their spirits, take some of their load, or even physically carry them forward. The spirit of the group was one of joyful willingness! The night hikers reached the base of Half Dome just before the break of dawn and just as our friends back at camp were beginning to stir and awaken for the day.
The signage at this pivotal point was more dramatically cautionary and rigid than anticipated. This, coupled with a myriad of small and large safety factors brought us to the decision that summiting was not the appropriate decision for this trip. While disappointment was real for many in the group, we were impressed (though not surprised) by how well and quickly every person expanded to accept the reality as it was. Far more than any outward victory, this experience has been an inner victory for all in responding appropriately to life, accepting responsibility, living with integrity, and choosing happiness.
We watched a glorious sunrise, energized and meditated (or slept) briefly before a spectacular view of the valley, and then began our descent. One student lightheartedly remarked to me as we descended, “Well, this is still a win! I loved the adventure and, even though we aren’t going up Half Dome, I think it was perfect!” We couldn’t agree more!
Back in camp the waterfall hikers made it to the trail mid morning and started up to meet their friends. The expressions of delight on their faces when the two parties met along the trail will be forever imprinted in my heart! So much joy! From then onward, the large group split apart into smaller groups of people traversing back to the valley floor. Teachers carved out time to rest before the drive home. And a celebratory pizza dinner was hosted in the Curry Village parking lot! Rested and fed, each van sang and talked their way back to LWHS. I think we were all never so happy as then to see family and be heading home to a nice warm shower and cozy bed!
