From average teenager to "hardcore" outdoor enthusiast

Canoeing
July 9 — We got up early today because we had to be out, ready for a van to take us to Pinkham [Notch Visitor Center], by 10. At Pinkham, I repacked everything from my pack into a big "water-proof" bag. It doesn't have any pockets. I miss pockets. But it's only for five days. We loaded the van with the canoes, paddles, life vests, personal belongings, and what-not. We made "gorp." I still think trail mix is a better word. And we ate lunch. Cold cuts. I was hoping there would be cheese, but there was turkey or roast beef. Turkey is yummy. I had white bread with turkey and mustard. It was so the yummiest thing I've ever tasted! And we had soda! What a treat! I missed meat. My life is starting to revolve around the next time I get to eat. Food is becoming my friend. It's very strange. This trip is definitely changing me. Even though I miss home, I think it's been really good for me to get away, into the middle of nowhere, with strangers. It's a really good experience.

But anyway, we were a little late getting into the van. Like 45 minutes late. But that's okay. Oh, and Nellie's Leader of the Day today. And I'm doing it tomorrow. Eeeeeek!!! Liz and Scott cornered me and asked me to [lead] when no one else was around. This is why there is strength in numbers! The ride to where we were to begin canoeing was nearly two hours long. It was fun to look out the window. When we arrived we unloaded the van and put stuff into the canoes. I took the bow (front) and Summer took the stern (back). I have no idea why people like canoeing. You sit in a boat and paddle until your arms hurt. And then paddle a lot more. Where's the fun? Maybe I'll understand later.

July 10 — I woke up at 5:30 (when I told everyone to get up). I dragged myself out of bed and tried to take over. I was too tired to think. But I eventually had people make oatmeal, put away the make-shift tent, and get everything into the canoes. Scott and Liz pulled me aside and reminded me to take charge and forewarned me that they will do a scenario. Eeeeeek. We left at 7:25. Not bad! We did our Snarfel during breakfast and I was in such a hurry to get out that I was getting super impatient. I didn't want to take any good-leader glory away from Nellie [who we were giving feedback to], but it was supposed to thunderstorm and would probably start around noon. We had a little less than 10 miles and time was precious! But we did eventually get out.

I was in the bow and Lea took the back. We talked for a while. Lea's so nice and she's fun. I think she got kind of irritated that I'm not a strong paddler and took many arm breaks. We stopped a couple times. At Snarfel I got to lead. My fave parts were talking to Lea in the canoe, getting to camp before the rain, and drinking milk. I learned some good things to work on with my leadership. For example, my feelings set those of the others. I kind of knew that from soccer, just forgot. And, I overreact. Be more concerned, less frantic/scared. And being more of a "front-seat" (metaphor!) leader would be good. I knew I needed to work on that. But I'm a good motivator! YAY! So I don't feel too great about myself. But I'm overreacting. It's all good!

July 11 — We got up at 3 a.m. It was so early. It was dark. But I had my flashlight! I am so smart. Yesterday was our half-way day. I can't believe I've made it this far. We were out by 4. The water was scary. As usual, I was in the bow with Jane. I was freaking [about paddling in the dark]. We were supposed to lead, but that didn't last long because we couldn't keep up. We got to the dam where we had a portage for like 100 yards or so. Not far at all. We unloaded the canoes and then had breakfast. French toast! Mmm...it was good. While I was waiting for breakfast, Liz asked me how I was liking canoeing. And I mentioned that I'm afraid of dark water. She said that if we have good weather, then we're going to practice rescuing people. Great. She said that people feel more comfy with the water once they do that. I know that she's right, but I really wish she wasn't! Anyway, so we were canoeing, and I was in the stern. We went for a while and threatening clouds started in. We found a place to stop and we got out with gorp, water, and our raincoats. We put up the tarp in the best place we could find. We started reading Scott's book "The Alchemist" to pass the time while we waited out the storm. [A little later,] Lydia decided that we should keep going since the thunder and lightning had gone away. It was such a joy. We hauled to get there as soon as we could. It stopped raining like five minutes after we arrived. Jane kept me going by spotting boys [nearby]. We got super close to some boys. Jane was like: "Uh, Jess, we have to go [to the] right. Go right, Jess, right!" But I kept going toward the boys. Then everyone else called me over. I explained that I was distracted. My bad.

July 12 — Yay!!! I got in the stern this time. It was so windy! I had a lot of trouble keeping the canoe straight. There were several close calls. Many zigzags! We went through some tall grass. Oops!! And we almost hit a tree. And an island. It was hard because of the wind, but it was kind of fun. You just had to laugh. When we got to our site, there were boys there already. Boys! Hee, hee. Scott and Liz confronted them [because we were supposed to have the whole campsite], got out the maps. We landed our canoes. We decided to share the campsite because it's big. It's quite big and roomy. Nice. The "outhouses" are like blue plastic [barrels], with a white [toilet seat] lid. No covering. It's quite strange. We unloaded our stuff and set up tents and started on dinner. Pita pizzas! Mmm. I had chicken and cheese on pita. Mmmm. Quite yummy.

July 13 — Friday the 13th! YAY!!! Today is Jane's [day to lead]. We got up at like 7. Not too bad! I had four packets of oatmeal for breakfast. Mmm. I was in the boat with Lydia. I took the bow because I didn't feel like battling the damn wind again. We had farther to go than I had patience for. Lydia tried to urge me on. I wanted to stop. But we did make it eventually. I did learn to enjoy canoeing. Goal attained! I enjoy it without a killer headwind (which made me miserable!) and I enjoy being in the stern, paddling along at a slow, enjoyable pace. That's fun. Anyway, canoeing went by so fast. Rock climbing will be super fun.

We transitioned [at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center]...I really don't see how Transition Days are so bad and stressful. I ran errands for the food people. I kind of like TDs. Get to see people! In [one of the Pinkham buildings], there was another group. They complained that it rained for seven days out of their seven-day trip. It's rained 14 out of 14 for us! Argh. I'm gonna miss everyone. We snarfeled after cheesecake. I put together my daypack for tomorrow...