My treks in California are in full swing again...I have returned to High Trails Outdoor Science School for another season of science and sixth graders! This is a picture of my first field group for the season - 11 students that made me laugh and were great hikers too!
On the last day of our program, two of the boys volunteered to carry everyone's bags, which was hilarious and ridiculous. :) It was a great week and easy to get into the swing of things with lesson plans and teaching again. 
I've had one big adventure so far, and it was in our "backyard" - hiking San G, the tallest peak in Southern California, standing at 11,499 feet and 14 miles away from our home. Aron, my roommate Molly, and I headed out with intentions to camp at the top. We entered the San Gorgonio Wilderness about 4 miles into our hike, where we captured our first glance of the peak. From this point, we had 10 miles to hike (and 3000 feet in elevation to gain).
Taking a picture of the overlook spot before we ventured on...
Grueling switchbacks, bitter winds, and conversation filled our hours as we hiked higher and higher. By the time we reached the top, we were above the clouds and ready to find shelter! We quickly set up my tent and retreated from the 30 mph winds! I was skeptical of my tent's ability to hold off the winds for an evening...
A closer look at our tent, surrounded by rocks and the clouds...
We cooked dinner inside my trusty 2-person tent, bundled to the brim with gloves, hats, scarves, and flannel. The weather reminded me of bitter wind chill nights in the Midwest...brrr! Our combined body heat, hot tang drink, and black bean burritos warmed us pleasantly.
Upon our one venture out of the tent to see the sunset, the clouds looked like a frothing sea of splendor - it was incredible!
The sea of clouds was visible in the morning too, so we wandered around the top for a while before our trek down to "regular life." :) Luckily, our housemates had gone apple picking while we were gone, so we came home to warm apple crisp - our trip couldn't have ended better!
After our mountain journey, I started my first week as Support Coordinator - a new position infamously called "The Face" of High Trails. As SC, it is my job to work with the students as a large group - I give them our expectations speech at the beginning of their day and serve as the main liaison with teachers that visit for the week. Most of the students thought I was the "principal" of High Trails and were excited to impress me. One group of students left me a message when they heard I was from Iowa...
So there you have it...California is treating me well, but Iowa will always rock. :) Love, J
