Spring Backpacking Trip

When preparing for the backpacking trip on the Maryland AT to Annapolis rocks, the group's intent was to go forward with the orginial plan despite the cold and rainy forecast. However, once thunderstorms entered the forecast, we executed plan b, to stay at Blackburn Trail Center on the AT in Loudon County, Virginia. We headed to Blackburn early and upon arrival set up "camp." By mid morning, we were walking up the quarter mile blue blaze trail to the AT. We hiked north on the trail stopping to take photos, talk about trail maintenance and construction techniques and devices, leading and participating in Leave No Trace activities, eating lunch, and climbing a high wall of rock only to find a flat ridge and no spectacular view. All day we hiked through a dense wall of fog and an on and off again drizzle. Upon returning to Blackburn, we were all grateful for a roof and a wood burning stove. The evening was spent eating and playing Hearts and Boggle. We all rose the next morning to feel the chill in the air and the dense fog outside. After we energized ourselves with coffee, hot coco, and breakfast, we headed back to the AT to do a small version of a Vision Quest, a Native American coming-of-age practice. We blind folded each student, disoriented them, and led them to a spot of the trail by themselves. They spent more than an hour in solitude to observe nature, reflect upon their lives thus far, and ponder their future. With this hour of solitude, the students generated amazing written reflections. The weekend presented many positive moments and experiences to share, bond, learn from each other, tell stories, and just have fun. To see photos the students took during the trip, please click on the group photo.