• Expedition: May 13-18, 2012
  • Venture Academy
  • Yosemite National Park: North Rim of Yosemite Valley

11 students from Venture Academy in Stockton, CA spent four days along the north rim of the iconic Yosemite Valley. Due to the low snow year, this group was able to access terrain that is typically still under snow in May. Highlights from the trip included trips up North Dome and Eagle Peak, and the long descent down the picturesque Yosemite Falls Trail. Students enjoyed learning about the Wilderness Act, how to be "rich" in spirit, and how to remove improper fire rings in the backcountry.

Playing Ninja

Playing "Ninja" on the first day

May, 14, 2012

Well today we got to know our 2 leader's and got the run down on what we will be doing tomorrow, I feel personally this is going to be a challenge for me, but I know with our group support it will be okay. Also we ar going to hike porkypine flat, and that it will be hott! Well tomorrow is our first day hike, may God protect us!

Out and about no showers, no toilets, and no comfortable beds. Thats what the biggest concerns were for me or what I thought was the "wild." But now that im up here its nothing like that. Its gorgeous all around there is no word I could possible use to describe it. Sure the hiking back and forth and the heavy backpacks isn't so fun, but it never hurts to try something new. The wild is a place where man has no control at least shouldnt. Thats what makes it so beautiful. Its like it has a mind of its own and can heal itself when something occurs. But it is very important that we also help and make it as clean as possible.

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley, as seen from Eagle Peak

May 18, 2012

Yesterday at eagle's peak was absolutely amazing. The time that we all spent with each other on this mesmorizing journey was definitely something to remember. of course the hiking was the hardest part for most of us, but as you reach the tope to what was our final destination was a big relief and well worth it all. I have no regrest in coming. I'm positive I speak for others when I say that because the smiles on each of our faces basically said, "I'm having a great time." Most of us had no idea what we had in store for ourselves. What we were getting in to. After all the pain, thus soreness throughout the muscles in my body, I feel that I had a great new workout and a great experience in actually visualizing the falls and domes from a nice view. I will cherish these moments I spent here in Yosemite, with the people who I thought I'd never be friends with, for the rest of my life! Before, I took a special place like this for granted. Now I want every opportunity I can get to get out here. I love it.

Venture Academy Elevation Map

Elevation and mileage of the backpacking route

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls

WildLink is a proud partner of the National Park Service, National Forest Service, and Nature Bridge.