- Expedition: May 20-25, 2007
- Jessica
- Venture Academy - Richard Iglehart Memorial Expedition
- Yosemite National Park: Snow Creek to North Dome to Yosemite Falls
Jessica holds the honor of being selected for one of two Lisa Patton Student Scholar awards, which are granted on an annual basis to young women who show leadership in both their schools and communities. These awards are made possible through the generosity of the Patton family, in loving memory of their daughter Lisa.
I had a wonderful time at Yosemite climbing the mountains. But the most wonderful thing about this trip was the waterfall, it was amazing. This is my first time hiking and camping in Yosemite. I learned that it takes alot of teamwork to help one another, like to cross a river or stream, to help another person carry their backpack when they cannot anymore and to help them by giving them a hand. I also learned that you have to keep Yosemite clean; there are no trash cans, so you have to carry your garbage, and if you leave your garbage an animal will come and eat the trash. My greatest challenge was hiking within a 40 pound backpack. Because of my bad ankle and shortness of breath I thought I couldn't make it anymore. I almost gave up on myself, but I didn't, I made it back up. I liked seeing the view of everything, it is so natural: the smell of it because of the trees, and when you lay on a rock and just look up at all the trees, sky, and clouds it makes it so relaxing. I loved being able to make it up to the waterfall. We hiked up a long way and it was all worth it, to be in back of the water looking straight down how it falls. The waterfall is so big and scary but very amazing. I am thankful for being able to come on this trip. Not just anyone is offered this opportunity to come to Yosemite.
