• Expedition: Jun 15-20, 2014
  • Coleville and Lee Vining High Schools
  • Yosemite National Park: Glen Aulin to May Lake

Several returners from Coleville and Lee Vining High School joined some newbies to create the "Ninja Snuggies." Several students commented that this year's route was harder, but also very rewarding, especially the 8-mile day from Glen Aulin to May Lake. The group made it through with their positive attitudes, kindness to one another, and a strong sense of humor that kept them laughing throughout. Highlights for the week included playing "Camouflage" and "Shark Island," doing camp stewardship with National Park Service rangers Aricia and Jess, appreciation circles, climbing Mt. Hoffman, "spa day" by the lake, eating gummy bears, "being more awesome," and "Mile, mile and a half."

Group Cheers

Cheers! Staying hydrated is key to feeling good at 8000 feet above sea level!

June 16, 2014

Today we went out for a day hike and stopped on the way to watch “Kid President” to learn how to be MORE awesome! And instead of being the life of the party, becoming the party #BeTheParty! We also got familiar with our backpacking gear and learned about each piece of gear. We also played games to test our teamwork and to get to know each other better. By the end of the trip, we will be one tree, a family all connected. Today was a GREAT day! -James

Deeps Theme

Deeps introduces the tree theme for the group.

Group Circle

One of many group discussion circles.

June 17, 2014

Today is the first day we are out in the wilderness. We lost a team member which saddens us all but we moved out and got into the backwoods. I have traveled with WildLink before and expected a veteran feeling would come over me and I would be expecting every stone and tree, but less than 1 mile in, I discovered that there are always new adventures to be found. We are now in Glen Aulin and are getting ready for the night. We know how to set up camp and cook dinner. Tomorrow, May Lake.
– Lancelot.

Group Granite

The group hikes along the Tuolumne River en route to Glen Aulin.

Group Waterfall

Tuolumne Falls, one of two waterfalls spotted on the hike down to Glen Aulin.

Jun 18, 2014

Today our trip was from Glen Aulin to May Lake. That is about 8 miles total. The hike we went on was both up and downhill, but when it was uphill, it was mostly steep. Some of the other activities we did today was a lightning drill and we did a spirit walk. On the way, Emily put notecards with sayings on them. One of them is “Nature does nothing without purpose.” Once we got to camp we set up our tents. On the way, we met up with two rangers who will stay the night with us. The rangers helped us start a fire. We sat and talked with them for a long time. Today we were blessed for our weather was very sunny and there was not many clouds. That’s all to say, so bye!!
-Abigale

Group Campfire

A well-earned campfire after a long day on trail.

Group Hoffman

Enjoying the nice light on May Lake and Mt. Hoffman.

June 19, 2014

Today half of us went to climb Mount Hoffman and the other half stayed behind and chillaxed. I was one of the four that stayed behind. We did some awesomely terrible yoga by the lake. Mostly we layed down and talked but talking and laying down takes a lot of your energy. Enjoying the lake we camped next to was extremely nice even though the lake was freezing. It felt nice getting in the lake. We cleaned ourselves off. The other half o the group got back at 1ish. After they got back we did a campfire ring removal with the forest people. I really like our group and really liked this trip and am sad to leave. Toodles.

Love,
Yesi and her sassiness!!!

Group Hoffman Triumph

Celebrating a beautiful day on Mt. Hoffman, the geographic center of Yosemite National Park (and a 10,000+ foot peak!)

Group Panorama

The spectacular view from the top of Mt. Hoffman.

Group Rangers

National Park Service wilderness rangers Aricia and Jess describe proper "leave no trace" ethics around campfires.

Group Marmot

A friendly yellow-bellied marmot!

Group Point

Point me in the right direction!

Lance Abby Maps

Practicing map and compass navigation.

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