Expedition IV

Spring has sprung, and Expedition IV was there to see it in all its glory, from deluging rainstorms to bright, warm sunshine to the first wildflowers of the season! And no matter what they faced, the students from Franklin and Parlier High schools had smiles on their faces and strength in their shoulders.

The group was led by last year's WildLink backpacking instructor Kristen, myself, and special guest Petit. After a day of acclimating in Yosemite Valley, we headed out to Hite's Cove, where we braved the first big spring storm of the season, dried our wet gear and selves in the warm sun the next day, and gloried in a sky full of stars our final night out. Other high points were greeting the first poppies and other wildflowers of the season, counting newts (they love being out in the rain!) and lots of great Spanish lessons for the backpacking instructors.

To view journal entries from Expedition IV, click here.

Have You Ever...

A collaboration from Expedition IV

-been looking at the stars for a long time?

-woke up in the middle of the night to go with a friend to the restroom?

-drank water that looked like pee?

-ate out of the same bowl about four times without washing it?

-walked under the rain between beautiful views?

-heard Jessica laugh?

-woke up and can't find the zipper of your sleeping bag?

-had a hard time in trying to decide whether to feel good or bad because of something really important to you?

-eaten so much that after you stop you wish that food didn't even exist?

-seen so many stars at the same time?

-got confused with what you are wet with, rain or sweat?

-read under pouring rain?

-eaten peanut butter and jelly with cold tortillas?

-slept with a sharp rock bruising the side of you?

-had one of the best times of your life?

YouthQuest 2004

Join us here at WildLink in celebrating a very exciting first! This month, seven special WildLink alumni from Expedition III will be hitting the road to San Francisco! I'll be joining them when they attend YouthQuest 2004 at the Headlands Institute in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which is located just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. This event is a collaborative effort involving over 15 environmental and youth organizations around the greater Bay Area. Over 150 Youth and adults attend the 2-day summit including workshops on current environmental topics as well as service projects in the Marin Headlands.

Stay tuned for details about our time in the Bay area in April's news!

Where Are
They Now?
Featuring Jose, WildLink Intern 2002-2003

This month, our "Where Are They Now" contributor is Jose, our WildLink intern from 2002-2003. Here's what he has to say:

Hello out there!

Here is Jose reporting from the Hills of Berkeley. How is everyone doing?
So where am I? I am still in Berkeley, California; but my parents just bought a new house so I might be moving within 2 weeks to this new house. It’s not a long move, just two cities away from where I am now. This good news; the house is about 7 blocks from the college I am going to. So there is no excuse for me to be late to class!

After 8 months of commotion while trying to get back to college (due to immigration issues), I am finally in. This year I am doing (junior) college near my hometown. I think this would be a great way to save money for my University years. I am trying to transfer to UC Berkeley or UC Santa Cruz or (if I get lucky) to Michigan University, what ever comes first.

I haven’t got a chance to go back to Yosemite, but soon my presence will be there. It was hard for me to adapt again to the city life. After living 3 months in Yosemite and getting used to the quiet environment in Yosemite Valley it’s so hard to go back to the usual routine.

Well, I do not know what else to say but to wish the newcoming WildLink students, interns, alumni and stuff the best of luck. This is an amazing program that will be in your mind for the rest of your life. Nothing can be compared to the great experience that you live with WildLink.

Regards;
Jose

Got a story to tell? You can send ideas and writings to me at P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389, or by e-mail at mandy_vance@partner.nps.gov.

Happy writing and I hope to hear from you soon!

Mandy