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expedition V |
what
is wilderness?
are you in wilderness now?
well, personally i don't think that curry village really
counts as wilderness. wilderness implies that you're outdoors
surrounded by the forest and the wildlife. here in curry
village all i see are tourists and buildings. the only thing
that proposes [that] we're even out in a forest is the trees
and the mountains.
Goals
and Expectations
I
was still uncertain about coming out here, but I guess
my expectations would be to enjoy all the different things
I get the privilege to experience. At first this journal
felt more like homework, but now I look at it as pasting
my thoughts on paper for me to view later. (Maybe it's the
water! )
I
want to get to know all these people before the end
of the week, even though I might never see them again.
I
guess, not to sound like a hippie or anything, I want
to find some sort of fulfillment out here.
Water
Poured
out over a cliff
in a frantic rush;
Nothing could quite compare to something
so lovely and lush.
I
stand and watch the beauty that
is absolutely unique;
I want to go into it but
I know it is not so meek
It
has a wonderful sway that
tows you toward it
but underneath is
an uncontrollable torment
So
consider this a warning
or at least be on your guard
Because for something so magnificent
the beating's rather hard
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To
walk through the rocky mountains
To pass through shady trees
The splendor of it all is overwhelming
It brings me to my knees
But
in this magnificent splendor
of captivating sight
I wish you were here with me
To hold you close and tight
I'll
sleep somewhere under the stars
with my eyes set on the moon
And I'll breathe a breath of joy
Because I'll see you very soon...
Day
1: May 26
So
far I am doing what I can to "warm up" to all
the different cultures I'm being introduced to. Everyone has
been quiet, but at the same time it is apparent that everyone
wants to get to know each other.
Day
3: May 28
Well,
the major hike has begun! We packed some more supplies
like bear canisters and tents, causing the backpacks to gain
in weight! Nonetheless, we started hiking; there were many
downhill and uphill slopes and we must have stopped about
12 times, if not more. We also had many different obstacles
to pass through: dead trees that fell along the path, streams,
marshes, and my favorite--snow. Unfortunately, it's spring
so there were only patches but it was still a precious commodity
[that] I don't get to enjoy every day.
We
walked approximately 2.5
miles and though it might not sound like much, remember, we're
hopping over streams and climbing over rocks and trees, not
to mention it's all rocky terrain! The backpacks were no help
to the situation seeing as we have to virtually carry our
house on our back.
We've
set up camp right along a
river, and it is certainly soothing to hear the current. Hopefully
I'll see stars in their full splendor tonight.
I've
seen amazing sights all
throughout the hike, great views of Half Dome and Glacier
Point, along with countless other extraordinary sights. Bonding
between I and the other hikers is going well. Everyone talks
freely and there is apparently no conflict between anyone.
I think it's safe to say I've made some new friends. We spent
some time getting to know each other after dinner today...it's
really nice to see how other people are on the inside, especially
these guys from Detroit...they also have afflictions with
stereotyping. I feel a little closer now with everyone here.
I imagine it will be difficult when we finally part.
I
got some really great inspiration
out here with all the sights, and it's soo quiet. Unlike [at]
Camp Curry, I can actively gather my thoughts out here and
just relax. Sometimes, though, I get this eerie feeling: I
see all these things and can smell and feel everything, but
it's almost like it's...too good to be true, like...it's so
beautiful and magnificent that it couldn't possibly be real...I
don't know.
Day
5: May 30
I've
Died! I'm Dead, leave me
alone! We've just hiked into [Glacier Point] and I am done!
It was all uphill, and my feet just went numb.
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