BRANDON

CHASITY

HASSAN

JENNIFER

JOSE

JOSH

KRISTEN

MARIO

MAYRA

OMAR

REGINA

SAPRINA

We climbed a mountain...

WE CLIMBED A MOUNTAIN that's directly across from North Dome. When we reached the top I had this incredible feeling of accomplishment. I know that this trip will better me as an individual. The view from the mountain was incredible.

After the climb, we hiked back down and walked down this trail. We stopped at this pace and played a game that built team work. I loved the game, it was a lot of fun. After we stopped for lunch and now I'm sitting in this incredible meadow that has this wonderful view of the mountain. I'm really enjoying the chance to just sit our and watch nature at its finest. It's amazing how nature works together like a well oiled machine. It's an experience that we don't get in the city. We [are] all so busy running around our own lives and are truly missing out on the chance to enjoy all the small wonders and magic. This week I'm truly taking a leap and a jump and daring to do what I thought I never would. I really do think that this experience will help me in every aspect of my life. I'm learning to appreciate the small wonders in life.

It's just odd to think that I have lived in California nearly all my life and still there is so much missed and so much undiscovered. I only wish all my classmates would have gotten to experience this.

I see, hear, feel, know...

I SEE...

I am sitting here on a rock looking out on to the lake. I see water of a kinda green color. I see rocky mountains that are gray that are topped

by green trees. In the middle of the lake I see an Island. The water is still and almost lifeless, yet you know that beneath the crystal surface lie creatures of many forms of life. I see the blue sky and the morning white clouds.

I HEAR...

I can hear the wind blowing right now. I hear a fly buzzing or perhaps it is a bee.

I can hear the birds chirping far off in the distance. I hear an airplane flying by. I hear a large dragonfly's wings fluttering against the leaves of a tree.

I FEEL...

I feel this overwhelming sense of calmness. I feel the soft wind brushing up against my face. I feel calm and cool and like one with in nature.

An invitation...

THE ONE PERSON in my life who would never in a billion years [go backpacking in the Yosemite Wilderness] is my boyfriend, Calvin. Calvin is very much like the best dressed guy I know and appearance is very important to him. He definitely doesn't get dirty so he could never in a million years come out and make that 5 mile hike.

CALVIN I CHALLENGE YOU to make a 5 mile hike to a place I like to call paradise. Where the water is clear and the trees are thick and the mountains are closer than ever. In this magical place you find a land untouched and untainted by man. I spent 3 days out there and it was by far the best experience of my life. I would encourage you to go- no better- I challenge you to go.