Grand Canyon, Part III: Back to the Rim

Once we made it down to the river, we were, of course, only halfway done. Less, actually, since we still had to go UP. Perhaps the word "up" doesn't adequately describe the scale of the task ahead. Essentially, we were about to climb out of the largest hole in the ground I've ever seen. Starting at around 10:30 am, we began our ascent of 4,500 feet over about 8 miles. Good hydration and a source of salt are essential. At Indian Gardens, about 3.5 miles up, we met up with the other group of seniors who had chosen who do a shorter hike, though also quite rigorous. Though many of us felt good to this point, the last 4.5 miles were a real test of endurance. The increasing heat of the day and the strain of the miles behind us started to weigh heavily on our legs. But the boys persevered, reaching the rim for a fitting culmination to their four years at Webb.

Alex poses with a flowering yucca.

In the middle of the picture, you can see the trail out to Bright Angel Point, the rewarding vista and turnaround for those who did the shorter hike.

On both sides of our hike, we were presented with this sign, which warns against doing...well...exactly what we were doing.

The view to the north rim on our hike up

Jeff, Patrick, John, Mr. Stockdale, Alex, Andrew, and Dakota about 2/3 of the way up. They're only smiling on the outside. And some of them aren't even doing that.

Shihan, Bailey, me, and Jason at the top. Success!

And now, if you'll forgive my inner botanist, a short montage of the flowers of the Grand Canyon. My inner botanist doesn't actually know their names, but you get the point.

After finishing the hike, several of us headed back to a lookout for sunset (above and below), where we watched the hues of the canyon deepen in the fading light. A tranquil end to a challenging day.

Grand Canyon, Part II: To the River

The second post on the Grand Canyon witnesses the senior boys wending their way down to the Colorado River, a nearly 5,000 foot descent that took the better part of three hours. Along the way, I heard exclamations of wonder from even the most stoic boys. Branden let loose with a rolling, awe-filled, "This is beau-tiful." When I told him I'd never heard him sound so appreciative, he claimed it must be because it was so early in the morning and his guard wasn't up. Kevin simply muttered, "Wowwww" repeatedly. Considering that teenage boys spend considerable energy trying not to seem impressed, these were rewarding moments.

A few boys on the left move toward the butte on the right. The zig-zags on the far right appear larger in a picture below.

Vinson and Jason pause to soak in the grandeur.

These zig-zags were just part of the elaborate trail system designed to drop nearly 5,000 feet in 7 miles. Enlarge the picture and you'll see two boys in the middle of it.

Moonset over the South Rim

Double click to enlarge the panorama.

Finally, a glimpse of the river below. A river raft glides under the bridge we would later cross, a reminder of our rafting trip the day before to Lee's Ferry.

Robert, Kevin, Adam, Everett, and Peter engage in some blister prevention by soaking hot spots in the 47-degree Colorado.

Brian and Phil.

We even saw a rainbow...kind of.

Bailey leads us along the bottom of the canyon, wearing an outfit that's no stranger to being in front.

Shihan and Will lead the way over a stream crossing just after turning up-canyon.

More to come...stay tuned.

WSC Senior Trip to the Grand Canyon

This year's WSC senior trip to the Grand Canyon was spectacular, with the added bonus of perfect weather for the trip down to the river. When we started at around 5:00 am, it was somewhere in the 40s, but warmed up into the 80s during the day, a far cry from the 100+ temperatures we've seen in years past. Add to that an early morning cloud layer that made for a dramatic sunrise, and then a shifting light show through the canyon as those clouds dispersed, and you couldn't have asked for better conditions. Below you'll find just the first set of pictures from the trip. There are many more to come, so stay tuned.

The group of thirty seniors and five faculty who would successfully hike down to the river and back to the rim

The boys snake their way down switchbacks in the dawn's first light.

An early promontory (above and below), providing one of the first views of the whole expanse of the canyon

Sunrise burst through morning clouds in the east.

Jason and Vinson

The south rim from afar

You can see a line of Webb students in the lower left corner (click to enlarge), moving slowly toward the rock jutting up on the right.

Clouds began to clear as the morning wore on, opening the way for light shows across the canyon.

Stargazing at Joshua Tree

All year, Vinson and Jason have been bugging us about taking a trip to Joshua Tree. They've plotted the phases of the moon, and determined the precise weekends that would allow maximum stargazing with minimum ambient light. Thanks to Mr. Maffris, their devoted calculations paid off last weekend with a Friday overnight trip into the desert. That, combined with Ryan's experiments in photography, yielded a spectacular vicarious camping trip for the rest of us. Enjoy these shots, and be sure to thank Mr. Maffris and Ryan for sharing them with us.

Vinson, Ryan, and Jason with the park's namesake. In the background (and below), you can see Gorgonio looming.

Abundant rainfall this winter allowed spring ponds to form.

These blooming cacti took full advantage.

As did the wildflowers in the park.

The sun descends on a busy Webb week. Somehow, watching it from the desert seems to put all that stress in perspective.

Ryan's experiments with nighttime photography yielded some incredible shots, above and below.

Vinson, Ryan, Jason, and Mr. Maffris

Hiking Mt. Baldy

This weekend's outdoor offerings included a practice hike for seniors, as they prepare for their Senior Trip to the Grand Canyon. Though a van load SIGNED up, only the boarding students SHOWED up, leading to a small group (OK, so Mother's Day is a valid excuse, but still...). In any case, it ended up being another fantastic outing to Baldy, as we got above the clouds and were able to watch the rainy drama unfold in the valley from a safe distance. Until we started our descent, at which point the clouds started rising and periodically enveloped us in mist and wind. But before that, we were able to enjoy some luxurious moments tucked behind one of the wind shelters at the peak, soaking up the sun. We finally made it across Devil's Backbone for a chilly ride down on the chairlift.

We were happy to get above the clouds as we began our hike.

Click on this panorama to enlarge it.

Ray, Brian, and Lance enjoy a few moments looking out on the Baldy Bowl.

In the distance, you can see Gorgonio peeking above the cumulous layer.

Approaching the peak

And taking a few moments to enjoy the peak, even in 50 mph winds.

West Baldy cast an appealing counterpoint to our perch.

Ray and Mr. Dahlstrom on the way down, as the mists started rolling in.

As mists and clouds swirled about us, we had no trouble understanding why these two trees grew a bit sideways.

And then the mists cleared again

One final shot on the Backbone, as the weather came to stay. Good timing.

Sailing at Dana Point

Mr. Walker, freshly certified in sailing, took a small group of students out on a schooner this past weekend in what we hope is just the first of many trips. Dana Point provided the sail boat, the Pacific Ocean provided the relaxing waves.

Mr. Walker's experienced hand guided everyone safely.

Kate and Bailey up front. Bailey told me he wore lots of sunscreen (this time).

Val tries her hand.

Kate dips her feet in the Pacific.

Bailey coasting home.