Hiking Mt. Baldy

On Saturday, nine Webbies took their first intrepid steps toward joining the 10,000 Foot Club. With fearless leaders Mr. Dahlstrom and Ms. Turville, we gained several thousand feet of altitude, reaching the top snockered but happy. Climbing by way of the Sierra Club Hut, we saw four bighorn sheep, then crossed the Baldy Bowl, hiked to the ridge, and endured one final set of switchbacks to the peak. From the top, we spotted Gorgonio and San Jacinto, the two other peaks needed to join the 10,000 Foot Club. A walk down along the Devil's Backbone and then the ski lift to the parking area ended the 8-hour journey. Congratulations to Tina, Rita, Alanna, Will, Terence, and Ray for taking the challenge!

Will in the background and Tina in the foreground make their way to the Sierra Club Hut.

Alanna, Tina, and Rita on the Baldy Bowl Trail

Terence, Mr. Dahlstrom, Alanna, Ray, Will, Ms. Turville (back row); Rita, Tina (front row) in front of the Baldy Bowl

Double click to see Terence, Ray, and Will in the panorama.

Tired at the top!

Proof that these hikers have taken the first steps toward joining the 10,000 Foot Club!

The view toward the valley on the way down

The trail stretches out in the background on the way to the ski lift.

Rounding the turn to the Devil's Backbone.

And here's the backbone, the final stretch of the 8-hour hike.

Rock Climbing at Big Bear

Mr. Harris and Ms. Schnupp took a group of five bold students rock climbing in Big Bear this weekend, on an overnight trip to a spot they scouted earlier. After setting the climb for the students, the two faculty members shared their expertise and let students test their mettle in this scenic location. Whether they had experience or not, all students were thrilled to participate, and were asking for another trip. Soon!

Claire and Louis

Kate

Stacy finds time to wave.

Monica, the picture of intensity

Lindsey celebrates making it to the top.

Art in Joshua Tree

This past weekend, a group of nearly a dozen Webb students accompanied Arts teachers Mr. Maffris and Mr. Nelson to Joshua Tree National Park for an overnight trip of drawing, painting, photography, star-gazing with Mr. Sittig's telescopes, eating good food, boulder hopping, and just generally relaxing in the great outdoors. This trip demonstrates one of the many ways that the Outdoor Program can be used to enhance classroom learning. Students, if you want to see more trips, propose one to your teacher! And teachers, let me know if you have an idea. The picture below, taken by Momoha, is just one of many that emerged from the trip. I'll post more as soon as I get them!

Sea Kayaking at Laguna

For the first outdoor trip of the year, a group of seven students went sea kayaking with Mr. Potash in Laguna Beach. With the help of La Vida Laguna, a local outfitter, we got a quick lesson in kayaking and then headed out on a foggy day, which the guide said was the foggiest of the summer so far. Even 200 feet out, the shore wasn't visible, lending a surreal quality to the trip, and increasing the sense of isolation in the ocean. The first stop was sea lion rock, where we observed scores of sea lions resting on a rock island. After a quick dip, we paddled to large kelp fields that were planted a few years ago, now that the water in Laguna Beach is healthy again. According to the guide, kelp is the fastest growing plant in the world, and can grow up to two feet a day. Hiding beneath were garibaldi, California's orange state fish; brine shrimp, which floated up into our kayaks occasionally; and even a family of seals that followed the kayaks, skirting beneath and between us. As soon as we got out of the water, the sun started burning through the clouds and we enjoyed perfect weather as we strolled through Laguna Beach before heading back to Webb.

Nicolette and Alex in perfect unison

Callie and Abigail

Mr. Potash, Abigail, Callie, Bailey, Elena, Nicolette, Alex, and Jon