VWS Senior Trip to Yosemite

The VWS Senior Trip was a tremendous success this year.  After the traditional white-water rafting trip, the girls headed to Yosemite Park and Half Dome, where a record 31 girls reached the very top in a one-day hike.  It was the perfect culmination of four years of hard work and accomplishment at Webb.  Special thanks once again to Rita for these pictures.  To all the girls -- we'll miss you and your many talents!

 Marley leads the girls up the Mist Trail.

 At the bottom of the cables, which now require a permit to climb

 In the distance, you can see the cables stretching up to the top of Half Dome.  A line of people dots the trail, giving some perspective for how steep it is.

 Diana, Momoha, Ms. Schnupp, Lisa, and Jennie at the top.

 Ally and Rita

The whole group of girls who made it to the very top of Half Dome.  Congratulations Class of 2012!

WSC Senior Trip to the Grand Canyon

The WSC Senior Trip returned saw two major developments this year.  First, the rafting element changed to tubing, which proved to be immensely popular with the boys.  Second, not a single boy did the short hike.  That's right, all fifty-one boys who hiked (two were injured and couldn't hike) did the long hike this year, the first time in anyone's memory that this happened!  And by long hike, I'm of course referring to the descent from the rim of the canyon, to the bottom, and then all the way back up in one day.  Fitting that this particular class, which has been so unified in and out of the classroom, rallied everyone on this difficult journey.  Thanks to Ryan for these photos, and to all the boys for their contributions to Webb over the last four years.

 The Canyon in the early morning light.

 Boys begin their descent.

 To get a sense for the scale of the canyon, enlarge this photo and take a look at the boys zig-zagging down the trail.

 This bridge crosses the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon.

 Understandably, we don't have too many pictures of the boys on the way up.  But you can tell by the expressions on Ben's and Justin's faces as they approach the rim that it was a journey well worth celebrating. Congratulations Class of 2012!

Sea Kayaking at Laguna Beach

We took advantage of the heat this past weekend to head for Laguna Beach and some sea kayaking in the cool water.  When we first arrived, we dipped our toes in and vowed not to swim in the frigid water.  But once we got our blood pumping with some paddling, a few of us jumped in the crystal clear water.  The water has benefited in recent years from sea kelp that was originally planted by a teacher.  It has flourished, and in the process, helped to cleanse the water of pollutants.  Kelp is the second fastest growing plant on earth, behind bamboo, and can grow up to two feet per day.  We spent some time visiting the ecosystem created by this kelp, catching a glimpse of shrimp, crabs, snails, and garibaldi.  We also visited the sea lions and cormorants at their usual hangout, and then spent the afternoon replenishing ourselves at BJs. 

Jessie and Melissa

Anni and Ian

Mr. Caldwell and his two daughters

Our whole group by sea lion rock.  You can see the kelp around us.

Camping at Joshua Tree

For years, Mr. Maffris has been taking students to Joshua Tree National Park for rest, exploration, and inspiration.  The trip is part scrambling over boulders, part photography and art, part star-gazing, part relaxing around the campfire, and part discovery of the natural environment.  Above all, it has proven to be the perfect place to put all the APs behind you and just breathe.

 Kasey, Mimi, Amada, Mr. Maffris, Melody, Kristen, and Ryan

 Thanks to Ryan for almost all of these photos, and especially the video below.  Watch for the moonrise!

And thanks to Mr. Maffris for the time he gives and the space he provides for the students.

Hiking Mt. Baldy

On our most recent 10,000 foot hike, we thought we'd have snow.  But an unusually warm week led to a quick melt, leaving just patches.  Not to worry -- we still managed to squeeze every ounce of fun out of the hike.  Early on, we talked about "Leave no Trace" trail ethics, and the importance of picking up trash.  About a half mile into the hike, Mr. Dahlstrom found a trash can lid, which he promptly lashed to his pack, winning the award for most ambitious trash picker upper.  Of course, he had plans for that lid, and it turned into a perfect sled once we reached higher elevations.  All the students reached the top in good shape, with Sidney even running the last bit.  Though it reached the 90s down in the valley, we had a cool, comfortable 65 at the top.  A perfect hike.

 Terence and Dolly around halfway up, near the Sierra Club Hut.

 John leads us up the last steep climb.

 This lookout, about a half hour from the peak, overlooks the Baldy Bowl.

 Sidney, Dolly, Terence, John, Mr. Dahlstrom, and Ray at the peak.

 John on the "sled."

 Mr. Dahlstrom on a nice sledding slope.

 

 Crossing the Devil's Backbone

All ashore!

In an earlier post, I referred to the sense of adventure shown by the sea kayakers when our guide practically dared us to reach shore without his aid. Some context: the sun disappeared right around the time we got in the kayaks, the water was frigid, most of us had gotten soaked heading out, various parts of our bodies were numb, we were shivering, and our guide told us that 80% of people who try to reach shore on their own end up flipping over. He then asked how many of us wanted his help. He was greeted with silence. We were greeted with what you see below. The laughter you hear in the background is...ummm...mine. Disclaimer: I do NOT relish the pain and suffering of high school students. Usually.

More student-produced video

Below is the second installment filmed and produced entirely by Webb students. Thanks again to James for the film editing and to Jack, Louis, Keith and James for their tour de force at Mt. High.