This group has changed as well as we travel downhill. Gone are the days when wake up times of 5 am elicted shocked expressions and minor protests. They are replaced with enthusiasm for "knocking out the miles" before the heat of the day and the flotilla of powerboats and wave runners on the bigger lakes dominate our environment. Gone are the questions of "how many more miles" or "where are we" instead folks ask to see the map. We operate like a good group does, taking care of ourselves, each other and what needs to get done today in the here and now. Along the way we get to experience the moments of challenge, and of elation: getting to the end of an 18 hour day still smiling, understanding your new canoe partner as you spend a day in conversation, the physial transformation of our bodies into calorie burning machines, or knowing the simple pleasure of a warm meal well earned. As I said at the beginning of this trip, "the group that leaves today will not be the same which returns." That change has already happened and it will continue to grow and surprise us with its lessons.
This is why I do what I do.
Dave Hutchison "Hutch" is the Coordinator for Outdoor Programs at Appalachian State University, co-leader of the expedition. He has been professionally involved with OP since the summer of 2002 and has been full-time since the fall of 2008. He oversees the water-based program and loves to be on the water in all manner of boats.
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