Grand Junction/Squaw Flats

Everyone met in the lobby of the Holiday Inn at 7:00am. There were fourteen of us in total and we all had the same nervous sense of humor. We laughed and talked about how crazy we all were for even thinking of doing this trip.

The van ride was about 3 1/2 hours. We were able to see the La Sal mountains and a variety of buttes and formations from afar. When we arrived at Squaw Flats campsite we met the course instructors and we quickly scrambled up a rockface as a group. Geez they get right into it don't they?

We did the circle thing. Everyone got into a tight, shoulder to shoulder circle, turned to the right, moved in another step and on the course director's mark, sat in each other's "lap". If it's done right, everyone is supported by each other. We passed the teamwork test!

Then we played the "I'm so and so, I'm from __________and I like__________" game. You have to say your stats and repeat the stats of all those who have spoken before you. It was childish but a good way to get to know people. In fact, when I got home I could still remember each person's stats.

Afterward, we ate lunch. Everyone pitched in to slice veggies and lay out stuff for sandwiches. We even got some chocolate chip cookies and nachos. Boy this must be the feast before the famine.

Then we broke up into our individual patrols (groups). Missy was our instructor. She was funny and informative.

We learned a ton of stuff:

• how to pack a backpack
• what to bring/what not to bring and why
• how to plan meals
• dividing group gear
• how to put up a tarp
• stay away from red ants (and other assorted varmints)
• always pull a rock or log toward you so scorpions and/or snakes will run out AWAY from you instead of into you
• how to operate the stoves
• cooking improvisation

We also learned that Margaret was carrying a small jar with a black cover that contained white sand. She bluntly let us know that the jar contained the remains of her very dear friend whom had passed away in July. His wish was to be sprinkled over several places including the Canyonlands (where we were headed). There was a pregnant pause, then laughter. Missy said she'd been doing Outward Bound trips for eight years and this was a first. Nonetheless, we welcomed him along for the adventure.

After dinner and clean up, we put a tarp up under some trees (in case of rain) and set our sleeping bags out in the open wilderness. They were far enough apart to maintain privacy but close enough to avoid feeling alone.

Shortly afterward, we sat around a candle and Missy asked each of us to write a fear we had about the course on a piece of paper. Missy put them all in a hat and mixed them up. Then we each picked one, read it out loud and gave a thought on how to handle or overcome the fear.

Then the moon rose. Unbelievable!

Wow...we're sleeping out under the stars. And by God there are millions of them!

Me / Our Patrol / Our Fearless Leader / On the Way Day 2 / Day 3 / Day 4 / Day 5 Day6 / Day 7 / Day 8 /Day 9 / Day 10 Things To Remember / Outward Bound / The Anasazi

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