Sea Kayak Expedition Prep

As you know, we will be departing on our sea kayak expedition in a little less than a week.  As you prepare for this experience, I would like you to think about and comment on the following:

1. Visit and read about wilderness at http://www.wilderness.net

2. Post a blog entry that includes your summary definition of wilderness (do not copy & paste!).

3. Post a one-paragraph statement with your reaction to the following quote about wilderness. Include if you agree or disagree with this point of view and why.

We did not think of the great open plains, the beautiful rolling hills, and winding streams with tangled growth, as “wild.” Only to the white man was nature a “wilderness” and only to him was the land “infested” with “wild animals” and “savage” people. To us it was tame. Earth was bountiful and we were surrounded with the blessings of the Great Mystery. —Chief Luther Standing Bear, of the Oglala band of Sioux.

4. Visit the Leave No Trace (LNT) website at http://www.lnt.org and read through the information.  List out the 7 LNT principles and include one tip related to each one that no one else on the blog has yet posted.

5. After reviewing your gear list for this first expedition, explain how you are feeling about your gear and its ability to keep you warm, safe, and comfortable.  Describe concerns you have about your gear.

6. Describe the expectations you have for this expedition.  What do you think it will be like for you?

7. Describe the expectations you have of your trip leaders (the second-year students) as well as of your guides (Scott and Rob).

This post is due before class on Friday, September 20.  Remember to use a word processor to help you spell and grammar check your response, and save it locally to your drive.

First Post

Hi All,

Welcome to your blog for ADV111 Wilderness Expedition Skills I. As we discussed in class this past week, you'll be responsible for checking in here each week and posting your response to the questions of the week by clicking on the "comments" link below.

This week, I'd like you to respond to the following:

1. View the following two short videos about outdoor clothing and layering at:

https://youtu.be/Y-5xJh8jSg4

and

https://youtu.be/BJo4rfdTHRA

2. Recently, you have been given an equipment list identifying several pieces of clothing and equipment you will need for your coursework. Using this equipment list, your book, the videos above, and the discussions we have had in class

          a. List out the pieces of clothing and gear you already own, and then

          b. Identify each piece you still need to acquire in the next few weeks as we prepare for your expeditions

          c. Finally, identify where you will research and look for each piece of gear you need and when you expect to have it by.

3. Explain why you are enrolled in the Adventure Recreation and Tourism program at WCCC.  Please include the following:

          a. what event(s) initiated your interest in this program

          b. what you hope to learn, and

          c. where you see yourself in 5 years from now. 

4. Finally, please identify what you expect of your instructor(s) and include anything in particular they can do you help you achieve your goals.

This is due before class on Friday, September 13.  I look forward to your response.