Day the Third (like Shrek. but funnier)

The first day we learning activity we had here was an ethics discussion with Dr. Freyermuth. but before that she had gone around and asked us all what we were looking forward to the most about the week. And I would guess probably 95% of us answered, "the float trip." So even though we were more tired this morning than we had been the first and second mornings, we were still eager to jump out of bed and wear our lime green float trip shirts to breakfast and aid in any way that would get us closer to the float trip.

The first order of business was to learn GPS tracking in Rock Bridge National Park and split into three groups while we raced around and found points that had been marked earlier and have Rachel sketch them. It was A LOT of walking. Uphill, backwards through the snow and sleet. And that was just for lunch. We met crossed the other group about halfway and John switched groups and started following us. Apparently, the first half was easier so he wanted to film that part. He made us go down into Devil's Icebox and climb around in the opening of the cave. Which wasn't a bad idea, considering it was about sixty-five degrees down in the Icebox.

After our long romp through Rock Bridge state park, we quickly boarded the buses and headed back to Responsibility to get ready for the float trip. We were stoked. Really, really stoked. Like kids on Christmas. We went to Plaza 900 for lunch, scarfed down a quick meal and grabbed towels and sunscreen. Well, some of us did anyway.

I was in the first group that went out kayaking while the other group went and scared flying Asian Carp. After we stopped at the sandbar and frolicked in the current, I was tired. I got dunked a lot, okay? When it was time to get back in the kayaks and canoes, we walked along the muddy, gross, squishy riverbed and then hopped into our boats. And then Jake tipped Adam and Andrew's canoe over. He claims they had it coming. I would like to point out that I got splashed the most and could not figure out how to splash back, but you didn't see me tip anyone's canoe. We switched places at a cave with freezing cold water in it. Using the chain-buddy system, we walked what felt like a hundred miles back into the pitch black cave. I literally could not see my hand in front of my face.

The second boat group didn't get to see any carp, but we stopped at another sandbar where David, our most quiet and beloved counselor started a mud fight. Which I valiantly lost.

Dinner was a five star event put on by the Hotel and Restaurant Management Dept. by the spectacular Chef Jeff. After dinner cooked by the Dept., we were given the tools to make our own dessert. The only thing that was nerve-wrecking was watching John try to flip our Banana's Foster with one hand. But it still turned out delicious. Afterwards, we stopped in at the Summer Welcome '07 Review and laughed our ice cream off.

The night ended with Andrew, John, Jake, David, Jonathan and Chris trying to teach me to play soccer. They didn't succeed. Actually, they failed, miserably. But we still had some good, wholesome fun. When we made our way back to the dorms, James used his magic teaching powers to get us to work on our projects. Eh...we still have tomorrow to finish.

And now, Andrew and I will go pass out. And not talk about music with David anymore. But he's going to the same Snow Patrol concert as I am. I'm so excited!