Last year at about this time, Terran was returning from his high school Mini Course Trip. This year, due to several circumstances, the trips will not happen until March, 2011.
If you didn't get a chance to read the post about his trip, "The Hills of Garhwal", I encourage you to take a few minutes. You can read it HERE.
It was an amazing experience for him and I'm excited to see what trip he "draws" this year ...
It's time to turn in the paperwork for the trips and the other day he and his friend, Seb, sat down to peruse the descriptions of the trip.
Well, in reality, they sat and played video games, while I prompted them to spend some time choosing their preferences.
After a couple of minutes of realizing they were not paying me any attention, I got a bit anal on them.
I cut up all of the trip choices and laid them out according to the type of trip :
Light to Moderate Physical Activity
Moderate Physical Activity
Strenuous Physical Activity
Very Strenuous with a high potential for inclement weather, including snow
I prompted and pleaded with them to PLEASE make the time to go through the activities and trips so that they could best place their preferences in order. Otherwise, they could easily end up with a trip they didn't care for.
After about 20 minutes, they'd finally made their choices, and now they just have to follow the policies on how to correctly turn in their paperwork so that they can be guaranteed they travel on the same trip together ... and cross fingers that they get one of their top choices.
In case you're interested, their top 5 choices?
Choice # 1 - Tons River Expedition
The Tons River is the largest tributary of the Yamuna River, which flows through Delhi. In its upper reaches, the Tons includes many Class III+ and Class IV rapids. This is untouched territory, only recently opened for rafting expeditions. This trip will involve expedition-style rafting, meaning that you will carry all of your food, clothing and sleeping equipment on the rafts and set up tents on the beaches every night. After a day of instruction in rafting skills, you will take to the river for four days of exciting rafting.
Choice # 2 - Mahakali Expedition
This expedition-style rafting trip will take you down the Kali River, on the border of India and Nepal. It's a long drive to Panscheswar, but the views of the Panchuli mountains more than make up for it. On the first day you will learn kayaking and rafting skills before starting off for two and a half days of whitewater adventure on Class III and Class IV rapids. The river flows through one of the least disturbed areas in the Himalayas. With no access by road, all equipment and supplies will be carried on board rafts, so you will also learn to set up camp along the river and leave no trace.
Choice # 3 - Himalayan Bike Tour
Clean crisp air, good food, great views, day walks and a bicycle form the basis for this trip. The afternoon of the first day starts with a familiarization session with your mountain bike and its gear system, followed by a relaxing ride. The next day you will begin a three day cycling tour that includes easy cycling along the flats to tough hill climbs. Seeing the great outdoors from the seat of a bicycle is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the foothills of the Himalayas. Look forward to dinner and leisurely evenings around a camp fire.
Choice # 4 - Alaknanda Rafting
The Alaknanda, one of two forks of the holy Ganges, has its origins in the snow clad peaks of the Himalayas, the abode of the Hindu gods. This rafting trip allows students to experience three days of whitewater rafting on the stretch of the Alaknanda from Marine Drive through Shivpuri Srikot to Devprayag and Beasghat. In addition to an outstanding rafting experience, the students will have a half day at the end of the trip to do a bit of rock climbing, rapelling or short hike into the hills.
Choice # 5 - Hills of the Garhwal
(which I found interesting, since it's the same trip he went on last year. Must have loved it!)
