WILDERNESS PROGRAM 2009
This summer, we once again set out into Colorado's beautiful Weminuche Wilderness Area. On July 30, 2009 we left civilization behind and took 4 Navajo kids, one adult Navajo chaperone, two other adult chaperones, and Brooke Van Eyk into the wilderness. We did not need to be rescued this year, but we did have a good time.
DAY ONE: On July 30, 2009 we left Fort Defiance in two vehicles and headed north towards Durango, Colorado. We got a late start, so by the time we hit the road it was about 3:30 PM. We arrived at the trail head in a rain storm and we were headed down the Pine River Trail by 8:30 PM. We hiked about three miles and finally entered the Wilderness area and found a nice place to camp for the night. The dark hike provided a great opportunity for the kids to work together and rely on one another. Setting up tents, starting a fire, and cooking in the dark is a difficult task, but was one that was done with ease with everyone's cooperation. The food was so much better this year and John Van Eyk became the cook. The first night we ate at 11:00 PM and had bean burritos with Taco Bell hot sauce, cheese, refried beans and tortillas!
Ready to hit the trail Tana & Shalayne ready!
DAY TWO: July 31, 2009. The kids slept in while John Van Eyk cooked up pancakes with butter and syrup. The kids fried up Spam and made Spam sandwiches with the pancakes! We had a light drizzle in the morning, but were able to pack everything up nice and dry. We hit the trail by about 11:00 PM and hiked a good 5 miles while being chased by intermittent rain squalls. We made it to our next camp by about 3:00 PM and set up camp with clear skies over us. Lunch was great - we feasted on Macaroni Grill Fettuccini, corn, and Ramon noodles. The kids couldn't wait to eat the Ramon! The afternoon was spent hanging out, taking naps, and telling stories by the fire. We were camped about 120 yards from a roaring creek, which added to the ambience of the camp site! For supper John fixed Chicken noodle soup and Chicken tortilla soup. Some of the kids did some exploring that evening, but most hung out by the fire until they couldn't keep their eyes open any more.
Day THREE: August 1, 2009. Sleeping in is great on a camping trip. The kids wanted pancakes again for breakfast despite other offerings! After breakfast, we all hiked up the trail and found a good swimming hole. The late July days are hot, even at 8,000 feet. The water however was freezing, we guessed it was somewhere in the mid to low 40's! It literally stole your breathe when you got in, but it was too much fun not to get in. We hung out at the swimming hole for several hours and then climbed back up the steep banks to the trail to go fix lunch. This was the lunch of champions! Macaroni and real cheese...not the powdered stuff! Peas and fried chicken, Ramon noodles again, and for desert, pudding! The kids all pulled out their foam bed rolls and went to sleep! Alex and John left the group in the care of Aaron Kinlicheenie, our other chaperone and headed up the trail. We hike about 5 miles into the most beautiful valley either of us had seen outside of Yellowstone. The river flattened out and meandered back and forth with trout surfacing to feast on bugs. Deer strolled in and out of the thickets of young trees lining the valley floor and marmots screeched at us high above in the rocks. Water falls cascaded down the mountain walls to meet the valley below. It was beautiful and we could have stayed there all day. We found lots of elk and mountain sheep sign but to our disappointment, we did not see any. Nor did we see the moose that inhabit this valley as well. With evening approaching, we headed back to camp. The total of 10 miles in about 3 hours had gotten the best of us! Supper was great again. Rice, beans, chicken, and whatever else was left was on the menu! As the day light faded on a cloudless day, the kids laughed and talked around the camp fire. It was an amazing sight. Not a care in the world, just kids enjoying life, the outdoors, God and friends. After dark, they played Sardines. During the game, Aaron almost got to hide with a bear. Apparently the bear was out for a stroll and the two about ran into each other. That sent all the kids scampering back to camp.
DAY FOUR: August 2, 2009. All good things must come to an end, so we were up with the sun to pack up, eat, and start the long hike out. Breakfast was granola, instant breakfast, and the remaining snacks the kids had in their snack bags. The day was beautiful again and we were on the trail by 9:00 am, much sooner than I had ever hoped! The group kept in contact by radio, but soon spread out into three groups. It seems the outhouse at the end of the trail was calling, beckoning the group on like an encouraging cheerleading squad! Amazing how slow a hike in is, but how fast a hike out is with the right motivation. Everyone reached the trail head by about 2:00 PM. Just in time too, as the afternoon showers showed up to welcome us back. We huddled together with a covered area by the outhouse until the showers passed. We waited until about 3:30 when are rides returned to pick us up. We packed up and headed back to Durango. All weekend, Alex kept the conversation alive by talking about the goodness of Dell Taco, his favorite restaurant. He talked about the food and this place he wants to call home. So we made a beeline for the nearest Dell Taco and the kids ate up well. The drive home was beautiful, we watched the sun finally slip away we dropped the last person off at their home. It has been a safe, fun, and bonding trip. It was not as challenging or action packed as last years, but that was okay. The kids can't wait to go into the forest again. For four days they formed new friendships and will not forget their trip into the Weminuche.
Aaron ready to hit the trail Camp two, setting up
Leon taking a nap! Alex and Shalayne at Pine River Aaron and Leon relaxing
Alex cooling off Cyrus thinking "I am so cold!" Sitting in the river enjoying life!
Alex & Leon eating macaroni! Waiting for supper
Leaving the Wilderness A tired bunch! Dell Taco victory meal!
P.O. Box 2016
Fort Defiance, AZ 86504
928-729-2658
This page was last updated: May 25, 2010
Fall Trip 2009: In September 2009 Rez Refuge took a group of Navajo teens back into the Weminuche Wilderness to enjoy the fall colors. The days were warm and beautiful, but the night time temperatures dropped into the teens. The trip was relaxing and fun. Here are a few pictures from that trip.
Getting ready to head home! 5 miles to go
Fall colors
