White
Mt. Pursuit
Ages
14-17
Come see what a little ice can do! Nearly 13,000 years ago huge
glaciers covered New England and when they retreated they left
behind the steep rock faces that are now Franconia Notch. Take
a week to explore the mountains, valleys, ridges and rivers
left behind after these huge glaciers scoured the mountains.
White Mountain Pursuit is a trip for ages 14-17. Two
trained expedition leaders will lead a maximum of ten participants
on an expedition into some of the most spectacular areas of
the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It is an experience that
integrates knowledge about the environment with outdoor skills
and small group living designed to challenge the participants.
It is a chance to live and learn with nature and with other
people.
Sunday is spent at the W. Alton Jones Campus. While getting
to know your fellow group members, you will prepare for the
trip. Monday morning, the packing and preparing will be completed,
and the group will drive to the White Mountains in a
12-passengar extended van (about a 4-hour drive). The area we will be in is remote
enough and the terrain is steep enough that cell phone signals
are often not available.
When you arrive in Franconia Notch you will set up a base camp
in a state campground that will be your home away from home. From your base camp you will set out
each day to explore some of the most breathtaking geology and
scenery in New England. You and your team will spend part of a day
exploring the Franconia Notch State Park Recreation Trail. From this historic trail you will see where the Old Man of the
Mountain used to be, the Basin, Echo Lake, and other famous New Hampshire
landmarks. You will also have a chance
to get a birds eye view of the entire area with a day hike up
Mount Lafayette. At 5,260 feet, and with an exposed summit,
this hike provides spectacular views of the entire White Mountain
range. You will find a magnificent panoramic view of the vast
New Hampshire wilderness. (Because of the steep and exposed
terrain, an alternative hike will be planned if weather or
other conditions dictate.)
Ever wonder what it would be like to mountain bike on a real
mountain? Now you can find out the easy way as we ride
the ski lift up a mountain and bike back down. Throughout the week you will have
the opportunity to observe life in the Northern Hardwood Forest.
Mountain streams, wetlands, pine groves and stands deciduous
trees are habitat for many different animals from small reptiles
to large mammals. For a special treat we will take a tram ride
up Cannon Mountain to take in the spectacular view of this
area.
At the end of each day, when we return to the base camp, everyone
will share in the responsibilities of getting water, cooking
supper, and cleaning up afterwards. While camping out in Franconia
Notch, the group will learn and practice concentrated impact
camping techniques. This involves camping in such a manner that
will preserve the beauty of the park. An emphasis is placed
on being as sensitive as possible to the natural areas that
we visit.
Participants should be in relatively good physical condition
to participate in this trip. Rock climbing requires strength
and balance to successfully ascend a rock face. The biking and
hiking on this trip will last for several hours (with adequate
breaks for food, water, and rest) so endurance is important.
Participants should increase their activity level prior to the
trip. Biking, sports, or lots of brisk walking are excellent
ways of improving endurance. Push-up, sit-ups and other forms
of weight training are great ways to improve strength. Participants
will enjoy the trip more if well prepared.
Experience is not a requirement, but a positive attitude
and a willingness to have fun while learning are!
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