Fall Break: Cumberland Island

October 22-25, 2009

Cumberland Island is an island off the east coast of Georgia just north of Florida and was the destination for our SOAP fall break, backpacking trip. At 11:59pm Wednesday night, the van packed with all 12 of us began our seven and a half hour drive toward our adventure. Like past trips I have been in charge of, I had never been to the trip location before. This time, however, things were a little different. I set myself up for great success as I decided to get one of my students involved as the leader of the trip. That by far was one of the best decisions I have ever made. She decided to ask her boyfriend to help co-lead the trip putting me in a position I love: support.

Both of them did such a phenomenal job I was basically along for the ride. They did research, held a pre-trip meeting, typed up packing lists, made reservations, and lead worship. To top it all off, they somehow figured out how to order amazing weather!

When going to a place that none of us had been before it is hard to know what to expect. They both handled the challenges that arose from that beautifully. When participants (many of which had never been backpacking before) walk away from an experience like this with the start of new relationships, the strengthening of old ones, and a refreshed energy; you know the leaders did their job and did it well.

GA Introductions

October 19, 2009

To start the introductions of my fellow Graduate Assistants, I will begin with the wise one among us, Jim. Our local expert in wilderness survival, he lived in the woods most of last semester and showed me how to make cordage out of bark. Here he is demonstrating his technique for scaring off any wild predators.

Next we have Jeremy. Jeremy comes from the tiny state of Delaware, which I can claim I also have set foot in. A fellow photographer, avid outlet sock shopper and my toughest competition for best hair; he is known as the Gear Master ‘round these parts as he keeps a watchful eye on all of the gear circulating.

To finish out the J clan, there is Jerrod. Making his way here all the way from Washington State, I have come to refer to him as MacGyver. Defining the word “resourceful” by his very action, he can find a way to fix pretty much anything anywhere (Rumor has it that he started a Diesel bus engine using a camp stove).

Moving on to Ryan, the local guy. Ryan is deemed Mr. SOAP for he has been carrying the program since last semester. We had to learn how to work together quickly as the first 32-page catalog was due within two weeks of my arrival. We both walked away a little sleep deprived but uninjured :)

To the last of the male GAs, I finish with Ben, the head GA. Ben finds himself in a tough position being in charge of his peers. But as his background drips with experience across the board in outdoor activities and leadership roles, it is no wonder he is where he is. Plus he makes killer pancakes!

Ann, the veteran GA and female of the group, has her sights set on Graduation in December. She is the voice of the undergrad program and the organizational pioneer in my eyes. She has laid down some great groundwork for us to follow and build upon. She has also been a great person to live with as she has served as a springboard for ideas on several occasions.

Last, but definitely not least, we have my roommate Lauren. When assigned a task, she gets the job down. A natural planner and leader she is full of initiative at work as well as at home. I attribute any social life I have outside of work to her as she makes the phone calls whenever an idea gets thrown into the air. I love people that make things happen!

The Biology Trail

October 18, 2009
As mentioned previously, I have in my backyard about 10 miles of trails weaving over creeks and through hilly terrain. With the beauty of the fall colors, I couldn’t help but do a little exploring with my camera in hand.