Archive for the 'ATC' Category

Hello ATC friends and family!

I’ve had the chance to talk to Em and Chris a few times so far on their Appalachian Trail Challenge trip and while the first week has been tough, they’ve having a lot of fun and really enjoying it. The trip began last Saturday and I had the chance to meet all the students along with Brooks and Tom which was really great. The group spent the night in Williamstown after an epic grocery store trip then they were shuttled up to Hanover, New Hampshire, early on Sunday morning by Tim on our support staff. Tim snapped the below picture of the group on the Dartmouth Green and then the group was off. The first three days were all double-digits in mileage so the group was tested but they all made it. They’ve had long days on the trail but the group has been happy and full of smiles. On the second day, the group had an afternoon of some rain but it’s been sunny since then. That night, the rain held off but the group spent the night on top of Mt. Smart’s in a cloud which was pretty cool. The hot temperatures lately in New England have caused a few streambeds that normally supply water to hikers to go dry, but the group got to hydrate at a “trail angel’s” house where they were well-received and also got some soda. The group has gotten the chance to play croquet and they’ve met a number of interesting people along the trail everyday. The group’s first test was up and over Moosilauke on Thursday but everyone was excited for the hike and reached the summit. Yesterday, Tim and I went food shopping for the group and then he drove north in the afternoon to meet them for their resupply at Franconia Notch. Today, the group has a relatively easy 6 miles into camp and then they’ll have the afternoon to relax and take some showers while they get their food and packs organized for the next week on the trail. Though the terrain will be more challenging, everyone’s packs will be lighter as they trek across the Whites because they won’t have to pack meals for their nights at two AMC huts and also their night in Pinkham Notch next Friday. Please send me an email if you’d like another update on the group as they make their way towards Mt. Washington (which they should summit early in the morning on Thursday)!

-Conor

Overland has big things planned for 2011 – five of them in fact.  For our 27th summer, we’re announcing five new programs to add to our lineup of hiking, biking, language, writing, service and field studies programs.   To inquire about these new programs or any of our programs for the summer of 2011, please give our staff a call at 800.458.0588.  We’re always here to help! 

Sierra Adventure for 6th graders, 2 weeks

Discover California’s spectacular Sierras, hike in the Sierra high country, explore Lake Tahoe by foot & by kayak and raft the American River.

Gulf Coast Service for 9th – 12th graders, 2 weeks

Reach out to the people of New Orleans, assist with home building & restoration, volunteer to help restore Gulf Coast ecosystems and explore the history & culture of New Orleans.

Appalachian Trail Challenge for 10th – 12th graders, 2 weeks

Hike 100+ miles along the Appalachian Trail, climb Mount Washington (6,288 feet), climb ten of New Hampshire’s 4,000 foot peaks and learn backcountry skills & Leave No Trace practices.

Teton Challenge for 10th -12th graders, 3 weeks

Climb the Grand Teton (13,770 feet), backpack Yellowstone National Park, kayak the scenic Snake River and attend Exum Mountaineering School.

Field Studies Ecuador & the Galápagos for 9th – 12th graders, 4 weeks

Explore the exciting urban culture of Quito, discover the wildlife of the Galápagos, live & serve in a Quechua village in the Central Highlands, explore Ecuador’s culture & language and hike in Cotopaxi National Park.