A-Hiking We Will Go...

     Today the upper grades took a field trip to Twin Pine Camps and Trails, where they spend several hours hiking through the woods.  Despite the chilly weather and occasional raindrops, it was a fun outing for most involved.  At least, it was probably more for for them than a regular day of school!

     Twin Pine is located in Millinocket, on the shores of Millinocket Lake.  We spent about an hour and twenty minutes riding in busses before we even got to their entrance road.  Everyone was grateful to get off the bus for a grand total of two minutes, and then everyone was cold.  However, the hike warmed us up, and the sun finally came out as well.

     Students were split roughly along class lines, with a little mixing and matching as desired.  Most of the eighth grade went with guide Andy (aka "Diesel"), who spent most of the time walking and very little time talking.  However, between avoiding burdock bushes and jumping puddles, neither of which was accomplished with much success, we managed to get some nice views of the lovely fall colors in full bloom.

     About halfway through the hike, everyone stopped for a group photo.  Aren't they charming?

     Shortly after the photo, Diesel the Guide suddenly took us off the main trail, and we thrashed through the woods for several minutes before reconnecting with another trail.  It was hard to tell if the teachers or the students were having a worse time of it!  Still, despite having the climb over, under, around, and through various obstacles, we managed to get where we were going, and head back safely.  We even learned an interesting "history" of the evil Zombie fish that lived in nearby ponds.  Apparently, the woods of Maine are more dangerous than we realized!

     All in all, the hike was a success, and everyone got something out of it, even if it was only muddy feet.  Greg, for example, learned how to safely drink stream water.  But by the time noon came and went, most of the students were looking forward to lunch.  We got back to the camp, and settled in for a long, chilly lunchtime.  When everyone had eaten, we packed up and headed back to school.

     Field trips are not only a great diversion from the usual school routine, they also get us outside and moving when we would usually be sitting indoors on chairs.  Hopefully the next field trip will be even better than this one!