OBX Begins

6/29/2010


The Outer Banks expedition began their adventure with a quick drive down to Oregon Inlet and some terrific weather. With a quick pre-dinner swim in the Atlantic and a “lovely summer breeze”, the first night at camp was a beauty.  The kids set up their tents for the first time, moved in their sleeping bags and pads, and enjoyed a nice “family-style” dinner.  It was early to bed, in preparation for the 1st full day of adventure. Late night giggles were heard from the girls' tent.

The next day the group began with some Longacre games and initiatives and an afternoon of surfing. With some great conditions, everyone had their first surf lesson of the summer.  That evening the legendary winds of the Outer Banks kicked in and our fearless leaders were forced to improvise dinner as the winds made cooking an unsafe activity.

Today there was more surfing, some surf kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. It was an action-packed day. The leaders reported some great bonding going on. As they returned to their campsite a thunderstorm came rolling through camp forcing them to seek shelter in the vans. When we last heard from them they were enjoying pizza and preparing for their next adenture.

Ocracoke, Roanoke, and Grilled Cheese on a Stick

7/4/2010


Happy 4th of July! The OBX expedition has been enjoying the sunshine and 80 degree weather the past couple of days. They headed down to Ocracoke Island on the Ferry and established a new campsite in the sand dunes. They took a quick visit into the charming village, and then had dinner and smores by bonfire that evening. They also may have invented a new campfire tradition “grilled cheese on a stick.”  Please talk to your children to learn more about this technique. The following day was surf smorgasbord complete with skimboards, longboards, surf kayaks, and short boards. The winds were strong again that day and unfortunately the SUPs (Stand up Paddle Boards) weren’t available to us. We are hoping to get another chance at SUPs on the following day.

When Liza and Jason met up with the group they were setting up a well-shaded camp in the unique Frisco woods. They enjoyed some Beach Pizza, body surfing, and hucking the Frisbee. The next day they headed out on the Roanoke River for sea kayaking. We received the photo below documenting their safe arrival to the first tent platform. With the addition of new leader Liza on the program, this expedition continues to get better and better.

Report from the Field

7/6/2010


We made it to land safely. They rocked it today!!! They are excited for hot showers and flushing toilets! We saw osprey, a bald eagle, great blue herons,c atfish,  bass (rad when they jumped out of the water next to the boats). Dragonflies, butterflies, water snakes…we went to bed with the sounds of frogs, owls, and other chatty critters in the cypress jungle. Epic!

Kayaks, Kites, Lighthouses and Cake!

7/10/2010


The OBX expedition is close to completion. The group has really bonded over the past couple of days and the leaders are very happy with the way the program has unfolded.

More on the kayaking section-they kayaked a total of 20 arm-burning miles over the 2 ½ days. They learned the difference between good water snakes and bad water snakes. They slept on the tent platforms together, with all of the girls in one tent. At night the local owls sounded like wolves. In the true Leave No Trace (LNT) spirit, they turned left-over rice water into hot tea with honey and drank it. The group decided they wanted less to pack out and could use the extra calories. They also had to pack out their “business”, as it is a fragile eco-system they were exploring. While on the river, they also found time to write a Longacre-song.  The lyrics will be found in the OBX trip journal. Please ask your child to sing it upon returning home.  The group paddled out, loaded the vans, showered and then hit the pool at Frisco Woods Campground.

The next day they hiked the 248 steps to the top of  the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The leaders said the group didn't even need to stop along the way for breaks. Impressive!!!  They also enjoyed some ice cream and frozen custard.  The morning was spent on land, working with the kites and learning how to maneuver them. The second half of the day was spent on the water. The wind was a little light that day so none of the kids were able to get on the boards. On the second day we tried our best, but ultimately got rained out due to some prevailing storms. The leaders felt the kids deserved a change of pace and actually took them to the movies for popcorn.  Not the usual Longacre-activity, but an enjoyable experience for all. This day was also Abby’s birthday.  Cinnamon rolls for breakfast and one of her favorites, Mac n cheese, for dinner.  The meal was topped off with key lime pie for dessert complete with candles in the shape of an A. That night they performed their bracelet ceremony. There was also lots of stargazing with heat lightning flashes adding to the night sky’s
awesomeness!

Today the group headed out on a private dolphin tour and then tackled the famous sand dunes of Jockey Ridge State Park before heading North to Virginia. Tonight will be their final night together as a group.