Hometown: Norfolk, NE

Major: History and Political Science Education

Why I wanted to go on the trip: It was a great, cheap way to see a lot of the country, spend time with friends, get credit for a few classes, and have a great time.

Area of expertise: Weather

Most enjoyable hike and why: Either the hike out of the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area because it was a lot shorter than we expected it to be, or the hike from the van to the water park in vernal because it led to swimming and water slides.

Most beautiful sight of the trip: Entering Nebraska on the way home. Standing on top of the mountain in the Eagle Caps, sitting in the top of the Kingdome watching towering Yankee home runs, Shoshone Falls, Aspen, the Collegiates, etc etc etc. I can’t pick out any one thing. It was all spectacular.

Funniest moment of the trip: Karen was probably the funniest personality on the trip, and she had several memorable moments. Again, I can’t even try to pick out a certain moment.

The most important thing I learned about backpacking: Everything about backpacking is great and exciting and vigorous and healthy except for the part where you trudge along uncomfortably uphill for 10 miles with a lot of weight on your back. That’s the only drawback.

The most important thing I learned about myself: I’m not as young as I used to be. At least, I’m older than I think I am when it comes to looking at and making decisions about the future.

Favorite thing about the van rides: Euchre (that’s how you spell it, by the way), Mountain Dew, having *almost* everybody yell at me every time I tried to enjoy some music, and getting on the intercom with Rick at the front of the bus.

Favorite overnight stay: That would have to be cuddling up with two ladies and three guys in one tent in the collegiate peaks. Sharing body heat in below freezing temperatures is totally underrated.

Would I do it again and why: Definitely. It was the most fun three weeks I’ve ever had. Spending time bumming across the west with a bunch of friends in a school van provides some great memories from my college years. The memories I have of this trip will always be with me, and that is something that is irreplaceable.