Greer LaPorte - 10/11/09
I departed for O.B. when I was 23 y.o.a. We spent the first 3 days canoeing the Chatooga River. Followed it up with orienteering and hiking, mixed with mountain climbing and rapelling. The long hikes through the Smokey Mountains in late June were extraordinary. I remember the blisters the first day in my hiking boots. A little moleskin and soon they were gone. The use of a compass and the proper management of the pack itself made all the difference. The socialization was becoming ingrained. 'On belay - off belay'. Words I'll never forget. As we would many times bushwack our way, our functioning togerther was guided through thoughtful leadership. Breaking camp at first light, a welcomed breakfast, then off we go. Marching, with a few short breaks then stopping for lunch. A piece of bread with peanut butter and apple butter. Nuts and a piece of cheese. More hiking with a few short breaks until sunset, then setting camp, a warm, needed supper, followed by a cozy night in the sleeping bag. Stars twinkling overhead with a few short words then off to sleep. After three weeks the time came for a solo expedition. Three days and nights alone with only a bare ration of food, which many did without altogether. The time alone found my head flooded with thoughts. The previous three weeks with trusted companions. My past actons of years past and there effects on others. How would I take them with me when it was all over? I returned from 'solo' knowing my actions affect others whether I'm aware of it or not. A few bites and a slow, thoughtful hike to a place where I would run a nine mile marathon the next day. Arriving back at base camp following the run, I spent my last night with these companions with whom I'd trusted my life and also gained their trust. I can only say thirty years later, hardly not a day goes by that I don't think of some aspect of O.B. and find myself applying it to my life. Life's situations seem answered by many of O.B.'s experiences. I'm 53 now, and if I could do it all over, I would. To know by experience. The Outward Bound way.
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