WildLink August 2024: Venture Academy

The first Venture Academy WildLink group of 2024 arrived in Yosemite on a clear August Sunday afternoon. The weather was sunny and warm. After several hours driving over from Stockton the group was ready to get out of the vehicles, breathe in some fresh air, and stretch their legs. Once they arrived in Yosemite Mika, a participant, remarked, “Everything is so peaceful and calm.” as her first impression of the park. Shortly after their arrival the group met with Ranger Shelton Johnson who was delighted to greet the team on their first day in the park. Shelton shared the magic and importance of Yosemite with the group and revealed that they are the owners and protectors of this land which is their inheritance. No one in the group had ever heard a National Park Ranger tell them they own the parks and were pleasantly surprised by it, feeling excited to explore their park. The group said goodbye to Shelton and enjoyed listening to the sound of his eagle bone flute dance in the wind as they walked away. 

They made their way up to the NatureBridge cabins at Crane Flat where they spent their first two nights in Yosemite. That evening after a delicious dinner prepared by our cooks the group gathered to play some ‘get to know each other’ games and then settled around a campfire to close the evening. They shared their thoughts of the upcoming week and asked all the questions they could think of. 

Monday came and the time to gear up for their trip was here. The group spent most of the day gathering and packing all the necessary gear and food they would need for the next four days. Making sure everyone had everything they needed is a big undertaking and the team did great. The team went to bed knowing tomorrow would be the day they would hike into the Wilderness.

Tuesday was finally here, and after the last breakfast indoors the team loaded up in their vehicles and headed to the Cathedral Lakes trailhead. Once at the trailhead the team was joined by Toby, a Yosemite National Park Wilderness Ranger who hiked in and spent the first night with the team. Beginning the hike at 8,600 ft with full packs is no easy task. The team took their time and lots of breaks as they gained about 1,000 ft in elevation over 4 miles. As they hiked the team played more games to keep getting to know each other and their leaders. After a full day of hiking the team arrived at Cathedral Lakes where they would spend their first night. After settling into their camp site and having a bit of lake time the team gathered for dinner and then an evening conversing about wilderness with Toby. Since Cathedral Lakes is too high in elevation to have a fire the team went to bed early as it got dark and cold. Some of the participants decided to take advantage of the clear night and slept outside enjoying the bright stars as sleep fell over them. 

The second day of the trip was the longest hiking day a WildLink group has had in years. The team went from Cathedral Lakes to Sunrise Lakes hiking about 8 miles. They started as early as they could, packed up camp and headed out to trail. Saying goodbye to Toby as they continued their patrol the team started full steam into the mountains. The day was long, but the team stuck together and cheered each other on. The trail games continued but they only go so far in distracting you from the miles and heavy pack on your back. Ultimately, the team relied on each other to make sure that everyone felt supported and knew they were not alone. 

That afternoon the team made it to Sunrise Lakes and found an awesome campsite on the north end of the upper lake. After setting up camp they went out to sit by the lake on a spot that was still getting sun as it made its way closer to the horizon. Then they came together for dinner and an evening around a campfire. Oscar, one of the participants, is an avid fisher. Oscar caught 15 fish and cooked the team four of them, making for an amazing dinner after a long day. 

On Thursday morning the team woke up to another beautifully clear day and had the option of staying in camp and enjoying a day by the lake or going for another long day, this time without the heavy packs! They chose to go on a hike towards Clouds Rest, a hike  they thought was a 7 mile round trip… Unfortunately, one of the leaders had made a mistake and it was actually 7 miles one way. This mistake wasn’t realized until the team was about halfway there and the decision was made to turn back and leave Clouds Rest for another day. Spirits remained high as they played games on their way back and reflected on mistakes happening things not going your way sometimes. 

That afternoon and evening, the team relaxed in camp either by the lake, fishing, or in camp around the fire. Sharing stories, laughs, feelings, and gratitudes the evening quickly turned to night. 

Friday morning came and you could tell there was a change in the air, not only did the team get closer, they met the strong, capable, fun, and compassionate versions of themselves that had been in them all along. This transition was punctuated by a change in the weather, a chill had come and the wind had picked up - a storm was coming. The team made it to the end of the trail with mixed feelings, a mixture of joy and relief having experienced a full range of emotions during the trip. Thank you all for taking this journey and sharing it with others, Yosemite will always be here for you all and the memories you made will be with you forever.