Pittsburgh MCG - Brian - Day 1

A long time ago in a state far, far away, I arrived in Bozeman, Montana.  The plane rides were interesting, and I rediscovered the sensation of ear pressure changes.  Most of the time was spent napping.  But when we finally touched down, and I stepped outside, the air was surprisingly comfortable and has continued that tradition so far.

The bus ride was long, but many photos were taken, and we finally arrived at the Overlook.  We were briefed, and then we explored.  Two friends and I walked left from the Overlook and looked onto an unimaginably beautiful landscape. Then we decided to seek other fortunes, and we climbed an intriguingly shaped rock formation.  Coming down from that I was stabbed by a cactus, and then stepped on another.  My shoes probably don’t like me very much right now. Oh well…

Afterwards we participated in a team building exercise, and I was blinded by its difficulties (Ha! jokes…) but my team persevered and we finished the challenge as better people than before.  Then there was awesome dinner and now it is now.  I am certain that we will all be different people when we return home.

Pittsburgh MCG - Tae - Day 1

Early this morning we departed from Pittsburgh, PA. My first time on a plane I’m terrified nervous but still excited. The first plane, I cried during take-off and landing. But the second flight I didn’t shed a tear!!

I’m happy to say that we arrived safely to Bozeman, Montana.

We met up with Jess our instructor who is awesome and pretty funny. We picked our rooms then took some time explore. When Michelle called us in she had an obstacle course for us. We blindfolded one of our teammates and then the rest of the team (3 kids) guides them thru the course only using our voice. I came up with a plan to “follow my voice.”  My team tied with another but in the middle I heard them catching on and I knew we had to hurry. We didn’t beat them but didn’t lose. Michelle made us to do it again only we had to the on the side line and shout direction from there.  My team came last because I got mixed up with my left and right. After we talked about teamwork and communication. After everyone showered and we had our first dinner together. And now we can see where we go from here……

Pittsburgh MCG - Trevor - Day 1

Well we got into Bozeman at about 10:30 a.m. Stepping outside the airport and looking at the mountain line just filled me with awe. Living in the city, I’m always happy to see some new natural vista.

I guess I’m not really used to being so far away from my folks for this long. It kind of feels weird knowing that they aren’t within a couple hours’ drive. I know I’ll be happy to see them both on Friday.

This afternoon we did a “team-building” exercise. It was designed to instill trust with each other, which can be very important when hiking up a mountain. That went well and I know that everyone here has my back, giving you a kind of peace.

I’m sure the upcoming week is going to be a learning experience both physically and mentally. I’m also sure I’ll be enjoying every second of it. 

Wildfire burning on the horizon

Pittsburgh MCG - Eve - Day 1

Landing down at Bozeman was amazing. Seeing an aerial view of Yellowstone and all the mountains was stunning. It really makes you realize how little you are in this very big world. As soon as I stepped out of the airport I could feel the fresh air in my lungs. You can actually tell a difference. When we got to the lodge our group got to spend some time connecting to the park by exploring the land or exploring our lodge. I got to sit down with some of the history books. I found that that was one of my favorite ways to connect to the park.  Afterwards we all met up for a team building exercise, and my team was way better at it than expected. We came in last the first round but we found that being slower helped us prepare to come in first for the second round. Staying in this lodge, and area, I am constantly in awe at the park and how big and amazing this earth really is.

Pittsburgh MCG - Myiah - Day 1

I’M IN YELLOWSTONE!!!! I never thought an experience this great would ever happen to me. When I was preparing for this trip I was nervous because this is a different surrounding for me and I wasn’t sure how I would adapt to it. Now that I am here though, I absolutely love it. The fresh breezes and the peace and quiet, is nothing I would ever find in the city. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week will bring. Just being here for one day I’ve already experienced great things. I climbed a plateau, saw a wildfire, and can see mountains for miles. I can’t express how great this is to me!

Pittsburgh MCG - Kristen - Day 1

Today we left Pittsburgh to go to Bozeman, MT. It was my first time on an air plane, I was nervous.  After the two plane trips it took us here to Bozeman. We rode a bus with one of our instructors, Jess. The trip was long but worth it when we got to the overlook.  The view we have is wonderful and we are surrounded by mountains. It wasn’t hot like I thought it was but it was actually pleasant.

After unpacking in the cabin and a short lunch we had time to go explore.  While exploring we found a little snake. It was sitting on a rock in a pond. It was the first wildlife we found when we actually got to the overlook.

We did a “team-building” thing. It was a trust exercise, in which one of us was blind folded and the others had to lead them through some obstacles. After everyone had their turn being blind folded. After the exercise we went and had a chance to relax, get a shower, or take a nap before dinner. Dinner was good and now I’m typing this blog, so I guess that’s all for now.

Pittsburgh MCG - Claire - Day 1

The first day of our Yellowstone experience set a very positive tone for the rest of the trip.  Starting with easy and painless airport travels, and ending with a delicious stir-fry dinner, I have no complaints.  The cabins we are staying in might as well be five star hotels, and the view surrounding them can only be described as breathtaking.  I am very anxious to enter the park and participate in all of the activities that have been planned for us.  I am thrilled to be here and I am very thankful for this opportunity.