Finally arrived at 10,200 feet... and we're feeling it

For most PSA staff and students, today was the first day of summer vacation. For a lucky few, there was no sleeping in or realxing- staff and students participating in the Junior Leadership Academy were at Bradley International Airport by 7:15 am. Almost everyone looked confused and sleep deprived:

This is what 7 am on a Sturday looks like.

However everyone got their tickets without problems and it was time for a group photo and tearful good byes.

PSA Ready... PSA Prepared!

Everyone got through the security check fine, with the exception of Mr. Canny- he had both his sunscreen and bug spray confiscated. He may return sunburned and bug bitten but its guarenteed he'll be smiling :) The flight to Denver went smoothly- a few bumps but we had a great flight crew (including one flight attendant who spoke in crazy accents and offered our students jobs with Southwest) and pilot. Check out the video in the previous post to see a bunch of students who couldn't be happier to get off the plane after a 4 hour flight!

Waiting in Denver for the chartered bus in style

Then it was off on a chartered bus to Leadville, CO. Along the way, we made an epic stop at a tiny Subway for lunch. The group photo below was taken before we waited in the longest and slowest Subway line ever recorded on a blog.

Little did we know we wouldn't get our sandwiches for another hour...

After mountain goat and buffalo sightings along Highway 70, we arrived at the Outward Bound base camp. We were immediately greeted by the friendly staff- Wes, Renee, Chandler, Elsa, Vince and Sean- who immediately engaged the students in some team-building initiatives in a gorgeous setting.

Check out this classroom!

We then headed to the cabins to check out gear and ensure all students were prepared for the course. This was followed by dinner and then debriefing on the deck. We then took a walk as a group down to Mirror Lake to check out the evening view...

See the reflection of Mt. Massif in the lake?

Then it was to the dorms to pack for tomorrow and go to bed. Everyone is exhausted but in high spirits- the staff is welcoming and incredibly knowledgable, the setting is gorgeous and tomorrow only brings adventure!

Arriving at Denver International Airport

Countdown: T-minus 2 days

Its hard to believe that there are only TWO days until we leave for the Outward Bound trip! Today is the last day for high school final exams and the juniors have been working diligently (right, guys?) on getting those done. And the adventure is only beginning! After the chemistry final today, we will be having our last meeting as a group to review the flight itineraries, field any last minute questions or concerns, etc. Hopefully everyone has been working out, staying hydrated and getting 8 hours of sleep- either way, we are leaving on a plane at 9:20 am on Saturday for 6 days in the mountains :)

Here is the latest weather report for the OB base camp: 10 day weather forecast for Leadville, CO. There is a chance of thunderstorms the first few days (don't forget that rain gear!) and then the weather looks beautiful for our final days there.

This blog will be updated daily (as long the technology cooperates!) by myself, the students on the trip and Brashawn back at PSA in Connecticut. Be sure to check back for stories, photos and videos!

Cheers,
Ms. Twohig