Grand Portage National Monument

through a seemingly inexorable problem. Whenever I begin a portage, I am filled with absolute terror at the prospect of the portage ahead. Believe me, I love a challenge, but oftentimes it feels like portaging is my limit. Whenever I feel apprehensive or put down by the upcoming ordeal, I will myself to imagine myself at the ‘finish line’. ‘I will complete this,’ I say to myself, ‘I know I’ll make it there, so just imagine yourself there and soon enough, you’ll arrive.’ It seems like a cheap tactic, like it’s easier said than done, but it has truly helped me in my life even outside of portages. And I mean, We’ve all been there, we’ve all had something that we have to do that we dread. Whether you have a test, or a game, or a long and grueling practice, try to imagine yourself afterwards: discussing answers, celebrating a job well done, or re-hydrating after sprints. Imagine yourself in where you can be, and where you inevitably will be, and you can get through this. This is a synthesized hope, a way to reinvigorate yourself and push forward. I call this the “Be there, get there” technique. Lets apply this to my last trip’s biggest hurdle, the 5.4 kilometer portage. The day started with an hour paddle, a 90m carry, and then another hour paddle. When we got to the portage, we pulled our boats up on shore and began preparing. This is it: the 5.4k portage. I remember thinking right before that portage “Hey it's fine. Deep breaths. Just imagine, in three hours…

around 622. These conquests brought an end to the Byzantine Empire, which itself comprised the eastern remnants of the Roman Empire. So yes, we’re talking a long, long time ago. The Sinagua culture is known for its art--petroglyphs, pottery and basketry--as well as its masonry. Midway between Phoenix and Sedona, we stop at the Montezuma Castle. The Castle is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. My wife compared it to a pre-historic high-rise: five-stories of stone and…

It happened when I was taking a photo of the purple sky and two stretching lakes across the Bonney Pass in the Teton Mountains. I suddenly knew that this wonderful place had transformed me into a better person and a more confident woman. It took some courage to get to that place. Many months before, I had some fear and reluctance when submitting a lengthy application for a counsellor job at the Teton Valley Ranch Camp in Dubois, Wyoming. My stomach had that sinking feeling that I would be…

In February 1872 Mollie died giving birth to a daughter who lived only briefly. That summer Jackson was with Hayden again, this time in newly created Yellowstone National Park and in the Teton Mountains. (Jenkins, 2001) For seven years, Jackson and Hayden worked together as a team surveying and documenting the secrets of Western America, but when he published his most famous image, the Mount of the Holy Cross, the photo became popular and graced homes all over America. “For years, stories…

It’s an incredible experience. We had worked on the logistics for months, doing training hikes, planning flights, and reserving campsites, but that first view really made everything that went into the trip worth it. Things like that really can’t be captured in a picture. No matter how stunning a photograph of the Grand Canyon is, it’s nothing compared to standing on the edge of a hundred foot drop and just taking in the hugeness of one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Even my little…

There are historical landmarks and attractions visitors can see while passing through Cheyenne on their way to other destinations in Wyoming such as Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks. One of the highlighted attractions is Frontier Days; this is a well-known event that lasts ten days each year that increases the economy and social life of the community (Cheyenne City, 2018). Notable landmarks in Cheyenne are F.E. Warren Air Force Base, one of the nation’s oldest air force bases; The…

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the city that is found in a valley between the Teton Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Range, is a beautiful mountain city with many gorgeous sights and enjoyable activities. The city is located on the western side of Wyoming. The significance of Jackson Hole in the modern day is that it is a big vacation location. Many people come here every year for both summer and for winter. Skiing and Snowboarding is a huge part of this city for residents and for tourists. Not…

Synthesis Essay – General George A. Custer MSgt Andrew F. Stokes Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy General George A. Custer When we talk about General George A. Custer you may fail to realize that he was a murderer of innocent men, women and children and how his failed leadership led to his death. In this paper you will see that General Custer is not an Ethical nor Visionary Leader. First you will see that his failed visionary ability, through the lack of…

This report follows the lives of a Navajo family, Chauncey and Dorothy Neboyia. Chauncey Neboyia is from the To 'aheedliinii clan, while Dorothy Neboyia is from the Ta 'neezhaanii clan. The Neboyia 's have a belief that the earth is their mother. The earth will give them what they need to survive, which becomes their bodies. It is said that the earth, wind, and water have particular offerings to give to them and the animals. The earth, wind, and water sustain each other as well as other living…