Hey everyone!

This is Julie, finally back home after spending the summer leading trips in California. I must say, it is great to be back with the Internet IV once again. Not only have I finally renewed my license, but also I have caught up with all the new things going on in and around Caribou, Maine. First, the City (yes, it is technically the City of Caribou) is repaving part of Main Street, which has caused zero traffic disruption because there isn't enough traffic to make a difference. Second, this weekend is the Annual Ploye Festival. The highlight of this is that the "World's Largest Ploye" was baked last night. Since most people don't even know what ployes are (a countrified version of the French crepe, the elusive ploye is a spongy, buckwheat pancake), it strikes me as fairly easy to make the world's largest. Third... Hmm, third. Well, my parents bought new towels.

But, back to the more interesting topics. My summer was awesome, but incredibly taxing on my psyche and patience. Some of the issues 14-17- year olds come up with are nothing short of baffling. No one died, though, and everyone seemed to have a good time, so I consider that a success. Each trip convened in San Francisco, and after a night in a campsite near Oakland, we drove east over Sonora Pass to remote Bridgeport, CA. The rest of the trip was separated into a 2-day shakedown backcountry, an 8-day backcountry, a nice break with 2 days of white water rafting with ARTA (Sam Welch's family's company), and then a summit attempt on Mt. Shasta. We ended by driving back down the Central Valley to San Francisco for a night on Fisherman's Wharf. The Sierras are gorgeous! We were hiking north of Yosemite and, unfortunately, missed all of the Valley's sights, but it was still my favorite part of the trip.



My photos are probably more interesting: http://picasaweb.google.com/juliemcarson
Check them out if you are so inclined. There are definitely a lot. And a lot of kids you won't recognize.



Next up is a week-long vacation in Acadia. The last time I was there, I was visiting one of my friends on the Cranberry Isles and ended up sleeping next to a paved walking path atop Cadillac Mountain for lack of overnight accommodations. I anticipate that this will be much nicer. After that, Mark and I are moving in to our apartment in New Haven. Can't wait to buy my first can of pepper spray, huzzah! ...Just kidding. Kind of. But seriously, if anyone is in the area and wants to visit or needs a place to crash, you are absolutely welcome (and encouraged) to visit!

Adios!
Julie