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This year's Pirate Adventure trip to Panama was the most strenuous trip yet attempted by this group of
intrepid Prep explorers. Lead by Prep science teacher Mr. Michael Metelsky, eight students including seniors Michael Corsello, John Hoyt, Patrick Finnegan, Chris Miller, George McKeon, and
juniors Ryan Ripp, Alex Betz, and Thomas Hathaway climbed, hiked, repelled, paddled, and explored this tropical paradise.Highlights of the trip included kayaking the Panama Canal, mountain
biking in the rainforest, white water rafting, waterfall repelling, river tubing, snorkeling coral reefs, and zip lining through the forest canopy. The ultimate challenge of the trip was a one
day climb of the Baru Volcano, the highest peak in Panama. With a 2 AM start the group set off to reach the summit of this 11,400 foot mountain. With a sense of unbelievable accomplishment (and
fatigue) the summit was reached 7.5 hours later. The elation quickly faded as the group realized there was still an 8.5 mile hike back down! The groups overnight stay in an Embera Indian
village was a humbling experience, sharing culture with a group of people who live in the same manner as their ancestors have for centuries. And now, while the group rests sore feet and
overworked muscles plans are being made for next year's incredible adventure!
[photos: M. Metelsky] |
