While on their trips, the campers and staff write down thoughts and experiences in a common journal that is sent to everyone at the end of the summer. These excerpts put into words heartfelt thoughts about the unique experience one comes away with from a Tamarack Travel Trip.

We made it to Colorado!!  Today was our first dayhike.  It was to Emerald Lake.  The hike was so beautiful.  We stopped along the way for lots of pictures and at the top for lunch before hiking back to the trailhead.  Tonight we went to this huge field that is near our campsite.  We hung out around the campfire and played Frisbee.  It was such a cool backdrop with the snowcapped mountains surrounding the field.  It was incredible!!!  I can't wait for the rest of the trip.

I can't believe Alaska is coming to an end.  It completely boggles my mind how our summer came and left so soon.  I would love to thank everyone for making the summer my favorite one so far, even better than last year, which I thought would be impossible to ever beat.  I have had a so much fun with everyone.  We have helped each other get through the most physical challenges ever as well as emotional.  The experiences we have had together are unforgettable.  The laughter we have shared is unheard of…thanks for everything guys.

Today we took a hike to Glacier Gorge and Loch Vail in the Rocky Mountain National Park.  The mountains were incredible.  I was so excited to be here.  The hike was challenging, but we made it to this incredible river and ate lunch.  I think it's really cool how basically everyone is getting along after only 4 days on the road.  I am really excited for our backcountry trip on Friday.  I think it will be a great way to get to know everyone better.  I really like the staff on our trip.  This trip has totally exceeded my expectations.  I am already having the best time of my life.  I know it can only get better.

This trip had a big influence on me. I listened to myself, and I really pushed myself. I think we achieved more than completing a trip; we achieved respect, tolerance and supported one another. That's what impacted me.  I'm so grateful I was part of all of this. I'm sad to say goodbye.  But I'm taking memories with me and everyone has left a footprint in my heart. My Tamarack Alaskan Adventure will ALWAYS be a part of me. I'm such a lucky child to have experienced this trip. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.  I'm gonna go now, see you next summer as T.S.S. with much love for Kesugi, Chilkoot, all of you, our incredible staff and all the amazing places we went to. I love you guys always and forever.

We woke up pretty early today.  We wanted to get a morning start for The Narrows.  This was a pretty fun day.  The Narrows were absolutely incredible.  We hiked through the chilling water, sometimes chest-high for a few miles.  The scenery was amazing.  The red, orange and tan mountains towered over us.  Occasionally waterfalls would trickle down the sides.  There were little crevices in the rock we could crawl into.  The water felt good because it was so hot.  After going upstream for a while and playing in the rapids, we stopped for lunch. The way back to the bus was much more fun.  We went DOWNSTREAM and the current pulled us some, so it was much easier. 

I sought many things on this trip and I found that I discovered very few and left with more than I did before. But if any group lesson could be learned it's that when 12 people stand on the top of a mountain no two see the same thing, we all see 12 different things. The nature is different for us all. For some it is for beauty and some brassy risks and still others the accomplishment. But as we all turn to descend the other side our natures collide and we all trudge toward a common goal. If only for but a second our souls are connected then we have made the best of it and we are truly blessed. Our souls will meet again as our natures collide.