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Scarsdale Teen Concludes Wilderness Studies In The Rockies

SCARSDALE, N.Y. – A Scarsdale teenager has returned home after spending a semester braving the elements and completing a wilderness expedition in the Rocky Mountains with the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Scarsdale teenager Melissa Wishner finishing her NOLS trip.

Scarsdale teenager Melissa Wishner finishing her NOLS trip.

Photo Credit: Contributed
During the trip, the Scarsdale native trekked through some of the most impressive terrain in America.

During the trip, the Scarsdale native trekked through some of the most impressive terrain in America.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Scarsdale native Melissa Wishner spent a semester in the Rockies.

Scarsdale native Melissa Wishner spent a semester in the Rockies.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Melissa Wishner, from Scarsdale, learning rock climbing techniques during her NOLS trip.

Melissa Wishner, from Scarsdale, learning rock climbing techniques during her NOLS trip.

Photo Credit: Contributed
The Scarsdale teenager learned valuable survival skills.

The Scarsdale teenager learned valuable survival skills.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Melissa Wishner, 18, entered the National Outdoor Leadership (NOLS) program in the fall of last year, and has spent the semester hiking, canoeing, living off the land and learning how to fend for herself in the wilderness.

The semester kicked off in the Rocky Mountains, with a 20-day hiking, backpacking and camping voyage to the Popo Aggie and Bridger wilderness in Wyoming, including a trek to the 13,000-foot high Wind River Peak and famous Cirque of the Towers. During the initial trip, Wishner and her classmates learned how to read topographical maps, cook on minute backpacking stoves and the seven “Leave No Trace” principles.

Following the hiking expedition, students went on a 30-day canoeing course in the Dark Canyon region, where they were taught how to rappel in and out of slot canyons, passing packs along narrow ledges and managing perilous terrain while dealing with limited rations of food. During the 150-mile trek, students were let out on their own for independent expeditions.

At the Red Rocks in Nevada, Wishner was trained in rock climbing for several weeks, learning a variety climbing skills and techniques that include traditional, sport and top rope climbing.

To conclude their semester, as a final exam, students went through an arduous 12-day winter camping trip in the Absorka Mountain Range in Wyoming. Wishner and her classmates traversed through more than three feet of snow on skis and built “intricate snow shelters, called quigloos,” to help protect them from the elements and wind. During the trip, they were educated in emergency avalanche and terrain management.

 

 

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