The Third Day at Cardigan Mountain
by Ryan L.
Green Group, D1B4
On October 4th, 2019, half of the 7th grade of HMHS woke up later than expected. Although they woke up late, everyone hurried and the people in question were soon at breakfast, clothed in warm socks, shirts, and pants. After breakfast, everyone grabbed their hiking boots, jackets, rain pants and backpacks. Each hiking group met up in its spot to discuss the day ahead. Garrett decided that they were going to hike for a bit. Half an hour later, the group came across a stream, and they were told to be careful with their environment. Garrett stopped his group and told them what they would do next - a stream study.
“Take these nets and petri dishes, and whenever you find something, put it in a dish and name it,” he directed.
After splitting up, each small group got a net and headed upstream or downstream. Some of the students that held the nets didn’t have the patience to check under every rock in the stream and gave the nets away. It did not help when the cold water soaked everything, and once something was wet, nothing could dry it. A few kids gave up and just ran around in their boots, and that included through the stream. Hours later, they realized their mistake, and what a mistake. At lunch, everyone gathered by the stream bank and ate sandwiches they made. Soon enough, everyone finished with the stream study and they had to leave. They looked back at where they had been for an hour-they would have memories of the interaction for a long time. It wasn’t too long before the group came along another stream. This one collected in a pool, with leaves on it, floating lightly on the surface. After sketching the surrounding area, the group moved on. Time to go home, and that meant taking the bus. Waiting for the bus felt bittersweet, and the bus arrived soon after the group got there. Everyone got on the bus, and then they left.