Freedom Mountain Academy

Expedition Three by Liam L.

2011-12-15T15:37:00.001-05:00

Expedition three started out with warm temperatures and clear skies. After a four-mile hike, at 12:50 p.m., we arrived at our first camp, Upper Birch Branch, which was tucked into a dense rhododendron thicket.

My tent partner, Jordan, and I woke up on day two at 6:20 a.m. to scattered clouds, and I was grateful that the rain had not yet hit us. Later that day, in warm sunny weather, we set off on a seven-mile hike, which took us up to Abingdon Gap. We crossed the AT and headed downhill to where our campsites spread out below us. We would stay there for the next three days.

On day three it began to rain, but Jordan and I still enjoyed making doughnuts that satisfied us in the field. That day at rally we learned about the Beaufort scale and wind chill.

On day four we awoke to the unpleasant gift of a soaked tent, which was getting even wetter from the steady downpour of rain, but the good news was we had coals left over to start our fire. The rain stopped in time for our 1:00 p.m. class and the three-leg compass hike below the AT. Later that day it started pouring again, and evening classes were canceled; that night, once again, we enjoyed a dinner of lentils and rice.

The fifth day started at 7:30 a.m. when we awoke to an unexpected carpet of snow making that morning’s fire awfully hard to start. We left Abingdon Gap at 11:00 a.m. and hiked to our next camp. Passing the midway mark to Damascus lifted all of our spirits on that cold day. That evening it cleared up, and we were able to dry out all our gear.

On day six, Jordan and I woke up at 7:10 a.m., excited to go home. That morning’s fire burst into warm flames that sent the freezing cold weather out of my mind. We discussed how we couldn’t wait for the Parmesan chicken awaiting us back at the school. At 9:30 a.m., we had a first-aid class and learned how to make splints. We also met a southbound AT hiker named Eddie, who had 460 miles to go to complete the AT. At 11:30 a.m. we hiked out and arrived in Damascus at 1:20 p.m., where we were treated to cold sodas provided by Mr. Mike. At 2:47 p.m. the wonderful yellow school bus picked us up and took us back to FMA. This expedition taught me a lot about camping in cold weather.

You Wish You Could by Carlisle W.

2011-12-15T15:35:00.000-05:00

You think it’s all fun and games, but only parts of it actually are. You want to throw a 40-pound backpack on your back, because it sounds nice; well, it’s not. I bet you enjoy going without a shower for long periods of time too, right? How about lentils and rice to eat morning, noon, and night? Or maybe a frozen pair of boots waiting for you in the morning?

Although now it sounds bad, it has its positives as well. How about a hot drink while sitting around a warm fire? Catching crawdads in a clear mountain stream, or learning how to save lives in the middle of nowhere?

It’s really not that bad at all, and I wish you were right here with me.

The Last Leaf by Jacob C.

2011-12-15T15:34:00.000-05:00

With a flurry of motion, the leaf plummeted toward earth.

It fell soundlessly with a quiet disregard for what it was to become.

When it reached the moist duff, it labored for its last breath.

“I held on as long as I could, and now I shall melt away to nothing.”

As its vibrant colors faded away, it was lulled into becoming new soil.

The Donut by Jordan B.

2011-12-15T15:24:00.000-05:00

During work chores last Friday, Mr. Mike, Carlisle, and I created a compost pile donut. From the very start, I could tell it would be the most amazing donut ever to have been seen by human eyes. It is four feet high, big enough to sit in, and made of tasty ingredients like cow, pig, horse, and chicken manure with the crispy addition of leaves, dirt, ash, and hay.

When we were finished building our glorious donut, it was spectacular, and the ash on top shone like powdered sugar. I knew I had to get inside it, but this was a mistake because the second I stepped over the side and crouched down in the middle, the fresh air vanished and was replaced by the overwhelming odor of animal waste. It got even worse when my back tapped against the side, causing about a pound of manure to fall right over my head and down the back of my shirt all the way to my shoes.

After freaking out, and having my picture taken, I left to go shower. That day proved what you have seen in robot movies and have heard about all genius inventions. That is, that your most magnificent creations will betray you and will usually win. I leave you with this lesson: Even powerful, beautiful, wonderful, awesome compost piles can hurt you. Never underestimate a donut.

Floor Crew by Jordan L.

2011-12-15T15:22:00.000-05:00

The floor crew completes many jobs, but first let me introduce the members of the crew: Liam, Edo, Carlisle, Jordan L. (That’s me.), and, last but not least, Mr. Dan.

Every morning, after breakfast, the floor crew eliminates harmful bacteria and dust that can cause a variety of illnesses. There are nine different components to this “wonderful” job. First, we split into two groups. Mr. Dan and Edo are one group, and Liam, Carlisle, and I are the second group. Mr. Kevin is his own group, and he cleans the bathroom. Group one takes the dining area, and group two takes the classroom. The first thing we do is sweep the floors, then we get down on our hands and knees and clean them with rags and steaming hot water. Once these tasks are complete, we take the chairs off the tables and wipe the tables down with clean rags.

While the rest of us are doing all this, our lamp guy, Carlisle, takes the lamps that are low on kerosene outside into the cold weather, and refills them. Once he is finished with that, we carefully put two lamps on each of the desks in the classroom.

When Ms. Margaret, who is on the kitchen dish crew with Jacob and Joshua, has finished washing the lamp chimneys, we dry them and put them back on the lamps. One of us wipes down the chalkboard, and, last but not least, someone sweeps the floor mats.

We are very fast, so all of this only takes about twenty minutes. When it’s all said and done, I think floor crew is the best crew and the fastest at germ killing overall!

Reading for Pleasure by Edo D.

2011-12-15T15:20:00.000-05:00

I read a book, and enjoyed it. It was the book Midnight, by Dean Koontz, a brilliant piece of writing that takes advantage of the reader’s imagination to provide thrills. It was an interesting commentary on man’s advances in technology, but perhaps the reason I enjoyed it so much was because it was one of the first books I had read for enjoyment since the prior school year.

I’ve never been someone who reads a lot. Almost every book I’ve ever read has been an assignment for school, so, in the past, I never read for pleasure. Why would I bother to read a book when I have the Internet and television at my disposal? I wouldn’t.

During this school year, many of the activities of the “outside world” are unavailable to me. This has forced me to make adjustments in a number of areas of my life, including entertainment. I can no longer check Facebook whenever I please, or slothfully sit in front of the television for hours at a time. So, perhaps out of desperation, I have found myself reading on the weekends, and during my free time. This is something that would have been inconceivable to me a mere three months ago. Could it be that being away from home, and my electronics, has done me good? It’s a scary thought.

Reading Midnight has reminded me why literature is so important. It is an effective tool to convey the message the author wants to share using artistry.

I particularly like books like Midnight because the author does not only rely on his own vision to amuse the audience; instead he engages the reader’s imagination to provide entertainment while still expressing the ideas he wants to convey.

Since I have discovered the joy of reading, I can now utilize this tool to grow in wisdom and develop ideals through reading. I can build a stronger self. Books have done this for me and they can do the same for all the sluggish American children who are still glued to the TV screen.

Movie Review: The Patriot by Ralph R.

2011-12-15T15:17:00.000-05:00

The Patriot, directed by Mel Gibson, is not only an inspiring, one-of-a-kind, film, but is also very educational. The movie portrays realistic values held in 1783 during the Revolutionary War in South Carolina, and also how people acted, lived, fought, and, through superior acting, how they interacted with one another.

The battle scenes are graphic, and Mel Gibson and the other wonderful actors, document a period in history in such a way that I often felt like I was participating in it. The Patriot is a work of fiction so some of the more horrible crimes portrayed were also fictional, but the story takes place against a backdrop of events, which absolutely did happen.

I strongly recommend this outstanding movie, because it provides an educational lesson in history, and will almost certainly leave you feeling more patriotic than before.

Book Review: Bone by Joshua B.

2011-12-15T15:10:00.000-05:00

Bone is a graphic novel in which Dragons with goatees smoke, and “stupid, stupid rat creatures” try to eat “small mammals.”

When cousins Fone, Smiley, and Phoney Bone are chased out of Boneville, because of Phone’s scheme to build an orphanage on a hazardous waste landfill, they become involved in an epic story.

After a giant cloud of locusts separates the cousins, and winter literally falls out of the sky in one giant lump, Fone meets Thorne and her grandmother, Gran’ma Ben, and stays with them in their valley home near the village of Barrelhaven.

The Bones are reunited in the spring, just in time to find themselves in the middle of a huge war between the king of the Rat Creatures, and the residents of the valley who turn out to be a lot more than they first seemed to be.

Bone is sometimes very funny, and at other times suspenseful and exciting. I recommend it to all fans of graphic novels and great storytelling.

Expedition Two by Jordan L.

2011-11-02T09:47:00.000-04:00

The second expedition was a 15-mile trip up Gentry Creek to the Tri-State in the Appalachian Mountains. On day one I woke up to a cool, but sunny morning, and ate a good breakfast at the school. Then I boarded the bus for a short ride to Star Gap Road, where we were dropped off to begin our adventure. A few miles up Gentry Creek, we stopped and set up our first camp. We had some classes and then went to bed.

On day two I woke up to another nice morning, and got the fire going so that my tent partner, Liam, and I could cook oatmeal. After our hot meal, we packed up and hiked farther up the creek to our next camp. There we took a short hike up to Kate Branch to do some rappelling. The rappelling was very exciting, but also scary. I felt like I was about to fall off the rock. After rappelling, we headed back to camp to eat supper and relax.

On day three I woke up to a crisp blue sky. I packed up the tent, and Liam got breakfast going over a nice warm fire. After that, we hiked up the creek, over Gentry Falls, and on to our next camp. We settled in and had some first-aid classes.

On day four, I woke up feeling very sick. I tried to eat some oatmeal, but it made me feel even worse. After breakfast, we took a hike up to the Tri-State area where Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia come together. The weather was nasty and cold, so after eating lunch at the Tri-State we headed back to camp. That night I threw up on my sleeping bag, and after I tossed it outside, tried to sleep in the freezing tent with nothing warm. I was very cold and didn’t get much sleep.

On day five, I woke up feeling much better, but still cold. We were given a rest day, and would head back to the school from that camp rather than moving on to the next one. I gathered wood and kept warm by the fire, and then got back into my tent and slept for almost sixteen hours!

On day six, we packed up and hiked down the trail in warm weather to Star Gap Road, where we saw the bus waiting for us. I was so grateful for it. It had been a long trip, and we were finally heading back to the school, and some really good chicken!

Idea of the Month by Jacob C.

2011-11-02T09:44:00.000-04:00

I started writing my article about a flowery quote and a hopeful message, but what’s the point in that?

I tried again, writing about a dazzling yet unrealistic idea meant to make your heart melt and tears fall. But again, what’s the point?

How many times in life have I awoken in the morning hoping that it might be the last time? That just maybe the silence would envelop me so there would be no need to face the day with false charisma and a smile?

If you haven’t already figured this out, I had some serious issues deciding what to write about. I wanted this to be honest, contemplative, and worth reading, but getting something down that applied wholeheartedly was really difficult.

So, I went with the basics: “Life is difficult.”

Here at FMA I’m reading a book by M. Scott Peck called The Road Less Traveled, in which the very first line is, “Life is difficult.”

Before going into more profound ideas about love, religion, philosophy, etc… wouldn’t it be nice to start from the beginning and comprehend that life isn’t always going to be what I want it to be? Life isn’t always beautiful, and no one ever has or ever will offer any guarantees.

Every single day is chock full of difficult circumstances and hardships. It’s how I choose to handle them that makes me who I am.

Knowing the truth about this allows me to transcend it, meaning that as soon as I come to understand and accept that life is difficult, then life is no longer difficult. Being alive is a series of complex issues, and whether or not I would like to whine about them or try to solve them is up to me. This idea is important to me because facing the circumstances of life will require me to prepare myself well, and the more prepared I am the more powerful I become.

Farm Crew by Ralph R.

2011-11-02T09:42:00.000-04:00

The farm crew, consisting of myself and Jordan B., is the heart and soul of Freedom Mountain Academy. No other job on the FMA campus plays such an important role. The realization of the necessity of the job did not come to me until just recently. I used to believe that floor crew and kitchen crew were just as important, but little did I know.

Farm crew provides many things, such as eggs, wood, and food for the animals. Without Jordan and me performing these tasks, there is a strong likelihood we would all suffer to some extent.

Providing the eggs is vital because they bring us valuable nutrients and also make very tasty breakfasts. These eggs are collected each morning by either Jordan or me.

Wood, for those of you who don’t know, allow the kitchen crew to cook, and the floor crew to be comfortable while they are cleaning. It also keeps us all warm during harsh weather.

Providing food for the animals is one of the more difficult farm crew jobs. It requires either Jordan or me to take the leftover food collected from FMA meals to the pigs. Without this job being done, there would be no happy pigs, which would result in bad meals.

In my previous work experience, I have never played such a crucial role. Looking at FMA metaphorically, as a vehicle, the wood alone would account for the engine, the heater, and the radio. Without Jordan and me, we would all die of either starvation or hypothermia.

So the next time you are bragging about your job at FMA, just remember that Jordan and I are providing the most important service. Floor crew temporarily seizes dirt, but farm crew keeps the heart pumping at FMA. Farm crew eliminates death.

Soul Mining by Mitch D.

2011-11-02T09:40:00.000-04:00

Soul mining is a process. I present a topic and then explore all sides of the argument with as much objectivity as I can.

For this article I am examining the reason I am at FMA. Is it to benefit me or to punish me?

The argument for punishment is this: Because I have been a malicious demon of a child I must be sent away for punishment. I have thought it extreme, being thrust out of my world into one so strange. I have been rebellious, dishonest, and uncooperative towards my parents, and I have turned away any help that was offered. Clearly this cannot go unpunished.

The argument for benefit is: Being here is an opportunity, and I must take advantage of it. My parents made the decision to send me to FMA, but it is a decision that benefits me. When I acknowledge that I need to change, and actually do the work to make the changes, I will find myself much much better.

The side I have chosen is to benefit from the experience. First I must look at those areas of my life that need improvement, and then I must do what is necessary to improve them, so I will receive the maximum benefit from my experience.

Harvesting Chickens by Liam L.

2011-11-02T09:38:00.000-04:00

I am a student at Freedom Mountain Academy who recently experienced a new way of living. The whole class of FMA-XII just harvested chickens for a week. By doing so, we helped prepare for winter.

The procedure consisted of de-heading the chickens, followed by feather plucking and using wax to help remove the pinfeathers. When the chickens were ready they were brought to the slaughter room where three of us finished the process by cleaning, cutting, and bagging the meat. I spent most of my time in the slaughter room cutting chickens into pieces of appropriate size for eating. Meanwhile most of the other students worked outside under the clear autumn sky, many with mixed feelings about what they were doing.

For one week, from 12:40 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., during afternoon work chores, we processed 64 chickens. This procedure showed me that eating meat is not just about going to the store to buy it. I also learned what chicken body parts look and feel like. Although it was pretty gross, I know that it had to be done in order to enjoy the fresh meat on my plate.

Oddball by Carlisle W.

2011-11-02T09:36:00.000-04:00

It all started when I saw an oddly shaped item wrapped in blue giftwrap on Christmas morning. I opened it first, and to my surprise, it was a shiny, silver, brand new unicycle.

At the time I was thirteen. I was so sure I could ride it like a bike, but boy was I wrong! After a few attempts, I gave up and let it gather dust for three years.

I finally decided to pull it out the summer I turned sixteen. It was all because my very good friend, Morgan Eddy was a pro on the unicycle, and, although she doesn’t know it, I was very jealous.

I would practice during any free moment, holding onto a small wall where I could try to keep my balance. I was starting to get the hang of it when I was sent to my first boarding school. I couldn’t practice riding my unicycle there, so once again it gathered dust for a year.

When I came home, without skipping a beat, I was back at it again. Morgan and I worked together hour after hour until I finally got the hang of it. On break, I plan on taking my first ride with Morgan.

Life Without Girls by Jordan B.

2011-11-02T09:34:00.001-04:00

It is my opinion that here at FMA, I am both more restless and more true. This is happening because this year, the student body is made up entirely of boys.

Life without girls is much different than I would have thought. It has changed the way I act and my general attitude overall. At first I thought that there would be less complaining and more efficient work and hiking. It was incredible how wrong I was. In the absence of girls, I think we found no reason to attempt to impress each other with our extreme manliness. So, the next thing I knew, I was in a group complaining about the hiking, the weather, the work, and pretty much every other thing you can imagine.

I have noticed that without girls we all seem more willing to just be ourselves and get to know each other better. There is less fighting over pointless or ridiculous stuff. While that may not seem like much, it does seem to make a huge difference. I don’t know if anyone else feels this way, its just something I’ve noticed.

There are downsides of not having any girls around. For example, when I’m actually trying to study, I seem to get sidetracked more easily than when I study with girls. When I’m studying with a girl, I can stay on topic and get the work done. Also, I find it easier to talk to girls about problems I’m having because, in my experience, they are more understanding.

So far the school year has been going pretty well. Although I think I might enjoy it more if there were girls here, in their absence, I have grown closer to the other guys, which I hope will create greater bonds of friendship in the long run.

Book Review: Leviathan by Joshua B.

2011-11-02T09:32:00.000-04:00

In a world where whales are airships and storm walkers are real, the adventure begins in 1905. Join Deryn Sharp and Alek, the son of Archduke Ferdinand, in this amazing book called Leviathan.

Deryn wants to join the Royal Air Force, but in order to do so she must pretend to be a boy named Dylan. During training a freak storm causes her ship (which is actually a giant jellyfish) to crash, and she joins the crew of the Leviathan, a massive airship, which is actually a whale.

Meanwhile, Alek, who is on the run after his parents are killed, is hiding out in the Swiss Alps. When the Leviathan is attacked by German airplanes, it crash lands near where Alek is hiding, and he, against orders, helps the survivors of the crash, including Deryn. Despite his good intentions, Alek is captured by the crew of the Leviathan, and when his own crew comes to rescue him, it seems that fighting will break out.

What happens next, I am just going to let you find out for yourself, in this exciting book by Scott Westerfeld. I give Leviathan five stars out of five.

Movie Review: The Pianist by Edo D.

2011-11-02T09:29:00.000-04:00

Something that we can feel comfortable about when watching horror films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre or The Shining is that we can always pull back and remember that its only a movie. Its not real.

The Pianist, directed by Roman Polanski, in many ways is a horror film. However, when watching this movie, the audience does not have the luxury of pulling back and forgetting about, because everything we see in The Pianist is real life. Many people may laugh at me for calling The Pianist a horror film, but will not dispute that this powerful, eye opening true story, is an exceptionally well-made film.

The Pianist follows Wladyslaw Szpilman, one of the finest pianists in Europe, from 1939 through 1945 in Warsaw, Poland as the Nazi party takes over. It could be said that The Pianist is essentially a World War II movie about the persecution of the Jews; however, I would not demean it by putting it in the same category as other WWII films. No other movie I have seen with this premise has captured the brutality and sadness of this era as well as Roman Polanski’s film does. One of the scenes I remember most vividly is one in which two German officers pick up an old man and throw him over a ten story balcony to his death.

By this point, you are probably convinced that The Pianist is purely a savage and cruel film. It is not. While it is a hard film to watch, it is a rewarding one. It has a special charm that comes in the form of music. Szpilman, the main character, is a dedicated pianist, and when the Germans take over he is forced to abandon many of the things he loves to go into hiding. He is not able to play the piano for many years, and he is seen at various times playing the “air piano.” Through all the hardships he endures, he tries to keep alive what is important.

While many films we watch today are forgotten by the time we leave the cinema, The Pianist has a lasting impact that cannot be forgotten. A perfectly crafted piece of filmmaking, I give it five stars out of five.

Expedition Eight: Levels Three and Four by Brent B.

2011-05-28T13:35:00.000-04:00

This year, expedition eight, for Level Four students, consisted of a fifty-mile hike along the AT, from Lake Watauga to the Roan Highlands. On Day One, Erin, Andrew, and I, were driven to the Shook Branch trailhead at Lake Watauga, and from there we started our seven-mile hike up to Pond Mountain. Erin led us up the mountain, which had spectacular views of the lake, and the surrounding mountains. We took a break at Pond Flats, the highest point of today’s hike, and it was there we first met other AT hikers. We started down the hill toward Laurel Branch, and reached the gorge around 1:05 p.m., where bridges led us across the river. Fifty-five minutes and one steep uphill later, we reached Laurel Forks Shelter. We were hoping to find camp spots near the shelter, but the spots appeared to be the ones behind us, and rather than hiking up the hill again the next morning, we opted to camp near the shelter. The water source was actually a waterfall, which I explored while we refilled our water bottles. Erin dropped her water bottle on the ground, which turned out to be a sunning spot for a snake. Andrew tried to catch it, but we let it get away. We said goodbye to the small waterfall, and began the short hike to Laurel Fork Falls, about a mile away. We followed the river up through the canyon to the falls, which were spectacular. They were about fifty feet high, and equally as wide. I climbed up to the top, which was a hard climb, and not really worth it since the view from below was better. After reuniting with the rest of the group, we hiked back down the canyon and up to the shelter. We sat talking at the shelter where we met a through-hiker named Prescott and had a chance to visit with him as well. After rally, we ate dinner, and I placed my sleeping pad on a flat spot by the shelter near a drop off, but I put a log next to my sleeping bag to make sure I didn’t roll off. So ended Day One.

Day Two started chilly but warmed up fast; it was a great day for our 9.8-mile hike up from Laurel Fork to the Moreland Gap area. We got out of our sleeping bags at 6:30 a.m., made breakfast, and had everything packed up by 8:00. I made a water run for the group, and then we moved out with Andrew in the lead. After an hour of hiking we reached Dennis Cove. I was disappointed that Bob Peoples’ hostel was closed that day, because ever since I had read about him on the walls of the Double Springs Shelter, I had been looking forward to meeting him. As we headed back up, we met a few more hikers going the other way. At 11:00 a.m., we reached the trail to Coon Den Falls, and met a couple more through-hikers who were traveling with their Golden Retriever. They were very nice people, and we talked with them for a while. We dropped our packs at the trailhead, and hiked a mile-and-a-half down to the falls. We spent some time down there, getting water, and I went under the falls, which would have been a nice shower if the water hadn’t been so freezing cold as it pounded down on me. Still, I was wishing I had brought my Dr. Bronner’s soap as I climbed out quickly. We hiked back up to the trailhead, put on our backpacks, and hit the trail for another three hours before we stopped for lunch at the shelter. We were on the trail that day for about eight hours, but I didn’t mind and neither did anyone else. The sights from the ridges of the towns and mountains in the distance were breathtaking. That said, the hardest uphills of the expedition, so far, were on this day, and I learned that uphills are not my friend, and neither are fallen trees in the trail which I had to climb over like a jungle gym. We arrived at our camp around 5:00 p.m., after meeting quite a few hikers headed for Moreland Gap shelter. Our campsite that night was small, and the water source was shallow and muddy, or at least it was until it started to rain. We cooked dinner and ate it during rally, and then hopped into our sleeping bags for the night.

Day Three started out terribly for me. It was freezing cold, and snowing, and, as I was packing up, I found that I had spilled my water bottle all over my side of the tent. To top it off, it was my day to lead on a 10.1-mile hike along the windy cold trail to Elk River. “Why me,” I thought to myself as I bundled up in my cold weather gear. The weather changed constantly from rain, to snow, to sunshine, which had us sweating inside our rain gear. It always seemed to start raining when we were on break. Along the trail we met Legion, who had just hiked five miles in one hour, and Hawk who adopted lost dogs along the trail, and dropped them off at the next town. We crossed two roads along the way, and stopped at Mountaineer Shelter for lunch. The shelter was a huge three-story building, unlike any of the other shelters we had passed. As I was eating lunch, I saw a quote written on the sleeping platform, which I really enjoyed:

“And the hammer fell upon the unchanged world, smashing the root of tradition. Time would settle all things, but tradition. Tradition lay disjointed, abandoned in all places but one…the white blaze. A place where those who would walk alone while others fell. Those others who would change the rules to feed the weak, those others will perish while the mountain is eternal, and we don’t forgive…”—The Rabbit

We moved out, and hiked for another hour-and-a- half until we saw the river. We arrived at camp, which was in a huge meadow. Erin got a camp at the highest point, surrounded by daffodils, while Andrew and I camped alongside the river. Andrew found some wild onions, and we roasted five of them, and cut up another three to put in our dinner. We rallied at our camp; it had stopped raining, but was still windy. In the middle of rally, our tent tried to blow away from us. The sun came out at the end of the day, as Andrew and I ate our lentils and rice with onions. We hit the hay after a nice sunset, and slept under clear skies.

Day Four began clear and cold, but with no snow on the ground. Erin was leading us on a 9.4-mile hike to Doll Flats. We moved out at 8:35 a.m., past two campers who had spent the night in the meadow and were just waking up. We hit the first uphill of the day, and arrived at Jones Falls about half an hour later. We spent around twenty minutes enjoying the falls, and then pushed on. We crossed over two roads and arrived at the top of a ridge, near a church, with incredible views. After the climb it was mostly downhill to Highway 19, where we stopped along the creek for lunch. Then it was a long uphill past Applehouse Shelter to Doll Flats, where Andrew, Erin, and I had a tent-city camp. Andrew went to take a billycan bath, and about two minutes later, we heard him yell in pain. We watched him pull a thorn out of his foot and Erin told him to wash the area and put a band-aid on it, while I laughed at the words that came out of his mouth. We ate dinner during rally, and after it was dark, got in our tent where Andrew worked on his Mountain Musings article, and I read Neverwhere out loud. I stopped reading when Andrew dozed off, and after that day’s eight-hour hike, I soon fell asleep also.

Day Five was Andrew’s day to lead again, and we started off by hiking uphill over huge boulders. After a long climb, we arrived at the top of the first of “the balds” on our hike. From there we had a 360-degree view of the surrounding towns and valleys, and a clear view of the ridgeline we would be hiking over the next day. The elevation at the top of the bald, which is called Hump Mountain, was 5,587 feet, and I felt light-headed for most of the day. Our 7.4-mile hike that day had the steepest uphills of the whole expedition, and we continued up and down for several hours before arriving at Overmountain Shelter, where we stopped for lunch. The shelter was a huge old barn, and we took some time to read the trail log, recognizing some of the names of people we had met along the trail. We continued up, and arrived at Stan Murray Shelter at 1:54 p.m. That afternoon, we rolled out our sleeping pads and read and talked in the sunshine. A through-hiker named Nocello came through and had lunch, and two other hikers came in as well. We sat around talking with them. Nocello had just had a re-supply, and we heard the story about the guy who killed and roasted a rabbit the night before, even though everyone had just feasted on pizza. Nocello told all of us to go to college - several times. Later that afternoon, Lizard, Sailor, and Thin Mint stopped in and stayed the night. We talked about plans for college and hiking the trail. They told us about some of the games they played with other hikers along the trail, like Glasses. They asked us to tell some hikers named Six String, Disco, and Blue Sky their beards were coming in nicely, if we ran into them the next day. It was well after dark when we unrolled our sleeping bags and bunked down for the night.

Day Six was our last day, and my day to lead again. We started our 3.5-mile hike uphill from the shelter to the Roan Highlands. When we reached the trail to Grassy Ridge, we met three hikers coming down. “Your beards are coming in nicely,” we told them, and they flipped out. Turns out they were Six String, Disco and Blue Sky. “Those guys got us,” they said. It was pretty funny. We left our packs along the trail and hiked up to Grassy Ridge, the highest point of our expedition. The view was magnificent. After putting on our backpacks, we continued along the ridge toward Carver’s Gap, stopping along the way to enjoy the views from each summit. At one point we pulled out our map, and using the view, we were able to trace our route almost all the way to the beginning of the expedition. We moved out one last time, and reached the parking lot just as it started to rain, but fortunately our ride back to the school arrived at the same time.

Expedition Eight was one for the books!

Tornado Relief Work by Stephanie M.

2011-05-28T13:30:00.000-04:00

On April 27th, many people lost their lives all over the Southeast as a result of numerous dangerous storms. Here in Johnson County, the hollows were hit extremely hard. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms did an unbelievable amount of damage. On the Saturday following the storms, Mr. Mike took James, William, Morgan, and me into town to begin helping with the cleanup. We moved and piled up branches from downed trees. Every day since, crews from FMA have gone out to work helping wherever it is needed.

I’m from Alabama, and knowing they were hit pretty hard had me worried about my own family. I was hoping that if something had happened to them that someone would be helping there the same way we have been helping here.

I would also like to thank my grandmother for the donation she sent to help with the relief efforts in Johnson County. The Johnson County Ministerial Alliance is collecting financial donations for people who need assistance and we all thank you so much, Granny.

Little things have made a big difference, not just for the people who have suffered, but for all of us as well. We’ve worked together as a team and we’ve brought out the best in ourselves. We’ve given some hope and joy to the people who needed help and it has given us all a heartwarming feeling to be able to contribute.

The Carter Family Fold by James D.

2011-05-28T13:26:00.000-04:00

On April 30^th we went to Hiltons, Virginia to listen to some good old-fashioned bluegrass music. The Carter Family Fold, a performance space for bluegrass music, was built by A.P Carter’s granddaughter to honor his dying wish. A native of Appalachia, and a fervent lover of its traditions and music, Carter traveled extensively through the mountains, amassing a still-legendary archive of recordings of folk and bluegrass music. Later, he along with his wife Sara and sister-in-law Maybelle, originated the singing group The Carter Family, and ensured their immortal status as the first family of bluegrass music.

Upon arriving at The Fold, we toured A.P. Carter’s house, where a gentleman told us the story of the family, and the home. Because Johnny Cash married Maybelle’s daughter June Carter, his rocking chair sits in the living room of the family home and many of us sat in it and had our pictures taken - a highlight of my night. When we finished the tour, it was time for supper: a sandwich for man and beast alike. My sandwich had egg salad, tuna salad, lettuce, tomato, mayo, chips, smoked chicken salad, and peanut butter and jelly, all on one sandwich. It was surprisingly good, and the dog that showed up and cleaned my plate, thought so too.

Around seven, we all went inside the Carter Family Fold to have a good time, listen to the music, dance a little, or just watch. Within the first few minutes of being inside, I found myself wanting to buy a hat to remember the occasion, so I did. When the music started, I overheard David ask Rachel and Erin to dance, but we did not know how to clog, so that didn’t happen right away. Around the fourth song I found myself out on the dance floor showing off my two left feet, but I was not alone, several of my classmates were out there with me. Because none of us knew what we were doing, a kind lady named Marie became our dance instructor, and showed us the basics of how to clog and dance to Cotton Eyed Joe, which was so cool!

When the night was over, and we had made it back to campus, it was close to midnight. It was a long day and night, but well worth being tired. We all agreed it was a great experience, very fun and very entertaining. My favorite part was watching the cloggers and being taught how to dance. The music was spectacular, and since the following day was my birthday I considered it my party at The Fold. This was truly an unforgettable experience.

Patriots' Day at FMA by Erin L.

2011-05-28T13:23:00.000-04:00

On April 16 and 17, FMA hosted its annual Patriots’ Day Celebration, honoring the men of Lexington and Concord in 1775, as well as others who have courageously participated in furthering individual freedom.

People began trickling in a couple of days before the event, and by Saturday afternoon,

April 16 , around forty people, including students and staff, had gathered. Around 3:00 p.m., Mr. Kevin told the story of the battles of Lexington and Concord, and then everyone had a chance to shoot a replica musket.

Afterward we set up tables for dinner, cranked homemade ice cream, and at 5:00 p.m. Ronn Neff, our wonderful emcee, called everyone inside to say grace and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the hard-working kitchen crew. After dinner, FMA staff and students moved fast to clean up in order to be ready for Ken Robbins’ keynote speech. Using experiences from his own life, he clearly communicated his concerns about our current political situation and made suggestions for alternatives.

Following Mr. Robbins’ speech, Mr. Kevin and Ms. Patricia presented The Lexington and Concord Awards. One of the recipients wasn’t there, but one of them was Mr. Robbins’ mother Anne Cleveland, and it was wonderful to see her face when her name was called.

To finish up the night, there was an interesting panel discussion, where five people addressed the way in which they “draw the line” in their own lives regarding individual freedom vs. political interference. This was followed by ice cream and delicious apple and colonial pies.

The next morning, Andrew, Rachel, Stephanie, David, Brent, William, and I presented the papers we had prepared from ideas presented in our daily History class that we had been writing and practicing for several weeks. Around 2:00 p.m., most people had departed and we had our last dance class with Mr. Ronn at 3:00 p.m. He had given us several dance lessons over the preceding days, and we had learned the waltz, the foxtrot, and the swing. I loved learning how to dance, and my favorite was the swing because the guys spin the girls a lot!

Sunday evening we all dressed up and put our social skills to the test with an evening of dance, visiting, and special refreshments. It was hard to believe the weekend had come and gone so fast! I had a great time learning about the history and ideas behind the FMA celebration of Patriots’ Day, more about personal freedom, and, especially, my first formal dance.

FMA-XI's Three Most Important Ideas by Andrew S.

2011-05-28T13:19:00.000-04:00

While not everyone agreed, the following ideas were selected, through popular vote, by the students as the most important ideas learned at Freedom Mountain Academy this year.

“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” —Jesus

To truly better myself I have to know the truth about myself. This applies to habits I have developed, because if I don’t know the truth I will continue to be a “slave” to my bad habits. Once I confront the truth about my habits, I can “set myself free of them.”

The Six Stoic Virtues:
My word is my bond.

I limit my desires.

I practice thrift.

I practice non-complaint.

I practice mercy.

We learned the Stoic virtues in History class, and after pondering them I have found that they have a quality I find appealing. If I practice these virtues, life’s problems won’t seem so large anymore. If I limit my desires and practice thrift, right there my financial problems are solved. If I practice mercy, I won’t hold grudges against people I don’t like. If I seek good hard work and practice non-complaint, then my work will not be something I try to avoid. These ideas will help me in life, and keep me from getting into trouble.

The Virtue of Detachment

This is a simple yet powerful idea. It teaches me not to react or talk back immediately after something is said or done to me that I don’t like. Using detachment I can learn to restrain myself by first acknowledging how I feel, instead of trying to deny it, by asking myself, “What do I feel about this,” and “What do I want to do?” After accepting how I feel and what I want to do in the moment, I discipline myself to ask, “Is it right,” “Will it help anyone,” and “Is it the best that I can do?” If the answer to any of these questions is no, I must choose to do something else. Using this virtue will help me overcome the temptation to engage in impulsive reactions and will help me avoid conflict.

The Future of FMA-XI by Isaac S.

2011-05-28T13:16:00.000-04:00

While at FMA, I’ve learned to look into the future instead of just focusing on the present. As the school year draws to a close, I find myself asking, “What’s next?” Sure, it’s easy to know what I’m doing near at the end of the 2010-2011 school year, but after that it is more of an unanswered question. After asking around, I picked up a few ideas from the other students, and then thought to myself, “Okay, now what do I want?”

Here are a few things my fellow students and I are planning for the future:

Morgan is planning to get a job, save money to visit Italy, and find and buy her own car. (I recommended a Chevy. They’re good.)

Erin plans to study medicine and become a surgeon. She also plans to hike the AT with her family.

James is going to work as an auto mechanic and save money to buy his own house, and to prepare for unexpected situations.

Brent either wants to work for Sony or in surf shop this summer, and eventually to hike the AT.

Stephanie is aiming to graduate from college, build a stronger relationship with her family, and go camping often.

Will wants to go the New York Military Academy, and then John Jay School of Criminal Justice to become a policeman or detective.

Andrew wants to earn a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, get a job as a game warden or park ranger, and hike the AT.

David wants to graduate from college with a minor in Psychology, but hasn’t made up his mind about a major because he doesn’t yet know what he wants to do after college.

Kelsey wants to graduate from college, buy her own house, and write historical fiction.

Rachel wants to become a street performer, complete the junior Iditarod, go to medical school, and become an Ob/Gyn.

Last but not least, I want to summit Denali, go to veterinary college, work as a vet, and visit foreign countries.

All of the students’ objectives are possible, and I wish them all well in reaching them. Also Erin, Andrew, and Brent, call me before you start hiking the AT. I just might want to join.

My Year at FMA by William H.

2011-05-28T13:14:00.000-04:00

My year at FMA was a good one. I learned a lot about myself and others; our strengths and our weaknesses, but overall I enjoyed my time here.

When I first got here, I was shy, but over time I overcame it. The first three days were a big change. Getting up at 5:30 a.m. for our first class at 6:15 a.m. was not the best. But I managed, and even to this day, I’ve never been late getting up. Close, maybe, but not late. I learned to establish a daily routine fairly early.

On the third day, we left for expedition. Oh, man, I did not want that day to come. But it did, and the eleven of us set out. The expedition was fun, and I learned a lot about myself, and my tent partner Brent. I also learned that after six days in the wilderness, chicken never tasted so good!

The year went on. There were more expeditions, and more chicken. I learned that my abilities were greater than I had given myself credit for. But when I got used to FMA, I started to slack off, and didn’t focus on my work. My homework started to slip, and I started to gain weekend work hours. Rapidly. The highest number of hours I accumulated was forty-nine. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think I could accumulate that many within two weeks. My actions brought me the consequence of Academic Room Time (ART). This was an extreme let down for me. I had to work outside, and missed out on classes. In the afternoon I had to copy notes and keep up on the homework. This went on until I worked off my hours. Slowly I achieved my goal, but I still had the idea that doing homework was beneath me. And I slipped again, and ended up back on ART. Mr. Dan came to me to talk about it, but I yelled at him, I was so upset. I didn’t want to listen, but he let me yell, and after that day of yelling at him, I remember him saying “This is all to help you learn.”

Again, I achieved my way out of my room, and now I’m doing well enough, actually better than that, I haven’t missed an assignment, and I’m having the best time out of ART. I have achieved my goal, and I’m finishing the year out of my room. I gained so much. I have the willingness to actually do my homework, and it’s so important that I keep this habit.

I experienced both sides of everyone here, good and bad. I learned what some people can handle and what some people can’t. I learned I can’t always be around people, but when I am alone, I can’t stand it. Sometimes I have to rely on others, and my friends here will look after me. We all have our limits, but we can get beyond them, and even though we get ticked off at each other, all of us get over it and are one huge group that cares about each other. I learned so much about people, and gradually the mask I had on when I came here slowly came off. Now I can be myself, while also holding on to some things that are private. Overall I have learned that I can be a member of what I call my family of FMA.

On expeditions, I learned more about myself. I learned things that I never even considered about myself. I learned I had strength I never knew. It was amazing to know, coming from the city, that I could go out for six days with a pack on my back, and hike The Appalachian Trail, The Iron Mountain Trail, and The Virginia Creeper Trail. I gained muscle, and I lost weight, and I learned that even when I feel like giving up on something, I can put my mind to it and finish, and achieve my goal. That applies to all things in my life, and I won’t ever forget my sticking to the hike, and not giving up, because that required a true strength that I always had, but never used. I discovered it, and I am stronger than I was before I came to FMA.

FMA-XI's Favorite Movies by David K.

2011-05-28T06:46:00.000-04:00

Over the school year at FMA, we have watched movies almost every weekend. I have surveyed my fellow classmates and here are the three movies that emerged as the favorites.

The Patriot

The Patriot is a heart-warming movie, directed by and starring Mel Gibson, set during the Revolutionary War, which shows that sometimes freedom is worth the fight. Benjamin Martin, played by Gibson, tries to keep his family out of the war, but when his oldest son joins the militia, Martin gets dragged into the war trying to protect him. When one of his other sons is killed, Martin exacts revenge on the killer. This movie was chosen because it was a well-done war movie, and an enjoyable presentation of how our nation won its independence from England.

Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man is an inspiring movie that takes place during the great depression. James Braddock, the lead, is a boxer who risks life and limb to get to the top, so he can feed his family. This movie was chosen because it illustrates what a man could do, without breaking the law, when he becomes desperate enough.

Braveheart

Braveheart takes place in medieval times and is a realistic portrayal of the Scottish rebellion against British tyranny. William Wallace, the lead, played by Mel Gibson, exacts revenge upon the British for killing his wife, and oppressing his fellow countrymen. Some students loved this movie, because, well, they found Mel Gibson to be extremely attractive, while others chose it because it showed resistance to tyranny. The main reason it was chosen though, is because it had an exciting storyline.

FMA-XI's Favorite Books by Kelsey S.

2011-05-28T06:44:00.000-04:00

I surveyed the students to find out which three books they enjoyed reading the most this year. I ended up having to choose four because of contrasting opinions.

Red Sky at Morning, by Richard Bradford

We read this in class recently as one of our literature books, and it had an overwhelming majority of the votes. It follows Josh, a seventeen-year-old boy who grows into a man during the course of one year. The story follows him as he moves from Alabama to New Mexico, and up to the time he joins the army. We all felt sorrow for him when his father died and his mother lost her mind, and we felt frustration with the leech-like family friend who came to stay and never left. Yet, everyone laughed out loud when Josh and his good friend drank too much on New Year’s Eve, and try to survive the “Earthcake.” This story is altogether wonderful and has a strong message of growth, change, and maturity. Brent told me it was, “An enjoyable book that showed how change is necessary,” while Morgan found it to be, “A touching and exciting story,” and Stephanie said it was, “An eye opener for how to adapt to change.”

Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen

This book has been passed around from student to student. Not everyone has read it, so I will try not to give away too much to future readers. The story is about an elderly man named Jacob, who recalls a period back when he was young and working with a circus. The story moves back and forth in time, beginning when Jacob first jumps aboard the circus train, and is a story of true love and lasting relationships. I found it to be enjoyable and entertaining and hard to put down, and Stephanie enjoyed it because she, “Learned the value of looking back at your life.”

Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous

This nearly timeless book, written in the form of a diary, has been read for over three decades, and is still fascinating. As the New York Times review stated it is, “An extraordinary work…a document of horrifying reality.” It is the story of how a life can be destroyed. The story opens with the narrator venting about a boy who she says she is, or was, in love with, and it follows her daily life for a period of a year, as she goes from being a happy, normal, teenage girl, into a downward spiral of drug use and the horrifying aftermath. Stephanie found it “eye-opening,” while David said it was ultimately, ”An inspiring novel that showed me what path not to take.”

The Night Trilogy, by Brent Weeks

This book was listed as a favorite by most of the guys here at FMA, and I felt that I had to at least look at it. I have not fully read these three books, but they seem like they would be the kind I could not easily put down. From what I can tell, the trilogy is about a man and his journey as one of the “night angels,” a group of assassins with magical abilities. James said it, “Hooked me from start to finish,” and Brent, who introduced the books to the FMA students, said it was, “Very enjoyable to read.” David reports that it was “Long and good, and while most awesome books are short, this was a great mix between action and storyline.”

Riding the Virginia Creeper Trail by Morgan A.

2011-05-28T06:41:00.000-04:00

Last Friday, we took the day off and rode the Virginia Creeper Trail. Bike riding was definitely amazing. The trail was beautiful.

We left FMA at around 9:15 a.m., and drove to Damascus, Virginia to rent bikes, and get a ride up the mountain to Whitetop Station. Our class had been there before, but that time there was three feet of snow on the ground, it was about six degrees, and we were hiking. What a difference a few months makes.

From Whitetop Station we began our easy down-hill, 17-mile ride alongside Whitetop Laurel Creek, over bridges and through beautiful forests. We took our time so we wouldn’t make it back to the school or work chores! We made several stops along the way, and visited some of our old campsites.

We arrived at The Creeper Trail Café for lunch, where Mr. Kevin and Ms. Patricia met us, and gave us each $5.00 for an extra treat from the café. Most of us sampled their world-famous chocolate cake.

From there we rode the rest of the way into Damascus, after a short stop along the creek to skip rocks. It was fun, and beautiful, and I enjoyed the sunshine, but I was also glad to see my bed that night.

Solo Expedition by Rachel S.

2011-05-28T06:38:00.000-04:00

On May 11, 2011 thirteen men and women, myself included, went out on a three day solo expedition with no food, but with the knowledge of what we could forage. Each of us had determined, before we left, what we wanted to learn about ourselves. For me, Solo was a chance to find out that I could be alone and still function.

That morning we had our regular History class, followed by a big breakfast of eggs, potatoes and sausage, with coffee cake, granola and yogurt. Then we dressed in as many clothes as we could wear, and wedged ourselves into two cars. With our hiking sticks, and our daypacks containing five matches, fishing line and two hooks, we were pretty hot and squished in the cars, and glad to get out.

We arrived at the Gentry Creek trailhead, and immediately began looking for something to carry water in. I found an old glass beer bottle. Then we hiked for about two miles in the sunshine, until I arrived at the trail to “the cave,” my Solo camp spot.

After “dressing down,” I went down to the creek to search for a fishing hole. I spent the whole first day down by the water, staying calm, cool and collected. That night, however, I had to tell myself about five billion times that there were no snakes in my shelter, before I finally persuaded myself to get in, get comfy, and fall asleep.

I woke up the next morning around 8:30 a.m., and got dressed warmly because it was chilly, and then headed down to the creek. I started making a rock bridge across the water so I wouldn’t get wet when I crossed the creek to go see my check-in partner, Erin, but I ended up falling in up to my knees anyway. At 9:30, I saw Erin, gave her a hug and talked for a short while about our shelters and what food we had found.

The sky was blue and the sun was shining brightly enough to keep me warm, so I spent the day checking my fishing line, and reading Sole Survivor, a book about a man whose wife and daughters were killed in a plane crash, and he is trying to find out what happened. At around 7:00 p.m. I had finished the book, and decided to go to bed.

The next morning I checked in with Erin again, and then returned to my camp spot, enjoying the scenery. Back at camp, I settled down in a sunlit spot of grass surrounded by violets and finished my chapter summaries for The Fountainhead. It was a great sunny warm day, and I was in my shelter and asleep by 8:30.

On departure day, I packed up the few belongings I had and cleared out my fire pit. I waited until 11:15 a.m. to begin hiking, and spent the time reminiscing about my Solo experience, reflecting on what I had learned about myself mentally, physically, and spiritually. Living on violets, fiddlehead ferns, and trout for three days made it easier to think clearly, and showed me that I should be grateful for all that I have.

Expedition Eight: Levels One and Two by Kelsey S.

2011-04-22T13:57:00.001-04:00

The last full expedition of my year here at FMA was a great one.

On the first day, I had to wake up early and help Ms. Margaret cook for everyone, and then at about 9:00 a.m. most of us piled onto the bus and were ready to go. Out of nowhere, the bus refused to start, but I was still in great spirits and did not allow myself to see this as an omen. Mr. Mike finally got the bus working and off we went. When we arrived at Star Gap Road, I was disappointed that the donkeys were not there to greet us as they usually are. I soon forgot about that and focused on keeping my spacing steady while hiking between Stephanie and Morgan. It didn’t take long for us to reach the trail, and I’ve always loved that first section of the trail because it reminds me of somewhere I’ve been before. The weather had begun to heat up and I was glad for the sparse shade of the trees. We had our first break, and I sat on the side of the trail without taking my pack off, becoming slightly annoyed as I felt the seat of my pants getting wet. I enjoyed the sun on my face during the next peaceful period of hiking. I could tell we were getting close to camp, so I started collecting twiggys, and somehow managed to drop my hat. When we arrived at camp, Morgan graciously returned my hat to me, and also Mr. Mike’s tiny stuffed cat, Felix to him. We had two hours before rally, so Stephanie and I set up our camp and let our sleeping bags and tent air out. When rally rolled around, we were tired from the heat so Mr. Mike passed out the gift of Snickers bars from Ms. Patricia claiming that Mr. Matt didn’t want to carry them anymore. Then he gave us the rest of the day off. Stephanie and I went to camp and played in the creek for a while, before going back to our tent. Both of us said that we wanted to save our Snickers, but the craving overpowered us, and we ate them quickly, happy that for the first time in a long time they weren’t frozen and were soft and easy to eat. After a quick game of cards, we fell asleep comfortable and happy with all the extra room in the tent. My only regret that day was that I didn’t have pajamas, so I was hot as I drifted off to sleep.

On the second day, Stephanie and I woke up early. I started the fire in a way that made it quickly blaze up, and I started cooking the oats. When I got to the rally point, my stomach was in knots because Mr. Mike had already told us what was going on that day. We hiked up the painfully familiar hill to a very steep rock wall that would have been pretty if I hadn’t known what was in store. I watched the first couple of students complete the assignment, and before I knew it, it was my turn. I climbed up the side, and when I reached the top and looked down, I could feel the blood freeze in my veins. Not from the height, but from the anticipation of falling. I knew I was being silly. No one else seemed to have any problem, and generally I’m calmer than most of the students, but the thought of failing miserably and falling was very strong. I grasped the rope and backed off the edge of the (now mountainous in my mind) wall and very slowly began to slide down. I knew that sliding was not what I was supposed to be doing, and most likely it was more dangerous, but somehow it felt safer and before I knew it, it was too late to go back up. I had to rappel from where I was or fall, and I wasn’t about to do that. When the whole ordeal was finally over, I was glad to slide back down the hill and pull on the heavy backpack at last. Or at least I was until we started hiking, and every time I crossed the creek I could feel my boots filling with cold water again. I didn’t complain though, because the rest of my body was burning up. I lost count of the number of times we crossed the creek after about the seventh time, and I was relieved to arrive at camp, to take a cold bath near the creek, and to air out all of my clothes. When we went to rally, Mr. Mike took us all on a day-hike to a side of Gentry Falls we hadn’t seen before, where several of the other students played in the water. Isaac found a big GeoCache that was full of toys and other cute little entertaining things. A few people traded items for some of them, and then we hiked back to camp where we tightened everything down because the sky had begun to look threatening. Mr. Mike told us at rally that if rain were falling in the morning, we would stay in this camp. Stephanie and I headed back to our tent and went to bed.

On the third morning, Stephanie and I woke up to the sound of what we thought was rain falling on the tent. Reluctantly, I climbed out to ask Mr. Mike if we were staying in camp, and my good spirits plummeted when I saw that the water falling from the sky was actually frozen and making everything we had left outside practically useless. I trudged quickly up to Mr. Mike’s camp. From inside his tent, he asked me how bad it was raining, and I told him that it was actually snowing. I heard Mr. Matt laugh, and Mr. Mike asked if I was serious. He told me that we would just “hunker down” that day. I walked as quickly as I dared back to our now frozen tent and jumped in, waking Stephanie who had fallen right back asleep after I had left. I got out of my now wet clothes and snuggled back into my still warm sleeping bag, thankful that, for once, everything in the tent was dry. Mr. Mike came by at around 12:30 that afternoon and told us to get a fire going and eat something. After we did that, Stephanie went up to Mr. Mike’s camp and asked if we could visit Morgan and Rachel. We went up to their camp and played cards for a few hours, and then the four of us dove into Stephanie’s and my tent to get out of the rain. Shortly after Morgan and Rachel left, Mr. Mike came by and gave us the information for the next morning, and Stephanie fell asleep almost immediately. I stayed awake and read until it was dark, and fell asleep restlessly.

The next morning I awoke in a fairly bad mood for reasons I didn’t fully know, and my mood got worse and worse as we hiked up the steep rocky hillside because every three steps my tent fell off the top of my backpack and hit me in the head. It really was three. I counted. When we reached the top, Mr. Mike stopped us and Morgan helped me re-attach the tent so it would stop hitting me. I promised to make her a cookie at the next camp, which I did shortly after getting there. After rally, Mr. Mike took Stephanie, Rachel, James, and David on a day-hike, and, while they were gone, Morgan and I hung out at my camp and talked. When they got back, Stephanie told me about the hike, and I was glad I wasn’t one of the ones assigned to go. We made a traditional expedition “Everything We Have Casserole” and shared some of it with Mr. Mike and a few others at rally. Then we played some cards and read until we fell asleep.

On the morning of the fifth day, Mr. Mike came around just as we were finishing packing and getting ready to go, and told us that we would be going on a day-hike first and that rally would be later than normal. Once we were ready, we started the hike up to the bald knob with Morgan as the leader. At the top we all relaxed, and I let myself feel as though I were on vacation at the beach. It was nice. I could even feel my skin burning. When we were ready to go, Mr. Mike gave William instructions to lead us down the hill where all the little homes were. When we arrived, there was not much to see besides the cute little cabins, and I grew tired of the place quickly, mainly because it was hot, and I felt like I wasn’t supposed to be there. Once we were back to where we had left our packs, the hike down to camp was short and easy, if a bit slippery, and we got there after only a few minutes. At least that was how it felt, in truth it was about eighty minutes. Stephanie and I had the first campsite, the only drawback being we were in the middle of the trail and about ten minutes away from the rest of the group. I also soon discovered that I had to slide down a steep hill through trees and thorns to get to water. When we went to rally, we passed Mr. Matt and wondered nervously where he was going because we were tired and my hand felt funny. At rally, we talked for a while and then Mr. Mike sent us all out, with Stephanie leading, to find Mr. Matt. I was at the end of the line, so by the time I got there, everyone already knew that it was a first-aid drill, and Morgan was in charge. In my opinion the whole thing was a bit of a mess, and in a real emergency I hope we would do much better. Even so, we did build a stretcher and carry Mr. Matt back to camp. When that was over, Stephanie and I took the long hike back to our camp, ate our food, and started getting sentimental because we were thinking about the fact that it was the last time we’d be doing this. Then we went to evening rally and listened to Mr. Mike, before going back to camp and playing cards until we fell asleep.

The next morning, Stephanie and I were both eager and reluctant to leave the tent, but we knew we had to, so after some complaints about the stormy-looking sky, we got out. It was my turn to start the fire, but Stephanie wanted to start our last fire, and I let her. We ate, packed our packs, and went to rally. It was a bittersweet moment for all of us, and we were slow to leave, but when it was over, Stephanie and I headed back to our camp and stayed there playing cards until it was time for the other students to meet up with us. While we were waiting, I found an old metal match container and decided I would keep it. Stephanie led the group out, and when we stopped at the creek, Mr. Mike gave us a quick lesson on edible plants and some more advice for our upcoming solo expedition. We hadn’t even been hiking for an hour when we were pleasantly surprised to see Mr. Kevin driving up the street in the bus to pick us up. We got back to school earlier than normal, and after my shower, I went upstairs to do my “brains” for the next day in the kitchen. After dishes, I was exhausted but ready for another early morning in the kitchen. All the pain and annoyance of the last expedition already forgotten, I was surprised to realize that I was going to miss them.

What FMA Has Meant to Me by Andrew S.

2011-04-22T13:55:00.000-04:00

I decided to come to FMA for a number of reasons. I wanted an opportunity to better my life, and myself and I knew I would get that chance here. I feel that coming here has made me a better person in many ways, from the simplest things like having to change my thinking about what I will eat, to more complex matters such as my relationship with my parents, and my attitudes toward different people, different cultures, and different philosophies of life.

When I first arrived, it was hard to be away from family and friends, and I know some of the other students had difficulties too. I talked with a few of my classmates about their early feelings about FMA. “I loved the idea of the outdoor portion of the school,” one student told me, while another said, “I wanted to come here, and month by month I have grown to like the people, the animals and the rustic feel.” Others had a harder time at first, but have since come to think of it differently. “I hated the idea and being here, at first, but after getting used to it, I have grown to love it,” reported one of my classmates, and another admitted that, “I didn’t want to be here at first, but, now that I’m here, I know it’s the best thing for me.”

I decided to come to FMA because I knew it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I didn’t want to let that pass by me. I think we’ve all had mixed feelings about being here, but for me the experiences I’ve had while I’m here have made it all worthwhile.

My Path by William H.

2011-04-22T13:53:00.000-04:00

My path was never clear because I didn’t know what might lay ahead of me; I could only predict and hope. I knew that if I worked hard for my goals, I could achieve them, and my strategies sometimes worked, but, since my determination is not the best, my record was inconsistent. My willingness is also not always the best, but, right now, I am growing. I set a goal for myself to get off academic room time and I did it. Why should my goals for next year be any less achievable?

I have a goal to be accepted into a school called New York Military Academy (NYMA.) It has very high standards and will push me hard, which is why I want to attend - to push myself. The school has high expectations, and I will have to meet them by working and studying hard, and being more willing. I know these are just words on paper now, and that my actions will have to be the proof. I realize I need to do better work and do more, and I am making the necessary changes. At NYMA an 80% or lower earns a student two hours of study hall. I haven’t always achieved that score, but I know I am capable.

Everyone at FMA knows that I have not always been the most caring student, but recently I have shifted a gear. I am stronger than I was. It has taken perseverance make the push to improve my attitude and my grades. My teachers push me too, and now I am aware that I can stay strong and overcome whatever I lack.

In my life, I will follow different trails, and some of my friends may laugh, but I know that, even if they don’t see it, I have walked the distance, and, when given the opportunity I did not choose to sit down or quit. I have already pushed myself, and I know I can do it again.

Many times in the past I had told myself to do my work, but I didn’t do it. Now, no matter how much I may dislike the work, I will do it. It’s not my enemy. It’s my path through a school in which I want to succeed.

I can’t know my future, but I can know the steps I need to take to get where I want to go. I have the resources to help me get there - family, teachers, friends, determination, and willingness. I don’t have to do it - I want to do it. I have started what I intend to finish, and when I do, I can finally tell myself, “Good job William, you did it!”

Five Ways to Never Fall Behind on Homework by Brent B.

2011-04-22T13:51:00.000-04:00

Schedule a homework time. Wake up a little bit earlier to do so by setting the alarm and getting up when it goes off. If you are tired, go to sleep a little earlier.

Schedule a homework time part two. Stay up a little later, and if people want to talk say, “I’m sorry, but I want to get my homework done.”

Keep track of your assignments. Make a planner and write down every assignment and its due date.

Be proactive. If you are not sure what homework is due, don’t do nothing. Ask!

Keep yourself organized. Get a homework folder and when your homework is completed, keep it there.

The Dark of Night vs. The Call of Nature by James D.

2011-04-22T13:48:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had to use the bathroom in the middle of the night when you can’t see a thing? Well this year, I have. And when the guys can’t seem to figure out how to keep the indoor restroom clean, the outdoor privy is the only option available. A word to the wise: when it’s dark use a flashlight or headlamp. I tell you this because I have tripped over chairs, stairs, walls, doors, and, well, my own two feet along the way. Using the privy in the dark is a story in itself, so if you are someone who is scared of the dark, make sure you have a source of light. Between the babbling of the running creek, the sounds of the woods, and the wind through the trees, sometimes, just sometimes, your mind can play tricks on you. The eerie whispering of the water running over leaves and twigs and rocks in the creek, and the rustling of leaves that sound like footsteps can turn your trip to the restroom to a flat out run. That’s where the light comes in handy, because, just when you are sure something is waiting in the dark, you can see that there is actually nobody there. So, remember: bring a light. It could literally save your neck!

Sourdough Story by Rachel S.

2011-04-22T13:47:00.000-04:00

Five thousand years ago, an Egyptian noticed that flour he had left out had become wet and started bubbling. He baked it in bread and the bread had a light fluffy texture and a great taste thus, the discovery of sourdough. Today, sourdough is not just stirred together; each baker carefully crafts it.

Sourdough starters are the key to cooking sourdough dishes, and each starter has its own unique flavor. Here is how to make a basic sourdough starter:

2 C all purpose flour

1 t salt

3 T sugar

1 T dry yeast

2 C lukewarm water

In a mixing bowl, add all of the dry ingredients and stir, gradually adding water until it resembles a paste. Cover and set in a warm place. Stir mixture several times a day. In two or three days, it will be ready. Once you have used the amount needed, put the remainder in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep your sourdough starter alive it needs to be fed about once a week.

To make delicious sourdough bread:

1 C starter

2 C lukewarm water

1 C milk

3 T softened butter

3 T sugar

2 t salt

1 T active dry yeast

¼ C warm water

6 ½ C all purpose flour

1 t baking soda

Canola oil

Measure starter into large bowl; add water and 2 ½ C flour and let sit overnight.

Heat milk, add butter, 2T sugar and 1t salt. Let cool. Sprinkle yeast over ¼ C warm water and let stand for five minutes. Stir yeast into milk mixture, and add to starter mixture. Beat until well mixed, adding 2C flour while beating. Mix baking soda with remaining sugar and salt, sift over dough and mix well. Cover and let sit for 30-40 minutes.

Add the remaining flour and mix until it is stiff enough to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Place dough on floured surface and knead for five minutes.

Divide dough in half and let rest for 10 minutes, covered.

Shape loaves and place in pans. Brush oil on tops of loaves. Let rise until doubled in size. Bake at 375° for fifty minutes or until done.

Once you have made two loaves of sourdough bread, you will never want to go back to store bought bread. Enjoy!

Habits I've Replaced by Stephanie M.

2011-04-22T13:45:00.000-04:00

I want to share a few old habits and the new ones I have replace them with.

The first habit I rid myself of was never studying or doing my homework. I have replaced that habit by disciplining myself to set a specific schedule for every night. I do my homework between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m., and then from 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. I study for whatever test or quiz I might have the next day. Needless to say, my study habits and grades have improved.

The second habit I discarded was allowing myself to focus on negative thoughts. Now every time my mind turns to the negative, big or small, I have learned to think a good or positive thought instead.

The third habit I overcame was lying on a regular basis. I have learned that dishonesty will not get me very far, so I have replaced it with honesty. Telling the truth gets me farther than trying to keep up with my lies only to have to give up eventually and tell the truth when I get caught. The consequence for a mistake is always worse if I lie first.

My life has changed since I have learned that the key to conquering bad habits is to replace them with good ones.

Weekend Work Hours by Morgan A.

2011-04-22T13:44:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I’m not going to tell you that weekend work hours are fun, because that would be a lie. I would know. I’ve had enough of them. The hours I’ve earned have ranged from as few as five, to as many as thirty-two. But that was when I was not focused and on track.

I have now figured out the way not to earn them, because, believe me, once you build them up, it’s tough to get them back down to nothing.

The key that has worked for me is to stay focused on my work and not to put socializing or writing letters before my responsibilities. Let those things be a reward, so when the weekend comes around, and work hours are assigned, you can enjoy seeing a big zero next to your name.

Book Review: Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter by Erin L.

2011-04-22T13:42:00.000-04:00

Our Iceberg is Melting, by John Kotter is about, as the author says, changing and succeeding under any conditions told in the form of a fable about penguins. One penguin realizes that the iceberg they are living on is melting and will soon break apart, so he uses an eight step process to help the penguins stick together as a colony and remain safe.

The Eight-Step Process of Successful Change

Create a sense of urgency. Help others see the need for change and the importance of acting immediately.
Pull together the guiding team. Make sure there is a powerful group guiding the change—one with leadership skills, credibility, communications ability, authority, analytical skills, and a sense of urgency.
Decide what to do. Develop the change of vision and strategy. Clarify how the future will be different from the past, and how you can make the future a reality.
Make it happen. Communicate for understanding and buy-in. Make sure as many others as possible understand and accept the vision and the strategy.
Empower others to act. Remove as many barriers as possible so that those who want to make the vision a reality can do so.
Produce short-term wins. Create some visible, unambiguous success as soon as possible.
Don’t let up. Press harder and faster after the first successes. Be relentless with initiating change after change until the vision is a reality.
Make it stick. Create a new culture. Hold on to the new ways of behaving and make sure they succeed until they become strong enough to replace old traditions.

Because the author brought his message out through a tale, it was very enjoyable and easy to read. Considering the depth of the material covered it was clear, to the point, and presented in a fun way.

This book really opened my eyes to working with others and also changed my own way of succeeding. I was able to adapt several tactics explored in the book to my own life. I feel like I am achieving my own goals more efficiently as a result.

Book Review: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas by David K.

2011-04-22T13:21:00.000-04:00

The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas is an inspiring novel for all ages. It shows that no matter the situation, one should never give up.

It starts when, main character, Edmond Dantes is accused of a crime he did not commit, and, without a trial, is thrown into prison. Over a decade later, he is still rotting away in his cell when he befriends a fellow prisoner, and together they plan an escape. Only Edmond gets out alive. Following his friend’s instructions, he finds a buried treasure on the island of Monte Cristo, and names himself after the island creating a new identity and beginning a new life.

Years later, he returns to the scene of the crime committed against him, and creates ever-growing mischief among those who betrayed him.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in a thrilling tale of revenge with a sprinkling of romance thrown in.

Expedition Eight: The Hexameron by Isaac S.

2011-04-22T13:16:00.000-04:00

A Statement of Goals

2011-03-16T16:37:00.000-04:00

For this issue of Mountain Musings we are focusing on the individual goals each student has for the remainder of their time at FMA. Enjoy.

My Goals by Morgan A.

2011-03-16T16:35:00.000-04:00

The three things I will accomplish before learning FMA will be leadership, honesty, and responsibility.

I want to learn leadership because I have always been a follower and its time for me to take charge by trusting myself enough to follow my own lead. I will accomplish this goal by earning my way to Level Three and Four; the leadership levels. I will also start making the right decisions on my own.

Honesty is important to me because dishonestly is one of the biggest struggles I have had and it ruins relationships. Honesty is one of the most important values between my family and friends and me because it leads to trust which is what ties everything together. I will achieve this goal by working on it and practicing it every chance I get, not to prove it to anyone else, but to prove to myself that I can do it.

I want to become more responsible, to be able to take correction, and to be able to know and admit it when something I did was wrong. I will achieve this goal by taking responsibility for myself and my belongings.

My Goals by Brent B.

2011-03-16T16:33:00.000-04:00

The three things I will accomplish while I am at FMA are to become better at drawing, to play a game of capture the flag on the six acre, and do the best I can on the solo expedition.

I want to become better at drawing so that I can pursue the career of game artist. Right now, I can’t draw anything well, but I have asked for and received books to help me, and I am drawing every day. I will achieve this goal by drawing for one hour every night.

I want to play capture the flag on the six acre because it is an enjoyable game. It takes a great deal of organization and self-discipline to reach Level Four, which will be required for this goal. The benefit of reaching Level Four is having the privilege and responsibility to do what I want anywhere on the campus, and to be a part of off campus activities. I will gain these privileges by showing that I have what it takes to be a Level Four student.

I want to do the best I can on solo so that I can prove to myself that I can push myself to reach higher than just the basic expectations. I will do my best by being determined and by practicing the skills necessary. I need to improve my fire-starting skills and learn more about wilderness survival. By achieving this goal, I will gain the self-confidence to believe that I can succeed with whatever comes before me.

My Goals by James D.

2011-03-16T16:32:00.000-04:00

There are many things I want to do before the end of this year at FMA.

The first thing I want to do is go fishing down at the pond, and catch a fish big enough to eat. I want to do this because I like to fish, and I like to eat fish, and I want to make my own fishing pole because that would be pretty cool. But before I can do it, I need to get my act together and get back to Level Two, which means getting all my work done.

Another thing I want to do is read as many books as possible. I find reading a great pastime, and every night I try to read a chapter or two in a book so I should be able to read a lot. Reading is also a great way, according to some teachers and other adults in my life, to increase my vocabulary.

I also want to work on my drawing and photography. Drawing and taking pictures relaxes me, and when I draw I am always trying to get better. The same is true of photography, although I need a lot of practice. Beautiful sunrises and the way the moon rises over the mountains make for a spectacular scene, so why not capture it in pictures?

My Goals by William H.

2011-03-16T16:30:00.000-04:00

Before I leave Freedom Mountain Academy I want to accomplish three goals I have set for myself. My first goal is to achieve Level Two status by demonstrating determination and accountability. I want to achieve a new record for myself by running a mile in six minutes. If can achieve this goal it will help me when I’m playing soccer. In order to do this I need to work out enough to make my legs stronger. Showing determination to get out of Academic Room Time and advance to Level Two will allow me to achieve this.

My second goal is to get my grades up to the expectations of the school I would like to attend next year. In order to achieve this goal I must overcome my habit of letting myself off the hook, and I must do the work that is required in a good manner. I must not earn more work hours by neglecting my homework. If I can achieve this then I will have more choices in my life.

My third goal is to graduate from FMA with higher expectations of myself than when I arrived, which will carry over into greater success at the next school I attend. It will increase my intelligence and my self-discipline and the rewards of what I have worked for will make me much happier.

My Goals by David K.

2011-03-16T16:29:00.000-04:00

Before leaving Freedom Mountain Academy I will go for a three mile run around the property, spend an afternoon reading a compelling book in the common room, and play a fun game of basketball.

To be able to go on a three mile run around the FMA campus, I must achieve Level Four. Level Four will be hard for me to achieve by the end of the year, but I know that if I am determined to get to it, it can be done. I have already started by making a timeline that will assist me in staying on track with getting what I need to get done each week. The three mile run will not only improve my health and strengthen my endurance, but it will also strengthen my character because it will take a lot of determination to get to Level Four.

My other two goals are stepping stones on my path to Level Four. To accomplish them, I will need to earn Level Two, or in my case, to regain it, because both of my goals require privileges that are gained with the reaching of Level Two. My basketball goal will help inspire me to practice more and I will probably get to the point when I have the self discipline to practice a little each day. My reading goal will help me relax and ready myself for the upcoming week. To complete these goals I will need to have the determination and self-discipline required to work on them a little each day. They will be hard for me because I have already lost Level Two once, and knowing how it feels I do not want to regress anymore during my time at FMA.

Overall the reaching of Level Four represents the pinnacle of my success at Freedom Mountain Academy.

My Goals by Erin L.

2011-03-16T16:27:00.000-04:00

Being here at FMA is a great opportunity for me to accomplish goals for myself. I have had lots of time to focus and learn about myself and what I want. There are three major things I would like to accomplish and they are active participation in all classes, becoming a strong and independent leader, and accepting the new ideas I am being taught here.

I have been working very hard on participating and looking like I am “there” in all of my classes. I have a natural reticence that makes it harder for me to focus and give what I have to offer in class. I am going to, and have been practicing actively listening and answering questions in class.

Being a strong and independent leader is very important to me. I want to be the best I can be and set and exceptional example for the people around me. If I focus on getting to know myself and my abilities I will set an example and be a leader.

It is very difficult for me to accept different ideas. I am trying very hard to listen to and study the ideas I am being presented her at FMA. I want to able to understand these and use them in my life.

This semester I will be focusing extremely hard on accomplishing these goals.

My Goals by Stephanie M.

2011-03-16T16:26:00.000-04:00

The three things I want to accomplish before I leave FMA are to get through every expedition successfully, to become an honorable and trustworthy person, and to achieve a better relationship with my whole family.

I want to succeed on expeditions because I know I can. I want to prove to myself I can take on whatever life throws my way both physically and mentally. I want to have greater respect and confidence in myself, and getting through the expeditions will help. I will do it by keeping a positive attitude, and even if I slip, I will get back up and keep going, no matter how steep the hills are or how long the hike is. I will not give up. I will not be a quitter.

I will become an honorable and trustworthy person because it will help me achieve the life I envision for myself. I want to be known as someone who will keep her word. I will do it by having more respect for myself, and by being honest with myself and others. I must give up all my dishonorable habits.

I want to build a better relationship with my family because I feel I have let them down. I have lost trust within my family and I want more than anything to get it back, and become the best I can be with the resources they have provided for me. I will do this by showing gratitude for the things they have done and are doing for me to build a better stronger me.

My Goals by Kelsey S.

2011-03-16T16:24:00.000-04:00

While here at FMA, I have the goal of being accepted into a college or university that I am excited about attending. I know that in order to do this I will have to work hard and study all of my classroom subjects. This is one of my goals because if I am going to have the best possible future I can, then I will have to attend a college that makes me happy so that I am enjoying the time I spend in studies.

I also want to become more independent of others, so that I will be able to live and thrive on my own. To do this I must learn to manage my own time and become more productive as a student.

Another goal that I am working toward here at FMA is to gain perspective in my life. I have a terrible habit of blowing even the smallest of stresses way out of proportion and letting them take me over. While here at FMA I am learning to take things one step at a time because I know I can handle that.

My Goals by Isaac S.

2011-03-16T16:22:00.002-04:00

While here at FMA I would like to do three things.

I would like to learn how to grow an organic garden. I have always wanted to be self-sufficient, and I would like to be able to support a family and stay home often. I could also trade the food for other things I need. In order to achieve this I must ask questions like how do I find the best land for a garden, or how do I create a good gardening bed? I must also work hard enough so that by the time we plant the garden here, all the staff will be fighting to get me on garden crew.

I will also study and improve my math skills prior to taking the SAT, because I want to study veterinary medicine. In America people might feel sad if one of their animals dies, but in some places it’s a matter of life and death. In many Muslim countries an entire family could suffer if they lose an animal. I want to help the Muslim people.

The last thing I must learn to do is to listen and learn from those people who have something to offer me. I have always had a hard time listening because I thought it meant that the people I was listening to had more power than I did. I’ve struggled with following others’ guidance because what if they were leading me in the wrong direction? But, I know that if I want to learn the things I need to learn in order to have the life I want, I need to learn to listen. This might take a long time to work out.

My Goals by Rachel S.

2011-03-16T16:18:00.001-04:00

While here at FMA I want to do three things. Get to Level Four, improve my grades so that when I graduate I will have a B+ or A average, and have a girls’ spa day.

The reason I want to get to Level Four is so I may call my sister and best friend, go to the lake and volleyball court, and explore the property of Freedom Mountain Academy. In order to accomplish this goal, I will have to write an essay on honor, complete a solo compass hike, have an interview with the staff, and continue accountable and honorable behavior by turning in my work on time to the best of my ability.

To improve my grades I will have to pay attention in class, ask questions if I do not understand anything, do my very best work, and turn my assignments in on time. The reason I want to improve my grades before I leave Freedom Mountain Academy is that I want to be accepted into one of the top medical colleges in the U.S. so that I may become an OB/GYN.

To have a girls’ spa day, I will have to set a date when all the girls will have free time on the weekend, invite everyone, and collect all of the necessary materials. If we have a girl’s spa day we will hang out in the girl’s common room, visit, do nails, and eat cookies tea and hot cocoa.

Before I leave FMA I want to accomplish all these goals, and I know if I want to accomplish anything I will need to make the first move.

My Goals by Andrew S.

2011-03-16T16:16:00.000-04:00

There are three things I would like to accomplish before leaving FMA.

The first is to achieve Level Four, because I can go hiking, running and exploring on my own. By achieving this I will also gain the benefit of having strengthened within me qualities of honor, accountability, trust, self-worth and many other values that are important to me. I will work hard to get to it before the end of the year. Determination will play a role in this because without it, I won’t achieve it. If want to be able to go where I want on the property during my free time, I must keep up on my homework and show honor and accountability, and I can do it.

I’d like to accomplish a physical fitness goal for myself as well. I’d like to do this because I’ll be healthier and more in shape. I have to work hard at this one because I can be lazy, so while it may be difficult, with determination I can get there. I want to weigh 185 pounds, and rid myself of body fat and be able to run three to four miles easily. This will help me in everything I like to do because I’ll have more endurance. I’ll have to exercise more and cut back on eating.

The third thing I want to accomplish is to finish reading my Bible. It’s a spiritual goal that I want for myself. I’ll have to set aside time to do nothing but read it, and that will be difficult because I’m worn out at the end of the day.

These are three things I want to accomplish before leaving FMA, and I plan on doing all of them. I know its going to be difficult, but I’m up for a challenge.

Expedition Five by Andrew S.

2011-02-08T18:05:00.000-05:00

Expedition Five took place from January 9 – 14. It was a twenty-five mile trip through deep snow, ranging from one to two feet deep, with an elevation change of 2,600 feet. I felt it was a good expedition overall, even though there were some times when I just wanted to give up. The hike was through some beautiful country and along some very nice trails in Eastern Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. We hiked along the Virginia Creeper Trail the majority of the time, and the campsites were great, although some of them were short on wood. It snowed every day, with the exception of two, and the men had to break trail for two days in a row because Mr. Mike had hurt his back. It was a fun experience to be in front, even as my backpack seemed to get heavier and heavier each day. After a couple of days of hiking in deep snow, my back and shoulders were killing me.

On Day One, it was a normal wake up for me, although I hadn’t slept much because I was so excited. After a good breakfast of eggs, bacon and coffee cake, I started getting nervous as we were waiting around to leave, especially when I saw that it was only three degrees outside. The hike that day was a short three mile, mostly uphill trek which wasn’t too bad. There were lots of animal tracks along the trail, including deer, coyote, raccoon, bobcat, and a few dogs. The snow was deep and it was hard hiking through that. After getting camp set up, I warmed my numb fingers beside a nice warm fire, and then retired for the night.

Day Two began with cold and cloudy weather. It was a hard morning for me, because I was tired from the day before. Brent and William were late getting to rally so I had to walk around to keep warm. The hike was mostly along roads and through a tree farm which had a very pretty view. I was worn out by the second break. The seven miles we hiked pushed me and everyone else to their limits, both mentally and physically. It was late and cold when we arrived in camp, so we set up fast. It was a pretty camp site with lots of good wood, and since it was snowing like crazy, there was plenty of water.

Waking up on Day Three revealed another cold, cloudy, and snowy day. We hiked three to four miles along the Virginia Creeper Trail to Trestle Camp. The hike felt much longer than it actually was. I was so tired, I fell asleep by the fire after we arrived in camp, but was soon awakened by a classmate who checked on me because I wasn’t moving.

The morning of Day Four was bright and cold, and there were a couple of inches of new snow on the ground. Getting a fire started was easy after thawing out my hands a little. We hiked another few miles to a new camp site, where we had a tent city with the other guys because of the weather and because the camp site was small. The guys had a huge fire that night with flames higher than my head. It felt nice to have such a fire, and to dry out our gear and sleeping bags.

On Day Five we hiked less than a mile to Straight Branch, where we had a first-aid review class. I was glad to have it, because I like knowing my fellow classmates can help me in an emergency, and that I can do the same for them. The skies were clear for a change, and it was a good day.

Day Six began with a very cold, clear, crisp morning. We were allowed to wake up late. The fire took a little while to start because I put it out by accident, and then it was stubborn until we left for rally. After getting the tent packed up, we headed home for hot showers, parmesan chicken, green beans, porridge rolls, mashed potatoes, and fruit salad.

It was a good expedition for pushing myself and learning more of what I am capable of doing in the extremes of East Tennessee weather.

Going Home and Coming Back by Stephanie M.

2011-02-08T18:03:00.000-05:00

I was super excited about going home for Christmas Break. I couldn’t sleep the night before, because I was also taking the SAT the day I was going home. The last forty-five minutes of the SAT seemed to take forever, and it bugged the stew out of me because I was eager to see my Grandmother and Grandfather and get on the road home to see my brothers, my sister, my niece, and my Dad and Step-Mom.

While I was there I enjoyed being able to just kick back and watch TV and movies with my family and friends. The two weeks seemed to go by so fast, of course. I did not want to come back due to the fact that I did not want to leave my family and friends again, but I knew it was best for me, so I didn’t put up a fight.

Being back has been hard these first couple of days, but I know once we get back from our expedition and I start getting letters again it won’t be as hard. Heck, we don’t have as long this time until we go home again.

I hope to accomplish more this term, to become more honorable, and to be able to just come straight out without trying to cover myself. I’ve gotten much better at it, and I’m ready to master it now. I’m also ready to continue to prepare for college and get accepted so I can start my after high school life right after I leave FMA.

Christmas Caroling by Morgan A.

2011-02-08T18:01:00.000-05:00

Christmas caroling was the best! Out of the wonderful songs we sang, the ones I knew were “O Come all Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World,” and “O Holy Night.” There were a few I had to practice more thoroughly, such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Silent Night,” “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night,” and “What Child is This.” The most challenging song we sang was “Dona Nobis Pacem,” a canon that required us to sing three different parts at the same time. While it was challenging, it was beautiful, and it was my favorite one by far.

I enjoyed singing to the neighbors, because seeing their faces and watching them sing along with us made it even more enjoyable for me.

Idea of the Month by Kelsey S.

2011-02-08T17:59:00.000-05:00

“Self trust is the essence of heroism.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson

I chose this quote because I believe that trusting myself can lead me to succeed in ways I would never have thought possible. Having faith that I can do what I set my mind to, and even enjoy doing it, requires me to think for myself and form my own opinion without being influenced by others.

When I trust myself, I push myself to the point at which I can succeed in what I do. Clinton Davidson says “Just as water rises no higher than itself, so the confidence of others in you will never be greater than the confidence you have in yourself.” Having self-confidence and trusting myself will help me achieve my goals and dreams more easily.

Turning Eighteen by Brent B.

2011-02-08T17:57:00.000-05:00

Being the first legal adult of FMA XI is both an exciting and scary experience.

It’s exciting because I now have more responsibility for my future than I had when I was under 18. Examples of the responsibilities are choosing where I want to live, what I want to do for a living, and planning out other aspects of my future.

It’s scary because of the fear I have of leaving my parents to live on my own after depending on them for 18 years. Whether what I have planned for the future is to work out or collapse under fear is all up to me.

Adulthood is harder than I ever imagined (if I ever tried to). The only thing I can really do differently at this stage of my life is to plan, learn, keep moving forward, and accept that in order to achieve what I desire, I must motivate myself and not rely on others to decide what is best for me.

Outdoor Skills by Erin L.

2011-02-08T17:55:00.000-05:00

I have acquired many outdoor skills here at FMA that I never thought I would learn, or need to know, including how to build a stretcher, how to build a shelter, and how to successfully start a one-match fire.

The first skill that Mr. Mike and Mr. Kevin taught us was how to start a campfire in the wilderness, in any conditions, using just one match. First we had to gather twiggies and arrange them like a tee-pee against a stick. Then, larger twigs are placed over the twiggies, so that when the fire is started, it has something to burn. We use our candles to drip wax on the twigs and twiggies so they will light easier. Once we have done that, the fire will start with just one match. I have used this method on expedition, and can say it is an especially valuable skill to have when it is extremely cold.

On the first expedition we learned how to build a stretcher out of sturdy, thick tree limbs tied together with parachute cord. Once the frame is built, branches are woven into it to make it more sturdy and comfortable for the patient. On expedition three, Morgan fell and sprained her ankle, and we actually had to build a stretcher and carry her the rest of the way on it. I am not likely to make a stretcher again, but if I need to, I know that I can.

These are just a few of the outdoor skills I have learned at FMA. These things we have been taught can be life saving, and it’s good knowledge to have under my belt.

Back on Track by James D.

2011-02-08T17:53:00.000-05:00

When I first came to FMA I hated it. I did everything reluctantly. When I came here I was not used to doing homework because I had gotten into the habit at my old school, if I went to school at all, of not doing the work. Not that smart a choice. In the beginning of the FMA year, I did my homework even though I found some of it challenging, but as the year progressed and the work got harder, I fell into my old habits again. Well, not the part about not coming to school because I live here, but I stopped doing my homework because it seemed easier. I soon noticed however, that I was spending a lot of extra time outside working, cleaning up cow pies, and splitting wood. I gradually had no free time as my privileges were taken away, and I found myself spending a lot of time in my room.

That was when I noticed that it was actually a lot easier to do the homework, and it not only makes me happier, but it makes the teachers and the friends I have made here happier as well. Now, even though I am doing my homework, I am still trying to dig myself out of the hole I dug for myself by not doing my work. So, what I’ve learned is that sometimes you just have to do the dang work, and everything just seems to work out better.

Idea of the Month by Rachel S.

2011-02-08T17:51:00.000-05:00

“If a man loves what he does, he shall never work a day in his life.” –Unknown

Love for work is something I wish to have. I don’t want to settle for a job that I don’t like because I think I won’t be able to achieve what I want to pursue. By following my dreams and gaining the job I have strived for, I will find it much more enjoyable to do the work. In all that I do, I will not go for what I know I can do easily, but instead I will go for what I love, and I shall never "work" a day in my life.

Honor by Isaac S.

2011-02-08T17:48:00.000-05:00

Honor is important to me because if I’m honorable I have a sense of satisfaction that I’ve done right. Honor is doing right, no matter if anyone is looking or not. When I’m honorable I stand for right, and I cannot be corrupted.

Awhile back there was a guy who was taunting me, just for the heck of it. I could have responded in kind, but lashing out would cause me to do wrong.

The other option was to try and get to know this guy better, which would either invite more taunting or possibly create a friend. As it turned out, we are now almost like brothers.

Being honorable can create friends, but sometimes it makes people angry or scornful. But doing the right thing is not about people saying, “Oooh, look at what he just did.” Its about knowing that being dishonorable will always cause people to view me badly, but that being honorable will make others see that they can trust me and take me at my word, and that feels good.

Movie Review: Wag the Dog by David K.

2011-02-08T17:45:00.001-05:00

Wag the Dog starring Robert DeNiro and Dustin Hoffman gives a hilarious take on how far the President of The United States is willing to go to be reelected. Eleven days before Election Day, the President’s aides discover that the national media has caught wind of a potentially devastating sex-scandal involving the President. Robert DeNiro plays a public relations mastermind brought in to minimize the damage and ensure the President’s reelection. Rather than trying to spin the scandal, he distracts the attention of the public and the media by manufacturing a fictional war in Albania. To help sell the lie, he enlists the aid of Dustin Hoffman who plays a famous Hollywood producer. Overnight, working together, they create war footage, heroes, slogans, and even a song in this amusing must-see comedy.

Most comedies are fun and games, but this one has a serious side. Throughout the movie the viewer is able to see how much power resides in the political machinery of national elections, and how frivolously it can be used. I highly recommend Wag the Dog as an eye-opening gut buster.

Book Review: Rhythm of the Chain and Freedom Writers Diary by William H.

2011-02-08T17:42:00.002-05:00

I recently read two books, both the result of work done by teenagers like myself.

Rhythm of the Chain, edited by the group 826la, is an anthology written by the students of Animo Inglewood Charter High School about their experiences learning to live together with their families, their communities, and with one another. One of my favorite pieces, and one that really touched me personally, is a poem by Aris White called Read Between the Lines. The line that affected me deeply reads “So you may be wondering why this young boy’s plight happens to be the worst day in my life. For this young boy could not be replaced by any other. Because this young boy is my brother.” It made me wonder where I would be if I were to lose my younger brother. Even though we may fight or argue, I love him whether he likes it or not.

Freedom Writers Diary, written by Erin Gruwell, recounts her experiences using writing as a tool for helping young people work through their problems. A group of young men and women, who spent most of their time fighting with one another, were placed in a class with Gruwell and asked to share their experiences. While teaching them about Anne Frank, Gruwell asked her students about the holocaust, and was shocked when nobody knew what it was. Through reading The Diary of Anne Frank, and beginning to journal themselves, the students learned that no matter how difficult their lives were others had had experiences just as difficult. They learned that even in the midst of hardship and anger, forgiveness and compassion are possible.

Freedom Writers Diary and Rhythm of the Chain are two books that show that no matter how difficult our lives are, or how deep our anger is, we are all part of a community and a larger family. We can celebrate what we share rather than focus on the things that divide us.

Expedition Two by James D.

2010-11-27T11:33:00.000-05:00

At 9:00 a.m. we began our second expedition with a short bus ride to Star Gap Road, where we began our hike to Gentry Creek. It was a two-and-a-half mile hike mostly on the road, which started out paved and then switched to gravel. The hike was rather easy, so it took less than two hours for us to reach camp.

After a lunch of salami and cheese sandwiches, we attended a class on rappelling, followed by a few hours of trail improvement. Fixing up the trail was an easy job for me because I was digging a canal to drain puddles of water. Later, upon returning to camp, my tent partner and I enjoyed my billy-can campfire cooking of lentils and rice. The air was chilly, but it was a good night from that point on.

The second day my tent partner awoke and started the fire as I began to take down the tent and make oatmeal. (This time it was a horrible breakfast.) Then we took our packs to the rally point, and, with just our daypacks, went to the rock where we rappelled. I found it easy, but others found it difficult using the Dulfersitz method. Camp that night was at Camp Awesome. On the way, Mr. Kevin headed back to the school, but I didn’t know that was the plan, so when I noticed he was gone, I yelled up to the rest of the group and took off running back down the trail looking for him. I was so relieved when Mr. Matt told me Mr. Kevin was fine, but had work to do back at FMA. Along the way to Camp Awesome I saw all of the bridges that former FMA students had built; they were all torn down, which was a bummer. Later that day Mr. Mike gave us Snickers bars, which Miss Patricia had gone out of her way to send for us.

The third morning was cold, but I found it pleasant. After we broke camp, the hike to Upper Gentry began. We followed a trail that made me feel like I was in the rainforest. Behind me was the sound of the musical stylings of Mr. Matt singing folk songs. We stopped for a short break at Gentry Falls, which I thought were magnificent. While we were on break, Mr. Matt found a bees’ nest in the creek and was going to use it as fire starter until he realized the queen bee was still in it. When we arrived at camp, we began trail work. Brent and I made the best trench to keep water off the trail. It began to rain later that night, but luckily I had built a shelter over the wood.

The morning of day four was dark, cold, and wet. The shelter I built over the firewood kept the wood dryer than the tent kept my tent partner and me. The fire started easily because there were still hot coals from the previous night, but the rain was a drag. Sometime around noon, the weather cleared and it warmed up some. Because everything in our tent was wet, when the sun came out, the camp looked like a gypsy camp with all our stuff hanging from tree branches to dry. That night was cool and all was silent.

On the fifth day we hiked out of Gentry Creek to Ridge Camp, formerly known as Bus Camp. The bus had disappeared and Mr. Mike was king of bummed because it was no longer there. Before camp was set up we took a day hike to the Tri-State, where the borders of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee meet. On the way there we saw this cool house up on a mountain top. I thought the scenery was amazing, and I could see for miles. Back at camp it was very windy, dark, and cold. Beyond the tree line I could just see the lights of a small town.

On the sixth day we took down our camps and began the hike back to FMA. The air that morning was cold and crisp and actually nice. The hike was mostly downhill and took very little time. The arrival at FMA was welcoming and the food that night was not cooked in a coffee can. It was tasty Parmesan Chicken, and it was great.

Idea of the Month: Adversity by Isaac S.

2010-11-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

Adversity is important to me because it illuminates who I truly am by showing me what I am able and unable to do. Without a challenge I would be nowhere because without a challenge there is no learning.

Not that long ago, on Expedition Two to be exact, I was going to rappel quickly down a small drop off. As soon as I got to the top however, I thought fearfully “Oh God, please let me live!” I was challenged by life and had the urge to back off; however, I never back down from a challenge, whether from hard-headedness or determination, I don’t know. After I completed the descent and was at the bottom, I thought to myself, “Man, that was actually doggone fun,” and I did it again. Without the challenge, I probably would never have rappelled in my life.

Another time, again on Expedition Two, I needed to build a fire in the dark and rain. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to do it, but then I found some coals left over from the night before. It took a long while, doing all the stacking of twigs and blowing and stacking and blowing, (I’m pretty sure I hyperventilated at one point during all that.) but even though it was difficult, when the fire was burning, I learned that even in bad conditions I could overcome my doubts and accomplish something.

The point is that difficulties truly show a person his/her capabilities. A little difficulty here and there can be a healthy thing. If I didn’t have challenges to test me, I might think I knew everything. Hogwash! Without challenges I would never learn anything.

Shine My Light by David K.

2010-11-27T11:28:00.000-05:00

FMA is more than a school,
Where I will grow strong.
It’s not a place to be a fool,
At least not for long.

The dark lords of power,
May give me a fright.
But I will not cower.
I will shine my light.

I must be free,
Or else I will suffer.
I can make my plea,
But I will get no buffer.

I miss the time,
When I had no worry.
It was sublime,
When I didn’t have to hurry.

The world seemed rosy,
In my childlike youth.
It was warm and cozy,
Before I learned the truth.

Now I know what I need to do.
I am no longer afraid or meek.
I will be strong, smart, and true,
And build the future I seek.

Thoughts Into Actions by Andrew S.

2010-11-27T11:26:00.000-05:00

Here at FMA we have a student store where we can buy everything from classroom supplies to snacks. I decided it would be a good thing to increase my buying power by increasing my store credit balance.

A way of making some extra money is to put some extra effort into your thoughts. The way I did this was to begin making para-cord bracelets, monkey fists, and other items and selling them to the other students in exchange for “store dollars.” I charge about $1.50 for them, and so far I have made about $10.00.

I originally had this idea before coming to FMA. I looked up information on how to make these items, and started doing it. It’s just a sideline, and mostly I have just played at it, but before coming here I made over $100.00 selling them.

So if you have an idea, take the next step and put it into action. You never know where it will go. Your idea may be just something like making stuff out of hemp cord or fabric. Be creative with it, and it will work. It’s a skill you can carry with you and make extra cash wherever you go.

I practice a lot, coming up with new ideas and doing things with new colors, constantly adding to my inventory. Don’t be afraid to take chances. It if fails, at least you tried, right? So, if you have an idea like mine, take it into action.

Free Time by Brent B.

2010-11-27T11:23:00.002-05:00

We keep pretty busy at FMA with classes and work chores, but my classmates and I still have a fair amount of free time to use as we see fit. Here are some ways I spend my time when I’m not working or studying.

I enjoy many things, ranging from reading to playing board games. If time doesn’t allow a game to happen, sometimes I start on my homework or have interesting conversations with my classmates on topics as varied as politics, religion, or just stories from people’s lives.

On Sundays, if I’m not working in the kitchen, a game of Risk until breakfast might be how I start my day. After breakfast there is always time to toss the football or kick around the soccer ball. Now that I’m at Level Two, I can also play a game of basketball or take a walk down to the pond.

As I get better at managing my time and getting my work done, I’m finding I have more time to enjoy myself, and my choices keep expanding.

Dirty Jobs by Morgan A.

2010-11-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

At FMA there are some dirty jobs, but they’ve taught me that I can do a lot more than I would have given myself credit for.

Since I’ve been here, I’ve helped with slaughtering chickens, which involved plucking the hot smelly feathers while trying to avoid the neck gunk.

I helped to bury the remains of the cow we put in the freezer, which was a stinky mushy job, and I swear when we buried the head, its eyes were looking right at me.

I’ve spent some hours working in what Mr. Mike calls the “Pasture Bakery” picking up cow pies. What a joy! Be sure to hold your breath for the fresh ones.

It wasn’t fun when I started doing these jobs, but after a couple of times doing it, it doesn’t bother me as much. Well, it shouldn’t anyway. Getting my hands dirty with dirt or sap, can be entertaining, especially when I’ve had to dig my hands deep down there into the soil, like when we were digging potatoes out of the garden. Watch out for the rotten soggy ones!

But, when we work as a team, it ends up not being so bad, so dive in!

Kitchen Crew by William H.

2010-11-27T11:19:00.000-05:00

Every day I spend in the kitchen is a wonderful experience, and each day increases my skills. I didn’t really enjoy cooking awhile back, but now it’s like second nature to me. How I fell in love with it is a totally different story.

When I came to FMA and learned I was going to be on kitchen crew, I was a little worried about waking up at 4:30 a.m. on the days I was cooking breakfast. I managed to get through it, but then I fell back into my old habit of waking up late.

Wow, what trouble that got me into. When I would wake up and get to the kitchen late, I would get fired for that time period. It was horrible, but I still got to work in the kitchen later that same day, but as I would show up late more and more often, I started to get fired for the whole day. I kept getting upset at whoever fired me, until I realized that if I wanted to stay in the kitchen I had to earn the opportunity through my actions.

I started waking up early, but I didn’t want to succeed in the kitchen as much as I really should have. I would mess up the meals and the instructors would have to cook for me, and I know they didn’t like it. It got so I was ashamed to even cook. Knowing this, I changed my whole attitude toward cooking.

Now I am doing much better. I get up on time, and I have demonstrated my new attitude by paying attention to what I am doing and cooking some delicious meals. I came back to settle the score and overcame the attitude that was leading me to failure. I have left my old habits and will master the kitchen.

Favorite Poem: Life of a Teenager by Kamva Bobo by Stephanie M.

2010-11-27T11:16:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite poems is called “Life of a Teenager,” and it was written by a young South African named Kamva Bobo. I chose this poem because it expresses exactly what life as a teenager is all about.

The less worries I have, the more happiness I will have. I cannot sit around and dwell on what people say if they are gossiping about me.

I find the words touching because if everyone could live like this, then so many people would be on the right path rather than the wrong one. I have learned some of these lessons already.

This is a favorite of mine because not only does it provide me with some simple instructions for getting through my teen years and young adulthood, it also inspires me by saying I can, and I will.

Life is full of thrills

And life can be tough

Yes life is full of chills

But life can be rough

Making decisions

Choosing your future

Isn’t easy as it seems

Dealing with pressure

Dealing with school

As people criticize you

They make you look like a fool

Drama and gossip

Floating around

People are talking

No truth to be found

Hang out with friends

So the fun never ends

Don’t drink and drive

Maybe then you’ll save a life.

Be careful who you trust

Take a risk if you must

Share all your laughter

Smile every day

Forget all your problems

Its better that way

Just know who you are

Believe you can make it

Live your life to the fullest

And try not to break it.

Movie Review: The Patriot by Erin L.

2010-11-27T11:13:00.000-05:00

The Patriot takes place in 1775 in South Carolina. The movie revolves around the Revolutionary War. The main character, Benjamin Martin, had fought in the French and Indian War, and although he knew ways to fight the British had never dreamed of, in the beginning of the story he did not want to fight. He had a family and thought he was finished with war, but his quiet life was about to change dramatically. This movie shows what family meant to one man, and what he was willing do for them.

Benjamin Martin was done with killing, and thought his fighting days were over, but many people in his town were angry with him because of this. His son Gabriel decided to join the American army because he wanted to fight the loyalists.

The fighting was so close to the Martin home that it was literally in their front yard. Gabriel came home, and for the next several days the family was caring for injured soldiers from both sides. When a British officer arrived to arrest Gabriel for carrying American documents, Benjamin was angry but eventually let him go. Benjamin’s second son however, would not, and he ran at the soldiers who were taking Gabriel. The commanding officer shot the boy in the head and told his men to burn the house.

Enraged, Benjamin and two of his sons ambushed the caravan, freeing Gabriel and killing every British soldier. Benjamin and Gabriel formed a militia and made “ghost” attacks on moving British caravans leaving no survivors. Benjamin would not stop until he had hunted down and killed the man who had murdered his second son.

This movie really opened my eyes to the horrors of war. The British practice of killing civilians was brutal and uncalled for. The lengths to which Benjamin Martin went to protect his family and avenge the death of his child also showed me the true meaning of family. This is a truly touching movie with an amazing story.

Book Review: The Terror by Kelsey S.

2010-11-27T11:10:00.000-05:00

The Terror by Dan Simmons is a captivating work of historical fiction published by Little Brown and Company in 2007. In this novel’s 960 pages, the author tells the story of the lives of the crews of The Terror and The Erebus, two ships stranded in the ice near King William Sound in the years 1845 through 1851.

The men are slowly dying from the cold and lack of food, and to make matters worse, the ships are being attacked by a mysterious creature that is killing off crew members one by one. An Esquimaux woman appears and is taken in by the crew of the Terror. She is a mysterious figure, who cannot speak because her tongue has been chewed out. They call her “Lady Silence,” and she is a major cause of worry for the captain of The Terror because of her mysterious nature and actions.

The experiences of the crews differ because of the different ways the captains deal with the situation. The captain of The Terror spends his time worrying about the present, while the captain of The Erebus worries about the past.

I recommend this book to people who enjoy suspense, but who also have the maturity to handle some of the stronger themes.

The Chicken Harvest by Rachel S.

2010-11-27T11:06:00.000-05:00

Idea of the Month by Erin L.

2010-10-24T13:18:00.000-04:00

“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”—Matthew 7:12

     When I treat others how I would like to be treated my world becomes more harmonious. I will go far in life if I remember to treat people this way, and I will have more friendships. When I treat others badly, I expect the same in return. In the Bible, Matthew states that we should always treat other people in a way we would want them to treat us. If I want to be treated in a good and respectful way, then I need to treat others in a good and respectful way.
     It never feels good to me to be treated with disrespect or hurt, and I doubt if it’s a good feeling for anyone else. If I am rude or I say hurtful things to another person, I am asking to be treated badly.
     I know I want to be respected, and I know I want people to be honest with me. I have to give in order to get, so when I am honest and respectful I can expect the same.
     Sometimes I say things I don’t mean, or things I would never want someone to say to me.
     Every time I am about to say or do something, without thinking about it, I really need to stop and think to myself “How I would feel if I were the person in front of me?”
     This quote is sometimes misunderstood by people who think it has something to do with revenge, and that it means I should do something to another person if they do it to me. But if someone breaks my arm, and I break his arm in return, all I’m asking for is another broken arm. Don’t take this quote to mean payback, instead think about how to treat people in a good way.
     When I feel good about the way I am acting toward other people, I will feel good about myself. I will also be treated better by other people. No matter where I am or what I am doing it is important to me to live in harmony, and that begins with me.

Expedition One by Kelsey S.

2010-10-24T13:14:00.000-04:00

     On September 15th, nine students and two teachers left FMA for the first expedition of the school year.
     The first part of the hike was spent on a long stretch of paved road, that went mostly uphill through very little shade. Occasionally as we passed a house, dogs would bark or people would stare or wave. Mr. Mike would look back often and give me instructions to pass on to the other hikers, or tips to help make my hike easier.
     After about one-and-a-half hours, we reached a church and started up the rough, rocky Iron Mountain Trail into the woods and on up into the mountains.
     When we reached our first camp at Miracle Springs, my tent-partners Rachel and Erin, and I went to our camp site and started setting up our tent and getting the fire ready to light. Then we went to our first class of the expedition where we learned the basics of what we needed to do. Two more students, and another teacher joined the group as we were working on our first fire and prepared to cook our first meal. After one more class, we climbed into our tent and went to sleep.
     We spent another day at Miracle Springs attending classes and practicing our camping skills.
     The next day, we hiked further along the Iron Mountain Trail to Saddle Camp, where the water source was too far away to be called good, and we were visited by wildlife at night.
     The following day, we hiked to Camp Coughlin where we were finally able to take “Billy Can Baths,” and feel clean for the first time since we started out. At this camp we also learned how to make field expedient stretchers in case of an emergency.
     On the next day’s hike, we left the Iron Mountain Trail and headed off the path and through a lot of trees and steep hills and confusing turns to get to Upper Birch Branch Camp. When we got there, good wood was slightly difficult to find, but the water source was wonderful as it ran right through the middle of the camp.
    The next morning we got to wake up a little later, and then started the long hike back to school. When we finally got to the school, everyone was waiting for us. They took pictures and helped us unpack all of our food. Then I headed to my room where I unpacked my backpack for “reverse junk-on-the-bunk.” After my equipment was inspected and checked, I got to get my mail. It was so nice to finally get letters from home. After reading my letters, I took a much needed shower, and then went to the dining room for a wonderful dinner. The day ended with all of us relaxing, and finally falling asleep in our own beds.

Going Out on Work Chores by James D.

2010-10-24T13:11:00.000-04:00

Work chores, as unpleasant as that may sound, can actually be fun. Yes, fun - even though I have sometimes thought they are cruel and unusual because we aren't being paid for our “back breaking” labor. Work chores did not seem fun to me at first, but as long as I’m not the guy who is picking up cow patties or cleaning the bathroom they are okay. But, hey, even those who clean up manure can enjoy themselves and have fun on the job – really.

My favorite job is working with the wood and the fun tools, e.g. splitting mauls, sledgehammers, wedges, hatchets, machetes, and the good old ax. I think splitting wood is the best work chore. I find it relaxing, thrilling, entertaining, and definitely tiring. It’s a very good workout, and I find it best to split wood when I am angry, because, with every swing, I can slowly feel myself starting to calm down.

Even though work chores may sound like a pain, they are preparing us for the future. And we can easily find them enjoyable, whether we are on kitchen crew, floor crew, farm crew, or dish crew. Whether I am digging post holes, gathering wood, helping out in the woodshed, working in the garden, or any other chore, it’s up to me to make it fun.

Life Without Electricity by Stephanie M.

2010-10-24T13:07:00.000-04:00

From having a cell-phone in hand 24/7, always using electricity, and having access to my electronic devices, such as video games, computer, hair-dryer, hair-straightener, iPod, Mp3 player, etc., to having them all taken away, was extremely hard.

But, I am happy to say that going day to day without them is getting easier. At first I couldn’t stand not having my cell-phone or my hair-straightener, and I thought I was going to go crazy. Now, with each day that passes, it gets easier and easier. My hair-straightener isn’t a big deal anymore. I’m doing fine without it. What do you know, my hair is healthy! On the other hand, not having my cell-phone still gets to me every once in awhile because I want to talk to a friend or somebody I miss.

I’m beginning to realize this life without electricity isn’t so bad. Not having electricity has shown me that there is more to life than just sitting on my fanny watching TV, or texting away.

There are so many different enjoyable things I can do without electronics. I can learn to play a musical instrument, improve my knowledge by reading more books, or write letters to family and friends. (And it’s always an enjoyable thing to get a letter in return…)

So, maybe you should try going without electricity for awhile - try living without your TV, cell-phone, hair products, computer, and video games for a week or two. Learn to live with a wood stove and kerosene lamps, and tell me how it is for you. You might see that there’s more to life than just the electronics we shove in our faces every single day. It’s not a healthy thing.

FMA Food Critic

2010-10-24T12:59:00.000-04:00

Today I experienced a food called Hobo Eggs. When I took the first bite, it tasted like a normal piece of bread, but boy was I in for a surprise. Suddenly, out of nowhere, I began to experience the perfect combination of egg, bread, and butter, or as I now call it “the trifecta.” Not only was William able to create something this delicious, but he also had a substitute for anyone allergic to eggs. These fit into the middle of the bread, and I call them circlets. Of course being the thorough food critic I am, I tasted the substitution and it worked extremely well. I wonder how he cut the circlets to fit so well. Well anyway, overall I would give this meal four out of five stars.

Today during dinner I contemplated bread and butter. It sounds simple, but really it is the most important part of the meal because it sets the mood. So as you can imagine, I was ecstatic when I learned that both the bread and butter I was eating were homemade. As a butter connoisseur, I can tell you that what defines a good butter from a bad butter is the C.S.S. (cream, salt, and softness) ratio. A good butter had enough C.S.S. to flavor the bread without overpowering it. Overall I would say that FMA’s butter has a pretty good C.S.S. and has a little extra salt to prepare us for the power of the upcoming hearty meal.

Today we had a delicious meal consisting of baked spaghetti. Now I personally like an easy to eat meal. Don’t get me wrong, I like acting like a high-class food snob as much as the next guy, but with my busy food tasting schedule, ease usually comes before my need to feel superior. So, I was extremely pleased to discover that the spaghetti had been pre-cut, which allowed me to eat it with my favorite utensil: the spoon. It was a killer meal, a world class food. But as I was eating away, I discovered I was getting too full to finish my meal. The policy at FMA is to eat all of the food you put on your plate, or Mr. K., the owner of the restaurant will increase your bill. So I scarfed down the food with my spoon, and I would say that FMA’s Food Finish Policy, or F.F.P. is a good way to prevent waste.

Today, I ate a delicious chicken pot pie. It was truly amazing, and Brent had done everything to perfection. The crust crumbled in my mouth allowing for a perfect ratio between bite and crumble. It would have been a perfect meal, but the arugula in the salad was bitter and poisoned part of the bread on my plate. Being polite, I completed my meal with well-prepared bites to drown out the taste. I would say this meal was healthy, but could have used a little pre-tasting to avoid the overly strong salad.

Habits by William H.

2010-10-24T12:46:00.001-04:00

Like everyone, I have my share of bad habits that cause me problems. Some of them have followed me to Freedom Mountain Academy.     The first bad habit that is causing me problems is getting my homework done. It’s been a huge problem since first grade. If I can change this habit I can really improve my future. My teacher, with great concern, said “In order to break a habit you must take an action, and do the opposite of what your bad habit is.” While I didn’t immediately take an action, I’m going to work on it. I’m going to get my work in on time by setting up a time every day to do it. Right now, telling others to do their homework is hypocritical and wrong. However, when I put all my will power into my homework, I can say without being a hypocrite, “Do your homework!”
    Getting up on time. Oh, what a problem. I used to think I was good at getting up on time, but when I came to FMA, I was shocked to find out I had to wake up and be at class at 6:10 a.m. I flipped out. It turned out that I was good at it, and I got up and got to class on time. My biggest problem though is when I am on morning kitchen crew, and have to be in the kitchen at 4:30 a.m. I have had a hard time with it. So far my latest wake up was 5:30 a.m., an hour late, and I raced out of bed, got dressed extremely fast, and headed for the kitchen. It wasn’t a good start to the day, and it wasn’t a great day as a result. I know I have the will power to get up on time, but I chose to fall back asleep instead. I will not make that choice again, and once I break that habit, I will master the kitchen!
     Another thing that has been a problem is keeping my room tidy. I have failed room inspection a few times. I know that I can keep my room clean, and my actions will prove it. Breaking this habit will help me keep my room clean at home, and it will help keep my surroundings tidy, which will also help me move up in the world.
     Now, I have told you about some of my habits and the problems they have caused me. I know that if you share any of my habits, you can take the right actions just like I’m preparing to do to improve my future.

It Occurred to Me Later by Brent B.

2010-10-24T12:42:00.001-04:00

Coming back from the expedition, we crossed the six-acre pasture at the back of the FMA property. As I walked, I appreciated the view of the grassy field, the woods in the distance, and the mountains in the background. I snapped a picture as I walked, because I thought it was pretty. I didn’t think much about it until later.

When I was looking at the picture a few days later, I saw it differently.
The field of grass came to represent opportunity. The opportunity to imagine and create goals at a young age is endless. Anything is possible.

The woods in the distance came to represent the choices I make to find the path to my goals. The path is there, but I have to find it.

The mountains represented the struggles and hardships on the path to my goal. I will have to climb over many obstacles on the way to achieving what I want.

A grassy field, woods in the distance, and mountains on the horizon - a pretty picture became, for me, a realization about my future.

The More Challenging Next by Rachel S.

2010-10-24T12:39:00.001-04:00

Wind rustling through the trees,

A bird in flight gives a high-pitched shriek.
Chopping wood on this sharp cold day,
Near a very strong smell of fertilized hay.

At first we could talk only certain times of the day.
But now we can talk almost every which way.
Laughter rings out from the front porch,
That glows from the light of a kerosene torch.

Five girls and six guys,
Means there are eleven K-Bar knives.
First expedition is already done.
I can’t wait for the very next one.

Getting ready for the more challenging next,
On this one we’ll rappel off a steep wooded crest.
It’s something I’ve never done in the past,
So let’s see how long I’ll really last.

Reading Lonigan by Louis L’Amour,
My mind turns to a craving for s’mores.
Because it is now pitch black and night,
I think I might go to bed, I might.

Movie Review -- Braveheart by Morgan A.

2010-10-24T12:36:00.001-04:00

The movie Braveheart, stars Mel Gibson as William Wallace, a nobleman from Scotland who is fighting to free his country from England.
He inspires his countrymen to fight against the mightiest army of that time. This movie swept me off my feet and made me want to cheer them on. Although the violence was gory at times, I found this movie to be very enjoyable.
Braveheart is based on a true story, and I highly recommend it because it was very inspiring to me. I hope it is to you as well.

Book Review -- Showdown by Ted Dekker by Andrew S.

2010-10-24T12:25:00.002-04:00

The shocking, suspenseful novel Showdown by Ted Dekker tells of an epic struggle between good and evil.

It is a mystery thriller that has a twist added in. Marsuvees Black is trying to control everyone in Paradise, Colorado, while a young man named Johnny Drake fights back against him. Not far from Paradise, in secret caverns under a monastery, Billy Reidiger is struggling against Samuel Abraham for control of a mysterious and powerful secret. How these two stories come together is the twist I mentioned earlier.

Ted Dekker does an excellent job of showing how the battle between good and evil is all around us. This story is important to me because it shows that it doesn’t matter who or where you are, the battle is all around you and you might want to be ready for it.

If you like a good mystery thriller with lots of twists and turns, that also explores important themes, I highly recommend this book.

Nuts and Dolts by Isaac S.

2010-10-24T12:22:00.001-04:00

Letters from the Students of FMA-X to the Students of FMA-XI

2010-06-25T10:33:00.005-04:00

On one of the last evenings of the school year, during the creative writing class, students of FMA-X were given the following prompts.

One thing I picked up; One thing I gave away; One thing I left behind; One thing I want to say; One thing I borrowed; One thing I would take back; One thing I came to love; One thing I know I lack

After writing down answers, each of them composed a letter based on the prompts. The letter will be given to the next student who occupies their room.

Some of the answers were surprising, others were funny, and all of them looked back with pride on an outstanding year. And all of them used their “Trail Name,” given to them during their time on the Appalachian Trail.

We hope you enjoy them.

Dear Future Person

2010-06-25T10:30:00.003-04:00

Dear Future Person,

I know that when you first get here you won’t like it, and I’m not telling you to believe it gets better, but it does. If you make it the nine months and challenge yourself, I guarantee that you will leave here stronger, not only physically, but also with the mental strength to pursue whatever you want.

One thing I picked up: Some of the best friends I will ever have.
One thing I gave away: My strength and hard work during work chores.
One thing I left behind: This letter to you, my friend, and a little child that was inside of me who wanted to destroy me.
One thing I want to say: Live all the days of your life.
One thing I borrowed: The knowledge of others to start my journey.
One thing I would take back: Not doing my homework at the beginning, because I would have enjoyed myself more in my short stay here.
One thing I came to love: My friends, my inner self, and my spirit.
One thing I lack: The ability to now say, “It’s just good enough.”

So enjoy yourself and have a blast, because I guarantee by the time you get where I am, you’ll love it too. I don’t know you, but I’m your friend when you think you don’t have one. Oh, and when you are on expedition and you’re hiking through five feet of snow, don’t get down because you have good food and a warm shower when you return. You will get a trail name for your actions – mine was Mountain Mover because I carried a rock (40 lb) from Highway 58 to Saunders Shelter then back to FMA because it was warm from the fire. Ha! That does sound crazy. Don’t ever sit on the side of the trail and die.

Your friend in Australia,

Cree D.
Mountain Mover

Dear Unknown Friend

2010-06-25T10:28:00.004-04:00

Dear Unknown Friend,

Yeah, I know it’s a small room, but I assure you that it will be full of memories when you leave. I know what you’re thinking, and I know that it will change for the better. I know that you and I are linked by this room, though we may never meet. I know he sounds crazy, but listen and you will learn something new. I know I did. I know it’s strange, no technology, not even electric lights; you’ll get used to it. I know I did. I don’t know why you are here, and at the end you will be glad because you will have lost a burden. I know I did. I don’t know if you love them now, but you will. I know I loved my mom and dad, and still do, at the end of it all. You will learn to love your classmates as family. I know I do. It might not seem like it now, but this will be the most memorable year of your life, so far. I know it has been for me. So have fun and know it will all turn out great. It’s no daisy, this year, at first, but it will be a beautiful year.

Love,

Joseph S.

Maverick

P.S. Don’t ever sit on the side of the trail and die. You will survive everything.

Dear Roomie

2010-06-25T10:27:00.004-04:00

Dear Roomie,

I give my room to you. I’ve given it up to move. In this room, I have laughed; I’ve cried; I’ve done my work.

And now this beautiful room is yours. I know tonight you don’ t know how you will ever survive this wacky school. You do not know how to chop wood or light the lamp. It’s easy. You may have been sent by your parents, unwilling to go at first. Or maybe you are like me and you wanted to come. It was the best decision of my life. Just one tip – have an open mind. You will love going on expeditions like I did. Waking up at 4:30 a.m. is not so bad.

Having friends for the first time in your life – feeling relieved at being wrong about something your life seemed to revolve around – learning etymology is wonderful. This may seem like the phoniest letter you have ever read, but it’s from my heart.

You may pick up an amazing book and it may change you. You will leave behind habits you hate so much. You will borrow ideas on life, virtue, and people. You will leave lacking ignorance. You will leave as an adult, confident, and with a plan.

Yeah, you might miss your family and friends, but I assure you they are not gone forever.

Freedom Mountain Academy changed me – the unchangeable. I shall say one more thing – go in with an open mind and you will find family, the future at your fingertips, and yourself. It will be worth it, my friend. It will be worth it.

Love,

Hope A.

Card Trick

P.S. Ask Mr. Dan to show you my card trick.

Dear Tenant Friend

2010-06-25T10:26:00.004-04:00

Dear Tenant Friend,

FMA X was a life changing experience for me. One thing I picked up this year was the calf, Max. He’s probably large now, even though he wasn’t that small to begin with. To the friends I made here, I owe a special loyalty that can never be taken back. At the beginning of the year, I arrived as a know-it-all and still a child in my thinking. One thing I have to warn you about is when your alarm clock goes off – get out of bed and don’t fall back asleep. The staff are here to be a “shoulder to your wheel,” like they were to mine, as I became a man. They also gave me a newfound love for the outdoors. The one thing I still have to work on, that I discovered this year, is my lack of inner peace. The only thing I would take back is the bloody nose I gave myself getting in a fight with a frozen glove, although it makes a great story.

Patrick C.

Pitchy

P-rat

Spud

Pif

Gimp

Glove

Spot

Patty

Fatty

Leprechaun

Turtle

P.S. Ask the staff about their grandson and nephew and his advice on the proper use of a pitchfork.

Dear Resident of Room #2

2010-06-25T10:25:00.004-04:00

Dear Resident of Room #2,

One thing I picked up was honesty. I am much more honest than I was when I first came.

One thing I gave away was my ring. I gave it to Cree so that he wouldn’t forget me.

One of the things I left behind coming here was anger. I don’t get as angry here as I do at home.

One thing I want to say is do what they tell you to, because, at the beginning of the year, I got very angry and decided that I didn’t want to work, so I didn’t. It just got worse for me, so, eventually, I decided to work normally again.

One thing I borrowed from people a lot is words. I used other people’s words a lot, which made people think less of me.

One thing I would take back is bad things I said to the junior staff. It didn’t get me in trouble, but it did make me feel bad later.

One thing I came to love is the people here. It took me quite awhile, but I did.

One thing I know I lack is not talking. I talk way too much, and I am not very patient with people.

Love,

Jonny C.

FMA X

Blues Traveler

P.S. Make sure you keep your room clean and do your work.

Dear Future Student,

2010-06-25T10:24:00.003-04:00

Dear Future Student,

One thing I want to say is the year was better than I thought it would be - the fun months, the laughs, and the reflective time.

I have changed a lot in that I have a new sense of reliability and honesty. One thing I borrowed was Gorilla Glue because is sealed my expedition boots.

One thing I would like to take back is a new respect for people, trustworthiness, and a sense of responsibility.

One thing I came to love is the people around me, the views, and myself.

One thing I lack just a bit, but not much, is self-assurance.

This was my experience of FMA X.

Myles R.

Miles Davis

P.S. This is an experience of a lifetime

Dear Future Friend

2010-06-25T10:23:00.002-04:00

Dear Future Friend,

Here at FMA I wanted to go home after a few minutes. On the last expedition you are going to want to give up, but don’t. It’s worthwhile. At home I thought I needed help on everything, but, by the end of the year, I learned that I could do things I never imagined I could do or would do. I have a sense that I can do anything if I put my mind to it.

I want to say something and that is never give up. Keep going at it. I never thought I would hike along the Appalachian Trail, but I did even sometimes with two feet of snow on the ground. I made it through the snow and I am only 5’ 3”.

I have learned a lot of Ms. Margaret’s ideas and virtues and ever since I began learning them, I have been trying to make them own. It takes work to use someone else’s “tools,” even though they know better than you, but take them and put them in your own “tool box.”

I have learned a lot that I never thought I would be learning. I still lack on some things such as taking criticism without letting it go into my heart and get me down. If you are the same way, Ms Margaret will tell you, “You’re a big, fat, purple elephant.” It isn’t true, and since there isn’t any use in arguing about it, you will learn you don’t have to believe or worry about everything that other people say about you.

One thing I will take home is the sense of achievement. You will get it too by the end of the year. Don’t let anyone put you down.

Sincerely,

Chana K.

Speed Bump

P.S. There are always cows outside your window, on Mr. Wayne’s property, and they moo a lot.

P.P.S The mountains and trees are there for you if you need someone to talk to.

Solo Expedition by Patrick C.

2010-05-25T22:34:00.001-04:00

Day One: I woke up at my usual time of 5:30 a.m. We ate a great breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls and yogurt. Earlier I had been told I would have the first camp because I had injured my foot. It had healed up enough so that I could hike without much pain, so I ended up in camp #5 at Gentry Creek. I spent the first day building my shelter and gathering wood. I gathered enough wood to last me the whole expedition. At 3:30 p.m. I met up with Joseph for our check in. We talked for a little bit. I didn’t eat much but some young ferns and violets.

Day Two: Last night I woke up constantly in an attempt to keep my fire going, but around 8:00 a.m. when I woke up my fire was completely gone. At 9:30 a.m. I met up with Joe, but I was almost late because I had drifted back to sleep. I set out my fishing line in hopes of catching a fish or two. Near the middle of the day it began to sprinkle and my shelter didn’t leak at all. At 3:30 p.m. Joseph and I met up again. He had only caught one fish. I was beginning to feel weak, so I gathered some stinging nettles, got my fire nice and hot, and boiled some plain flavorless nettles. All I wanted then was some salt. I checked my line before I lay down to sleep, but I hadn’t caught any fish.

Day Three: I managed to keep my fire going all night, but came close to having it go out. I changed my socks this morning and sat around the fire with one sock off for about an hour. Around 9:00 a.m., I checked my fishing line and found that something had stolen the bait. At 9:30 a.m. when I met up with Joseph, I learned he hadn’t caught any fish either. I finished working on The Fountainhead today, and also finished reading The Bourne Identity. The day has been dragging by and I’m having a hard time believing that we’ll be back at the school by tomorrow evening. With this realization, I took some time to look around at nature and to listen to the babbling creek and watch the green leaves dance in the wind to the song of the creek. The moss and ferns stood stark still in contrast to the music and dancing going on around them. I can’t wait for nightfall so I can go to sleep.

Day Four: I didn’t have a fire this morning because I decided to let it go out last night. I took my time tearing down my shelter. My fire pit was nice and cold so I spread the ashes and carefully covered the pit. I wrapped one of the rocks from my fire pit and packed it in my day pack. By 8:30 a.m. my camp was no longer a camp, only an open spot on a rocky hillside. By 11:00 a.m. I had read a good portion of my third book, The Bourne Supremacy. At 11:15 a.m. the guys from upstream came by, and I joined the line heading home.