Wilderness Reflection

Next week we will be departing on our first expedition: a four-day sea kayak trip. As we prepare for this experience, I would like you to continue thinking about "wilderness". For this blog, I would like you to:


1. Visit and read about wilderness at wilderness.net

2. Post a blog entry that includes your summary definition of wilderness (do not copy & paste!).

3. Post a one-paragraph statement with your reaction to the following quote about wilderness. Include if you agree or disagree with this point of view and why.


We did not think of the great open plains, the beautiful rolling hills, and winding streams with tangled growth, as “wild.” Only to the white man was nature a “wilderness” and only to him was the land “infested” with “wild animals” and “savage” people. To us it was tame. Earth was bountiful and we were surrounded with the blessings of the Great Mystery. —Chief Luther Standing Bear, of the Oglala band of Sioux.


Again, be sure to use a word processor to spell and grammar check before posting and to post using your first name. This post is due before class on Friday morning, September 23.

Equipment List

Hi All,

This past week, you have been given an equipment list identifying several pieces of clothing and equipment you will need for your coursework. Using this equipment list, your book, and the discussions we have had in class, please respond to this post (by clicking on the "comments" link below) and

1. List out the pieces of clothing and gear you already own, and then
2. Identify each piece you still need to acquire in the next few weeks as we prepare for your expeditions
3. Finally, identify where you will research and look for each piece of gear you need and when you expect to have it by.

This is due before class on Friday, September 16.

First Post

Welcome to your weblog page. You will be responsible for checking in here once each week to read and comment on the current blog topic. Your response to each topic must be posted by the beginning of class each Friday morning at 9:00. My advice is to not leave this until the last minute, but work on it earlier on in the week to give yourself ample time to process and write. Your blog posts will be evaluated using the blog evaluation rubric and will be 20% of your course grade.

Post a simple message clicking on the blog topic above and a comment box will appear below. Type in the comment box (be sure to include your name), select "anonymous" from the "comment as" dropdown list, and then click "Post Comment".