Notes from the Road: Northwest Quest
Today’s blog post takes you behind the scenes of Tawonga’s 2022 Northwest Quest.
In late July, a rowdy group of fifteen adventurers returned from a three-week long trip filled with backpacking, river rafting and rock climbing. This Quest takes the group across state lines to Oregon, and farther than any other Tawonga program this summer. The bonding between questers on this longer session is unparalleled. Enjoy highlights and photos below, and a special reflection by quester Josie Almond!
Quest Leaders
Cate McGlynn-Mandel, Nathalie Gee & David Sherman
Questers
12 Questers entering 9th and 10th grades
Quest Itinerary
- Camping at Samuel P. Taylor State Park
- Cavern exploration at Lake Shasta Caverns
- 4-day backpacking trip in the Marble Mountains of Klamath National Forest
- Camping in Umpqua National Forest
- Whitewater river rafting on the Umpqua River in Oregon
- Camping at Crater Lake
- Two days of rock climbing at Smith Rock near Bend, Oregon
- Hiking in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- Camping near the beach in Salt Point State Park
Quest Highlights
- Epic cliff jumping at Crater Lake
- Doing a ritual mikvah in the cool waters and feeling spiritually connected
- Enjoying joyous Jewish tradition and having Shabbat dinner overlooking Crater Lake
- The questers really challenging themselves and supporting each other on the 4-day backpacking trip
- Staying at Tumalo State Park, minutes from gorgeous Smith Rock
- Quester Quote: “This Quest changed how I think. I realized that I don’t need “nice” things to be happy; I just love to be outside and under the stars.”
Quest Leader Inspiration
Quest leader Cate McGlynn-Mandel on her powerful experience:
“This was the best three weeks of my life. I cannot believe I got to spend it seeing the most amazing parts of the West, getting to know two other incredible leaders, and twelve wild, curious, hilarious and joyous questers. My cup has never been this full. This program literally changed my life!”
