Originally, our Loyalsock backpacking trip was scheduled to be a week long,  just before Thanksgiving.   We have decided to shorten the trip  into a weekend to make it easier for participants to fit into their schedule.  We will now be leaving Friday November 20, and returning Sunday November 22, in the afternoon. 

If you are interested in this three day backpack trip along the beautiful Loyalsock trail, give our office a call at (570) 389-4323 or send us an email at quest@bloomu.edu. 

The new cost of the trip is $35 which includes transporation to the trail and one on one instruction.  You can pay either in our office or by clicking to pay online.   Once you click, scroll back down to this article to view paying information. 

This is sure to be a fun and memorable weekend so sign up while spaces are still available.

 This Saturday, along with the Student Rec. Center, Quest hosted a climbing festival, bringing out over 40 climbers to the Rec. Center!  A bouldering competition, as well as yoga, live music, and natural foods created a great atmosphere.  Congratulations to everyone who competed and helped with this festival’s success!

 Check out pictures from all courses and events on our photo site  www.buquestphotos.org. 

 Up and Coming!

Here’s what is happening at Quest in the near future.

The upper campus climbing wall is now closed for the season!! It will re-open again after spring break 2010.

 Courses coming up:

+11/21-22: Loyalsock Backpack

 12/5-6: Wilderness First Aid

*12/6: Rickets Glen Winter Hike 11a-5p

 *Indicates free course for current BU students

+Indicates departure from BU evening prior

Most Quest Trips require no previous training and most equipment is provided.  Quest courses require pre-registration either in person, or by mail, phone, or the website. 

 For More information on these and other courses, click on the course link on the Google Calendar on our main page.  If you use Google Calendar, you can also subscribe to our free Quest Course Calendar. 

 Special Events:

 WFA- Quest is hosting a Wilderness First Aid Course through the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS at the University on December 5-6, 2009.  It will provide hands-on training to give you the skills and tools that are needed when making difficult medical decisions in remote settings.  The cost is $170.00 and the class is from 8am-5pm on both the 5^th and the 6th of December.  Check out the WFA page on our website for more information.

 Pico De Orizaba Mountaineering - This winter break, December 27th to January 9th, we will be heading out to climb Pico de Orizaba which, at 18490 feet tall, is the third highest mountain in North America, and the highest in Mexico.  Only one spot left for this trip, don’t miss out!

 El Potrero Chico Rock Climbing - Located in Mexico, this is one of the largest sport climbing areas in North America.  Come check out the beautiful 2000 foot high limestone cliffs.  No experience is necessary to join into this trip. This trip is currently full but we are taking a waiting list.

 Mount Washington- This January, from the 15th to the 18th, we’ll be hiking our way to the top of Mount Washington.  Experience the highest mountain in the Northeast from an elevation of 6288 feet!  This is a very popular annual trip for us and fills up fast.

  We also post info on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/buquest) if you aren’t already connected with us there.

The Appalachian Trail is a 2178 miles long footpath that spans the eastern United States from Georgia to Maine.  It was originally completed in 1937 as a project to help people get away from the hectic city life and relax in the wilderness.  The AT is the destination of thousands of hikers every single year, many of whom try to conquer its entire length in one season; a task known as “thru-hiking.”   The average “thru-hike” takes about six months and is notoriously full of numerous hardships and triumphs.  On Tuesday, November 10^th, The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is airing a movie documentary entitled “America’s Wild Spaces: Appalachian Trail”.  They will be exploring the trail itself, the individuals who made it possible, and the die-hard backpackers who call it home.  This documentary, produced by National Geographic, is a must see for any outdoor enthusiast, and will air on The National Geographic Channel this Tuesday at 8:00pm. Don’t miss out on what is sure to be an amazing and eye opening look into one of America’s greatest stories.