Comments for Red Tomahawk Expeditionary Force

Comment on Evolution Valley by Director Franz

Director Franz — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:12:58 +0000

“Cadet Moon, you may only be a cadet and you may never want to go with us again but you get lifetime RTEF membership in my book for making that your first pack trip. I think Jeff and Robin would concur.”

Well, yah. Once she does her snowcamp, of course…….

Comment on Evolution Valley by Director Blakeslee

Director Blakeslee — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:05:27 +0000

Jeff you really outdid yourself on this write-up and photo journal. I read that and said, “I want to GO on the trip!!!” And the truth is we laughed more than even this can convey. You really captured everything. I loved your, “Large pack moving fast against the wind..” There were many, many delightful things I had forgotten. And you are right that he HAS been cemented into RTEF lore…. It was about as fun an 8 days as anyone could possibly have (as long as we keep in mind that misery and jubilation are two sides of the same coin in the backcountry). Another spectacular pelt on our wall of accomplishments. And Robin you continued your unmatched record of like 25 trips in a row without a complaint. How do you do it??? Sheesh that’s hike 80% of Jeff and my game! And as for Cadet Moon, you may only be a cadet and you may never want to go with us again but you get lifetime RTEF membership in my book for making that your first pack trip. I think Jeff and Robin would concur.

Comment on Evolution Valley by Director Franz

Director Franz — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:31:20 +0000

All I can say is, this ranks as one of my top-three trips, all time. Just incredible scenery. Oh, and the company was pretty good, too.

Comment on Evolution Valley by Kristin

Kristin — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:38:16 +0000

I second what Robin said. You guys really made the trip great for me! And I enjoyed the recap – after being back a couple weeks now it’s nice to relive the trip (minus the tuna casserole).

Comment on Evolution Valley by Robin

Robin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:31:57 +0000

My complements to all three photographers and to Jeff for his extra efforts at putting this all together (even the smart-ass commentary)! I can’t imagine three other individuals I’d rather have had on this wonderful journey. My sincere gratitude!

Comment on Evolution Valley by Board of Directors

Board of Directors — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:38:13 +0000

Expedition Analysis/Notes

Date: August 20-27, 2011
Miles: 56.9
Attendees: Directors Blakeslee, Jarchow, Franz; Cadet Moon

• Cadet Kristin Moon received accolades galore on this, her first-ever backpacking expedition. The cadet showed considerable aptitude in all relevant categories, including navigation, packing her pack, tent construction, photography, water filtering, and smart-ass remarks.
• There was far too much food left over after the trip’s conclusion. Extra emergency food is fine, but 7-9 meals? Really?
• Sugar-free pomegranate juice tastes like ass.
• Cascade Designs continued its poor showing on this outing; Director Jarchow’s MSR Mini-Works had a crumbled ceramic element upon post-trip inspection.

Comment on Paradise Valley by Director Blakeslee

Director Blakeslee — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:41:13 +0000

Kristin, that’s the kind of sarcasm that will allow you to survive with this group! We should add in that there were countless doughs, fawns, and bucks walking right through our camp throughout the weekend. You like deer don’t you? They were really cute, just ask Robin. Somewhere around day three of the Evolution Valley trip there will be a recognition that you haven’t thought about your cubicle, your boss or any of the people back home, in a couple of days. It is a well documented effect of backcountry travel…. Especially when in such colorful company… And I will admit, we aren’t the finest people in the world… In fact, we aren’t even AMONG the finest, but we do have the most fun. And this trip was no exception. Great recap Director Franz. I expect Cadet Feghali to offer some commentary soon.

Comment on Paradise Valley by kristin

kristin — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:05:09 +0000

I don’t know, I’m kind of underwhelmed by the pictures. I’d much rather stare at a computer screen and the bland walls of my cubicle.

Comment on Paradise Valley by Board of Directors

Board of Directors — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:49:56 +0000

Expedition Analysis/Notes

Date: June 16-19, 2011
Miles: 30.2
Attendees: Directors Blakeslee, Jarchow, Franz; Cadet Carney
RTEF Recon Team 1: Director Silva, Cadet Kelly

• Cadet Carney receives high marks for his attendance on this trip. On the second Summer Solstice trip, we made him hike just 6.2 miles. Last year, we upped it to 11 miles. This year, we made him hike 23 miles, though he was allowed to stay in camp and read his book on the Castle Domes day trip. It’s all part of our Master Plan.
• An emergency vote of all present directors resulted in an immediate proclamation, that the Carney Cookie Tossing with Toddlers incident easily eclipsed the great Number 2 Knee Blowout Episode of 2006. RTEF lore has forever been changed.
• Cadet Carney has a terrible sense of direction on the trail. His getting lost on the 2009 Green Lake trip was no accident. Recommend mandatory GPS unit for this candidate.
• For the first time in four expeditions, we would be without Cadet Feghali, whose priorities have dangerously shifted as of late. Trips to Vegas and islands abroad have curiously been more appealing to her. It’s a worrying trend, to say the least.

Comment on Preview – 4th Annual Summer Solstice Expedition by Egg

Egg — Mon, 23 May 2011 15:12:07 +0000

I’m confirmed for the extended trip. Had to take to bribing my captor with a spa weekend, but it worked! Was beginning to think I was going to need Fr. Edmund Campion’s “Save My Soul!” Curbside Extraction Service!