Pre-Course Interviews: It’s Preppin’ Time

The solstice this Monday officially ushered summer in, and the season is certainly in full swing here at NOLS RM. Thursday morning The Gulch and Outfitting played host to two Wind River Wilderness courses and two Wyoming Backpacking Adventure courses. Amid the flurry of activity, we managed to borrow two WRW students and interview them before they left for their courses. Here’s what Ian Reilly from California had to say.What aspect of your course are you most excited about? I’m just excited about spending a month in the wilderness.

Could you describe this morning (being issued food and gear at the RM) in one word? Hectic, but somehow it all came together. [That’s seven, Ian, but we’ll let it slide.]

If you had to do your whole course wearing hiking books made of chocolate, cheese, or steel, which would you choose? Steel, because I wouldn’t eat them. I also have a lot of chocolate already…

You’re going to be out of contact for a few weeks; what’s your “out of office message”? Hey, I’m stuck in the wilderness for a while. Leave a message if you want. Don’t text. Much love, Ian.

And for a female perspective, we spoke to Amy Feldman from Chicago, next.

What aspect of your course are you most excited about? Being out in nature and learning to fish. It seems like there’ll be a ton to learn.

What have you heard about NOLS? My brother did this. He talks a lot about the shower when he got back. He also warned me to stay away from the thunder chili!

Speaking of food, if you had to do your whole course wearing hiking books made of chocolate, cheese, or steel, which would you choose? [We like this one.] Chocolate. I’d eat them and then hike barefoot.

Let’s end with a little survival situation. Imagine you run into a small dragon on the trail who tries to grab other students on your course and fly away with them. Armed with only a mosquito net, hiking poles, and your chocolate boots, what do you do? [without hesitation] Capture it with the mosquito net, stab it with hiking poles, and then eat the chocolate victory boots.

It sounds like Ian and Amy are well-prepared and excited for their courses. We wish them, their fellow students, and their instructors a great 30 days in the wilderness!