This past year "1999" was a year of growth and change for the trekking program at Gray Wolf Ranch. We started out with our excursions centered in Olympic National Park in Northwest Washington. As the year progressed, our program grew. All told, we ran nine hiking treks, camping out for up to ten nights, and we expanded our operating area to the North Cascades National Park. We also ran sailing voyages on two different types of traditional wooden boats.

The last two trips of 1999 issued out of our brand new trek center. This 2,000 square-foot facility, which includes both an equipment room and a rations/meeting room, has revolutionized our program. Every aspect of preparation and cleanup runs so much more smoothly.

Looking back over the last two years, I am amazed at how our program has evolved. Tremendous things can happen by taking things one step at a time and putting trust in a Higher Power. Here are some highlights from our trips:

January: We hiked for miles through the raging torrent of frigid water that called itself a trail. Then it snowed. Then it rained some more. The miracle came in the sense of accomplishment we all felt when we returned home. I have never seen a group more proud of themselves. "That was Hell, but we did it!"

March: Last winter saw two to four times the normal snowfall in the Pacific Northwest, bringing its share of natural disasters. On our March trek, we were the first people to discover the collapsed bridge over the Dosewalips River.

May: We made our first voyage on the Alcyone, an 80-foot gaff-rigged topsail schooner. Captain Sugar Flannigan gave us all an experience we will not forget on one of the area's most classic ships.

June: We hiked in deep snows over the elusive Low Divide in the Olympic Mountains, reaching a summit of 6000 feet. For one group, this was the most challenging Gray Wolf trek yet, and it was completed in style.

July: Finally! On this trek, we were greeted with beautiful weather and spectacular views from First Divide Pass and the Sol Duc area. Our residents enjoyed the company of Peter Boeschenstein, owner and President, prompting the comment, "Hey, these office guys are real people, and are fun to hang out with."

August: Our first attempt to cross two passes in the Olympic Mountains during one trek was a success. The harsh winter obliterated the trail in many places and replaced it with hundreds of blow downs and steep snowfields. "What trail?!" was our motto.

September: We made our first overnight excursion on the Townsend, a replica of the sailing and rowing launches in which Captain George Vancouver explored Puget Sound 200 years ago. When the wind isn't blowing, eight human "engines" at the ends of long oars power this 26-foot-long vessel. The Dorjun, another classic boat from the turn of the century, accompanied us.

October: "Arrrr..." The pirate's favorite expression was heard often as we boarded the Alcyone for a second tour of duty. Who can forget flying off the Tarzan swing into 50-degree water at 7:30 every morning? As a bonus, we anchored in Blind Bay at Orcas Island. We then climbed to great views from a 7000-foot summit, appreciating the tremendous beauty of the North Cascades.

November: My skin has almost dried out from this trek. We hiked along the rocky Pacific Coast and bushwhacked through impressively thick wood, all in pouring rain. The beauty of the coast did not go unnoticed, however, and the guys' positive attitudes made this one of the most successful treks to date.

December: Back in the snow, and back in the North Cascades. Good thing we have fluffy things like new sleeping bags and booties to keep us warm. We've discovered two big advantages of snow camping: it's very clean, and there are no bugs!