Participants words from the Grand Canyon!

Grand Canyon Quotes

The beauty of the grand canyon can’t be summed up by a single word or photo. –Davis Tucker, Pageland SC

I saw the Grand Canyon, I literally shed a tear; it was like nothing I’ve ever seen before and something everyone should see in his or her lifetimes. – Grace Trimpey-Warhaftig, Wilmington, NC

Everything’s bigger in Texas, except the Grand Canyon. - Riley MacFarlane, Mooresville, NC

The views of the Grand Canyon were great.  –Harrison Outlaw, Pageland, NC

 

The experience we had the Grand Canyon was truly great. From hiking the canyon itself in the morning to walking around the shops and the surrounding scenery, it was a truly life changing time. – Lucas Crisp, Gastonia, NC

Hiking the Grand Canyon was the most beautiful thing ever. –Allie Reeves, Cherryville, NC

 

Looked legitimately fake. –Elliott Perry-Gibson, Lawrence, KS

I got lost but not in the actual Grand Canyon but the roads surrounding it. ~Lorelai Palmer, Whiteville, NC

The Grand Canyon was one of the most amazing views I have ever seen. It still doesn’t seem real.  –Taylor Jung, Mt Holly, NC

 

The view of the Grand Canyon is one of the vast reminders that God is good ~ Kambree Harris, Eden, NC

I had to pee before I saw the Grand Canyon but when I saw it I forgot I had to pee. – Giovanna DeSieno, Huntersville, NC

 

A truly beautiful place; can’t wait to go back. - Anna Craver, Concord

 

10 stars on yelp; would recommend to a friend – Khiara Objio, Mooresville, NC

 

The hike was a great experience, but I’m never doing that again- Evan Roney, Fort Mill

 

It was a rocky situation- Megan Cody, Lincolnton

 

It was so amazing; probably the best thing I’ve ever experienced – Hayleigh Deputy, Whitmire

 

It was indescribably beautiful; I loved it so much – Carole-Ann Page, Reidsville

 

Absolutely breathtaking- Christyn Trent, Reidsville

 

I’m glad I did it, but I’d never do it again- Hunter Swain, Wilmington

 

It didn’t feel real… the view was amazing!!! I’m sure I’ll do it again in 20 years; after I forget how hard the hike was J -Thea Dowdle, Reidsville

The canyon was absolutely beautiful and we became friends with rams (or goats not really sure lol)!! – Chloe Mann, Mooresville

The Grand Canyon was absolutely incredible and miraculous- Annmarie Willis, Shelby

It was hard to believe that something so amazingly picture-perfect was right in front of my eyes!! – Claira Seighman, Monroe

 

That was probably the coolest hole in the ground I’ve ever seen- Carleigh Smith, Bryson City

Kylie and I teared up at the sunset.  -Jaydn Osborne, Monroe

It’s bigger than I thought - Kylie Foster, Gernmantown MD

 

“That view was B-E-A- utiful” – Jack Medlin, Laurinburg, NC

“I thought it was just a crack, but this a whole hole.” – Nico Parkhurst, Mooresville, NC

 

“It didn’t even look real.” –Addison Fuller, Newton, NC

 

“It was an indescribable experience for sure.” – Delani Rash, Union, SC

“That was the best hike I’ve ever done.” – Carson Dennis, Mooresville, NC

 

“Totally worth the 4:30 am wake call”- Ainsley Nelli, Greenville, SC

 

“                           “ (speechless) – Sierra Hullander, Mount Holly, NC

“Looked like a painting you could reach out and touch” – Summer VanGastle, Belmont, NC

 

“The ground was beautiful; that’s what I was looking at the whole time” – Ellie Runnels, Aiken SC.

“It was beautiful, magnifique, lovely, stunning, and gorgelicious!, I can’t believe I hiked that sucker” – Mia Browder, Franklinville, NC

 

“Oh lawdy, that’s a big hole.” –Gabriel Bonomo, Mooresville, NC

“I still can’t find the words to describe it” – Henry Roe, Charlotte, NC

“Two types of people take this hike; one’s what need to be humbled and ones that know their limits.” –Brooklyn Sumrall, Wilmington, NC

“Man was I humbled” – Carson Woods, Mooresville NC

“No picture is able to express the sight of the canyon” – Carter Robinson, Gastonia NC

“The whole experience was IMACULATE! ”- Sydnee Davis, Wadesboro NC

“Worth.” –Ayden Jones, Lexington SC

“’The Early Bird Gets the Worm’ – Confucius (probably) - Davis Tucker” – Kieran Wood, Belmont, NC

 

“It was amazing but it sure was HOT”- Charlie McKinney, Reidsville, NC

 

“Seeing the Grand Canyon and its beauty for the first time is a moment that I will cherish forever” – Noah Andrews, Cramerton, NC

 

“It was the most breathtaking sight I’d ever seen, and I will never forget it.” –Abby Lear, Pageland, SC

It was an amazing thing to do but a hard thing to do to say the least. -Bryson Lewis, Gastonia, NC

 

“I could definitely walk up the whole thing no problem.” –Marissa Jones, Gastonia, NC

 

“Wow. That’s really cool.” – Laurel Maynor, Randleman, NC

 

“Twas pretty grand; shoulda done the 6 miles.” – Jackson Stevens, Fort Mill, SC

 

“The most amazing thing I have ever seen, so lucky I got to experience it” – Carlee Rayfield, Chesterfield, SC

Day 7- Las Vegas

Day 7: VEGAS!

HELLO THERE, IT’S THE SLEEPY’S HERE!
Henry Roe, Chloe Mann, Khiara Obijo, Elliot Perry-Gibson, Carter Robinson, Carleigh Smith, Christyn Trent, Jaydn Osborne, Abby Lear

It was super nice to wake up this morning when we wanted. Most of us woke up around 6 because we were used to waking up before the rooster crows. We showered at 7 and packed up our stuff at our own pace. It was incredible not to be rushed. The cooks prepared an
immaculate meal… truly spectacular. Imagine the intensity of Gordon Ramsey, the cooking abilities of Bobby Flay, add the flavor of a 5-star restaurant. Breakfast was so good. We had sausage, eggs, bananas, oranges, and Gatorade. What a great way to start off the day. We left the beautiful Grand Canyon and headed towards Las Vegas in all of our fancy gear. The bus ride was nice, and we were all excited to get to Vegas. The scenery was stunning. We saw the Hoover Dam and beautiful mountains and lakes. We stopped at Walmart for an eternity. Claudius had to fill up gas, so we had a lot of time to kill. Jack and Ryan put on some dresses, a few of us bought some Jarritos, but we were all getting ready for Las Vegas.

We love Great Value EVERYTHING!

How many sunglasses did he have on?

Surprisingly, lunch was really good. The Grumpy’s came in so clutch, we love y’all. Henry was so hesitant to eat those pizza rolls… but man they were good. Anna and Brooks told him not to hate until he tried it. Henry didn’t believe it until he took that first bite. And we had NAME BRAND Cheeto Puffs. Grumpy’s we don’t know how you did it but THANK YOU!

Las Vegas was so much fun. We started in Caesar’s palace and I felt rich. Caesar’s Palace made the Concord Mills mall look like Circle K. We split off into big groups and went our separate ways. Some people went to places like Nike, Belk, Gucci, and even Louis Vuitton. Rags to riches, yeahhhhh baby! Everything in Vegas is so much better, and this Nike store was spectacular. A lot of people came back with a lot of money spent. It was an appropriate Vegas amount of money (that’s what I’m telling myself to make me sleep at night). 

After shopping for a while, groups began wanting to find somewhere good to eat. Many places were very busy so we had to make reservations and come back a little later. One group ate at a place called Water Grill. They said that it was like Ruth Chris’ rich brother that lived on the west coast. It was almost all seafood, and super fancy… and expensive!!!! Most of us ordered the cheapest things on the menu because we are quickly learning that NC prices are WAYYYY better than out west. Ayden on the other hand…. ordered the most expensive meal out of all the participants (what a legend)!

The night has just begun!

Bathroom selfies for life!

Everyone needs a little In-n-Out

We aren't gambling mom, I promise!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICO!!!

We walked around a lot and saw so many cool things. We saw street performers, restaurants & random people, and flashing lights & ferris wheels. We walked into a lot of hotels to look at a lot of the expensive things we will never afford… except Jack. Next, some groups checked the price out at the famous Ferris wheel but it was over $30 to ride. I know it’s Vegas, but that’s absurd. For the rest of the night, we were able to hang out and meet up with other groups while watching water shows or light shows around the city. They were so amazing! Who thinks up something like that? We then sat outside near a fountain and sang Happy Birthday to Nico. Imagine being able to spend your birthday in Las Vegas. We ended up buying $6 stickers from In-And-Out and getting a free t-shirt. Henry is already wearing his new shirt right now.

We then headed back to the bus around 11:45 to start our night on the road. We road for about 45 minutes before we hit a rest stop. This is where everyone was able to change into their pajamas and brush their teeth. Everyone quickly began to pass out for the night as we prepare to wake up in California!!

Day 6- The Grand Canyon

Day 6: Grand Canyon

The camp woke up at 4:30 in the morning, speed walking 1.5 miles in order to get to the Grand Canyon on time to look at the sunrise. The colors seemed to dance on the rocks, lighting them up in a beautiful orange. Not long after, we split into three groups to hike the Canyon, 6 miles, 3 miles, and the 1 mile. Everyone was a little tired but excited to explore the Grand Canyon. 

Most of the 3 mile hikers made it down to the first water station at around 6:30 a.m. with some others catching up not too long after. The hike down was surprisingly easy and everyone was ready to hike back up, though looking back up to where we started quickly demoralized everyone, yet we pushed on. The journey up was tough and hot, everyone made it out at varying times and differing levels of tiredness and thirst, the rest stop and water refill station at the top of the Canyon was a welcoming friend to all who made it back up.

After the hike everyone was free to go to the shops, grab some food, shower, or do their laundry, though everyone needed to be back by 12:00 p.m. for our amazing lunch of Deaton Stew, a longtime tradition of TWB. It is a regular stew with lots of veggies and meat along with some surprises like fruit snacks, crushed pop-tarts, and ritz crackers. After lunch, most people branched off into groups and went to the shops to get ice cream, Dallas’s favorite (even though they didn’t have the special peanut butter cups). 

Today was the first day we could call home, everyone was emotional and there were some tears shed, but it was also comforting for most people to be able to hear their loved ones voices. We miss you all but we are having so much fun out west!

In the afternoon, we were able to have lots of rest and free time again. There’s so many places to explore at the Grand Canyon. The cooks laid out a few things for dinner but most people decided to get food elsewhere. After a long day we finished the day off with a sing-along. We even sang Happy Birthday to Eliott Perry-Gibson. How lucky of him to be at the Grand Canyon for his 16th birthday! Henry shared a song he had been writing about the TWB trip. This was a wholesome moment and everyone felt very connected and like family. Now onto conquer Vegas!