My Intergenerational Experience...
Alicia Hougey, age 13
August 8-13, 2004
When we first pulled up in the parking
lot of the Skamokawa Center, my first thought was, 'Oh, how
cute!" The Center
featured an old building that served as cafeteria, post office,
and a small store. Behind it was the lodge. When we went
in the lodge to register, we were greeted by a friendly woman
named Michelle who quickly gave us our room key, info packets,
and a quick overview of our daily schedule. Our room was
a small and cozy place that consisted of a large bed, couch
bed, desk-with a television and walk in bathroom. Instead
of a closet, there was a wardrobe (sort of like the one in
the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) that was just the
right size for our clothes. Once we were settled in our room,
we took a short walk around the center – down the board
walk, to the gazebo, to the dock. The scenery was beautiful!
Pretty soon it was time for dinner, where we enjoyed both
a delicious meal and getting to know the other Elderhostelers
The next morning, right after breakfast, we had our first
paddle. We were given the option to go in either a double
kayak or a single. Because it was the first time, we had
no idea if it would be difficult. After hearing our guide
say that the double kayaks were practically impossible to
tip, my grandma and I chose a double. The kayaking was very
fun, but it did seem a little long for the first day. Our
guides taught us different strokes, how to steer and how
to stop. Our main guide, Andrew, is an interesting person.
Apart from being an excellent kayaker, he is an accomplished
musician, raises chickens, and is very good at juggling.
We had two other guides, Malt and Mark. They were there to
keep an eye on us, and to help us out if we were having trouble.
On our last day paddle, I was having a difficult time steering
my kayak, so Matt towed me for a long way, until we were
past the waves. He didn't complain at all. All of our guides
had a great attitude, and were always very helpful.
Every evening, we had a different program. The first night,
it was a slide show about Lewis and Clark when they were
in the Skamokawa area. It was pretty short and informative,
given by none other than our guide Andrew. The second night,
there was an actor who came and acted out parts of Lewis
and Clarks journey, doing his best to get everyone involved.
On the third night, a Native American
woman named Harvest Moon came and told
us stories- some about how the natives
lived when Lewis and Clark were here, and some short fables
telling about things like why we have mosquitoes and ticks
and fleas, or the real reason there are signs that say "watch
for falling rocks. She even sang us a couple songs.
The next night, Andrew and one of his friends came and played
music for us, songs that were sung on the Lewis and Clark
voyage, and some classical pieces that were favorites of
Thomas Jefferson.
The last night was my favorite, we had a talent show. Almost
all of the kids performed, a few grandparents, and two of
the guides-singing, juggling playing guitar, even yodeling.
It was a lot of fun.
We had a great group on this trip, and because it was so
small, every one knew every one else pretty well by the last
day. With only nine kids and nine grandparents, (mostly grandmothers-
there was only one grandfather) it was never very crowded.
Everyone was nice, and it didn't matter that there were only
two other girls, the boys were just as much fun. Many nights,
we sat in the lodge, playing cards and talking. We all made
sure to exchange e-mails and phone numbers at the end of
the trip, so we could stay in touch.
Every one was sad to leave the last morning, not only because
of the people, but even because of the place itself. I definitely
want to go back to Skamokawa some day.
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