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Shenandoah Expedition, August 2002

During Adam Domanski's absence in Maine, co-founder Tom Saffell and NORSA charter member Manuel Dominguez organized an initiation trip in order to bring in two new members of the NORSA, Neil Mitten and Bethan Haaga. This was an historic event because Bethan Haaga was the first female member of the NORSA and proves that the outdoors is for all types of people, regardless of sex. The trip began at a trailhead somewhere in the Shenandoah National Park in the afternoon. When it began to grow dusky, the crew set up camp about 450 feet from a small stream. Tom and Manuel delegated the camp tasks to the newcomers and after everything had been set up to the satisfaction of the outdoor veterans, the initiation celebration began.

Needless to say, the revelries continued late into the night. The return trip to the car was the real test for the new members. It was a steep uphill hike of almost four and a half miles, which isn't much but with a hangover and little to no water it can seem like good day's hike across Death Valley. Everyone made it and had a good time on thr trip to boot, though, so both new members are excited for the upcoming NORSA events so they can get back outdoors.



Funny and informative.
The happy couple.
Bethan is the first to start on dinner.
Bethan has a crush on every boy.
Lounging on nature's couch.

A group photo by Neil of Neil.
Another masterful shot by Neil.
The captain and his XO salute.
Look at that motley crew live it up.
Tom finally gets his hat back.

Now things are getting heated up. Better be careful Bethan . . . He's furry.
Somebody call Abercrombie. All of their models were relocated to this forest.
Bethan clearly understands the importance of hydration . . . or was it inebriation?
Tom had better be careful, that knife narrowly missed him as he posed for this shot.
Manuel smiles while Neil pours another drink for Tom.

Neil and Tom prep the hot stick before branding Manuel and proving that initiation can be FUN!


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