This morning, we awoke to overcast skies and cooler temperatures. After a meal of frittatas, muffins, fruit, and cereal, we headed off to Blacktail Butte. This Butte has an altitude of 7,767 feet and rises nearly 1,200 feet above the basin floor. Some fun movie history is that the Russian training scenes from the movie "Rocky IV" were actually filmed in Wyoming at a farm in Jackson Hole! Most of the exterior shots in this part of the film were also filmed in Grand Teton National Park. You can even see Blacktail Butte in the movie. If you are interested in seeing a clip, try searching for a you tube video of the Rocky IV training montage.

Today, two field groups started their climb on one side of the butte, and the others started on the opposite side. The plan for these groups was to traverse, and cross paths at the top. Everyone was excited for the hike, and all of the kids encouraged each other up the steep climb. The top of Blacktail Butte was amazing, and it felt like we were at the top of the world. The total hike for each group was just under 5 miles.

At the top of the climb, we took time to eat lunch, and reflect on everything that we have done this week. Students shared special moments, and thanked each other for such a great experience.

After our last day in the field, students returned to campus. They then had the opportunity to thank their field instructors and say goodbye.

During the evening activity, students will participate in a mediation activity regarding the reintroduction of the woolly mammoth into Grand Teton National Park. Each student will be assigned a different role and be required to plead their case accordingly at a town hall meeting.