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Thru-hikes

    The following feedback is from the class that Nate "Tha Wookie" Olive designed and taught as a graduate assistant at the University of Georgia, 2001-2003. It was received anonymously, as a part of the semester-ending teacher evaluations.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this hiking class. It is apparent that Nate feels devoted and involved with the philosophy of hiking and his interest and appreciation of nature is contagious. I'm particularly glad that an emphasis was placed on Leave No Trace Ethics. I felt well prepared mentally and physically for the overnight hike."

"Nate did a really good job conveying his love for the outdoors and introducing us to the "other world" of Thru-hikers. I appreciate his flexibility and understanding...."

"Passion. Nate's sheer passion for hiking is a refreshing thing to see in today's society. His love for the sport spread throughout the class every time. I really enjoyed the hike; the snow was absolutely beautiful. We really got to see nature in its purest form..."

"The backpacking trip was a great experience. I learned that even in snow camping can be fun. Thanks for being so prepared for class. I learned a lot of new information I never will forget."

"Good job!"

"This was a great class. Nate did an excellent job of covering all the aspects needed for backpacking. I had a great time on the trip and felt like it provided me with even more knowledge than outside of class... he did a great job planning and executing the trip."

"Nate was informative and enthusiastic not only about the material, but also about teaching it to us. He prompted within us a great deal of thought and interest...."

"...He always made class time worthwhile and informative. This class has reintroduced my love of backcamping and camping. Thank you, Nate!

"...Getting to go to Springer, have lunch by a waterfall, and gather around the fire with the through hikers at night was amazing. I felt safe and prepared, which I think made the trip more enjoyable. Nate was approachable and understanding, he was willing to listen to any questions we had. Great class-thank you!"

"Thank you for this experience, it was the first experience I've ever had with backpacking and it was so much more than I expected."

"This class was great- one of the best I've taken in four years. Nate, however, made the class what it was. I appreciate his energy and honest belief in the subject matter. I think I took a lot from the class, about backpacking, and more."

"I really enjoyed this class! Nate did a wonderful job introducing us to the world of hiking and sparked an interest for me in pursuing longer & more challenging hikes. Nate's experience on the subject was of great benefit on our trip, and he took the subject matter of the class to broader and better levels. I would whole-heartedly recommend the class and will take what I have learned here on future endeavors."

"Great course"

"...Nate seems to love what he does & cares about getting people involved."

"One of the best teachers I have had. Motivated me to plan and hike more outdoors. Taught awesome ideas in order to save money and weight on gear."

"...[Nate] was good at building enthusiasm for hiking throughout the course."

"FUN TIMES! Nate really seems to be passionate about what he teaches."

"... Really made me want to get into backpacking and gave me a greater appreciation of nature."

"Nate is great! The most inspiring, enthusiastic teacher I've had to date. He is also wonderfully competent and friendly. Sorry he has to leave UGA."

"Nate's commitment to the ideas and ethics involved in hiking were extremely motivational and inspirational. his efforts to involve everyone in class were appreciated and successful. Awesome teacher!"

"I thought hiking was an all-around fun class. I'm sure continuation of the hiking class would be appreciated!"

"This is an excellent course. I've been hiking my whole life, but learned more in this course than I have in all the time I've been hiking. The overnight trip was awesome! I am ready to go backpacking again! Nate is a great teacher- he is super patient with us!"

"Nate was a pleasure to have as an intructor, and I would highly recommend him as a teacher. He knows what he is talking about, and has an obvious passion for it."