How have Webbies been bonding with nature during quarantine?

Shane Albert (‘21) spends much of his free time fishing across Southern California. While quarantine has certainly allowed him to spend more time doing what he loves, fishing is not a new hobby for the Albert family.   “I got into fishing when I was seven, when my dad gave me a rod on the back of our boat,” Shane said. “One of the best moments I have had in the great outdoors was when I ...

From the San Bernardino foothills, to Arizona and even New Mexico, Upland native Indiana Viramontes’ (‘21) fishing pursuits have taken him all around America.   “I first started getting into fishing at the Mount Baldy trout ponds,” Indiana said. “It’s the easiest fishing in the world but the adrenaline rush of a fish on the end of the line had me hooked.”   Indiana sees fishing as an excell...

Maksym Graham (‘23) fell in love with mountain biking in eighth grade after a couple of friends invited him to tag along.   “Spending time in nature is always therapeutic, it tends to allow me to center my thoughts and the quiet always tends to calm me,” Maksym said.   While he spent most of his quarantine playing soccer, he jumped at the opportunity of rounding up a couple friends t...

Daniel Serna (‘23) got into mountain biking a few years ago when a friend took him on a ride. While he typically rides around Webb’s backyard in the Claremont Wilderness Loop and Marshall canyon, he occasionally takes trips to other parts of California for a greater variety of terrain.   “Quarantine has allowed me to take a look around and appreciate what a great place we live in. The scenery while biking is one ...

Hunter Lange (‘22) has always had a special affection for mother nature and is an enthusiastic advocate towards environmental conservation. Over October break, Hunter took the opportunity to hike up to Mount Baldy with his brother Dylan (‘22). Living 70 miles away from Mount Baldy in Manhattan Beach did not deter the Lange family when they woke up at 5 a.m. to pack and get everything ready for the...

After running the LA Marathon last March, Claremont native Andy Zhang (‘21) decided to take a break from intensive running and began road-biking around his neighbourhood for fun. While he has had a little prior experience with a stint on the Webb triathlon team, he was able to develop a newfound sense of appreciation for nature while cycling around the beautiful trails that Claremont has to offer during...

Gregory Tolmochow (‘21) grew up in an outdoor-loving family who have spent their holidays camping all across America in their RV. Over quarantine, however, Gregory discovered a passion for road-biking.   “When I get on my bike, it really takes my mind of off things as I listen to music and absorb the beautiful scenery around me,” Gregory said.   While Gregory typically cycles along Baseline R...

Jasmine Wan (‘23) spent a weekend with her family away from the bustling city of Shanghai, as they took a trip to the rural regions in central China to explore the countryside. While China is often known for its towering glass walled skyscrapers and blazing neon signs, Jasmine believes there is a more scenic side of nature that is lesser known to the outside world. Through a variety of activities that in...

Joey Silva (’21) went camping with a couple friends during October break in Malibu Creek State Park as a temporary get away from the stresses of school and college applications. With the ongoing pandemic, Joey and his friends made sure to take extra precautions and responsibility  as they each did their own COVID-19 tests to ensure the safety of the group.   “It was really nice to just get ...

Maria Duan (’23) got a taste of something quite unusual, as she went crab catching in San Francisco bay with a few friends. While the weather was quite cold, she enjoyed the thrill and anticipation, as she tied the ropes and lowered the crab trap into the water from the pier.   “I wouldn’t usually describe myself as someone who really loves the outdoors , but I learn to appreciate the th...

Hong Kong native Leo Cheng (’21) spent a lot of time exploring the trails tucked into the city’s subtropical rolling hills. While Leo is not a huge fan of Hong Kong’s hot and humid summers, he was relieved by the arrival of fall, as he was finally able to go out and do what he loved. There was one hike he particularly loved, where he and a couple friends traversed through an extremely overgrown path to...

Horseback riding came as a natural talent for Sophia Scudder (‘21), as her life has revolved around horses since the day she was born. From watching her mother ride horses from the barn in her stroller, to taking classes for the first time at four years old and now even owning a horse of her own, Sophia has developed an enormous passion for both riding and caring for horses.   I consider horses...