Blog #2: Back in Basecamp

September 16, 2018

Blog #2: Back in Basecamp

We are back! What a way to kick off semester! We left for our two-week expedition feeling comfortable in Kroka’s daily routine. We said “adios” to the community, the cows, the already standing tents, and what we knew. All adjusted to our big jobs and early rises, we left to find new homes along the trail.

Misha

After our vans and trailers were packed full of bikes, canoes, and catarafts, we headed North. To begin our biking section, we traveled to dear friends of Kroka, Kevin and Polly, where we worked and made friends with their extended family of sled dogs. The next morning, we began our venture. Seven days of ups and downs, storms and sun- we biked it all. Along the way, we celebrated the birth of our dear Edie! Harmonies of song and running water filled many lovely moments. Some special mornings, we would hear the cry of Charlie performing his duty of White Rabbit. An early screech saying “COCKLEDODODOO” was a bittersweet way to welcome the morning.

Helping out at Kevin and Polly's

Dylan! Enjoying the ride

Emma, working on her wooden spoon

On our first solo day, we climbed North Percy Peak at 4 AM to see the sunrise from the summit. Even though it was overcast, the misty mountaintop was mysterious and enchanting. Just below the summit, the clouds were whirling past where we stood on the granite slope. We stood on a ledge and watched sunlight shift over the hillsides and the fog lift from the valleys below, and all the while, wind was whipping the mountain and our faces with a determined power. We could only stand in silence to take in the view, the sounds, and the energy of a place you can only find after lots of hard work. -Lucy Congleton reflects on a group solo experience

Zachary, checking out the local rock slides along the trail

Rubey Grace and Liam, during camp chores

Class before the storm

On the eighth morning, we parted ways with Michael, Marcela, Morgan, Roberto, Koru, and Antu to welcome our paddling team. Misha, Miron, Jackson, Tricia, and Taylor joined us. We spent four days portaging, canoeing, rafting, and rapid training, all the while studying the deep history and hydrology on the very waters of which we explored. I am confident in saying that every semester student feels very acquainted with some of New England’s rivers; by learning or by the occasional capsize.

Sunset on the water

Students testing river depth to learn about CFS

Learning how to navigate the white water

Jackson showing us what line to follow on the river

Lunch by the water

On the night of our arrival back to Kroka basecamp, we immediately darted from the vans to escape the frigid wind. We entered into the pleasant snugness of the farmhouse where a steaming pot of curry calmed our bellies and sent us off to sleep. Before departure for bed, a final announcement was exclaimed. “You can all sleep in tomorrow. Oh. Never mind. See you bright and early for chores!” A successful transition in my book. Now, back within the daily routine, we exhale. Our group is becoming a family, and our days are rich. The expedition left us tired and sore, but supplied us with an explosive sense of excitement as our journey down South draws near. What a time to be alive!

Now we have been back in basecamp for one week. In this time, we have learned to sew from Roberto and guest teacher Lisl Hofer, who has been working with the Kroka semester since its inception in 2004. Opposite sewing blocks, we have studied with Morgan and Marcela, learning about significant historical figures from the northeastern United States, as well as poets from this region of the world. On Saturday, we completed creative presentations, show casing what we learned about these writers and change makers. In Ecuador, we will complete the same study, looking at significant poets and historical figures of the regions we travel through on our long expedition.

Next week, we dive into small group project week- which will be 4 days of intensive work on some project around campus or the local area. We are all looking forward to working with mentors in the Marlow/Alstead area.

Muchos Gracias!

Your scribes,

-Rubey Grace and Blake

More photos from the expedition, below!