Maggie McCleskey's first thoughts of Mexico

I can already tell that joining this trip to Mexico was a very good choice. We have only been here a few days, and already I've gotten my kayak roll back, paddled some beautiful and fun stretches of river, and made some great new friends. Mayan and Marisol have been so energetic and excited about all that we do... it's so contagious! I've never taken Spanish before, but I'm starting to pick up some words (and I've become pretty good at using hand motions). The town of Jalcomulco is so welcoming and the mountains that surround us help to realize the beauty of the world that we live in. The structures are so colorful and eye-catching; I love it. Katie is leaving tomorrow, so that is a bummer because she's been so supportive on the rivers and fun to talk to. Jessica is hilarious, and we can relate to each other because we speak about 4 words of Spanish and never know exactly what's happening... ha. Just to name a couple of the many awesome things we've been up to... last night we got to participate in some kind of fiesta ritual in the town. We kissed baby Jesus dolls and watched a piñata. We also had a lesson about 'Character' and leadership. Together with Marisol, Mayan, Ellie, and Becca, I came up with some pretty cool things. Kristin and Sean have been amazing, because they're helping us bring two totally different cultures together on this expedition. I'm so glad that I got to be a part of it. I can't think of a better way to break in the New Year than to be in a different place, with different people, experiencing life in a new way with a new outlook.

Quick Events Update

The trip is off to a great start. The students get along really well and are teaching eachother about their languages and culture. Students are working hard to complete their studies early and paddling their tails off. We are so fortunate to have both Mayan y Marisol, two female students from the town join us for the trip. They have shown us so much about the town that we wouldn´t have been able to experience without out them.

We were taught a local dance by a group that was practicing in the central plaza, and last night wewere invited to participate in a local holiday celebration. Young childern parade around town with candels bringing ^Baby Jesus^ to a designated home. After songs the young children break open a pinata and share treats. We were served hot pinnaple juice, sandwiches, and were able to meet Mayan`s aunts, uncles, grandparents, and siblings.

Maggie, Becca, and Ellie have an open mind and are enjoying the differences in culture. We are two steps into their leadership training and they will begin taking turns as leader of the day tomorrow. It is a fantastic group and we look forward to seeing what they are able to accomplish the rest of the trip.

Ellie`s Thoughts

When we arrived in Jalcomulco we took a tour of the town. i took a whole roll of pictures. The town is really safe and full of colors. Maggie, Mayan, Marisol,and I practiced our rolls in a calm spot on teh river. Yesterday, the 29th, we went down a stretch of the river which was so much fun. Afterwards, we started our homework and then ate chicken and salad for dinner. And that night, when we went to get dessert we learned a local dance with the group with will be preforming on New Years Eve. Today we went down the same stretch with Becca and I finished my reading forEnglish class. Tonight Katie adn I are going to try paleta de arroz. A paleta is like a really amazing popsicle and arroz means rice. Maybe I´ll dance with the local group again tonight!

Mayan`s Thoughts

Para mi es un poco normal comer poco, ya que no como mucho y me gusta cuidarmepar no estar un poco gorda. Pero me gusta estar en el grupo Alzar School de los E.U.A., es un poco dificil comunicarnos con ellas y ellas con nosotras pero me gusta aprender ingles y creo que ellas espanol. En kayak es lo mejor del curso, porque he aprendido muy rapido en poco tiempo con mis maestros Sean y Kristin, y con mis otras maestras Katie y Jessica.


For me it is normal to eat litte, because I like to take care of myself so I don`t gain weight. But, I like to be with the Alzar School from the U.S.A., it is a little difficult to communicate with everyone, and everyone with us but I like to learn english and think they enjoy learnings spanish. The kayak is the best part of the course, because I have learned very quickly with my teachers Sean and Kristin, and my other teachers Katie and Jessica.

Marisol`s Thoughts

Bueno, en este tiempo que he estado con mis amigos de Alzar School he aprendido muchas cosas muy interesantes como el dar el roll, y salir del kayak, es un poco dificil comunicarnos, pero nos entendemos. Nuestros maestros son Kristin y Sean. Ellos son muy buenos y tambien hay otras maestras que se llaman Katie y Jessica y nuestrass companeras Maggie y Ellie. La comida es un poco diferente pero me gusta. Lo poco que aprendi de ingles me ha servido para comunicarme con ellos. Son muy buenos con nosotras Mayan y yo.


Right now I am with my friends from the Alzar School and I have learned many interesting things like how to do a roll and how to wet exit from a kayak. It is a little difficult to communicate, but we understand some. Our teachers are Kristin and Sean. They are very good. There are other instructors, Katie and Jessica, and our friends Maggie and Ellie (Becca hadn`t arrived yet). The food is a little different, but I like it. The little thatI have learned about english has helped me communicate with everyone. Everyone is good to Mayan and me.

T minus one day

Well, we have just one day before our group of US students arrive in Mexico. We have been scouting out the rivers around our main basecamp here in Jalcomulco. They are incredible! Today we paddle the Rio Actopan, which is a continuous Class II-III rollercoaster. You start at a small waterfall, which you can choose to run or not run, then encounter three fun rapids in a tight canyon. At one point, a HUGE waterfall dumps into the river. Plus, the water on this river is exceptionally clear, with a slight blue tinge.

Our hotel here is SWEET, one of the nicest places for the Alzar School yet. Plus, we have the new van, which is a great ride, comfy. Plus, we have been eating excellent food.

One of the most exciting developments is that we are going to have not one, but TWO local students join us for the trip. They are named Mayan and Marisol. Kristin and I met with them yesterday and they are SO cool. They are both 15 and are excited to share Mexico with our students from the US. We can't wait. Their tuition is covered thanks to all the generous donations to the Jean Bierle Scholarship Initiative, so a big THANK YOU to those who helped with that!

You would all be happy to know that Pebbles is adapting very well... She made the drive down easily, napping most of the way. We were awed by how well she did in the car. And, she has finally discovered that she can swim and loves it. Today we played fetch in the river and she was having a blast. She still needs to work on her technique a little before hitting the main current, but she is now leaping into the river instead of reluctantly treading out, which is great. She also really enjoys all the new sites, sounds, and especially smells. Today on my jog with her, she chased after a burro for a little bit, and later tried to eat a gecko.

The posts should get a lot more interesting once we start having our students write them. Stay tuned!

-Sean

Last minute preps

Hello all! This will be the last post before Kristin and I officially begin our portion of the "Adventure in Mexico" expedition. We leave Boise on Friday afternoon, for the massive drive to southern Mexico that will take us to Denver, Austin, and beyond.

It's a little crazy around here... there are always last minute details to take care of, but this year has been a new challenge with me teaching full time and Kristin juggling her GA position at BSU, being a full time graduate student, and tutoring. However, we are now wrapping up all the little things that need to be done... Kristin got the students' expedition packets bound today, got snow chains for the tires (for the US portion of our drive--Veracruz is 86 degrees) and gassed up the van. I finished all my lessons at Boise High, met with my substitute, and lined up our parent contact person, Advisory Committee Member Dr. Sam Chewning. Pebbles lounged.

Tomorrow we will pack the kayaks in the van, double check all the gear, and kiss this cold weather goodbye. We'll depart as soon as I check out from school, at 12:20 PM. The next blog post you read will be from the road as we make our way down.

T-shirts for sale!

Hello all! Just wanted to let everyone know that the Alzar School has its new t-shirts for sale. These are made of 100% organic cotton, helping keep toxic chemicals out of the ground. They're chocolate brown, with four different colors of prints to choose from. The proceeds from the t-shirts benefit the Jean Bierle Scholarship Initiative, a program that funds the tuition for female students from our host countries on international expeditions. If you would like to buy a shirt, they're only $25 plus s/h. Just send us an email at info@alzarschool.com.

Why we do what we do...

Last night, I was asked to present at a class for future science educators at BSU. I spoke about being a teacher in the public school, my research into the overlapping fields of environmental, outdoor, adventure, and experiential education, and lastly about the Alzar School. Interestingly, these future teachers were most interested in the Alzar School and what we are trying to accomplish. The big question was "why" take on this huge project if I enjoyed teaching in an established school.

Well, there are many reasons. But, here's one reason the Alzar School is working so hard to provide outdoor experiences for teenagers. If you haven't read the book "Last Child in the Woods," check it out. It's an interesting look at the effects of our increasing "indoor" lifestyle. This video, from the Today Show, talks with Richard Louv about the need for kids to reconnect with nature.


Get your kids into the wild

SUMMER 2009

As things cool off here in Boise we starting thinking about warmer weather...more specifically our plans for the Summer of 2009. We have set the dates for our western trip, F.L.O.W. (Future Leaders on Whitewater) 2009: June 19-July 8, 2009. This trip will be one day longer than the similar trip we ran last summer, W.I.L.D. Idaho 2008, in partnership with Boise State University.

This summers trip will including paddling on some of the best whitewater anywhere in the continental United States. For all of you eastern paddlers out there- think big, DEEP rivers with giant roller coaster waves. To get a feel of what the trip is like check out the photos and blog from last years trip, W.I.L.D. Idaho 2008. All students will pass through our "Ten Elements of Leadership" Curriculum, participate in meaningful service opportunities, have the opportunity to become a certified Leave No Trace Trainer, opportunity to become an American Canoe Association Whitewater Kayak Instructor, and possibly earn COLLEGE academic credit. Think about it- paddling, leadership training, potential to earn certifications and academic credit- all while exploring beautiful countryside with a like minded group of teens. If you are looking for that special something that makes you jump out on a college application while having a blast, F.L.O.W. 2009 is the trip for you. Go ahead and sign up already! You can fill out an application to all of our programs online, it only takes a few minutes.

We are anxiously anticipating our trip to Mexico and can't wait for December to get here. Katie Hawkins will be making a guest appearance for a portion of the trip, and Pebbles- our awesome golden retriever, will be there to greet us ate every take out. I am looking forward to warm weather, fantastic paddling, the amazing people of Jalcomulco, and time with some of my favorite Green Cove ladies!

Over Thanksgiving, I- Kristin Bierle, will be attending a slalom training camp with the infamous Cathy Hearn to learn more about C-1. I am hoping that some of my kayak knowledge will transfer over into the canoe...we will see. It could be a cold, wet, training camp- but regardless I know I will learn tons and come away a better paddler. I will let you know how it goes.

If you are reading this and it is cold and rainy outside, start thinking about your plans for the summer. Feel free to call or e-mail us if you would like more information about the trip. Many of you should expect a brochure about F.L.O.W. 2009 in the mail over Thanksgiving break. If you are not on our mailing list, or just want to make sure you get a brochure,please send us your information to info@alzarschool.com

Kristin Bierle

Getting ready for Adventure in Mexico

Big news at the Alzar School--we purchased a van last night for the school. It will be our vehicle of choice for the Adventure in Mexico 2008-2009 expedition this December/January, as well as many future Alzar School courses. We did a lot of research into vans over the past few months, and finally found one that had the features we were looking for at a reasonable prices. We feel very fortunate to have found it in time for this winter's course and look forward to driving it all the way down to Jalcomulco.

Other news around the school: we recently ordered new T-shirts. These new shirts are made from 100% organic cotton, which is higher quality cotton and has a much smaller impact on the environment. All of our students will receive a shirt, and they are for sale to benefit the Jean Bierle Scholarship Initiative ($20 plus s/h). If you are interested in a shirt, please send us an email and we can definitely get one to you.

We'll post more soon, and will try to get pictures of the van and t-shirts on the blog so you can see them. We hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Alzar School Board of Directors Meeting

On Saturday, October 18th, the Alzar School had its first Board of Directors Meeting. Josh Unger was unanimously voted to be President. Katie Basham will serve as vice president, Dr. Kim Tanabe as secretary, and Tony Pori as treasurer. Kristin and Sean Bierle were both present and will serve on the board ex officio.

Kim hosted the meeting at her cabin along the South Fork of the Payette River in Garden Valley, Idaho. It was so exciting to have this energetic group people come together to share the vision of the Alzar School. We discussed the Alzar School's strategic plan, the 501c(3) status, and upcoming programs. It wasn't all business, there was fetch with the dogs, dinner, desert, and talk of a quick run down the South Fork.

We are currently pulling our resources to find talented people to form our advisory committee. Advisory Committee members will contribute ideas, finances, and/or advice to the Alzar School. We are in particular need of accounting and lawyer contacts. If you know of anyone who could fill these rolls let us know!

Sean and Kristin's golden retriever puppy and Alzar School Mascot, Pebbles, is growing like crazy and is looking forward to her first Alzar Expedition to Mexico this December. Sean is working hard at Boise High School to perfect his teaching techniques and Kristin is studying hard in the MBA program at Boise State University.

We still have a few spaces left for the "Adventure to Mexico 2009" Expedition. If you, or someone you know would like to learn how to kayak, or perfect their paddling skills from December 27th- January 11th have them give us a call.

Fall in Boise, 2008

Hello everyone! Kristin and I are having a great fall, with big changes. First, Kristin has gone back to graduate school to pursue her Masters in Business Administration. I am currently teaching at Boise High School, one of the best public schools in the country. We recently got a beautiful golden retriever puppy, a sweet female we have named Pebbles (she has reddish ears, much like the red-headed Pebbles of Flintstones).

We are still getting out and playing outside quite a bit. Earlier this month, we headed to Mt. Idaho, near Mackay, one of the 12,000+ feet peaks here. The last two Fridays, we have been up to the "Gutter" to paddle, running into a great youth paddling club, the Idaho River Kids. We hope to squeeze in some rock climbing this weekend as well.

Another priority this fall is keeping the wheels moving for the Alzar School (of course!). We are finishing up the application process for federal 501(c)(3) tax status, redesigning the website, and preparing for our Adventure in Mexico upcoming expedition.

We'd love to hear from our supporters. What have you been up to? Have you had any cool leadership opportunities?

So we found the "Buseater" - The Alex Garella six word special

Well, yesterday we made it down the correct channel to Lorne Rapids, home of the famous Greyhound Buseater wave. This feature only comes out above 14′ on the OWL gauge, so we felt pretty lucky to be surfing it in August, when the air and water are both warm.

The first striking thing about Buseater is how you get on it. Kayakers have attached a long rope, about 100 yards upstream, with a water-skiing handle on the end of it. One person sits on the point of rock adjacent to the wave, retrieves the rope after each ride, and hands it to you in the eddy. To get out on the wave, you have to hold onto the rope with one hand (your paddle in the other) and jet out across 15 yards of intense current. A couple of bounces, and you’re on the wave.

The wave itself is something else. It is big, deep, fast, bouncy. Alex describes it with these six words: “gnarly, awesome, fast, bouncy, crazy, hungry.” We spent all day at the wave, pretty much pumping out our right arms (the one that holds onto the rope). One interesting thing about the wave is that people come from all over to surf it. At times, we had to wait in a line 12 people deep… though I wonder how many would be there if this wave was on the Ocoee! Other times, though, we had the wave to ourselves, and definitely got in a workout. In all, we each probably got 15 rides or so, and were completely wiped at the end of the day. Probably the best part of the rides were the incredible bounces… it made you feel like you were flying in your kayak. Look forward to posts of video and photos once we return to Idaho.
So, we headed to a local diner for some dinner, Canadian style. Both Alex and I tried the famous “poutine,” a mixture of gravy, cheese, and french fries. It is a heart attack on a plate, that’s for sure. But, delicious. Alex’s six words to describe it are: “heart-stopping, delicious, filling, moist, cheesy, and hearty.” I’m now hooked on the stuff, and may try to implement it in the Alzar School menu.

- Sean

Up to the Ottawa, again!

Hello all! Kristin and I are reporting from the fantastic Ottawa River, in Ontario/Quebec Canada. We drove up with our friend & co-worker Alex Garella. We busted out a quick 17 hour drive up from Charlotte, making a quick stop by the ASCI Whitewater park in Western Maryland. We had planned to paddle there, but the “river” shut off too early. We plan on hitting it up on our way south, though.

Anyway, the Ottawa is much higher than what we remember from two years ago. To give you a little perspective, the gauge in 2006 read something like -1 feet. Today it is at around 14 feet. We did a quick paddle this afternoon, finding many of the waves to have disappeared completely, others to have become big and bouncy. We searched for the infamous “Buseater” wave, but got lost and ended up playing at McCoy’s for a while.

We’ll definitely be posting more from this trip later this week, so keep tuned in.

- Sean

Camp Cup Challenge 2008 a HUGE success

Camp Cup Challenge 2008 was held on July 21st at the Nantahala River. This event, started back in the early 90’s, is a great way for young paddlers to get together and have a great day on the river. This year, we had over 85 participants from 9 different camps, which is pretty impressive considering that this was the first year in over five years that the Camp Cup has been held. Participants were able to compete in two events, either whitewater slalom or downriver, and had one run in the morning and another in the afternoon. The slalom course was held on the practice course (using the NOC wave), and the downriver race started at the big cement beach and ran through Nantahala Falls.

The event gathered support from local businesses and whitewater educators with both Endless Rivers and the Nantahala Outdoor Center helping to make the event a success. Local NBC affiliates attended the event and interviewed participants. Everyone left at the end of the day knowing a little more about whitewater slalom and having meet a ton of other kids their age interested in paddling.

The participating camps included: Camps Green Cove and Mondamin, Merri-Woode, High Rocks, Camp Carolina, Chosatonga, Kahdaela, Camp Illahee, and Wayfarer. The event was made possible by generous sponsors. Much thanks to the ACA Dixie Division who provided lunch for all participants and volunteers, Ovett Brother Adventure Gear who provided water, a dry bag for all participants, and tons of raffle gear. Endless River Adventures who provided raffle prizes and elite coaching. Keen Footwear, the Alzar School, and Wayne Dickert, Camp Green Cove, and Camp Merri-Woode all provided raffle prizes. A special thanks to Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi who provided coaching and support to the participants.

You can read other blog entries at Endless River Adventures site: http://www.endlessriveradventures.com/blog2/ and at Joe Jacobi’s: http://www.JoeJacobi.com

Early Season Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Hello! Kristin and I just returned from a blazing fast trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River here in Idaho. We’d wanted to hit this world-famous run for years, but had never been lucky in the lottery permit process. So, this year, a group of friends called in for an early season permit and we jumped at the chance to get on the trip.

This early in the season, the road to the traditional put-in (Boundary Creek) is snowed in, so we decided to take the tributary Marsh Creek into the Middle Fork. When we put in on Friday morning, it was snowing pretty hard. The first few miles of the creek had snow walls about 3 feet deep. Fortunately, there were no significant log jams, and the creek was low enough that our support cataraft was able to fit under all of the low pack bridges that cross the creek.

We booked it down Marsh Creek, portaged around Dagger Falls, and made it to mile 14 on the MF that first day, putting our mileage at 31. We felt pretty fortunate to descend low enough that we did not have to camp in the snow. The next morning, we woke to sunny skies, and had a great second day on the river. We saw lots of evidence of last year’s forest fires, including remnants of several avalanches with splintered, charred logs protruding from them. We ended up going 53 miles that day, camping at Sheep Creek, where we spent the evening watching a huge herd of elk grazing on the hillside above us.

Yesterday it was a leisurely 33 mile paddle out to the take-out at Cache Bar. The river was flowing at a medium-high level, so all the Class III rapids on that stretch were incredibly fun, with giant waves. There was lots of great surfing on the fly too. Plus, we didn’t go more than a 1/2 mile without seeing a mountain stream entering the river.

I was extremely impressed with the Middle Fork of the Salmon, and while we had to rush down it this time, I look forward to exploring that beautiful, Wild and Scenic river again in the near future. I’ll keep putting in my lottery application in hopes that I get a early July permit. Until then, it definitely warms my heart to know that we have such a special place here in Idaho, and I hope every paddler gets the opportunity to run its rapids, soak in its hot springs, and have as great an experience as we did. Best wishes!

- Sean

First NOLS trip

Hello! I just wanted to report on the recent trip I helped lead down the Green River in Utah. Working for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), I was fortunate enough to be a part of a great group of folks that explored the Green’s Desolation, Gray, and Lodore Canyons for the past 14 days.

For those of you that haven’t been down those sections, I’d highly recommend them. The Green cuts through the Colorado Plateau and creates these amazing, diverse canyons. April in Utah is a bit cold (I had the bowline of our oar rig freeze solid multiple times), but there was an abundance of wildlife in the canyons. We saw bison, big horned sheep, mule deer, and loads of herons and eagles. One of our students even found an elk antler.

The water in Lodore was at a low-average level, as they haven’t yet begun releasing much from Flaming Gorge Reservoir. However, down in Deso, the water was at a fun level, with a decent amount coming off the undammed Yampa River. The NOLS students, all beginner paddlers, loved the Class III rapids of the Green, and many expressed interest in getting into kayaking. I was excited to see them battle the mental challenge of frozen neoprene and still realize how exciting and fun whitewater can be.

Kristin and I have a lot more programs lined up for this Spring. She’s about to compete at the US National Slalom Team Trials in Charlotte this weekend, and then we will both head to Durango to finish becoming ACA instructor trainers. Later in May, I head to California to lead a two week rafting trip in the Klamath River drainage. Our biggest program, though, is WILD Idaho, which we are leading for Boise State University this June.

We just got our new WRSI helmets and throwbags, and look forward to putting them to good use! WRSI made us a part of their athlete team, and we are proud to endorse their helmets. Check out their site: www.whitewaterhelmet.com.

More later.

- Sean

Racing in Texas

Kristin and I made a quick stop in Austin, Texas on our way back from Chile. Kristin had decided to compete in a slalom kayaking race here on the San Marcos River… her first race ever. It was fun to make the stop here in Texas, because my older brother Ryan and his wife Heather live in Austin. Also, my older sister Mandy, her husband Jorge and their kids live in San Antonio. San Marcos is directly half-way between both families, so we were able to see everyone.

We first visited the San Marcos River in November when we took Ryan and Heather kayaking for their first time there. Returning for the race, we were impressed with the Rio Vista Whitewater Park, and how much fun it was to have a slalom race there. The water, even in February, was 72 degrees. On the day of the race, it was 76 degrees outside, and Sunday.

There was a good turnout for the race. Kristin’s category, K-1W, included a former British National Team paddler, one former member of the U.S. junior national team, and Michelle Kvanli, a longtime slalom and marathon racer. Former Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi was on site and helped work with Kristin in the training days leading up to the race.

Ultimately, Kristin had two very successful race runs. She had no problem getting all the gates, and had only three touches her first run, and two on her second. These solid runs ended up putting her in third place overall, which qualifies her to compete in the U.S. National Team Trials in Charlotte in April this year. This is very exciting, because it means she can focus on training and learning as she goes onto her other planned races this spring, and have fun at Team Trials.

We both enjoy the benefits that slalom kayak racing provides… it is probably the best way for a paddler to develop her/his technical river running skills, and it lets paddlers challenge themselves on whitewater without adding additional danger. We feel that Alzar School students should have a basic involvement with racing, as it can help them learn how to compete well, teach them sportsmanship, and introduce them to many different parts of the world. We are helping host a simple race this summer, open to all the camps of Western North Carolina.

Look forward to hearing more about Kristin’s racing progress this spring!

Sean

W to the Ilson on Leader of the Day

When I was leader of the day, we had to get Claudio to the bus station by 9:45. It was also the day we were heading for the beach at Pichilemu. When we arrived in Pichilemu, the hotel had already sold the cabana that they had promised us, so we had to find another place to stay. That was one of my biggest challenges as leader. But, when we got settled, we went walking in the town and I bought a churro… and it was so good I got 12 more!

The next day, we went to the beach and surfed with our kayaks. It was so much fun, and it was easy to catch the waves. Pichilemu was definitely one of my favorite stops of the trip.

I have had a great time in Chile and the weather here is great. I recommend going to Chile to anyone who loves to travel.

- Wilson

The Day

A few days ago, I was LEADER OF THE DAY!! I had a interesting time for I was the first leader and wasn’t sure what to expect. They told me what had to be done and what I was going to have to do to get this stuff done. Then, I told the group what time we were going to wake up and what had to be done throughout the day. That night, as I set my alarm for 6:25, I started to wonder how everything was going to go and if we would be on time… everything a leader could worry about. That morning I woke up at 6:25, bright and early. When I finished waking everyone up and battled all of the morning groans, I packed my bag, ate breakfast, and put my bag in the back of the car. I checked to see if we were on time, we were a little off but not too bad. Sean got in the car and started to back out and that is when the trouble started. We were stuck! We weren’t that far deep into the sand until we tried to start it again. Then, after we realized that it was only getting worse, we decided to try and push it out. That went up in flames. Then our neighbors saw that we were stuck and decided to come and help. We tried to dig some of it out but it was way to deep. Then one of our neighbors went to get two oxen at first we didn´t believe it would work until we hooked them up to the car and they shot off and the car came with it! It was so cool.

Katherine

My "leader" day

Today I’m going to talk about how was my day being the leader. Last Friday I knew that I was going to be the leader. So being the leader means waking up people, do the plans for the day, etc. I woke up the people at 6:30, because we had many things to do. We had to hike down, then we had to go to the campsite and collect the equipment we didn’t hike with, eat lunch, and go to las “siete tazas”. When we got to campground we set up camp, Wilson and Katherine had to do their homework, and then we visited las “siete tazas” (the seven tea cups, seven waterfalls). I had to plan all that. The different times that the activities took, and everything. It was fun.

Is very different when you are being the leader, because you have to care of everybody, and see if everything is ok, and be the example for all your group.

At the end of the day, we had a meeting and all the “Alzar Team”, told me how I did. They said very good things about me being the leader. They said that I did good so I’m happy for that. Also they tell you something that you need to work on, and then you have to do it right for your next day of being the leader. Tomorrow is my second day being the leader, so I hope do it well.

Atte,

Rosario (chilena a mucha honra!)

Pichilemu and the Final 3 Days

We arrived in Pichilemu yesterday afternoon after spending three days in the mountains, hiking, looking at waterfalls, as visiting an alien landing zone (the students will provide more information on this). The trip provided some epic moments between getting our truck towed out of ridiculously thick dust by oxen, to everyones first round as “leader of the day.”

The students, although not looking forward to the hike as the best part of the trip, were all challenged and rose to the occasion. We hiked 10 miles through Descabezado National Park, and were rewarded with a view of the twin volcano peaks. Hiking out of the Park on the second day Katherine was flying down the trail. When asked where all the energy came from she replied, “Well, I was thinking about everything we have done in the last two weeks, and between paddling every day and hiking yesterday with these packs, I feel like I can do anything.”

The beach is a refreshing place to wrap up the trip. We are staying in a cabana with a shower, so we are all working to slowly remove the dirt from our feet. The waves are unbelievably fun to surf, and the students are given lots of opportunity to interact with the Chilean culture. They went out to diner last night as a student group ordering their own meals (we practiced before hand), and rode a “horse taxi” back to our hotel. The evening ended with feedback to Wilson on his preformance as “leader of the day (he did a great job),” and a little taca taca (Chilean foozeball). The students are wrapping up the last of their homework and working on their reflection projects for their presentations when they return to school.

We have one and a half more days here before we go to Curico (Rosario’s home town), for a personal tour, a Chilean asado (cook-out) with her awesome family, and a visit to the local orphanage. After that we travel to Santiago for our flight back to The States. This trip has flown by for all of us, but we are going to make the best of last few days here!

Look for student updates this afternoon-

Kristin and Sean Bierle

My rolling story

Today I am going to talk about rolling. Yesterday we went to the Trancura river. Sean, Claudio, Katherine and Wilson, went to Pescador rapid, and I stayed with Kristin practicing my roll. This is kind of cool, because I finally could do it. Of course I need to practice a lot more, but I think that I got it. I know is easier for me to do it now. I used “Shakira method” (hips don´t lie), and that has really worked!

Today I went with Claudio and Kristin, to paddle the Luicura River again, I practiced my roll again. It’s getting better, and I am happy for that.

Tomorrow we are going to Valdivia. The adventure continues…….

chao, escribo luego..

Rosario Torrealba (chilena a mucha honra!)

Two Casualties

Normally, I would be writing about all the great things going on here, but something else has come to my attention. That is the loss of two of my favorite hair bows. It all started when we were on the Rio Enco–I was just sitting there in my kayak having such a good time and I didn´t even notice that I had lost my black bow. I knew that I had done a few rolls but I didn´t think that if would have been enough water pressure to lose a bow so I didn´t worry that much about it. Boy was I wrong! As we were packing up, I noticed that I had lost my bow. I asked if anyone saw it but no one knew, and no one could remeber the last time they had seen it either. I searched all around for it but it was nowhere to be found. I was depressed for a few days so I didn´t wear a bow on the river. Later, Sean noticed that I wasn´t wearing bows so he said “Why don´t you wear a bow today on the river?” I told him that I was still a little depressed about the loss of my black bow but that I would wear a bow today on the Rio Luicura. We went down the river and everyting started out fine until we got to this one big rapid. I went down and was having so much fun but then I flipped and when I rolled back up my bow was gone. At first, I didn´t relize it but by the time I did it was too late. Sadly, I have now learned my lesson that bows and rivers with big rapids don´t mix. Now I am considering other options such as painting a bow on my helment, but I´ll be sure to get back to you with that. But until then… chao!!

Sincerely,

Katherine

Pescador

Today, for the second time, we ran Pescador Rapid. Pescador is probably the hardest rapid we have run on this trip. It has so far been the most fun. It is about 75 yards long. Later, they will have pictures posted of us on it. Tomorrow we will be leaving the Pucon area and making our way towards Valdiva.

-Wilson

Getting ready to leave Pucon

Well, the Alzar School is about to leave Pucon, and begin our journey northward. From here, we will tour the historic city of Valdivia, where Claudio (our lead Chilean instructor) is from. Afterwards, we are going to hike around Volcan Descabezado, a giant volcano.

Life here in Pucon has been good fun. We´ve been camping the entire time, and learning lots. We have practiced a bunch of the 10 Elements of Leadership… for those of you who don´t know what they are: Character, Technical Proficiency, Communication Skills, Resiliency & Resourcefulness, Accurate awareness of self, Personal Leadership, Inspiring Vision, Community Membership & Service, and Continual Learning and Improvement. We´ve also practiced Spanish, learned about Leave No Trace camping, and thrown a lot of Frisbee. Everyone is taking turns cooking and doing dishes, and the group is getting along spendidly. We can´t be happier!

We will let the students tell you more… as we know you´d rather hear about it from them…

- Sean and Kristin

Pucon

We are now in Pucon, a resort town on Lago Villarrica (Lake Villarrica). We have been paddling on the Rio Luicura, and will be transitioning to the Rio Trancura soon. Our group is really starting to cement, and doing great. Everyone is taking turns cooking, cleaning, and doing lots of lessons. We will have more posts from the kids in the next couple of days!

- Sean

Update from Pucon

Since our last entry, we have paddled tons and introduced the students to a few Chilean experiences. While in the town of Choshuenco we paddled the Rio Fuy for two days, and the Enco from one. The Enco was fantastic, great rapids with giant waves, deep channels and very few obsticals. We had a great time on the rollercoaster ride! We left that afternoon and drove to the Pucon area. We have a great campsite with a meeting ¨shack¨ that has an electrical outlet so that Katherine and Wilson can do their homework.

After a study session for Katherine and Wilson, and a hilarious group lesson on the first element of leadership (Character), we paddled for three hours. We worked a rapid on the Rio Licura (the students paddled the same rapid 5-6 times running different lines and working on their skills) and had a great time. The adventure this afternoon involves finding the correct adapter piece for our stove so that we can have french toast tomorrow morning. Yummm!

- Kristin

The story of my kayak

Ok.. it all began when we picked a Kayak from Valdivia. It looked good (I didn’t know that it would be so heavy to carry).

So, when I tried to putted on my shoulder, it was really heavy. Then I thougth “I have to carry this kayak 3 weeks, (oh noo)” . So everyday I have my own battle with the kayak. I am working on it. But it’s really heavy to carry. I have dropped the kayak many times.. and I had fall too. But and the end of the trip.. the battle will be again “Rosario v/s Kayak”.. and the winner will be Rosario! (I hope so).

Bye, escribo luego

Rosario Torrealba (Chilena a mucha honra!)

Rio Enco

Yesterday we paddled the Rio Enco. To start the day we paddled across the lake to the river inlet. It was a long paddle but it was worth it when we got to the river. On the river there were huge waves. The river was mostly class 2-3 rapids They were lots of fun to paddle through. At one point there was a cable car running across the river. Sean and Katherine rode on it. They use the cable car to get across the river because there is no bridge. At the take out there was a cloud of kalwachos (sp?) waiting to snack on us. Later that day we arrived at our campsite in Pucon.

- Wilson

My trip to the grocery store

This weekend we were running low on food so before we headed to our next campsite we stopped at the grocey store. We split up into two teams Rosario and Claudio were one team and Wilson, Sean, and I were the other. Rosario and Claudio had it easy because they could speak and read in Spanish. THe only Spanish speaking person on our team was Sean and we still had an hard time. We also had the bigger list so by the time Rosario and Claudio were done we were still on the third item. We decided to split up. Sean got the turkey and cheese, Wilson got the bread, and I was in charge of finding the milk. I wondered around the store for a little while on my search for the milk. Here they have many different kinds and brands. I tried to remember the cover of the milk we had used before but that was useless. Then one of the Chilean store workers came up to me and started speaking in Spanish. I immediately froze. I was trying to remember the few Spanish words I knew but none were coming to me. I couldn´t even remember how to say hola! All that came out of my mouth was “I don´t speak Spanish.” I than ran off in search of milkagain. Towards the end of that isle I finally found the milk but it was still in the boxes. Not knowing I stuck my hand in the box and retrieved the milk. The same Chilean came up to me and said another thing in Spanish. He then pointed to the milk on the shelf. Right then Sean came up he helped alot because I wasn´t sure of what kind he wanted. We grabbed the right milk, found Wilson, then decided that it would be best if we found the rest of the list as a team!

Katherine

Kayak Lessons

It all began on Thursday 24′, I knew it that was going to be a new experience for me, because I don’t know how to kayak.

Yesterday, was my first lesson in a kayak. It’s really fun, but when you know how to do it. So it that’s reason that you have to practice.

I’m learning a little bit at a time, but I’m think that when trip ends I’m going to be better than now.

This is all an adventure for me. So I think that I’m going to have a great time on here.

The trip it doesn’t ends jet… so.. The story will continue…

Rosario Torrealba (chilena a mucha honra)

Bacan! (AWESOME)

HOLA AMIGOS,

Today we went down a river called Rio Fuy. It was bacan which means awesome in Spanish. I did a combat role which is a role in thrashing water. It was soooo bacan.

All of the food here is rico (delicious) they have tons of fresh fruits and all kinds of different cookies. And here is the best part they have all of are kinds of cookies and candies plus all of the Chilean sweets. But get this one thing of cookies is 300 pesos!!!! Can you believe that? When I first saw the price I started flipping out but then I realized that it was really just 75 cents. The money here is way different. Our dollar is like 500 pesos here. I hope everthing is good there. We are all fine here and everything is bacan. Talk to you later!!

Love, Katherine

Fun day at Rio Fuy

Today we practiced on a rapid at the Rio Fuy. The rapid is called Bridge Rapid. We worked mostly on our turns and peel-outs. The local Chileans do not usually see kayakers, so a few stopped to watch and take pictures. The water was very cold. After we finished we walked to the top of the rapid and swam down. We went down twice. So far this was the most fun part of my trip.

-Wilson Sharp

The first few days of "Rivers of Chile"

Finally, everyone is together and we are beginning our expedition in Chile. On Thursday, Kristin, Wilson, & Katherine arrived from the United States. I waited for them at the airport, and saw their kayaks making a lap on the baggage claim belt before I saw them. We loaded up, drove to Curico, where we picked up our Chilean student, Rosario. Fortunately, we were able to enjoy a quick dip in her pool before beginning our heinous drive south.

That first day, we drove about 3.5 hours, finally camping outside of a tourist attraction known as the “Salto de Laja,” a large waterfall very close to the main highway. The next day, we drove 4 more hours, to Valdivia, where we picked up Claudio, our Chilean instructor, and two of the kayaks we rented. From there, it was two more hours into the mountains, to the small town of Choshuenco. We are staying right on Lago Pangipulli, and the drive here can be compared to the kids arriving at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. It truly is magical.

We are working these first few days to build everyone’s skill level. We have the lake and the Rio Fuy right here, and it is pretty much a paddler’s paradise. Plus, last night we had our first “asado” (barbeque) and got to sleep in this morning. Off to a great start…

Sean