Sunrise over the Mediterranean
Today we woke up at 8:00 after many of us watched the beautiful sunrise over the Mediterranean Sea. We then packed quickly so that we could start our five-hour kayaking trip. We had a light breakfast of cereal and milk and oranges and then got on the road or water. We kayaked ten minutes away from the Latina n. beach to where there was a car waiting to take us to our next starting point. We packed the kayaks onto the car and made a fire line to bring all the stuff from the motorboat to the car, leaving only our lunch for the day in the motorboat. When we had finished packing some people went in the boat to the next starting point called L’Estartit. When we got there we unloaded the kayaks, filled up with water and got into the boats to start the next leg of our journey. We left the harbor and began to make our way to our lunch spot. We got to our lunch spot which was a quiet beach cove in between some cliffs and sat in the shade while rainbow made a delicious lunch of tuna salad and laid out the break, cheese, pb, jelly, and chopped vegetables for us to feast on. After lunch we kayaked out of the cove and headed north along the Costa Brava to our final destination point. Along the way we saw beautiful cliffs and clear water, we then saw a cave that was really cool so we kayaked into it and our leader, Manu, lit up the inside with a flash light. At the end of the cave there was a side chamber that you could get into by ducking down and some people went into it. After this exciting cave adventure we kept kayaking and we eventually reached the beach that was the ending point of our journey. We looked so pro at kayaking by the end of the three days that we were getting questions if we were in a competition and prospective customers were asking the people sitting at the Costa Brava hut about renting kayaks. We then waited on the beach for about 45 minutes for Manu to get the bus so we could load our kayaks onto the trailer and bring them back to our starting point. When Manu came back Jared, Devon, Annie, and Carson and James went on the motorboat back to the beach. On the motorboat we witnessed a replay of all the beautiful scenery that we had just spent three days kayaking past. We saw dolphins. When we got back we unloaded the bus and retrieved the duffels and packs form our campsite. When everyone arrived we set up camp together and all took long awaited showers. After freshening up we ate a delicious dinner of fries and chicken. We finished the night with a game of celebrity and retired to our tents for a good nights sleep.
-John
Grassy Plains
We had an early morning to start off an incredible day of hiking, and probably our easiest. The sun was glittering the morning sky and the morning included a small cole and a bit of elevation change. We had lunch in a beautiful valley. Next to a lake, surrounded by grassy plains and pretty flowers. We continued on our way and did some switch backs downhill until we went around the corner and there was a hut! Right in front of us. We were so relieved to have arrived so early and have some time to relax. After we arrived at the hut some went for a little walk down to the river and encountered some cows. Others played cards and hung out in the hut. It was a fun, nice relaxing day.
-Mary Deal
Sort
Good Morning Sort! Today was a glorious, warm, summers day. After a delicious breakfast of cereal and milk we went whitewater rafting! We started rafting at 11AM and spent several thrilling hours on the water. We passed many enthralling rapids and magnificent churches on the tops of voluminous canyons. After the morning session we enjoyed “the best lunch ever!” (To quote Aaron) After devouring our filling desserts we continued to ride fabulous waves and pass by some of the most famous natural sites, including the canyons that inspired Gandhi. Ending at half past six some returned to camp while others went to town to get treats and supplies. Finally, we had a fun filled circle and dinner and went to sleep beneath the stars.
-Devon
Night Train
Today, we woke up early after a truly relaxing sleep on the overnight train to Geneva. After, we boarded a few more trains and finally arrived at our destination: the beautiful mountain town of Chamonix. We went souvenir shopping and ate lots of chocolate at the local chocolate shop. We also had a wonderful view of Mount Blanc, which fueled our excitement to start the hike. The night ended with an awesome pot of cheese fondue for dinner, which had a soporific effect on our group as we readied ourselves for bed after a hearty circle on the hut’s balcony. We all slept well after a day well spent.
-Hunter
Snow-covered Mountains
We woke up leisurely this morning in a lovely new hut on the Italian mountainside. Packing before breakfast, we prepared to eat and hike silently for the day. After a delicious breakfast of bread, jam, and fantastic hot chocolate, we sat waiting to start the hike to Courmeyeur. After a quick, peaceful hike down into the valley and to the foot of Courmeyeur we waited for everyone to arrive. Once we were together again, we went searching for lunch however had to wait a bit for shops to reopen. Eating our sandwich picnic in a breezy park, we enjoyed gorgeous views of snow-covered mountains around us. After lunch we began a walk up to the gondola we were going to take the next day to Chamonix. After the walk we settled in our nice hotel rooms at the Venezia Hotel/Hostel. After resting and washing up we went for dinner across the street and were greeted by an enthusiastic manager. Chowing down on pizza we were thoroughly impressed by the authentic Italian meal. Circle after dinner, then gelato that filled our already full tummies to the brim. Before bed we wrote our “letters to self,” reflecting back on our silent hike and the trip.
-Ben
Paris
Our first full day in Paris began with a meal at the Mije Hotel and then we were off to the Louvre Museum. Spending 3 hours in the never-ending museum only began to cover to expansive amounts of art. After seeing the Louvre and taking many group pictures we stopped by the supermarket to get a nice picnic lunch. In the park at the Louvre we went to eat lunch in the amazing gardens and ever-so-soft green grass. The lunch extended into a 2-hour nap time that everyone enjoyed thoroughly. Naptime ended and we all walked to the Champs Elysee and enjoyed all the sites and interesting people watching there. The Champs Elysee dead-ended into the Arc de Triumphe and we took an underground tunnel to the amazing world-class site. After the Arc we walked to our daytime seeing of the Eiffel Tower and then walked back to our hotel. Perfectly on time for dinner we ate a delicious meal of spaghetti bolognaise and then had some banana nutella crêpes. Cleaning many supplies and filling out papers were our circle activities but we also played some games. The end of the day came with well-needed sleep just in time.
-Lucia
