Our last day on the Baker was Easter Sunday. We woke up in the dark and dew, and when we put on the river we were greeted by golden light. Our fingers were frosty as we gripped our paddles in preparation for the final 30 mile leg of our journey. About 2 hours into our paddle, the fog lifted revealing an inviting play wave. Mollie rocked it and hucked her meat. Skye rocked it until he took a little swim. To warm him up, we made him the center of a group hug. The escualos made a fire on the front hatch of a sea kayak and brewed mate whilst slaying the flat water. Hyped up, we successfully transitioned from the wild Baker to the calm fjords of Tortel.
Tortel is an intricate web of cyprus boardwalks, and a long hike up a mountain of stairs with our gear was our first order of business. We were soon greeted by a local Tortellino, who shuttled us by boat to our host families where their warm showers and beds were eagerly received. After a morning of exploration and picking up some needed items, we roped down our bags to the roof of Claudio's van and headed to the Rio Pasqua.
Clebo, Mollie, Perkinz
<3
Friday, April 5, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Back in Cochrane
After a four or five hour drive north from the Pascua, we arrived in Cochrane earlier this evening, eager to re-greet our host families. The trip down the Rio Baker was a huge success – we were grateful for gorgeous weather (an apparent anomaly this time of year); ongoing interesting conversations about ecology, activism, GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods), ownership of land and water, tourism, and conservation; new friendships forged through rapids and early morning wake-ups in the dark and the dew beside the river; and magnificent vistas of aquamarine waters and giant snow-capped granite peaks. The students will have many stories to share, and I hope to post pictures from our adventure soon. For now, all is well in Patagonia as we begin to prepare for our journey back to the northern hemisphere.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Musings
Kimbrell --- On Saturday we set out to see Roberto Roman, a solar energy professional. His house used only solar to heat his water and power his lights. He showed us a series of rotating mirrors which we rotated in different angles so they would concentrate the sun to one spot on a peice of wood in an atempt to set fire to the wood. This however did nothing more than make a hot and bright spot on the wood. Shortly after Roberto Roman showed us a massive rotating dome lined with mirrors in which he tilted so that it faced the sun. He then held out a 2 x 4 between the sun and the mirrored dome which instantly ignited the wood. Roberto explained that this was used by the Romans as a battle tactic to light their enemies on fire.
Katie --- Yesterday morning, over a breakfast of instant coffee, toast, sweetened condensed milk, and a fruity, unidentified orange-colored jam, we lamented having not made the time to watch Bear Grylls navigate the wilderness of southern Chile on Man vs. Wild: Patagonia before our spring break departure. Instead, from the urban comforts of Santiago, we were left to our own devices to imagine brilliant wilderness accoutrements to enhance our much anticipated river trip.
The circuitous route from hostel to airport - what was a series of subway transfers and a crowded bus - proved relatively easy to manage, as our inner-urban-Bear Grylls came to the fore. But it was clear upon arrival at the airport in Balmeceda, the gateway to our Patagonia travels, that our collective comfort zone lies soundly in a more rural, more alpine, and more temperate locale. The landscape as we traversed from Balmeceda to Coyhaique was a beautiful mix between African savannah and Swiss Alps, illuminated by crepuscular rays.
Cleo --- Last night, three local activists joined us for dinner. It was incredible to hear from those who live, work, and love the Aysen region, instead of the talking heads we met in Santiago. They were passionate about protecting the land and water of Patagonia, and we could feel this with every word. It was re-freshing to hear and focus on the humanistic side of this major project instead of the technicalities and numbers.
Katie --- Yesterday morning, over a breakfast of instant coffee, toast, sweetened condensed milk, and a fruity, unidentified orange-colored jam, we lamented having not made the time to watch Bear Grylls navigate the wilderness of southern Chile on Man vs. Wild: Patagonia before our spring break departure. Instead, from the urban comforts of Santiago, we were left to our own devices to imagine brilliant wilderness accoutrements to enhance our much anticipated river trip.
The circuitous route from hostel to airport - what was a series of subway transfers and a crowded bus - proved relatively easy to manage, as our inner-urban-Bear Grylls came to the fore. But it was clear upon arrival at the airport in Balmeceda, the gateway to our Patagonia travels, that our collective comfort zone lies soundly in a more rural, more alpine, and more temperate locale. The landscape as we traversed from Balmeceda to Coyhaique was a beautiful mix between African savannah and Swiss Alps, illuminated by crepuscular rays.
Cleo --- Last night, three local activists joined us for dinner. It was incredible to hear from those who live, work, and love the Aysen region, instead of the talking heads we met in Santiago. They were passionate about protecting the land and water of Patagonia, and we could feel this with every word. It was re-freshing to hear and focus on the humanistic side of this major project instead of the technicalities and numbers.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Patagonia
Today's entry was brought to you by Sophie Kornick ---
Today Emma, Skye, and Riley, joined by Jeff, Daniel, Weston and Susan, were lucky enough to get to wake up at five in the morning. Though they were not quite awake, the city of Santiago was in full swing! They made their way to the airport by bus, and boarded their flight to Coyhaique. While they were in transit, Nicole, Mollie, Cleo, Sophie, Alex, and Katie woke up at around 8 to get to the airport for a flight leaving in the late morning. This group got to the airport by Trains x2 and a bus. We checked our bags and got our tickets with translation help from Lipe-dog and Podmore. We boarded our flights and arrived at the hostel at about 6 o'clock. Both groups made trips to the town surrounding the hostel. Riley, Emma, and Skye went earlier bringing back matte, hats and braclets. Cleo, Mollie, Nicole, Sophie, and Katie went later and bought chocolate that they shared while looking at the beautiful views. Alex went on a run. When we were all back at the hostel, we gattered for a meeting with locals from the community. In this meeting we talked about the effect that the dam would have on the surrounding communites. We talked about the ways that the executives of Hidro Aysen (the dam builders) were influencing the locals to gain their support for the project. They talked about how, when doing the enviormental impact assesment, the government officials did not listen to the worries of the people, therefore making the Hidro Aysen people not responsible for much of the problems they felt building a dam would create. I (Sophie) found the fact that these people had seemingly not done their jobs correctly really frustrating. The meeting covered the social problems that bringing 5-6000 construction men would create for the town. This is somthing Nicole thought was an important point. She said it was an idea she had not thought of before, and helped to round out her concerns about the dam project. Cleo said "I realized that the 'not in my backyard syndrome' did not apply because the energy would not be going to the Aysen region. If they need energy in the futurr it has to be developed in a way that respects the land."
ps Hi MOM!! Hi DAD!
Today Emma, Skye, and Riley, joined by Jeff, Daniel, Weston and Susan, were lucky enough to get to wake up at five in the morning. Though they were not quite awake, the city of Santiago was in full swing! They made their way to the airport by bus, and boarded their flight to Coyhaique. While they were in transit, Nicole, Mollie, Cleo, Sophie, Alex, and Katie woke up at around 8 to get to the airport for a flight leaving in the late morning. This group got to the airport by Trains x2 and a bus. We checked our bags and got our tickets with translation help from Lipe-dog and Podmore. We boarded our flights and arrived at the hostel at about 6 o'clock. Both groups made trips to the town surrounding the hostel. Riley, Emma, and Skye went earlier bringing back matte, hats and braclets. Cleo, Mollie, Nicole, Sophie, and Katie went later and bought chocolate that they shared while looking at the beautiful views. Alex went on a run. When we were all back at the hostel, we gattered for a meeting with locals from the community. In this meeting we talked about the effect that the dam would have on the surrounding communites. We talked about the ways that the executives of Hidro Aysen (the dam builders) were influencing the locals to gain their support for the project. They talked about how, when doing the enviormental impact assesment, the government officials did not listen to the worries of the people, therefore making the Hidro Aysen people not responsible for much of the problems they felt building a dam would create. I (Sophie) found the fact that these people had seemingly not done their jobs correctly really frustrating. The meeting covered the social problems that bringing 5-6000 construction men would create for the town. This is somthing Nicole thought was an important point. She said it was an idea she had not thought of before, and helped to round out her concerns about the dam project. Cleo said "I realized that the 'not in my backyard syndrome' did not apply because the energy would not be going to the Aysen region. If they need energy in the futurr it has to be developed in a way that respects the land."
ps Hi MOM!! Hi DAD!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Coyhaique bound!
On Wednesday morning, we left Carbondale and began our journey to the Southern Hemisphere. Roughly 24 hours later, having followed the tan spine of the Andes from their northern-most point toward their southern terminus, we arrived in Chile. After customs, money exchange, and baggage claim, we were greeted by Daniel's Santagino sister and brother-in-law who kindly accompanied us to the bus stop and transported some of our luggage into the city to our hostel. Pushing through our jet-lag, we dropped our bags off at our hostel and promptly found ourselves indulging in a lunch of Peruvian sandwiches. Mollie charged through the ordering process, demonstrating her nuanced and elegant understanding and command of Spanish. After lunch, the group met with Weston and Susan, our Rios to Rivers companions, gurus, videographers, etc., and headed to the headquarters of HidroAysen for our first meeting of the trip. We were lucky to meet with the CEO of HidroAysen, Daniel Fernandez, and hear his explanation for the impetus and necessity for the five mega dams planned for the Baker and Pascua Rivers. Riley posed a few incisive questions regarding projected issues of sedimentation in reservoirs above the proposed dams as well as the potential for loss of electricity along the transmission lines that would span from Patagonia to Santiago (over 2,000 KM).
After the meeting, we returned to the hostel and went grocery shopping to sustain ourselves while in Santiago. Sophie, Mollie, and Alex cooked up a delicious, fresh meal, after which, the students retreated to their rooms for some much-needed, much-appreciated sleep.
On Friday, we crisscrossed Santiago to meet with several outspoken pro and anti-dam voices. We began the day at the Chilean Congress with Senator Horvath from Aysen, followed shortly thereafter by a meeting with Sara Larraine who articulated some of the ecological, social, and economical concerns posed by the dams. To round out the day, we met with Hugh Rudnick, one of Chile's preeminent, pro-hydro engineers. Cleo inquired about the flood zone that would be created by dam projects.
As I write this, Cleo informs me that the parents don't necessarily want to hear about these meetings, and that I should move on to more interesting anecdotes. First off, the group is collectively addicted to Mo's Gellato just caddy corner to our hostel; we've officially become 'regulars' as we've sampled all of their fresh fruit smoothie flavors. Skye has been dominating at the pool table, though Kimbrell is certainly giving Skye a run for his money. Nicole is donning her new Chilean national football team jersey, and Emma might be the team's new number one fan! As they fans say: "Chi Chi Chi, Le Le Le... CHILE!"
It's getting late, and we'll be up early tomorrow to head to the airport - hoping to get a chance to share some pictures before we get on the river Wednesday. For now, check out Susan and Weston's Twitter (@riostorivers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/RiosToRivers). Ciao!
Happy in Santiago
Just stepped into an internet cafe for a brief moment to send word from Santiago! The CRMS group awoke to another hot day and is looking forward to smoothies and fresh juice (what has already become a daily routine!) before heading out of the city for an interview with a solar energy engineer. Looking forward to providing a more detailed update later in the day, but for now, all is well! Ciao!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Chile Itinerary
CRMS trip 2013
March 20th – TRAVEL DAY
Depart CRMS at 8:30 am
AMERICAN AIRLINES 20MAR GRAND JUNCT CO DALLAS TX 1245P 345P AA 2838
AMERICAN AIRLINES 20MAR DALLAS TX SANTIAGO 925P 805A AA 945
March 21st –
SANTIAGO
AM arrival to Santiago.
-3:30pm Meeting at HidroAysén offices with HidroAysén CEO Daniel Fernandez
AM arrival to Santiago.
-3:30pm Meeting at HidroAysén offices with HidroAysén CEO Daniel Fernandez
March 22nd –
SANTIAGO
-Get to know Santiago!
-Get to know Santiago!
-10:30am Meeting with Senator Horvath at Chilean
Congress
-After meeting with Horvath meeting with Sara Larrain
-5:30pm meeting with Hugh Rudneck (ProDam)
-After meeting with Horvath meeting with Sara Larrain
-5:30pm meeting with Hugh Rudneck (ProDam)
March 23rd -
SANTIAGO
-Meeting with Roberto Román
-Touring Santiago
-Meeting with Roberto Román
-Touring Santiago
March 24th
– TRAVEL DAY
-Travel from Santiago to Coyhaique
-Staying in Hostel
March 25th –
TRAVEL DAY
-Bus from Coyhaique to Cochrane
-Dinner: With host families in Cochrane.
March 26th – COCHRANE (TRIP PREP)
-Breakfast with host families
-Lunch all together at Roberto’s House
-Bus from Coyhaique to Cochrane
-Dinner: With host families in Cochrane.
March 26th – COCHRANE (TRIP PREP)
-Breakfast with host families
-Lunch all together at Roberto’s House
- Paddle Rio Cochrane through town
-All students dinner with host families.
-All students dinner with host families.
March 27th –
BAKER RIVER
6:00am wake up
-Early breakfast with host families
-On bus to Balsa put in no later than 8:00am
-Load boats
-11:00am launch
-Lunch on banks in Valle Grande. Spend time paddling through estuaries in Valle Grande seeing aquatic life.
-Arrive to Balsa Colonia and set up camp at Refugio Colonia.
-Dinner (Fire ring here)
6:00am wake up
-Early breakfast with host families
-On bus to Balsa put in no later than 8:00am
-Load boats
-11:00am launch
-Lunch on banks in Valle Grande. Spend time paddling through estuaries in Valle Grande seeing aquatic life.
-Arrive to Balsa Colonia and set up camp at Refugio Colonia.
-Dinner (Fire ring here)
March 28th –
BAKER RIVER
-6:00am wake up
-Pack up camp.
-Hike up Colonia valley, GLOF studies with Brian Reid
-Down river to Auturo Quinto’s house. (By Nadis valley)
-Set up camp.
-Dinner with Auturo Quinto.
-6:00am wake up
-Pack up camp.
-Hike up Colonia valley, GLOF studies with Brian Reid
-Down river to Auturo Quinto’s house. (By Nadis valley)
-Set up camp.
-Dinner with Auturo Quinto.
March 29th –
BAKER RIVER
-6:00am wake up
-9:00am on river
-10:00am to Portage (El Salton)
-Hike up to tunnels above el Salton
-3:00pm done with portage & Hike
-Arrive at Rene Muñoz’s estancia.
-Asado (Roasted Lamb Dinner) with Rene Muñoz
-6:00am wake up
-9:00am on river
-10:00am to Portage (El Salton)
-Hike up to tunnels above el Salton
-3:00pm done with portage & Hike
-Arrive at Rene Muñoz’s estancia.
-Asado (Roasted Lamb Dinner) with Rene Muñoz
March 30th –
BAKER RIVER
-6:00am wake up
-Spend some time with Rene Muñoz & Family in morning.
-Lunch and noon depart for Rio Vargas/Lalo Sandoval
-Arrive to Vargas and dinner with Sandoval family
-6:00am wake up
-Spend some time with Rene Muñoz & Family in morning.
-Lunch and noon depart for Rio Vargas/Lalo Sandoval
-Arrive to Vargas and dinner with Sandoval family
March 31st –
BAKER RIVER
-6:00am wake up.
-9:00am Depart for Tortel.
-1:00pm arrive to Tortel
-Meet Tortel host families dry gear/ change into new gear.
- Dinner with host families.
-6:00am wake up.
-9:00am Depart for Tortel.
-1:00pm arrive to Tortel
-Meet Tortel host families dry gear/ change into new gear.
- Dinner with host families.
April 1st
– TORTEL to PASCUA
-Breakfast with host Families
-Load on bus to head to Hernan Gualet’s on the Pascua
-Make dinner at Hernan Gualet’s
-Breakfast with host Families
-Load on bus to head to Hernan Gualet’s on the Pascua
-Make dinner at Hernan Gualet’s
April 2nd –
PASCUA
-Day with Hernan Gualet, hike to see parts of Pascua and test tunnels that have been made by HidroAysén
-Day with Hernan Gualet, hike to see parts of Pascua and test tunnels that have been made by HidroAysén
April 3rd
– PASCUA to COCHRANE
-Depart from Heran Gualet’s (with timing of Mitchell Fjord Ferry)
Arrive Cochrane PM to eat dinner and stay with host families
-Depart from Heran Gualet’s (with timing of Mitchell Fjord Ferry)
Arrive Cochrane PM to eat dinner and stay with host families
April 4th –
COCHRANE
-Sleep in
-Party/Asado in afternoon. Slide Show presentation at the Library that eve open to the public.
-Sleep in
-Party/Asado in afternoon. Slide Show presentation at the Library that eve open to the public.
April 5th –
TRAVEL DAY
-9:00am Bus from Cochrane to Coyhaique
-Stay at Hostel in Coyhaique, make meal in Hostel.
-9:00am Bus from Cochrane to Coyhaique
-Stay at Hostel in Coyhaique, make meal in Hostel.
April 6th/7th
– TRAVEL DAYS
-Coyhaique to Santiago; Santiago to US
AMERICAN AIRLINES 06APR SANTIAGO DALLAS TX 850P 615A AA 940
AMERICAN AIRLINES 07APR DALLAS TX GRAND JUNCT CO 1055A 1205P AA 3449
-Coyhaique to Santiago; Santiago to US
AMERICAN AIRLINES 06APR SANTIAGO DALLAS TX 850P 615A AA 940
AMERICAN AIRLINES 07APR DALLAS TX GRAND JUNCT CO 1055A 1205P AA 3449
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Recent Proposal from the Glen Canyon Institute
http://www.glencanyon.org/glen_canyon/fill-mead-first
Trans-Basin Diversion explanation/video
http://www.roaringfork.org/sitepages/pid170.php#.UScJ7lTVFCZ
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Readings
“Endangered Colorado: Is it Too Late to Save One of Our
Greatest Rivers?” --- Wade
Davis, River Notes: A Natural
and Human History of the Colorado Dec. 19, 2012
http://www.alternet.org/environment/endangered-colorado-it-too-late-save-one-our-greatest-rivers
“Muddy Waters: Silt and the Slow Demise of Glen Canyon Dam”
--- Craig Childs, High
Country News 5/17/11
INTERIM Itinerary
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Friday 22nd CRMS Presentation of Learning
Water in the West
February 16 – 22, 2013
Saturday 16th 9:30
– 10:45 Roll
session
1
pm Billy
Gavette
Local/CRMS history of water use
Local/CRMS history of water use
3:30
Zak
Podmore
Colorado
River and the West
Sunday 17th 9:00 Skiing
afternoon Readings
and Patagonia Rising
Monday 18th 9:00
– 10:00 Jim
Pokrandt
Colorado River Conservation District
1
pm Daniel
Gonzalez (in Paonia)
Farm Tour/Straw Bale houses
5
pm Michael
Soule (in Hotchkiss)
Conservation Biologist
Tuesday 19th 10:30
– 12:00 Solar
Energy International tour
1
pm High
Country News tour
Wednesday 20th 9
am Sarah
Johnson
Roaring Fork Conservancy
(Trans-Basin Diversion)
Roaring Fork Conservancy
(Trans-Basin Diversion)
1
pm Randy
Udall
Lesson on Energy
Thursday 21st 9
am Aspen Center for
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies
(Micro-hydro and heat-pump
systems)
systems)
Friday 22nd CRMS Presentation of Learning
Student Participants
Skye Berman
15
San Diego, CA
Hobbies: Kayaking, surfing(in a kayak or on a board), hiking, Snowboarding, reading,
Kayaking history
I started Kayaking this year so I'm still pretty new. When I started I was stoked, but I made a lot of annoying mistakes which took a bit of the fun out of it. Eventually I got the hang of it and am now am able to to the basics. We went on a 5 day kayaking trip that ended shortly after we crossed the state line into Utah.
What they’re excited about learning/experiencing.
I’m really excited to go to a different country as it is, but kayaking there is awesome. I want to practice what I have already learned as well as learn new tricks like hand rolls. I want to experience a different culture and make new memories that i can cherish for the rest of my life.
Sophie Kornick
16
Chicago
Hobbies
knitting kayaking snowboarding reading
Have been kayaking since 2011. I was on kayak team in spring 2012 and fall 2012. I have paddled multiple sections of the Colorado.
I am excited to see chile. I am excited to paddle the Grand Canyon and paddle in Chile. I am excited to meet many new people. I hope to learn about dams. I want to practice my Spanish. I hope to get my hand roll solid and my off-side roll. I am excited to see the water there it looks cool in photos I have seen. I want to take a lot of pictures.
Kimbrell Allen Larouche
16
Carbondale, Colorado.
My Hobbies are Kayaking, skiing, and Guitar.
Kayaking History: I began kayaking at CRMS my freshman year on beginning kayaking. Before that I had no river kayaking experience only ocean. After beginning kayaking I joined the kayak team that proved to be more of a challenge. We went to multiple competitions that included downriver, slalom, and freestyle. Now I own my own kayak, a Jackson Rock Star and I want to pursue play boating.
What I’m excited for: Mostly, I am excited for the experience of kayaking in a new river. However I am very excited for the whole trip and all that it has to offer. I enjoy learning about the rivers because that is what I love. I’m excited for the exchange in a Spanish speaking country and to meet the Chilean people on the trip and the people in general. I want to help in preserving the rivers in Chile and help raise awareness to the people on the damage of the dams. Kayaking in a new country and new rivers appeals to me. I want to learn the Chilean culture and get to know its people. I’m also very excited for the trip down the Grand Canyon and showing the exchange student our country and what it has to offer.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
CRMS Participants
Nicole Lipe
17
Seattle, Washington.
In my free time I enjoy to rock climb, snowboard, play piano, and kayak.
I first began kayaking 5 or 6 years ago at Camp Green Cove in North Carolina. I started running rivers in canoes, and then learned my roll and started running rivers in a kayak. Kayaking is how I found Colorado Rocky Mountain School. I felt like kayaking in the summer wasn't enough for me, and that I wanted to be on the river for more of the year.
I am extremely excited to go to the Grand Canyon, and in Chile not only for kayaking but for the cultural experiences. I have only been to South America once before when I was younger, and I'm excited to learn about life in Chile. In addition, I am excited to practice speaking spanish with the Chilean students. Kayaking wise, I'm excited to try out two completely new stretches of river. Throughout the time that I have been kayaking, I've mostly repeated certain stretches of river over and over again, so I'm excited to try something new. I'm really hoping to help encourage people to improve their skills in their kayak while having others help me improve my skills on this trip.
Emma Crane
15
Hotchkiss/Carbondale CO
Playing music, soccer, rafting and drawing.
I grew up on the river and when I was around 8, I wanted to be more independent and try kayaking. I have been on and off kayaking since then. I had an experience where I could not get out of my boat and was stuck under water in the Virgin River. This year I did kayaking with the school and learned how to roll though I still need a lot of practice with it.
I am excited about mostly just being down in Chile again and being on the river with friends. I really want to keep on learning my roll. I had such a good time on the Futaleufu last time and I am hoping for that experience again. I consider Chile like my third home.
Cleo Ulatowski
17
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Rock Climbing, Guitar & Drums, Soccer, Ceramics, Adventuring
Last Fall, I was taught the fundamentals of kayaking. I went on a 4 day trip kayaking trip later that Fall, where I learned how to surf and started rolling.
I am so excited to simply be in Chile. The fact that we are going to be on the water, kayaking with the Chilean students, and staying with local families every night, makes it so much more incredible. I have learned a lot about water and the effects of damming rivers, but I cannot wait to see for myself the wild and free flowing Baker and Pascua, because then I will understand how harmful the construction of a dam could potentially be. This is experience will not only be cultural exciting, but it will also be educationally fascinating and challenging for my kayaking abilities. I’m excited to hang out with the students, eat local food, talk in my limited Spanish, and be completely immersed Chilean life.
Riley Ames
16
Basalt, Colorado
Mountain Biker, Photographer, Telemark Skier
I have spent plenty of time in open kayaks and in big ocean kayaks on flat water. I have never been in a playboat or been white water kayaking but am super siked to learn! I am going to be spending pretty much all of my free time in a boat learning to get ready for this trip.
The Spanish language it great! and am very exited to get an opportunity to be immersed in it and get better at speaking in it. I also love photography and cinematography so this is a invaluable experience to get to peruse those passions on such a level in such a neet location. For me doing new things and getting pushed out of my comfort zone is what I'm all about. Kayaking is that for me. Having little experience and not liking water, I get a great opportunity to push my self in ways I have never been able to before. I am also super glad that this isn't 'playing for the sake of fun.' Being able to have a positive humanitarian and ecological impact and help others makes this experience beneficial to others than just me. I think that it is important to give when every possible, especially when I get to play and do what I love so often. Incorporating the two, now thats special. Overall I'm siked to get better at Spanish, get some film and photos in, and learn a completely new thing.
Mollie Podmore
17
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
I love kayaking, skiing, playing games, rock climbing, guitar, banjo, adventuring, exploring, biking, rafting, and camping
For my whole life, I have always done a lot of rafting every summer and always loved rivers. I started kayaking two years ago, and I love it. Since then, I have spent a lot of time on the rivers near where I live, as well as throughout Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. Mostly, I have spent time with fun and exciting rapids, but I have also done a little bit of playboating and slalom racing. This fall, I helped teach kayaking to students who hadn't done it before, and I learned a lot from seeing it from a new perspective.
With Rios to Rivers, I am very excited to see a new place, learn more about water issues, and connect with new people. I have never been to Chile, so I am excited to explore it. I have spent a lot of time on the rivers near where I live, so it will be fun to get to see a new and different river. Also, I am very interested in water and the issues surrounding it. I hope to learn a lot about what is happening in Chile, and I think it will be wonderful to get to understand that from directly spending time on those rivers. I would love to bring back that perspective and apply it to my connection with rivers at home. In addition, I am really excited to see and connect with new people from a culture that I don't know. I would love to learn more Spanish from the exchange and connect with people who I would otherwise probably not meet. Because of our different backgrounds, I think that there will be a lot to learn from being exposed to different viewpoints.
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