For today's ADK Classroom, in the morning session we considered several ways that American life will likely be changing (living arrangements, different ways of obtaining life's necessities, education, etc.). Up till now, technology has been a given in the American lifestyle, and James Howard Kunstler thinks that, in the future, we will likely be making other arrangements, willingly or unwillingly. Then we completed a bit more of the Camp Pine Knot tour and visited the Chapel Durant built for the workers near the site of the original village of Raquette Lake. In the afternoon, we spent time on Raquette Lake proper learning canoeing and kayaking skills and observing bits of the natural world. For example, when Beth and I were sitting in a quiet cove, we saw an otter and he/she was also watching us. Finally, we talked about some of the assigned readings/viewings for the class.
For today's comments, please write a brief reflection (1 paragraph on any of the above) and post as a followup comment.
Kayaking today was a refreshing break from the norms of everyday life. I love kayaking and rarely get to go because of the business of life. We went down the cost to silver beach. This beach is untouched by the Adirondacks parks and tourists do not usually come here. It is a quiet beach with sand and a great view. After a quick dip in the lake at Silver Beach we kayaked back to camp. Going against the wind was interesting. It was a real workout on the muscles. All in all, this was my favorite part of the day.
ReplyDeleteNice to see the group so engaged in exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Looking forward to exploring bog life and trying some "spishing" for birds with you all as the week continues. Great kayaking skills displayed today!
ReplyDeleteToday we went on a natural history walk and along the way we saw some native critters. There were a lot of frogs and toads on the trail. I think it's crazy that they dodge getting stepped on so easily. Someone caught a Monarch butterfly and gave it to Tim's daughter to put in her little bug cage. The butterfly was missing part of it's wing and might not survive outside the walls of the cage. Our kayaking trip was a blast! It was so relaxing to be out on the water. We reached Silver Beach and went for a quick swim. The water was really shallow but nice and refreshing. I can't wait for tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteToday was my first time kayaking, I only went cannoning in the past. I really enjoyed it and really enjoyed the view of the mountains as we made our way to Silver Beach. Living on Long Island the beaches are buch bigger however I did not mind swimming in the lake. I thought the bottom was going to be all slimy and full of different seaweeds. I was wrong though, there was only sand and some Lillypads. After kayaking Aimme and I sent some time swimming in the lake. I enjoyed the scenery and a different views that I do not often see. I am starting to learn why so many people enjoy spending their summers here in the Adirondacks.
ReplyDeleteInteresting discussion this morning on the issues of population growth, natural resource consumption and the how these issues could play out in the future. It can be easier to ignore this as the reality is that the standard of living many of us have become accustomed to may not be sustainable in our own lifetimes. However, careful planning both at the personal and global level can mitigate the possible negative outcomes. The key is not to give into a feeling of helplessness but to take an active role in the future.
ReplyDeleteToday we have been talking in the classroom about future economic, park, oil depletion problems, etc. This has got me thinking in a new light. It is interesting to hear other people's thoughts and presentations. Then we went down to the camp church and got to go snide and tour it. It's much more elaborate than I predicted. Also got to tour the boat house. That was pretty cool. We then kayaked over to Silver Beach. I felt really relaxed, then we swam and practiced Eskimo rolls. My success is on video. Hopefully we can get a link put up on this blog, haha.
ReplyDeleteToday we have been talking in the classroom about future economic, park, oil depletion problems, etc. This has got me thinking in a new light. It is interesting to hear other people's thoughts and presentations. Then we went down to the camp church and got to go snide and tour it. It's much more elaborate than I predicted. Also got to tour the boat house. That was pretty cool. We then kayaked over to Silver Beach. I felt really relaxed, then we swam and practiced Eskimo rolls. My success is on video. Hopefully we can get a link put up on this blog, haha.
ReplyDeleteI think that kayaking today was a great reminder of the nature that surrounds us and all of its beauty. It was a great way to disconnect from all of the technology that we use so much daily and take a look back at our "roots" and really appriciate all that the Adirondack's have to offer. As I was kayaking I couldn't help but to think what life was like here hundreds of years ago and how much has changed but yet at the same time how much has stayed the same.
ReplyDelete-Hannah
Today was another day filled with history of this beautiful piece of land and the adirondacks as a whole. The history behind this great land truly amazes me. In my future teaching career I would love to be able to use this area to teach my students about the history of the land. The first people who settled in the adirondaacks had to be hard workers in order to survive in this unforgiving land. If younger people learned the history of the land while camping or hiking in the area I believe they will have a greater respect for the adirondacks.
ReplyDeleteToday I was most amazed by the Chapel Durante we visited on the rest of our tour. I was amazed by how well they reconstructed the chapel. The glass windows and stenciling that was done inside was so detailed you could tell how much time and passion was put into bring the church back up and working. Although it is not used for weekly services they do hold a few weedings each year, Which is awesome. I'm looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings!
ReplyDeleteToday was my first time kayaking and I absolutely loved it! I have only been canoeing once before during my senior year of high school, which was 7 years ago. Wow, that was a long time ago. Haha. I really enjoyed kayaking and I will absolutely do it again. Kayaking to Silver Lake was great. On the return, I kayaked close to shore and was able to hear a beautiful bird in the trees. Very enjoyable! I must say I am now a pro!
ReplyDeleteI'll start off first talking about James Howard Kunstler. The issues that he discusses are relevant, however, his delivery is one that is difficult to listen to. I agree wholeheartedly that living arrangements and food systems must change (as well as other things in this world) but having a doom and gloom perspective immediately turns me off to the author. Our time may have been spent better discussing the book and other resources. They were excellent resources that shouldn't be overlooked. I am looking forward to more discussion between the students in the class as I feel like that really benefits everyone.
ReplyDeleteOn a more positive note, kayaking today was an absolute blast! The lake was beautiful and we even got to take a dip at our destination, Silver Beach. I am excited about the museum visits tomorrow!