Sunrise Across the Sheepscot River Photo © Lawrence Kovacs |
Seguin House Students from Bath Middle School spent four days out on the water last week during a stretch of glorious, fall weather. The forty students were divided into five groups, and they wasted no time getting geared up and shoving off to Berry Island, Castle Island, Oak Island, and the tip of Chewonki Neck. The group I was with was last to go through "paddle school," so we used the bit of extra time to go for a swim down at the waterfront.
Full Speed Ahead Photo © Lawrence Kovacs |
Sunset Across the Sheepscot River Photo © Lawrence Kovacs |
Our Boats High and Dry at Low Tide Photo © Lawrence Kovacs |
Sunrise from "Ideal" Photo © Lawrence Kovacs
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Drawing the Parts of a Compass Photo © Lawrence Kovacs |
Wuchowsen Photo © Lawrence Kovacs |
Journaling on the Shore of Berry Island Photo © Monica Wright |
Launching at Low Tide Photo © Lawrence Kovacs |
After days of practice, traveling by canoe became easier and easier. As we explored the local islands and coastlines, the kids could be seen joking and laughing as we glided along. On day #3 we had the opportunity to learn "T Rescues." We intentionally swamped boats one at a time, and rescued them using a technique that empties and rights the canoe. The process takes concerted effort and teamwork. It was great to see the look of pride on the kids' faces as they learned to help each other out of this tricky situation.
T-Rescue Photo © Monica Wright |
Rugged Coastline Photo © Monica Wright |
"J" Stroke Photo © Monica Wright |
Warming Up Around the Fire Photo © Monica Wright |
Down Time Photo © Monica Wright |
Grabbing a Can Photo © Monica Wright |
Lunch Along Upper Hell's Gate Photo © Monica Wright |
Hard Earned View of Home Photo © Monica Wright |
Celebratory Dunk Photo © Monica Wright |
The students from Acadia House at BMS head to Chewonki tomorrow morning, and they are excited to get there. Look for an updated blog entry next week.
Joyful Paddling Photo © Lawrence Kovacs |