Well folks, another week past here at New River Academy. This past one is another “adventure of a lifetime” moment. We seem to be having so many of them this trip. Chile is such an amazing destination.

The last drop of the Siete Tazas

As you know, we spent the last week at the Siete Tazas, which are 7 clean pool drops ranging from 2 feet to 20. Everyone was super excited and had a blast learning more about boofing and tucking drops. The water was crystal clear aqua and as cold as ice, the deep rock gorges roes majestically above our heads, and the sun sprayed patterns that twinkled and shimmered against the water. It was like nothing any of us had seen before. Photo and Video took advantage of our location had awesome classes, with beautiful results.

Taylor Cote high up on a cliff where She and I had hiked up to take photos of people running the Entre Saltas

The food was another big win this week as well. The first night was delicious rice and “melt in your mouth” beef. It is something that my mother used to make in our crock pot on special occasions, and I was in total heaven. For me it was a taste of home, for everyone else, it was some darn good meat. Every morning we would have fresh made bread, homemade jams of cherry, peach, or blackberry, and eggs that had no doubt just been grabbed and scrambled for us straight from the chicken’s nest. I think we all looked forward to the next meal as soon as one was finished.

Haakon Samuelson being a moose after running some waterfalls

It was really cool not having electricity for a week. I would do my homework snuggled in bed with a candle. At first it was hard to figure out how to balance, and I nearly burned my physics book a couple times, but after I got used to it, it gave a romantic edge to doing homework. Ok…maybe that is pushing it. But it was a neat experience.

The mountains and land surrounding the little isolated hostel we were staying at was a dream come true for me. I do not even know how to describe it. On one of the solo hikes I took, I ended up in some far away nook that was like a fairly land. Gosh, I cannot even put into words what it was like. All I can say is that it totally captured my heart. I felt like this past week renewed my soul a bit, just by being in that area.

We were all sad to leave, but excited at the prospect of a night in a hotel with connections to the outside world again. I know all the boys were foaming at the mouth to email their parents…or check facebook. Either one. Curfew was 11 pm, and we had all afternoon to ourselves. Most of us students walked into the town center and looked at all the shops and markets. Clay, Haakon, Stephen, Alex, Eric, and I went down the the indoor pool (yes, our hotel had an indoor pool!!!), which ended up being the temperature of a hot tub, and swam around for an hour. And by swim around, I mean make total fools of ourselves by having cannonball contests in a four foot deep pool, and spitting water in each other’s faces. I tried to organize a handstand contest, but the boys were not having it. Every time I did a handstand in the water, I would be rudely shoved over. I had my toes pointed and everything. They were just intimidated by my skills.

Alex Anderson goofing off for the camera while we waited to take footage

This morning, after wonderful hot showers, and a delightful sleep in pristine sheets, we meandered down at different times to the complimentary breakfast buffet. There were eggs, yogurts, breads, fruit, pastries, juice, cereals, coffee, meats, and cheeses. We all felt duty bound to make the most of this opportunity and stuff our faces. At one point I felt full, and said as much to Melina and Taylor who were my eating companions. I was then told to stop being a baby and to keep on trucking through. I do not think I will be eating again until Christmas. On the plus side, Mum, I had about a field of fresh cut strawberries. It made me think of home.

We are leaving around noon today, so it is a lazy morning. Something I think we are all making the most of. I do believe I may go for a swim again!

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Tracy d’Arbeloff