We just arrived back in Pucon from our last destination, Choshuenco. It was a very small town with a lovely little beach and lake we would paddle across after our day of paddling. The days we would run in the mornings were always quite funny you would pass almost everyone at least once because of how few streets there were in it. The people who were hosting us were absolutely delightful. They were so caring and offered us any help we needed. They also cooked us some pretty yummy dishes. They even made everyone’s favorite American dish one night, Pizza!
The river we had there was amazing, it offered many different types of paddling with varying classes. The Upper Fuy consisted of more waterfalls and boofs. The Middle and Lower Fuy however had amazing playboating and wave filled rapids good for working on downriver moves, such as kickflips and wave wheels. We also had Billy Harris with us this whole time and he was a great wealth of knowledge, everyday he would make sure we were boofing up a storm. He was super helpful with little tips to help improve your boating.
Posts Tagged ‘taylor cote’
Our Trip to Choshuenco
Friday, February 12th, 2010A Special Night in the Quincho
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010Listen to the people yelling dinner is ready. Scurry over to the glowing, leafy haven of the quincho. Pick out a good seat next to a friend and some colorful grub. Chat away about the going-on’s of the day. Look out, as Lorena places more scrumptious food on the table. Inhale all the aromas wafting around you. Smell the roasting pork and beef on the crackling fire. Hear the ooh’s and aah’s of the marvelous feast. Hold up the ginormous sphere of bread that is bigger than your face. Munch on the tomato-y mixture of the pico de gallo. Glance around at your big, crazy, smiling family. Comment on something you find absolutely absurd. Let yourself laugh joyfully with everyone else who got the most recent joke. Join the chorus of “thank-you’s” to Dave and Lorena. Watch the embers of the once-large fire sparkle in the coming darkness. Grab your dirty dish to clean off in the sink. Wait in line behind the other five people who decided to do the same. Help out with the rest of the dirty dishes. Walk back to the cabins; chill out and watch the newest downloaded movie. Sigh happily; another amazing day at the best school around.
In appreciation of the photography students
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009I am incredibly proud of my photography students: Zoe Ross, Taylor Cote and Matt Hill. Being a photographer at New River Academy is no easy task. A camera and the necessary gear such as batteries, film cards, cables, lenses, tripods and cleaning supplies, are delicate, heavy, and expensive things. Caring for them, particularly under our circumstances of constant travel and camping, can be quite an arduous task.
With each adventure we take as a school, the photo students have an added task to contend with. They carry their boat over their shoulder, their paddle in one hand and their pelican box in the other. While the rest of us contemplate our perfect line down the waterfall, the photo students are computing in their heads the equation of light + action+ and available vantage point for shooting. They climb cliffs, scramble down into river beds, fight through steep hillsides of bamboo and thorns, and drag themselves across zip lines to get the most innovative shot.
Being a photography teacher has given me a new appreciation for a photographer’s role in their photographs. This should seem obvious- who else but the photographer could be responsible for their own shot? But before this semester, I never payed homage to the photographer at all. Looking at a photograph of David Hughes running a huge waterfall, I would think to myself, “David is doing something so awesome! And that waterfall is beautiful! I wish I did things like David did so I could have photos of me like that!” I gave the subject all the credit! And while it’s true, without the handsome boys and girls running big drops in pretty places, none of us would have the portfolio we do. But I never would think, “Wow, what composition this photographer achieved! The exposure is perfect, look how the water seems to be suspended mid air, it must have been difficult to use such a fast shutter speed in that limited light. And the area is so remote- amazing that photographer lugged her giant lens and delicate camera so far into the wilderness!”
Watching Zoe, Taylor and Matt constantly adjusting their focus, change out lenses, climb trees and give up their own oppertunity to run a drop in order to shoot someone else running it, really makes me appreciate how far they go and how hard they work. Photography is one of those rare things that everyone benefits from. The photo students glow with pride when others admire their work, and the subjects of those photos glow with pride when they put them up on facebook and everyone at home raves about their latest big adventure.
Of course, then there is the hours spent in front of their screen touching up photos, uploading them to Flikr, giving slide shows and writing blog posts. With internet that flickers in and out, this can be a long a tedious process. My students work for hours at a time perfecting and sharing their photos, and always with positive, energetic diligence.
Thank you Zoe, Taylor and Matt, I am so proud of the work you do!
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- (C) Melina Coogan
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- (C) Tracy d’Arbeloff
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- (C) Taylor Cote
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- (C) Melina Coogan
A Journey Through Words-Part 1
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009In Pichilemu, Melina read some of Pablo Neruda’s work. It made us both feel as though we were swimming in the deep blue of words. So as always, we became inspired. This creative writing assignment consists of writing ”quotes” to correspond to a picture. The “quotes” were trying to bring out as much feeling and emotion as Neruda did. I hope you enjoy this set.
“The blissfulness in the virgin child’s eyes are the gateways to the heavens themselves, they alone we need to cherish in the darkness” – Taylor Cote
“As we flee from the notorious and accelerate our mind into the concealed, our embodiment ceases to imprison us down to the bondages of man” – Taylor Cote
“Then the steam proceeded to rise up and envelop all that was holy and ethical leaving merely the valiant paladin to uncover the way to the revelation” -Taylor Cote
Snapshots!
Friday, November 27th, 2009While we have been in the magical place of the Achiebueno, the creative writing class was inspired. The beauty captivated us to do an activity called “snapshots”. This is where for 5 minutes straight you write about a certain topic. All our topics have to do with the things around this location. The focus was more on figurative language and less on complete sentences. Enjoy!
Essence of Achiebueno
Perpetual blueness from the icey waters…alive icecubes…the cozy, earthy abode…smell of wood all around…a forest that once was…the long journey from the tahoe to our downy sleeping bags…trying on the mind…surrounded by jungle we become one of the colorful animals within…around the fire we crowd…cavemen once again…
The River
The atmosphere on earth…all the blue so teasing with it innocent lightness…nipping at my boat and blade…around the stone giants…hide and seek between them, careful not to get stepped on or flip while dodging…the excitement fleeing from my face replaced with amazement and adoration…the giant bumblebees flapping and cawing wildly above us as we bop down another mine field…
Fire and Light
The uncaged beast smoldering, hiding for his next strike on another lifeless log…greed and sloth encompass his existence…the beam of the glow eats away at the darkness only though where a glance may be placed, those few seconds the demons scurry to another ominous corner only to return when the gaze is gone…
The Sky
Racing each other to see the next beautiful vista…as if they haven’t seen it a hundred times before but they have the same excitement and love they have had for centuries for their mother…playfully tiptoeing over the mountain peaks then the dash to be the first to the next set…irritating the sun when they cover his proud gleam when people cannot enjoy and adore him any longer…galloping horses without masters, untamed yet know the way and have the keenest sense of direction…to be in Pegasus’ likeness, their aspiring dream…fleeting to our eyes never the same powdery blob…swirling and twirling a snowy ballroom dance…how it can turn angry in seconds and weep its sorrows on its mother, a poor child…
Achiebueno Update
Friday, November 27th, 2009“And then they were off again, marching into the distance with the sense of adventure burning in their eyes”
This holiday week we spent going back to our roots, to the simple things in life. To get to this place we had to travel on the bumpiest road imaginable. I don’t even know how we made it that far by car. The rawr of the motor pushing the van over another large rock, romping down the road until we finally reached the point we couldn’t go any further. We all groggily hopped out of the car and proceeded to hike a mile to reach our new temporary home. Many animals (cows, goats, and sheep) greeting us with their bleating cries as we walked past.
When we finally got inside it was as if we had stepped back years in time. A fire, and now our spirits keep the place warm. The whole place was constructed by the hands of a determined man. It feels as if you have walked into a wooden palace, with all the round logs for us to marvel at. A few sparse lights come on when the sun goes back into hiding. The murmur of the generator outside will be heard when this happens. Time to charge up those computers!
Our dinner is almost already for us around this time too, the wonderful aromas spreading throughout the whole lodge. One of the things we all love most about our meals is the fresh bread. It is all prepared by hand and then cooked under a fire, instead of our traditional oven. After dinner we all flop onto the beds around the large fire and play cards, tell stories, and work on our homework. I definitely think being here has brought us closer together. Now we’re even having Thanksgiving together; we’re like a giant family. I think we’re all very thankful for all the gifts and everything we’ve been given, especially the gift of attending a school as cool as this.
The river here is quite mind blowing, it seems as if everywhere we travel I see a different color blue and each is equally as beautiful. The water color here is a nice minty blue most likely because it was snowmelt only a few hours ago. Which means the water is definitely very cold, but the river is so worth having that nip on your nose for a couple of hours. The Achiebueno has large granite rocks throughout complementing the water color. It’s so fun twisting and turning through the boulder fields, finding new lines each time we run it.
As you can see, we’re in another spectacular place and this one suites the Thanksgiving holiday. I wish you all a Happy Turkey Day!
Big Boofs and Breakfast Buffets
Saturday, November 21st, 2009Well 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
Back from the Waterfall Paradise
Saturday, November 21st, 2009What an amazing week we’ve had at the Rio Claro! This place was a paddlers’ wonderland. It had the most perfect basalt bowls that these mouthwash blue waterfalls would pour into. Everyone had the greatest time launching off them-throwing free wheels, doing crazy boofs, super deep plugs, or even jumping off them. I definitely preferred staying in my boat and going for a ginormous boof. Both us photo and the video students were in heaven. It was a gorgeous place to shoot photos. It was another place where we were staying right next to the river. So after school we would put all our stinky kayaking gear on and go paddling.
At the hostel we were staying at we would have classes by the fire some mornings. It was a really cool experience having class there, all snuggled in our down jackets next to the fire. The food there was also so amazing. Its so fun to try all the new Chilean dishes. As always it was sad to leave but now we’re all ready for our next location which will hold even more new adventures.
Kickin’ Back in Pichilemu
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009The magical little surf town of Pichilemu has enchanted us all. Everyone enjoys walking around to all the little shops, buying cakes or bargaining for their first pair of Alpaca socks. I think what has marveled us all the most is the amazing waves. Everyone is going so huge on all their tricks and getting a little sun on there face to prove it. This is my first time ocean surfing and I absolutely love it! Its all pretty exciting to be able to have classes in these exquisite little cafes, the green park, or sometimes even on the beach. The sand on these beaches is way different than any beach on the east coast I have been to. Its really dark, almost black sand, from the volcanoes I guess? Some people have even been lucky enough to see some of the rarer wildlife such as a baby sea lion poking around through the surf.
Yesterday, we had a scavenger hunt all through Pichilemu. It was so fun running around trying to complete all the funny tasks. Then afterwards we all went to surf at Punta de los Lobos, aka Point of the Wolves, (cue scary music). I saw some of the biggest ocean waves there, and I think one 2-3 star day there was enough to satisfy my curiosity. I know of course some of the daredevils in the group will want to go out to the point on those 5 star days though. As you can see we’re all not worrying and being happy in this lovely little surf town.
Cascada de las Animas
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009We all had a lovely voyage across the ocean and are comfortably settled into our first location in Chile. Cascada de las Animas translating into English as the Fall of the Spirits is located right next to the Maipo River. Its the perfect first destination because we are located right next to the river and spring is in the air. Every night we eat dinner at Cascada de las Animas either after paddling on the Maipo or going on a fun adventure in the area. We’ve also been working on making some Chilean dishes ourselves when we cook breakfast and lunch. We even had a birthday while we’ve been down here. Zoe turned 15 on October 31, I think it’s so cool to have your birthday on of all holidays, Halloween. We’re all super stoked to be here and are excited for all the amazing experiences we will have. I have put some pictures up of our first location, hope you enjoy!
New River Academy
Rt. 2 Box 245
Fayetteville, WV 25484
(304)- 574-0403
Fax: (304) 513-2247
New River
Academy
