Kroka Vermont Semester 2014: Vermont Semester Update #12

We have finally reached the end of our water journey. Through headwinds, waves, and sunshine, we steadily rowed on. During our journey, we learned about the history of Lake Champlain. We stood on the shores of Valcour Island from which hundreds of years ago a battle was fought between the British and the Americans. We visited the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Crown Point, Fort Ticonderoga and other locations along the way learning even more history.

We ate wild plants, learned their names, and identification. We played, "toss the fish" with dead alewives and noticed other things around us resulting from the warmer weather. Our last day ended on the lake ended with an epic water battle the was initiated after a rudder was stolen. We boarded, tussled, and reclaimed our stolen property - and still made it to Whitehall on time!

We have less than two weeks to go before we return to Kroka's base camp...and so the days tick by!!!

- Rosa

Alewives

The dead fish are everywhere. Touchy things - if there is a sharp rise of heat during the day, they die in droves. "Invasive, invasive" the locals cry! "They are just like herring!" Why not eat them? I would love to build a shiny hut on the shores of Lake Champlain and spend my day netting the small fish to pickle and eat. Free, lasting food for the local community - making the best of something bad. It doesn't hurt my thoughts that I am craving fish at breakfast time.

- Kevin

Boats

There is something about boats that i can't get over. The sticky sweet smell of varnish and ropes, the constant thump, thump, thump of waves hitting wood. A boat can be sail boat, a row boat, or even a small canoe. As long as it is made of good hard wood.

- Sofia

Edible

Edible takes on a new meaning when on trail. The simplest foods become delicious. Who knew two peanut butter tortillas could taste so good? Wild edibles to become a new joy.

- Anonymous

Harbor

A safe place. A home. Shelter. A small nook out of the wind. A place to be open. To be yourself.

- Maja

Iroquois

I find myself intrigued by the history we have been learning about the Lake Champlain region. The Iroquois Nation lived on the New York side of the lake. Recounts of first interactions with the Mohawk people always interest me. Any information regarding the way of life before "discovery" or settlement I deem precious and exciting. The history lessons we had had provide ample information, keeping myself and others well captured.

- Zac