Sunday, May 19, 2013

Ecuadorian Lunch Success!

The Ecuadorian Lunch was a huge success! I raised $880 and had a great time working with the Culinary students, serving, and talking with people who came. I am so lucky to have such a supportive community!

None of this could have happened without the hard work of all the students from Culinary, Chef Becker, my friends who helped serve, Applecheek farm who donated 12 dozen eggs, and everyone who came to the lunch. Being able to use the professional equipment in Culinary allowed us to serve a lot of people in a short amount of time; Chef Becker and the culinary students really know how to keep things rolling! I don't even know how many people came, but all the tables at Vincent's, both indoors and out, were filled, most of them twice.

I can't express how grateful I am for everyone who made this lunch happen, especially all the students, teachers and community members who showed up to enjoy the food, thank you all so much!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Equipment Update-and News from Kroka!

Hey all,

I just got a big packet from Kroka with all sorts of information about the semester, including an up-dated packing list! I have deleted everything that I don't need, though there are a few items, such as black writing pens, that I'm sure I can find. There are a few new items on the list, including a bike, but I will hopefully be able to use the one I have. It is pretty old, and I've put many miles on it, but we'll see what the repair shop can do with it.

There is going to be a Pre-Trip on June 1st and 2nd, so I will be able to meet the people who I will be living with next fall! There are currently only nine students signed up, so if you know anyone who would be interested, please spread the word. I will bring all the equipment I have so far to the Pre-Trip and get some feedback about what will work and what I need. I look forward to telling you all about it.

Speaking about looking forward, the Ecuadorian lunch is next week and there are almost 70 people signed up! The marathon is also in less than three weeks, so I will be doing my last long run this weekend and then begin tapering for the big day. Thank you all for you unwavering support, it makes a huge difference!


Kroka Expeditions: Where Consciousness Meets Wilderness

2013 Ecuador Semester Packing List

ITEM NAME QTY DESCRIPTION Required? Where to buy? Kroka Online Store

Drawing pencils1Set of 12 Drawing pencils, black and white, graphite.Required--
Eraser2Drawing pencil quality.Required--
Folders2Duo-tang paper folders with pockets. Required--
Pencils1For writing and sketching.Required--
Pens5Black Writing Pens.Required--
Ruler1
Required--

Clothing

Bathing Suit1
Required--
Gloves, Biking w/fingers 1
If you have them bring themRequired--
Gloves, Leather Work 11 pair inexpensive, insulated leather work gloves. Rigorous use during the semester will likely wear them out.Required--
Gloves, Mountaineering 1Outer waterproof shell + fleece liner. We will be placing a special order for gloves. Please contact Linda if you are interested in purchasing gloves on the special order.Required--
Hat, Wide-brimmed1If you sunburn easily, this must be a wide-brimmed hat. Otherwise, a ball cap will suffice. RequiredKroka Store
Jacket, Patagonia Team 1This year we are partnering with Patagonia to offer an amazing deal on a top-of-the-line GORE-TEX® Jacket at a special team price. It is a Patagonia Mens Triolet Jacket in Red Delicious, and it comes embroidered with the Kroka Logo. Available for $295 by special order only. We will be taking orders at the Pre-Trip Weekend. Please note that this item substitutes for both the Rain Coat and the Jacket Shell/Windbreaker.RequiredKroka Store-
Shorts, Bicycle (Padded)1Padded bicycle shorts are recommended but not requiredRequired--
Socks, Mountaineering 1Wool all cushion bottom Kroka store carries Darned Tough BrandRequiredKroka Store-
Sweater2One lightweight wool or polar fleece. No Cotton Sweatshirts. RequiredKroka Store
Vest, Warm fleece or wool 1For high altitude treks and mountaineeringOptional--
Wool Socks6 prWool, various thicknesses, Kroka store carries Darned Tough Brand RequiredKroka Store

Footwear

Boots Mountaineering1Recommended Scarpa, Charmoz of Vasque. Kroka Store has VasqueRequiredKroka Store-
Rock climbing shoes1if you own them bring themOptional--
Running Shoes1For dry-land use. Lightweight, compact sneakers with soles that will not damage the earth. Moccasins are appropriate for base camp programs.Required--
Sandals/Water Shoes1Must be durable and secure on your feet to be used in and out of the water. Keenes and Chacos are good options. Required--

Gear

Bicycle1Any rugged mountain or hybrid bike will do. Should have a waterbottle holder and a rack for carrying paniers. If you do not own a bike, let us know. We have several available for rent for $125 for the semester.RequiredKroka Store Rental-
Sunglasses, Mountaineering1With safety strap (suitable for high Altitude mountaineering) JULBO is an excellent brand.Required--
Water Bottle1Wide mouth, 32 oz, non-leaking, with carabiner attached. Please no complex tubes, spouts, or nozzles!RequiredKroka Store

Personal

Book1For pleasure reading, pack in a ziplock bag (Please choose a book appropriate for your reflective nature experiencesOptional--
Hairbrush1Hairbrush or comb.Required--
Shampoo and Soap1Please bring small containers of shampoo and soap for showering. If you bring bar soap, it needs to have a case. Bring conditioner if you use it.Required--
Sunblock1NaturalRequired--
Toothbrush and case1It is a good idea to bring a spare, as they occasionally go missing. No electric toothbrushes.Required--
Toothpaste/powder1All natural, please. Powder is easier to share in a hygienic way.Required--

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Ecuadorian Lunch

I'm thrilled to announce that I will be hosting an Ecuadorian Lunch at Vincent's Bistro (in the Green Mountain Technology and Career Center adjacent to my school, Lamoille Union) on May 15th. The teacher of culinary arts has offered me the use of his kitchen and the help of his students for the event which is an amazing gift. I can't wait to cook with them!

 The lunch will include a four course meal of traditional Ecuadorian food. Chicken or lentil stew (depending on whether you prefer vegetarian or meat) will make up the main course with empanadas as an appetizer, fresh salad with cilantro-lime dressing and coconut flan for dessert. I did a trial run of the recipes a few weeks ago and they are delicious!

 If you are interested in coming, please let me know. The suggested donation is $10 and you can pay at the door, but it would be great if you could make a reservation beforehand so we know how much food to make. The lunch will be in two shifts during lunches 1 and 2 at the school which are from 11:30-11:50 and 11:55-12:15.