Spring Break

I can honestly call the time I spent last week a "break." I broke away from the fast-paced routine, the constant stimulus that surrounds a classroom full of children, the beep of the alarm clock, workout schedules, bedtimes, all of those carefully managed elements that form the "organized chaos" that is my life. I enjoyed the feeling of being able to do whatever I wanted (given the constraints of living on an island, of course) when I wanted. It was liberating and I needed that.

After a day of rest, I baked a loaf of bread (that was so terrible I gave it to the crows) and headed into the mountains with my new home strapped to my back. The weather report was not good, hard to believe on such a sunny calm day. But I knew that by nightfall there would be 60 mph winds and snow, so my goal was to make it across the island (from west to east) before dark. It didn't happen. I soon found out that southeast Alaska is not a place meant for travel on foot. Between the wetlands, the thickets of the montane forests, steep glacier-carved streams, and endless other obstacles, I found myself with no other choice but to turn back after a grueling bushwacking trek that brought me just halfway across Purple Lake along the steep left bank. I thought about climbing up to the ridge, but there was too much snow and without the proper gear (like an ice axe, at least) it would have been too dangerous. While I was backtracking out of the mess I had gotten myself into I noticed some paw prints in the silt-- wolf tracks!

The experience did more for my mind than my body. I came back feeling rejuvenated, humbled, excited about further exploration and learning, and this clear realization that I was indeed content with my life and my surroundings. I felt myself becoming a part of this place, letting go of attachments and surrendering myself to nature. I was no longer trying not to worry about stuff (the future, time, meaningless stuff), I was simply and genuinely free of worry. With that gone I could only see the peace, trust and joy that has always been there (just gets a little hard to recognize sometimes).

So back home safe in my little shack, I slept comfortably listening to the howling wind and rain beating against my windows, waking up to the trembling of my walls that were being pounded by the strong SE winds. I was glad I wasn't in a tent. This fresh energy inspired me to work on some unit plans so that I could finish the school year knowing I put my best effort into teaching these kids. Now that the end of the year is in sight (8 more weeks!), I can push myself harder knowing I will have a nice long summer to rest.

Towards the end of Spring Break I took a quick trip to the Anchorage area. I spent time with my dear friend Eli, helped Katie get her moving arrangements made, and enjoyed the long days and bright sunshine. I even took a road trip up to Talkeetna and got to see Denali! It was a short trip, but a very full and happy one.