Oli adventure students canoed on the waters of Maine for adventure intensive week!

Day 1 – The group had an early 5am departure from campus, followed by a 5 mile paddle across Attean Pond. The group carried their gear and canoes through the forest from the portage to Holeb Pond for 1.3 miles, with spirits remaining high despite the rain and second trip required!

Day 2 – Students learned how to navigate and negotiate the moving water on the Moose River, with a big travel day of over 15 miles; lake, stream, and river paddling punctuated by a few small rapids and another quarter mile portage in the woods.

Day 3 – The group continued down the Moose River with a mix of flatwater and a few easy rapids. The day was cold and there was steady rain throughout the day, but you wouldn’t know it from the positive storytelling and games played around a warm fire later in the day!

Day 4 – The day began with bluebird skies as the warm sun was welcomed by everyone in the group. Students worked well together to overcome obstacles and any issues that arose. They spent time swimming at Attean Falls and exploring the local woods, learning about the flora and fauna of the north Maine woods. The day ended with more storytelling as the sunset in the mountains provided the ultimate backdrop for a summer classroom.

Day 5 – The group was treated with a fantastic sunrise and calm waters as they departed Moose River to return to Attean Pond. Everyone engaged in a quiet reflective paddle as they crossed the glassy mountain lake. As the last boat was tied on to the trailer, one student shared with the group that “I can’t wait to tell my sisters and parents about this, I will remember it forever!”

What a fantastic and successful adventure intensive week, enjoyed by students and staff alike!