Service Semester Blog #1

We've been in the Maine wilderness for over a week now. We started our long journey to central Maine on the 29th of October. We were welcomed by the open arms of Nate’s Sittoo (Grandma) and spent a cold night in a warm house. Waking up at the crack of dawn we took to the road to continue our journey. Our destination - Atkinson, Maine. Rollin Thurlow’s boat shop was what we were after. Rollin was one of the first people who made wood canvas canoes cool again. He worked in the navy and became very interested in the beauty of wood canvas canoes during his time in boat building school. Being one of the only people interested in them at the time, he created an entire culture of canoe making.

Kory and Zach diligently removing tacks and nails to access the ribs of the boat

Camping in the woods next to a beautiful lake we were awoken by the songs of the birds each morning. Our days started at 6:30 where we would take a morning run through the woods to Rollin’s wood shop. We lugged the two voyageur canoes, that were built by Kroka semester students in 2004 and 2006 to get them repaired for the first time in almost 15 years. First, we had to unscrew the gunwales, keel, and seats. Then we had to take off the canvas and pull out the tacks and nails to access the ribs of the boat. Once we had gotten access to the ribs we would have to cut and rip out the damaged ones. We then had to measure the lengths of the removed ribs. After which we measured, cut, beveled and sanded new ribs. Now was the steam bending. We soaked the straight ribs then put them in the steamer for about half an hour. Then came the tricky part. With a 2 minute window of time we had to remove the ribs quickly, rush them over to the canoe, find the correct placement for each board, carefully bend them without breaking the wood, and finally, screw them in place. Whew!

Kory in camp reflecting after a day of service

Spending time at the winter bush campsite

Sadly our time with Rollin came to a close and we had to depart for our next adventure. Mahoosuc Guide Service was our new home for the next 4 nights. Kevin and Polly were our hosts. Kevin and Polly are guides of the Maine wilderness with over 35 years of experience. Based in a small homestead of Newry, Maine, they lead mushing trips with their 33 sled dogs every winter. These huskie dogs are friendly and full of readiness for adventure. Kevin and Polly have been mentoring Kroka staff and teaching Kroka students since the beginning of Kroka, 25 years ago.

Getting there in a downpour, we were very grateful that we had a lodge to sleep in and a wood stove to keep us warm. We were greeted by 2017 ESP/2018 WSP alumni, Luke. We worked with Luke and Kevin for a total of 5 days. Throughout our time at Mahoosuc Guide Service, we …

• Constructed 1, 18 foot bridge for a dog sled trail to the winter camps
• Reinforced 15 foot tall wind fencing
• Pet 33 huskies
• Set up 6 canvas winter tents
• Dug 5 post holes, 3 feet deep, 12 inches wide, for cedar posts
• Learned how to keep up with the incredible work ethic of Kevin, Polly, and Luke

Luke muscling cedar posts

Kory and Zach digging 3 foot deep posts holes

With a last delicious meal of grass-fed beef stew, locally grown carrots, leeks, and potatoes, slow cooked over the course of the entire day, we were on our way to Canaan, Maine to meet Grandfather Ray.

Stay tuned for more on our adventure!