From the principal’s office…Day 10
Even though the day is not technically over, I am doing today’s post because soon enough, it will be over for me. Today was another mountain adventure. I have a feeling that with all the mountains around here, I could have a new mountain adventure every weekend for a looonnnngggg time.
Kathryn, Phillip, and Laura had a mountain race today. They completed a 5k up 680m at 32% incline. I also completed this same course, only I walked it with Claudia and It took us just over an hour. I’m sure my glutes, hamstrings, and calves will be crying tomorrow. It was completely amazing scenery, and you can see the damage to the forest from the avalanches they have in the winter. Phillip and Kathryn got second place in their division as a running/biking team.
After the race, we went back down to a little church where they had the awards ceremony and food and beverage tents set up. I enjoyed a couple of cups of yummy coffee, which was extra yummy because the temperature dropped about 40 degrees at that altitude. I also had more of my favorite spinatknodel. I love this so much that I have a whole collection of recipes so I can make them at home. Oh yes….
Upon returning home, I got serious about making sure I could fit everything in my suitcase and still make weight. In true Jasper form, it all fits with not an inch or pound to spare. Kathryn is impressed, but I am a master packer. We have also decided that the students will check their bags on the way home, because they may not be the masterful packers that I am and will need to expand their bags. We know they all bought a lot of goodies for their family members.
I have missed my family terribly, but because we have been so busy and so tired, I didn’t have time to dwell on it. Let me just say that while I LOVED watching my (other people’s) kids experience Austria, and seeing their emotional growth and development through this experience, with every adventure my heart hurt because I know my boys and husband would have enjoyed the adventures too. It was so hard to be in awe of the amazing views and not have my husband beside me to stare in wonder.
Tonight we have an early bedtime because the cab will be here at 4:45 to take us to catch the bus to Munich. We spend the day on the plane tomorrow, but I have a feeling that it will be an easier trip as we are all exhausted from the adventure of a lifetime. The most heartfelt gratitude goes out to the Ertl Family who welcomed not just me but Kathryn after her host family bailed at the last minute. They have been amazing showing us nothing but hospitality; great adventures, great meals, and great conversations!
This trip would not be possible with out Suzzanne Gero-Snyder, Julia Hitchingham, April Singleton Herbert, Elaine Bradley Themm, and all of the parents who have volunteered at lock-ins. Kathryn spent so many hours planning this trip, researching excursions, and collaborating with our Austrian friends Rosi, Miriam and Rush. Don Lusby, my behind the scenes support – the man who gives me strength and encouragement, but who I also know would fly around the world to rescue me if needed (and was ready to when I didn’t answer my phone)…I love you. Jill Pascoe, my comadre, thank you for ‘momming’ in my absence. Thank you for the emergency ortho visit, meals, haircuts, taxi service, just being there for my kids…going above and beyond for my family- thank you! Finally, to the families who have trusted me with your children, thank you for sharing them with me. Thank you for giving us this gift of adventure…I think it goes with out saying that for all of us, this is unforgettable.
Genies die Zeit
