by Kerri Consalvo | Mar 6, 2024 | Blog, Leadership, TPS Travel Study Program
We are off to Glen Canyon early today, knowing that every hour brings us closer to our final destination. Along the way we marvel over saguaro cacti standing guard over seemingly barren desert landscapes. Like sentinels, they stretch spiny limbs upward. Some have only a single trunk, others have multiple appendages. Why aren’t they all similar? We discover most have holes, learning later that woodpeckers carve spaces that become nesting bowls.
A special break along the way finds us at the Rio Verde River, where an active eagle’s nest is monitored by Kyle McCarty of Arizona Fish and Game. Kyle and his wife, Michelle, set up scopes so we can observe the bald eagle parents tending the nest, and hopefully get a glimpse of the nestlings. It is an extraordinarily rare treat when our patience is rewarded as one tiny eaglet pokes its downy head up for us to see. Surely it senses a flock of friendly “fire birds” visiting from afar.
Montezuma’s Well lures us in for a quick stop along the way. Ancient peoples evolved from hunters and gatherers to a sedentary people who settled at Montezuma’s Well because the thousands years old water pushing up to the surface of the Earth became a natural cistern for irrigating crops, allowing for permeant settlements. We hike to the deep well, a sink hole, and to ruins of ancient dwellings before climbing back into our van to continue our journey.
Arizona’s vastness quickly becomes crystal clear. Ever changing landscapes stretch before us, constantly changing mile after mile as we travel north to Page. Saguaro clusters turn to flat land grasses, tree dotted plateaus, then, in a blink of an eye, snow covered roadsides and mountains. Vegetation morphs to rock and back again as our elevation changes. Golden copper light reflects off plateaus bathing all in its warmth before a blood red sunset steals the scene, painting streaks of reds and purples across the sky. Blackness envelopes us. We see nothing but a ribbon of highway ahead, wondering what surrounds us on each side; a mystery to be revealed in tomorrow’s light.
by Kerri Consalvo | Mar 6, 2024 | Blog, Leadership, TPS Travel Study Program
The day has finally arrived. Nine Phoenix 6th-8th graders are ready to embark on their Travel Study Trip to Glen Canyon, Arizona. Anticipation is in the air. For some, this is their first trip. Others are experienced Phoenix travelers like James, whose 8th grade trip to Glen Canyon was canceled so now he joins us as a skilled assistant. We all have expectations and wishes for our trip.
Alfie imagines “The glossy sunset shining at me as if it wants to suck me into it. I just rest now, in silence, peace. Glen Canyon holds innumerable adventures, but for now, it is tranquil.
Levi sees Glen Canyon as “a magical mesa of river, rock, flora, and fauna at the surface, caves, ancient drawings and rock below. I look out the window at the view with promises of adventures to come.”
In Paul’s imagination, he feels “a wind blowing over my face. I look over a shadowy cliff and see water flowing faster than ever. It feels like I fell asleep and woke up in a dream. I realize where I am; the place I studied. The land I dreamt of is finally here and so am I.
Fiona remembers her trips to the Everglades and St. John as she imagines this year’s trip. “Lighthearted laughter echoes off the canyon’s amber walls. What once was warmth from golden hues parting from the sun against my cheeks turns to a warm response from a strongly woven community. Through wetlands and turquoise waters, to now rocky canyons and rivers, my people never let me fall from their ever-growing cradle.
Mira has “been so nervous since we boarded the plane and I’m nervous now because the day ahead is essentially a mystery to me, but I think about that first-step feeling into the canyon that I’m looking forward to. One more look out the window fuels me with confidence. I know I’m up for this challenge.
Audrey is thinking about the day ahead. “The idea of trudging up the steep foundation of the canyon makes my heart race with anticipation, but at the same moment, I’m anxious and worried for the adventure I will face. This land is not what it was, once a home for thousands of Native Americans with families and peaceful lives. After ghastly wars and conflicts, it is a place to remember, honor, and celebrate. I hope to keep that in mind when on the trail. I am ready.
Sattva anticipates a special connection. “I want to be set free from technology, hoping that I can learn and discover more about Glen Canyon, not just Glen Canyon, but myself. Exploring the wonders of the world as a Native American myself will help me understand my own roots. I might not be Navajo, Apache, or any other indigenous tribe, but the native peoples believe that no matter who you are, you are connected to everything.
Gavin is “simultaneously exceedingly excited and nervous. I don’t know much about the trip so the only things I’m anticipating good or bad are living with other people in a place I don’t know, and an all-day school experience with little or no free time. That’s what it seems at least, though the views and experiences are going to be amazing. I haven’t had an experience like that in my life.”
Arlo imagines himself “in the ancient canyon, rushing water filling away the bedded cliffs. Despite the sufficient research regarding the history of the mesa, I am certain I will carry on learning about the area; like the Colorado River forever changing the canyon that is my mind.”
After a long evening traveling from Boston to Phoenix and then to our hotel, we were happy to succumb to sleep, anticipating our journey to Page, AZ the next day when our study trip would actually begin.
by Kerri Consalvo | Apr 21, 2023 | Blog, TPS Travel Study Program
Our students reflect on their trip as they pack up and start to make their way home to Salem, Massachusetts.
Aine – With my gaze trained on the night sky, my hair dripping with the salty sea water I’ve just been splashing around in, I mutter my thoughts aloud: I want to go home. St. John will forever stay in my mind as a cherished memory and the clear teal seas, spontaneous rainfalls, and an endless supply of sunshine will be missed, but not more than my own bed, my sketchbook, and especially my baby sister. So I will be taking in each view, appreciating every feature of St. John before leaving it behind until our next adventure.
Alice – The long travel day ahead leads me away from an astounding study trip that has been St. John. Snorkeling through the clearest mix of blue and teal water will turn into hats, gloves, and jacket-covered walks through Massachusetts. While I miss the comfort of my home, the views of the mountaintops covered in the brightest of green trees is an images forever imprinted in my mind that I am not ready to leave. Constant heat and swarming bugs may have been unhelpful additions, yet I am grateful for every challenge and adventure St. John threw my way. Goodbye St. John, you were the best final chapter of my Phoenix trips.
Arlo – I’m ready to get back to my comfortable house. One with a toilet, running water, and food whenever I want. I can’t wait it see my family and cat, to get back to my regular schedule. Ready for colder weather, that I’m used to, with pants and sweatshirts. Although I am dying to get back to Salem, I can’t help but feel slightly discouraged by having to leave. I’ll miss the snorkeling and the constant warm weather and being with my peers all day long. But at least I still have memories preserved in photos to look at and remember for years to come.
Liam – It feels like it was just yesterday that we were scouring the school for clues as to where we would go, and yet here we are now, on our last night of the trip. I think about the memories I’ve made, of the cool breeze in my hair, the salty water on my tongue, and the warm sand between my toes. So as I say goodbye to this slice of paradise, I know that even when I leave, St. John, St. John will never leave me.
Fiona – Salty diamond waves that occupy the bay breeze flow over emerald hills, the same breeze that has stuck with me since I stepped off the plane into the pure Caribbean sun. The introduction to snorkeling will forever stay in my mind – the fish, reef, and wildlife were eye widening the first time I glanced at them, and now that my last has been lived, I swear that the water running down my cheek is just the sapphire sea.
Karina D – I feel the sun and wind kiss my cheek goodbye. Warm sand envelopes my feet in a hug. It is hard to let go of such a place. Thankfully I never will. Images of Sting Rays, Parrotfish and Blue Tang swim in my mind. Bright cyan water flashes in my eyes. These memories will keep me up at night, and most likely occupy me during the long plane ride ahead. When I arrive in Boston I will also let out a sigh of relief, for not all things in St. John will be missed. The once warm sand is no longer comforting me in my bed, rough sand and bigs seem to swarm me whenever I get comfortable. I’m looking forward to going to the landless, simple Massachusetts, but the hills of St, John will occupy my mind forever more.
Karina PZ – Resting my head on my hand, I absorb all the breathtaking views as they speed past. This will be my last open-air taxi ride. Grabbing memories of St. John and replaying them in my head feels like it was just yesterday that I hopped off the ferry and marveled at the wonder that is St. John. I will miss the leafy green hills, the cerulean sea, and the colorful atmosphere. However, I am excited to go home and be reunited with my parents and pets. No matter how glad I will be to be home, I will never forget this experience, and I bid St. John a tearful goodbye.
Max – I find myself staring at the marine marvel that is the water of ST. John, standing in the surf, lost in thought. A week ago, I would have given anything to go home, but now I realize just how much I will miss the Beauties of the island. Everything about ST. John is great (except for the heat), even the rain because it is very refreshing. I am sad to leave, but very eager to tell everyone about it.
Alfie – It’s finally come to an end. The crashing waves and the whistle of the bugs, were all sadly fading. Part of me wants to go home, but another part wants to stay and see the outstanding fish, coral, and sting rays. It will be hard not to see the donkey on the windy, roller coaster taxi bus. Seeing tropical trees, feeling really fresh mango juice filling my mouth, missing the shocking brown pelican, and wearing shorts will be some of the saddest things I will miss as I go back to cold Mass. Just one more amazing dinner to eat. I wish they had it in Mass. Well, goodbye St. John, it has been the best experience learning about slave history, hiking to the ruins, finding the best sugar cane history and windmill ruins at Annaberg, getting to try sugar cane, and having Miss Olivia giving us mango tea and just helping us. Well, it’s time to go. Farewell St. John, hope to come back with my family.
Eziah – As we get ready to say goodbye to the warm and beautiful St. John and go back to the cold and brittle lands of Mass, I feel sad. Saying goodbye to the jaw-dropping lands of St. John is not easy, but at least I get to see my family again. I have made wonderful memories that I can cherish for all eternity and that I can share with my family. Who knows, maybe my family and I will come back to the warm, amazing, and wonderful people and animals of St. John. Goodbye, St. John. I will miss you.
Aiden – I am kind of sad to leave the beautiful St. John, but at least I am able to tell my stories to the TK-4s. It was fun snorkeling and gliding across the sea animals. It was enjoyable while it lasted and now my mom needs me and snorkeling is done.
by Kerri Consalvo | Apr 21, 2023 | Blog, TPS Travel Study Program
Alice, Arlo, Eziah, and Fiona start their day at the crack of dawn with an early morning snorkel with Mike and Kyle.
Cautiously, we journey into the brisk, early morning waters of Cinnamon Bay. Despite the groggy awakening, our minds are swimming with the fish that we are eagerly anticipating. Caffeinated by the shock of the frigid sea, we stumble upon a stingray early into our expedition. As we gingerly approach the jagged rocks of Cinnamon Cay, the vicious current violently drags us off course. Luckily we are still able to snorkel through schools of glistening bar jacks and sergeant majors. Diverse hidden fish emerge from crevices amongst the shallow reef, wondering what school of fish we are. After an hour of creature-filled snorkeling, we return with stories of astounding marine life and fascinating reef coral. by Alice, Arlo, Eziah, and Fiona.
The rest of us take advantage of another hour of sleep before heading to breakfast where we meet our intrepid snorkelers.
Today we hike the trail to the top of Amerika Hill where the ruins of the Great House overlooking the waters below remain. We imagine living in the cool breezes atop the sugar cane-covered mountain, watching over the sugar factory below, and keeping track of trading ships bringing goods to the island and transporting sugar, rum, and molasses to distant shores.
The climb to the Great House ruins is very difficult for us even with stairs at one point that slaves would not have had. To make it even worse, slaves would be carrying heavy loads, tons of sugar cane, and up to 35 tons of dirt and manure for the plantings each day after day. No trees would shelter them from the angry sun. Our journey is through the shade, but we still suffer from the heat. We imagine how a slave might feel trudging barefoot up the hill, then looking down from the Great House knowing the view is devastating instead of motivating.
Cinnamon Bay’s sugar factory and Bay Rum distillery were the most profitable on the island. We wander through the ruins that once made money for the owners, but now stand in silence a reminder of a distant time. We pause to record the ruins in watercolor in our journals. Maybe understanding and remembering history will help us live a kinder future.
One last snorkel and swim brings us to the close of our last day on St. John. Tomorrow we head home, happy to see our families and live with hot showers, but we take memories with us that will hopefully bring us back to St. John. Kyle and Ella, who have helped us all week, tell us we will certainly return just as they have done since being a Phoenix traveler to St. John National Park when they were younger.
by Kerri Consalvo | Apr 6, 2023 | TPS Travel Study Program
Welcome to Day 4 of our 2023 St. John, USVI Travel Study Trip. Today, we had the pleasure of experiencing the beauty of Francis Bay with a seashore walk and snorkel.
Despite the brisk breeze and swells, we made our way onto the limestone shelf rock where marine organisms shelter until they are big enough to live in deeper waters. Although the swells made it difficult to see into the water, we were lucky enough to spot brittle stars, which we all got to hold.
We then headed to the calmer waters of Maho Bay where we were able to see a variety of sea creatures, including blue tang, spiny-finned fish, sergeant majors, and parrot fish. Some of us were even able to spot sponges and brain coral. It was a truly magical experience, and we felt like a school of humans as we swam through a school of bar jacks.
As the sun set, a National Park Archaeologist shared the history of the early peoples of St. John. We learned about the spiritual significance of Cinnamon Bay for people traveling from South America and Puerto Rico, the colonial period when St. John was owned by several European countries, and the sugar plantations run by the Danes until slavery was abolished. We were fascinated by the artifacts from all periods, which helped tell her stories.
To end the day, we shared our favorite watercolor pages and gave each other compliments and suggestions. It was amazing to see the incredible artwork created by our Phoenix School’s EarlyAct Club. Our artists incorporated information about our experiences into their masterpieces like pros.
Join us for more adventures on our 2023 St. John, USVI Travel Study Trip!
by Kerri Consalvo | Apr 3, 2023 | TPS Travel Study Program
Phoenix School’s EarlyAct Club is on the job today. We join Taylor, a Friends of the Virgin Island volunteer, to give back to the National Park with a day of service. We head out early for Brown Bay to help clean the environment there. After a mile hike up a rocky, “super steep incline” to the ridge and back down to the beach, we go to work. At the beach, we sift through dirt and sand to find and separate trash; mostly plastic, rope, and bottle caps. Liam finds a big bucket covered with a thousand ants. We leave the ants but remove the bucket.
Under a relentless, beating sun we work, thankful for our water bottles. Nearby we spy giant termite nests and wood with termite holes, but no visible termites. They are smart to hide away in their nests and tunnels from the intense sunlight. We spy thousands of wasps minding their own business, happy to be left alone. Everywhere there are flying bugs and more bugs trying to annoy us, but we try hard to ignore them. Taylor shows us false pineapple, starvation fruit, and other native plants. Hermit crabs and brown pelicans are treats for our eyes, but the highlight is spying a sting ray in the water close to shore.
We return to camp with a sense of accomplishment in helping our National Park community, ready to seek shade under our restaurant’s canopy. It is a perfect time to relax and work on journal watercolor pages as we rehydrate and renew our strength for a late afternoon snorkel.
Cinnamon Bay waters welcome us back to its underwater world. As we swim, we encounter a range of marine life, from the stunning body of the Moon Jelly to the hard yellow shell of the Hawksbill turtle. We see the Sargent Major, the Conch sitting atop a coral throne, and the Trumpet fish with its shiny, grey skin and long snout.
Our day ends with the thundering surf beckoning us to bed after a day of sun, service, and swimming…in paradise! Stay tuned for more updates on our St. John, USVI Travel Study Trip with The Phoenix School.
