So much to pack, so little time/space. In order to be prepared for my semester away (not quite abroad), I am required to bring an exorbitant amount of supplies for the Maine winter.
Not surprisingly, Chewonki requires a lot of cold weather gear. Many “outer layers”, flannels, wool socks, wool sweaters, wool hats, live sheep etc. Luckily due to past trekking, I can fill this assortment of equipment and clothes in my sophisticated backpacking and waterproof dry bag containers.
Pictured first is my Osprey Men’s Waypoint 85, and the other is of the interior of my TPU Inflatable Waterproof Dry Bag. The Osprey bag costs like $280; it is definitely worth buying. It has payed for itself.
I have used these many times in various locations: Ecuador, Chile, and even Maine (yes, previously). I can vouch for their durability and usefulness. They are my “always ready” bags.
Besides wool clothing and a powerful assortment of luggage, my friend, who participated in Chewonki before, recommended I bring some weird and wacky wearables as well. Chewonki does theme nights sometimes. These perhaps involve neon wars or a fancy dinner. You already see the purple and blue flat billed hat above. Not surprisingly, I don’t usually wear such, unique, accessories. Coupled with my poncho, I think I’ll look like a weirdo, but I think that’s the point sometimes.
One of the hardest things about packing for Chewonki will probably be the lack of technology. Now I wasn’t planing on hauling a TV or anything like that, but I do enjoy my cellphone and using my computer freely. At Chewonki, they confiscate phones when you arrive. Also, computers are only used in certain areas on campus. I understand this – Commune with one another and live without distractions. However, I prefer phones to watches (Chewonki requires a watch to compensate). Hm.
Simplicity is the theme of Chewonki. You bring simple things. You live simply. I feel there is a stigma now of days around simplicity. Everything is so advanced with surround sound, new lenses, and updates.
Maybe simple isn’t that bad, and chopping your own wood, heating your own cabin, and living sustainably aren’t that bad either. Chewonki starts January 29th! Right now, I am more or less out of school, but am attending some classes that continue in Maine. Spanish, History, Math etc.
Still have a lot of packing to do, required pre-course reading, and maybe a little more shopping for supplies. I cannot find a single, damn flashlight in my entire house. I’ll be sure to posts a few articles when I’m up there. Stay warm and travel safe!