Day Four - Beach Day
There is a lot of love for our beach day tradition. This week we needed it. The tinkering required for our project is fine and full of little adjustments. Even with down hill tests underway, a break from the project is a good idea. It reduces stress, and makes room for the brain to do even better problem solving. At breakfast we set out the plan. Eat up, play with the chickens and and on the swing, make our sandwiches for lunch later, pack up, head out. Easy. After reminding the kids to bring their swim suit even if they don't think they are going in, double check that everyone has water, and triple check we all have towels, we head out the door.
Without prompt or explanation, the crew starts digging a hole.
And soon, the project is abandoned. Beach day is just perfect for this kind of fits and starts creation. Try a thing out, explore its limits, engage, or don't.
Our "fort" sufferes a similar fate.
The sun is out and we are lucky to have what might be the nicest beach day all summer. With the warmth promising us a cozy return, we dive into the frigid ocean waters.
Many are quick to remind Josh how many times he had said "Don't forget your bathing suit" only to have forgotten his.
After so much splashing and playing, a little rest a a few naps, the tinkering spirit is renewed. A raft was in the future.
Nik and Nick begun gathering the wood they will need for their raft.
Oren starts working on a prototype
Nik and Nick find a crab.
Bryn helps Oren prep some lashing.
Ana busts out some yoga.
Amedeo takes the stage as others prepare for another splash.
Christie, on of our amazing collaborators.
Nik and Nick imagining how successful their raft will be.
Christie shows us how to make nearly-perfectly-round sand spheres.
The raft is ready for launch.
Launch!
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/72395866 w=500&h=281]
Raft Launch from Tinkering School on Vimeo.
The final result.
Our lashing technique needs some work. The most obvious lesson was that we needed more twine.
Rory makes a sand sphere.
Josh finds a sweet cup rolling in the waves.
And on our way back, after we are back on campus and at a safe cursing speed, we enjoy a ride on the outside of the car. A long time favorite.
Tomorrow, its back to work.