In the mountains, peering over the bright blue glistening glacier water, students and faculty took a moment to soak up their experiences as the first-ever Ojai Valley School group to travel to Patagonia, Chile.
OVS Associate Director of Admission Ted Tambakis and Upper Campus Outdoor Education Coordinator Head Zach Byars led a group of 15 people on the challenging backpacking and river trip over winter break.
“Letting the trip sink in and breathe truly for the first time, being surrounded by the students and a part of their reflections was special,” Mr. Byars said.
Students such as senior Elizabeth Ramsay immersed themselves in the culture and scenery surrounding them. Taking it all in, she took in views that only very few people get to experience.
“Chile and Argentina have been priceless,” said Elizabeth. “Between backpacking for three days in lush forests, ice-blue lakes, and scalding deserts… it was all worth the effort.”
Cultural immersion was an essential aspect of the trip. The connection between the locals made it extra special.
“We went to a place that was so far away from home, but because we invested ourselves into relationships from the beginning of the trip to the end, I think we were welcomed so warmly,” Mr. Tambakis said. “We were given an opportunity to see these beautiful landscapes alongside the people who are from these places, and they were so proud to show us not only the beauty of the landscape but to share their culture with us as well.”
As Elizabeth capsized down rapids and laughed with her friends, she felt most connected to the stories told by the locals.
“I think, honestly, hearing the enduring stories of the locals was probably my favorite,” Elizabeth said. “One night after we kayaked, we stayed in a gaucho kind of farm. We met the locals there who are trying to protect the Rio Baker and heard their stories.”
The faculty and trip leader pushed the students to overcome their obstacles. Mr. Tambakis and Mr. Byars knew what they were signing up for and urged them to take on the challenge.
“The best part was to know that they could do it and push through these conditions,” Mr. Byars said.
The long trek over mountains with heavy packs has now ended, and the OVS students and faculty have now returned to their daily lives. But forever they will able to reminisce — and one day hope to return — to the glowing waters from the glaciers., the long hikes among the mountain ranges, and the lifelong memories and experiences made.