The Day I Lost My Phone: By Collins Green

 On Wednesday I woke up and got ready to go kayaking. I packed my dry box full of my extra nose plugs, EpiPen, benadryl, and my beautiful iPhone 12 Pro. I then got on the river with other Keeners and did some flat water. I accomplished some majestic double pumps and bow stalls. Then we walked up and ran Initiation rapid for funsies as well as to get a feel for the rapid. But, since Wednesday was race day, we had to run a race with a partner. In this race, one partner got to hand paddle and the other went down holding both paddles. We then proceeded to kayak down the middle channel and race Little Trickle. Next, we got to run down, surf, and eat lunch at Angel’s Kiss. I even got some cartwheels on flat water after lunch! At the end of the day, after surfing and racing at other spots, we approached Lower No Name. This is a dangerous and harrowing rapid. Be warned! This rapid may look like a fun and happy time, but it is just a trap to pull credulous kayakers into its grasp. I was one of those idiot kayakers. I turned around, unsuspecting, looking to surf in this huge and fun hole. I even had some fun! I got a spin and side surfed but then… I flipped!!! I waited and waited for the hole to flush me out, but it never did. Finally, I gave up and pulled my skirt. I exited my boat, and the hole decided it was time for revenge for daring to have fun. The hole secretly stole all of the contents in my dry box but left the box behind! Heidi and Stephen helped rescue my remaining belongings as I swam to shore. I had also hurt my leg and was distracted by the pain. We had been sitting on shore for around 15 minutes when Heidi pointed at my dry box and said: “I hope you didn't have anything important in your dry box.” I proceeded to break down and curse the gods for my terrible luck and then yelled at the hole for good measure.  We then paddled to the takeout and I hobbled up to the van with my paddle and gear while William assisted with my boat. For the rest of the day I wallowed in my misery and that is the story of the day I lost my phone.

Why Popcorn is the Best Post River Snack at Keeners - Jaxon White

  Keeners can involve some very long tiring days on the river which can make a person have quite an appetite. But lucky enough for this person, in their cabins they can find the perfect snack, POPCORN. 

   The first reason that popcorn is by far the most superior snack for after the river is that it is nice and warm. And on the days after the river when you might be feeling cold, this is the perfect fix.

   Also, popcorn is an amazing option for a post river snack because it is very quick and easy to make. So if you’re in a quick pinch on time and need to meet in the thunderdome as soon as possible but are just too unbearably hungry, this is the perfect option for you. 

   Finally, popcorn is the best option for a snack following a long day because it is a great snack to share with fellow Keeners and friends. Popcorn always tends to make people happy, which means it’s the perfect snack to unwind after a long day on the river. 

   In conclusion,  Popcorn stands out as a superior snack after a long day on the river because some days on the river can be chilly, and coming back to some nice warm popcorn is KILLER. Secondly, popcorn is super duper easy to make and can be perfect for situations when you don’t have much time. And lastly it is an amazing snack to eat while unwinding  with friends after a long day on the river. Oh, and don’t forget about its SUPER SATISFYING CRUNCH.

Don't Be Nervous: By William Zegart

 Coming into Keeners you might be nervous, scared, or terrified. I myself was all of these as well. I was also excited for the experience and fun I would have, but was still nervous to be with people who I know would all be better at kayaking and going down huge waves. I was scared of being embarrassed in front of fellow peers and even myself. However, there is no need for that! The whole program is so welcoming and friendly. All your fellow peers lift you up and elevate you to become better. There is no reason to be scared; you’re going to have a blast! Of course nerves are still allowed but don’t be nervous about your level. All levels are welcome. After all, I didn’t even have a roll which is extremely important. However, instead the coaches Heidi, Steven, and Savannah allowed me to go with an adult beginners class until I could roll and was ready to join the group. This relieved me and motivated me to get my roll as quickly as possible so I could rejoin the amazing coaches and my fellow keeners. In the end, you’re allowed to be scared or nervous as it is a new environment and situation for all. However, just know everyone is in the same boat as you, or kayak I should say, and you will be welcomed no matter your skill level. Just enjoy the time you have and do as much as you can as are willing to do.

P.S. Do come with a fairly consistent white water roll as this will allow you to have much more fun with your fellow keeners and coaches. Also, here is a joke:
Why did the kayaker refuse to quit?
Because they didn't want to throw in the paddle!

How To Make A Quesadilla: By Orin Gartner

To make that best quesadilla, it might not be healthy for you but is still really good, you only need a tortilla and some cheese. 

First, you have to prepare a tortilla by covering 1/2 of it with cheese. You can also put as much or as little cheese as you want and you can also make it as big as you want. While you're doing that, heat up a pan that your tortilla can fit in pretty hot. 

Then after the pan is hot, fold the tortilla over the other half with the cheese and put it on the pan. Wait until the cheese is soft or melted and then flip. While the other side is heating up, sprinkle some cheese on the side that is facing up and then flip soon after. Sprinkle more cheese on the side that is now facing up and flip it when the cheese on the other side is crispy to your liking. 

The quesadilla will be done when both sides have the crispy cheese to your liking.

Week 1 Keeners - Anna Monson

 We have had a very eventful week here at keeners so far. Monday was pretty uneventful because it was the first day. Tuesday was the same I was working on double pumps and other keeners were working on other skills. Wednesday Collins got beat down in a bad hole at the bottom of lower no name and lost her phone and EpiPen. Thursday we did the main channel and surfed mini-bus and bus eater. Friday Conall got beat down in the same hole as Collins. Saturday we got to chill out while many of the keeners did first aid training. Sunday has been about the same so far.