Chili Cook Off Results, Zombie Plan Competition Announced

This is a busy week down here at the NOLS Southwest, with the return of a Fall Semester and the Sonoran Year courses. For both, temperatures in the high 80’s to low 90’s have made essential housekeeping tasks, like van washing, more appealing than usual, as equipment is shuffled and prepped for the next adventure.

On Monday, ready-for-action proctor Kurt Simer organized a little field trip to see “Zombieland” for Fall Semester students. This movie has caused a bit of conversation. According to Nick Storm there are two kinds of people in this world: “Those who have a zombie plan and those who don’t.” Agreed. Thus, we have established a Best Ever Zombie Plan Competition. Electronically mail your plan, in 200 words or less, to Ryan Mauter at ryan_mauter(at)nols.edu. It better be awesome. Prizes? Probably not. Glory, honor, and undeniable prestige? Certainly.

Also, I just want to add that I won the first annual NOLS Southwest Chili Cook Off. I whooped Elise Guarino, Scott Christy, and Jan Spicer. I’ve never seen a grown man cry — big, choking cry — as hard as Scott did last week. Though Jan took “most chili-like” and Elise “best use of barbecue flavor,” the people spoke. Winner: me. Truly, the competition was fierce and each dish was delicious. Expect revised rules and increased competition Fall 2010.

Today, Sonoran Year students began their Leadership Education and Development Seminar (LEADS). With NOLS veteran John Abel leading, students will further explore the NOLS leadership curriculum and their personal leadership styles.

Departing for the Rio Grande this morning, Fall Semester students filed into a fully-geared bus – a beautiful sight and exciting moment for the beginning of any expedition. Duck Murphy, Rebecca Raynor, and Max Fisher will be joining Kurt to complete the instructor team for this section. Jan Spicer is currently elated to be playing “Fairy Dog Mother” for Ocho (down here with Duck) who has made instant friends with resident branch dogs Luna, Scout, and Nimbus.