Today was May Term presentation day for all the seniors. It's weird to think this is my last high school project ever and that I graduate on Sunday! Around 83% of my class did an internship or project, which is double that of last year. Each of us had a table in either the gym or cafeteria and we presented science fair style for three hours. Before the presentation today, I uploaded my photos from Dorset, Itasca, and the photos I developed in the dark room. I also wrote and published Molly Luther's interview. Since tomorrow is technically the last day of May Term, I will be posting a final reflection on this blog. I also have another 3 interviews to post, so keep checking back for those. |
1 Comment
I finished developing photos today. They turned out fairly light and streaky, so when I scan them I plan to edit them and boost the contrast on photoshop. I added a ton of new photos to the photography page, so check that out! I also added another interview with co-owner of Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, Jennifer Wills Geraedts. She let me take photos inside of the bookstore and see her book bindery equipment. I included those photos in the interview article. The last day of May Term is tomorrow. This project has been super fun to work on and I am still adding more photos and interviews, so keep checking for new updates. A big shout out to my grandparents for letting me spend the week at their house. Thank you for walking around town with me to take photos, Grandma! And thank you, Grandpa for the ride in the Cadillac! Also, shout out to my sister and mom for coming along with to enjoy Park Rapids and be my photo assistants.
I went to school in the morning to develop my reel of film. The process includes using a changing bag to transfer the film onto a spool, which then goes into a lightproof container. The container has a hole in the top to pour water and chemicals into. A lid caps it all off. The following are the steps to develop film:
1. Pour developer into container. Agitate (or tilt upside down) for 11 minutes. Agitate nonstop for the first minute. Then agitate every 30 seconds for 5 seconds at a time. Then pour developer down drain. 2. Pour stop bath into container. Agitate for 30 seconds. Then pour back into original container. Rinse film with water. 3. Pour fixer into container. Agitate for 3 minutes. Agitate nonstop for the first minute, then every 30 seconds for 5 seconds at a time. Pour back into container. Rinse film with water. 4. Pour hypo clear into container. Agitate for one minute. Then pour back into container. 5. Take the film out of the container and off the reel. Place in a bath of running water for 10 minutes. 6. Place film into Photo Flo for 30 seconds.
We went to church this morning, then had brunch at Schwarzwald's. It's a classic place that everyone should try when in Park Rapids. Later in the day, I interviewed Ed and Genell Poitras. We talked about their time living in South Korea for 30 years, how they ended up in Park Rapids to be with family, and what they love about living here. Then, I went into town with my cousin to get smoothies at Beyond Juice. Cuzzin's Candy Store just opened for Memorial Day weekend so we of course had to make a stop there. Then we went home and chilled on the water tramp.
Today was a more chill weekend day. My grandpa gave me a ride in the vintage Cadillac my cousin's got last summer. We drove down the highway aways to surprise my cousins as they drove up to Park Rapids for Memorial Day weekend. My grandpa put the dock in with help from my aunt, cousins, and neighbor. We then blew up a water trampoline my cousins bought and, with much effort, carried it down to the lake. I took the kayak out for awhile, laid on the dock, and played some competitive games of Old Maid. At sunset, I took some photos from the dock of the lake and my cousins fishing. I also worked on writing up the next interview, which will be posted tomorrow. I have two more interviews scheduled for tomorrow as well!
I had a wonderful day in Itasca State Park today. My sister and I drove up to the park in the morning. We looked around the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center before I met with Connie Cox, lead park naturalist. It was fascinating to learn more about the second oldest state park in the nation and how it got its start. I learned about the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), a work relief program that employed young men ages 18-28 to develop & conserve the nation's natural lands/resources during the Great Depression. To this day, there are many trails, buildings, and structures that remain the exact way they were when they were first built by the CCC in the 1930's. We also talked about the diverse wildlife and wide array of activities visitors can participate in as the seasons change. After our interview, Mariah and I hiked the Dr. Robert's Trail (2 miles). The trail started off next to a lake and continues through a small bog area. There was a sign that said "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints". After the hike, we continued on to Peace Pipe Vista, a beautiful overlook over Lake Itasca. The water is extremely blue and so were the skies. Then, we drove on to the Headwaters, where the Mississippi River starts. I braved the freezing cold water and crossed the very slippery rock bridge without slipping, yay! See the pictures below for my daunting journey across the river. Now I can say I walked across the Mississippi River (for a second time). Mariah and I got in the car and drove down Wilderness Drive next. We stopped to hike at the half-mile Bohall trail. This one cuts through 300 year-old trees. These trees have been here since 1715, which is crazy to think about. Our last stop was the Aiton Heights Fire Tower, a 110 foot tower used in the 50's and 60's. The view from the top, or crows nest, is incredible. It was intense being so high and I could feel the tower swaying back and forth in the wind. If you are afraid of heights, I wouldn't recommend the climb. But, the view is worth the extra effort. I want to go back in the fall now to see the fall colors!
Today was a photography day. We had wonderful, sunny weather and the lighting was perfect for some photos. I walked up and down Main Street to take pictures of as many businesses that I could. I also walked to the hospital, police station, old water tower, and Red Bridge Park. The photos will all be up in the next few days. After eating lunch, we stopped at the Forest & Floral Garden Center to pick up some perennials and herbs for my grandma's garden. Now I'm inspired to start an herb garden! That place is wonderfully beautiful and peaceful.
I had to drive 3 hours to take a 3 hour AP test today! So, I didn't have any interviews. I did finish writing up the first interview with LuAnn though! Check it out under the Interviews tab. The photos below are from the drive back up north.
|