Hello from the Grand Canyon!

That’s me planting the oars to get us through Upset Rapid - I made it through and was not upset about it.

You’re getting this email while I’m rowing a raft down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. For 24 days, we’re camping on the river’s edge, exploring side canyons, and completely disconnected from phone and internet from October 28th through November 23rd

If you’re keen to read about why this sort of trip is important to me and my business, here are a few posts inspired by my time on the river: 

Curious to explore the Grand? Google Street View allows you to take a virtual tour of this spectacular wild place, even exploring a few side hikes – like this iconic view at Nankoweep Overlook

We feel lucky to have pulled a follow up lottery permit at the beginning of August. A little context on how permits work: Typically, you apply in February for a permit for the following calendar year - so in 2021, we put in for trips that would launch in 2022. If people cancel their trips, the Park Service releases a limited number of follow-up lottery launches for the next 3-4 months….and with less than 1 in 1,000 odds, we were successful!

Here are a few photos my partner took during our last trip spring 2019. For more of his work click here

Sometimes we’re able to hike up away from the river for a new perspective. We still feel pretty small.

Three of our boats floating through time in a quiet stretch of river.

One of the magical side canyons we are fortunate to hike on the trip.

Thanks for being part of my community, and I’ll look forward to connecting when we’re back!

Cheers, 

karina's signature



Where in the Virtual World is ConverSketch?

Adobe EduMAX: Adobe always hosts a delightful virtual experience, and 2021 EduMAX did not disappoint! From hearing about innovative digital literacy work from around the world to having a front row seat to the most mind-blowing virtual magic show I’ve ever seen, the Creative Campus community shared, learned, and collaborated!

digitally hand-drawn canvas of presentation by Vincent Fu, medical student and creative

National Parks Zero Landfill Initiative: After a pilot with a handful of parks around the country, the Zero Landfill Initiative is facilitating a new cohort of ZLI parks. This online meeting shared best practices from pilot parks and created space for new parks to ask questions and imagine what they might do! Here’s a Jamboard template I created for the workshop.

T-Mobile for Education: During EduCAUSE 2021, a group of higher ed leaders got together to discuss access, equity, technology, and learning. Here are some key ideas from their conversation!

Digitally hand-drawn meeting notes about access and equity using technology in higher education. Text is black on pink background with people with various skin shades talking with each other.