June 24

We are taking a short break. "This Week" will be back next week...

June 10-17

The week was composed of several new beginnings. On Tuesday, the meter was plugged in to measure the production of our new solar modules and a new era of energy production at camp began. The first week of operation (which was mostly cloudy) generated 265 kilowatt hours. 

One of the cool things about the system is that monitoring information is available online. You can find out more by following this LINK. 

It was also an historic, first time ever week for Indralaya’s Therapeutic Touch programs, as both the mentorship program and a program for beginning practitioners began on Saturday. The two groups were about the same size and there was a wonderful blending of experiences as the program developed.

t.t. students under the apple trees

a dance of universal peace

Finally, on Monday afternoon the San Juan County building inspector signed off on the final inspection of Heather cabin and it is now approved for occupancy. Work on Heather began back in the summer of 2011. It is the third of four south side cabins to be extensively renovated. Next up: Laurel cabin!

Heather cabin, August 2011

Heather cabin today

June 3-9

The week began with Leonie and I celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary and ended with a weekend program on the Kabbalah and meeting of the NW Federation of the Theosophical Society.

mama deer and babies

Program leader Richard Smoley did an excellent job in making the complexities of the Kabbalah accessible. This was also the first Federation meeting at Indralaya in several years and participants really appreciated the opportunity to gather together in community for the weekend. In describing their experience, one participant wrote, “This place stands for all I believe to be important and good about humanity and our reason for being on this earthly plane.” High praise indeed!

chard yellow and red

This was the last of our 2013 Spring programs. Now it is on to Therapeutic Touch and the busy summer season that lies ahead. 

May 27 - June 2

our new solar arrays absorbing the sunlight

This was the week of the long-awaited solar installation at the dining hall. On Thursday, the crew from Whidbey Sun and Wind began arriving along with those attending the program. Work on the installation began Friday morning and continued throughout the weekend.

initial site assessment and set-up

roping up

Throughout the weekend, several of the crew members took short breaks from the work on the roof to make presentations that were informative and enjoyable. Mini-workshops were provided covering the full range of the installation, including safety precautions, site prep and layout, how solar modules work, electrical considerations, a survey of alternative energy technologies, including solar, wind and mini-hydro, and system monitoring.

 Kelly Keilwitz, owner of Whidbey Sun & Wind

 Golda (above) and Mark (below) leading mini-workshops

Lin and Kathy conduct an impromptu brain gym workshop

program participants get some hands on experience

Adam completing installment of the first module

Rolf stopped by to check things out

As the weekend proceeded, it was enjoyable to observe how the project crew and program participants shared the experience of being at Indralaya in common purpose. The sense of community that is an integral aspect of the Indralaya experience developed as it does at most programs.

Jacob with a fresh head of lettuce from the garden

delicious dinner fritatas

Adam and Mark dive into the wash sinks for after-meal cleanup

There are many who have encouraged and supported the installation of solar technology at Indralaya over the years. Particular thanks is due to Steve James. Steve first came to Indralaya in 2004, and helped prepare a report on the potential for solar at Indralaya shortly after that. His perception of the potential for solar here was based on knowledge and relationships that he developed while working for the National Park Service, during which he participated in numerous solar installations at parks in the West. Steve also initiated discussions with Whidbey Sun and Wind and arranged for their site visit last fall. Thanks, Steve, for your efforts and support. Indralaya will reap the benefit for years to come.

Steve

Thanks also to everyone who has supported the project financially and in various other ways. To date we have received direct donations of approximately $8,700; enough to purchase more than 13 of the 34 solar modules that are now collecting the radiating energy of the sun on the dining hall roof. Our goal has been to purchase at least half of the modules through donations and we are almost there!