Kevin Maier's English  423 Ecocriticism class ventured to Blue Mussel Cabin April 20-21st to  give Work-in-Progress presentations on their final  papers.  Wading through deep, soft snow to get to the cabin was a bit challenging, but the group enjoyed perfect weather, playful whales, and good conversation.  Students got useful and substantive feedback on their ideas for papers. Topics ranged from the troubled distinction between humans and animals to the impact of ecological science on literary study.

"Though it's often difficult to organize these trips, it's always worth making the effort,"  Maier observed. “I’m not sure  why, but course presentations at cabins always seem to go better for  everyone involved:  "Maybe it's the exercise, the candlelight or some sort of strange out-of-doors magic, but the outing  presentation is always leagues better than the presentation of the in-class variety." Perhaps it is like packaged mac and cheese tastes better on a camping trip than in the kitchen.