Wintercamp Reflection - Sierra Martin

February 23, 2011

After much planning, and postponing, our winter camping trip finally came through. The PAD30/40 class left for the outing yesterday morning and headed towards Gaug Lake, where we planned to camp. Although I was filled with excitement, I wasn't exactly thrilled about the long walk but once we got moving we split the walk into parts, which allowed us to take about five minute breaks every once and awhile. Along with the breaks, walking with friends and classmates and seeing the beautiful surroundings helped the walk go by alot faster.

Throughout the trip I learnt that I do have the willpower to overcome a challenge with great confidence in myself. Although I have been on trips such as this one with my family, its very different when I dont have my family to do everything for me. I found that having a small group of girls also helped, because as one of us was found struggling there was always another one of us to help out. I learnt that temperatures can change very quickly when your spending more than just an afternoon outdoors, and its very important to have the proper gear to adjust with the weather conditions. It is also very important to keep your body well hydrated during a winter outing such as this because, not only are you sweating but you also loose water from your body everytime you breath so it may not seem as though your getting dehydrated, but you are. One last important aspect of the trip that I learnt is that, it is very important to keep your body filled with fats and carbs for energy and warmth.

I really enjoyed spending time with my classmates and sitting around the campfire, it was very relaxing and fun. Later on in the evening, the stars were amazing. Being away from town, and all the street lights allowed the stars to be even brighter than usual, there was also a great sunset before we had to break out our flash lights.

The distance did feel long but it prepared us for the other outings we have planned for this semester. I also wish that we could have actually had the experience of sleeping in a quinzhee, although our shelter turned out to be warm and compfortable. That was definately not what i expected when we started to build it.

I would go on another outing such as this, even if it wasn't for marks. I would do it with family or friends, but there are a few things I would change. I would let the quinzhee sit for a little longer so that it wouldn't collapse like ours did, I would bring a extra clothes, and I would star more hydrated. Overall I had a great time on this trip, I am glad I have the opportunity to take this class.