The Outdoor Ed. Class set out for a backpacking trip at 9:00 A.M. on April 27th, 2011. We packed our gear and set out to the RC-17 trail via truck. Once we arrived we took our bearings and began the 6 hour hike. Though challenging especially because of the heavy load we all carried we made it to camp approximately 10 km down the trail.
I found that the hike was challenging both physically and mentally. The physical challenge was caused by the softness of the snow that made it willing to give way at every step and the heaviness of the backpack. The mental strain on this hike was the encouragement and willingness to keep on going. At one point or another all of us had to dig deep for that extra push to make it to camp. We made it through pacing ourselves, motivating others, and eating food for energy.
Once we got to camp, new tasks where made such as cutting wood, setting up the tent, cooking and cleaning. Every cooking group was responsible for cooking meals and cleaning dishes. These tasks also come in with time management. The group must be able to finish cleaning and packing dishes away before it gets dark. Once it is dark, it makes everything much more difficult to do.
One problem that occurred in many different cases was cramps and blisters. Though in all cases they were treated right away, they can become serious if they are not. Our class treated these problems by taking regular brakes when necessary, wearing proper footwear and treating any hot spots on feet immediately before they became problems.
The values learned in this hike apply to my life in a few ways. The steps we took to complete the hike went smoother when thought out first. Sometimes tasks must be completed one step at a time. If you let tasks be done at a natural pace, you can avoid mistakes, stress, and sometimes incompletion. This can relate to the way I do homework. Sometimes when work seems to pile up and become cumbersome I just sit back and do it one step at a time without worrying about how fast it needs to be completed. Using this technique actually helps me do things faster and more efficiently.
This excursion was enjoyable and quite useful. I learned some life lessons as well as certain skills that can be used on the field. Although the weather could have been nicer on the first day, the trip was very successful. It was pleasant being around the nature and the scenery as it seemed to relieve a lot of stress. I would defiantly do this trip again although with more careful planning on how the hike is executed.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Backpacking Camp Reflection
On April 27th, 2011 the Outdoor Ed. class took off at approximately 9 o'clock A.M. for yet another camping trip! Even though we had a minor set back, from the snow that had fallen the night before, nothing was able to stop us! We walked down the RC-17 trail for about 6 hours, approximately 10 km down the trail. We were all so relieved when we arrived at the campsite, the walk was a tough one! We all pushed through it, and motivated each other to keep going!
I found that while snowshoeing or hiking in a big group like the one we had, it is very important to walk your own pace. If you don't it will cause you to become tired faster, from trying to keep up with other people in the group. By walking your own pace, you aren't tired or sore, and you have more energy to continue to walk, which is good in the long run! You don't want to be pushing yourself too hard to keep up, because this can cause other things aswell, such as dedyration, from pushing yourself too hard. Walk as fast or slow as you need to, to stay comfortable. When the class was walking, there was a group far up ahead, some in the middle, and a group of people in the far back. Everyone was walking their preffered speed, and everyone always had someone to walk with.
Another thing is completing tasks in a timely fashion. This includes making supper, cleaning up, preparing anything, etc. You need to make sure you are on the ball when making the meals, because if you wait too long, it will become dark and you wont be able to see what you are doing. That also ties in with doing the dishes. It's difficult doing things in the dark, so manage your time so that everything is completed in a productive way.
You are expected to do everything as well as you can. Certain tasks that must be completed with attention are setting up your tent, or setting up your stove or fire, to cook with. If you are not attentive with your stove while cooking, someone may become injured, which is something you would want to avoid when you are 6 hours from town.
When you come face-to-face with a tough challenge, take it one step at a time! Nothing needs to be rushed. A tough challenge you might encounter could be the walk going to the camp. Many classmates found the hike in to be very challenging, and physically difficult. Legs were cramping up, people were sweating, blisters were forming, etc. With this situation, all you need to do is not worry about getting there quickly, but just walking a comfortable pace, and evetually you will get there. If breaks are needed, then take one. This is the way to approach your challenges. Don't worry about getting it done right away, just worry about completing it in a way that you can work with.
These lessons apply to my life, because I am constantly faced with challenges. One good example would be homework. Completing all my homework is a big challenge for me, especially when you feel there is so much, and other things are going on in your life. All you need to do, is approach that challenge in steps. Take a breath, and do it in a way that you will have it completed. If it requires you to go outside, then do that. Another lesson would be paying attention when you're doing things. My saying is, if you're going to do something, do it right! By paying attention to your task, you will have it done possibly faster, and it will be done properly.
I had lots of fun on the camping trip. It's too bad it wasn't a little nicer, and we couldn't stay a few nights longer. It was nice to just get out and enjoy being around nature. I felt calm when we were there, because I didn't have any distractions to stress me out. I would do it again, although I'm not sure if I would go as far! It was a great workout, although my body payed for it the next day! I had lots of fun, and plan on going back to RC-17 this summer.
I found that while snowshoeing or hiking in a big group like the one we had, it is very important to walk your own pace. If you don't it will cause you to become tired faster, from trying to keep up with other people in the group. By walking your own pace, you aren't tired or sore, and you have more energy to continue to walk, which is good in the long run! You don't want to be pushing yourself too hard to keep up, because this can cause other things aswell, such as dedyration, from pushing yourself too hard. Walk as fast or slow as you need to, to stay comfortable. When the class was walking, there was a group far up ahead, some in the middle, and a group of people in the far back. Everyone was walking their preffered speed, and everyone always had someone to walk with.
Another thing is completing tasks in a timely fashion. This includes making supper, cleaning up, preparing anything, etc. You need to make sure you are on the ball when making the meals, because if you wait too long, it will become dark and you wont be able to see what you are doing. That also ties in with doing the dishes. It's difficult doing things in the dark, so manage your time so that everything is completed in a productive way.
You are expected to do everything as well as you can. Certain tasks that must be completed with attention are setting up your tent, or setting up your stove or fire, to cook with. If you are not attentive with your stove while cooking, someone may become injured, which is something you would want to avoid when you are 6 hours from town.
When you come face-to-face with a tough challenge, take it one step at a time! Nothing needs to be rushed. A tough challenge you might encounter could be the walk going to the camp. Many classmates found the hike in to be very challenging, and physically difficult. Legs were cramping up, people were sweating, blisters were forming, etc. With this situation, all you need to do is not worry about getting there quickly, but just walking a comfortable pace, and evetually you will get there. If breaks are needed, then take one. This is the way to approach your challenges. Don't worry about getting it done right away, just worry about completing it in a way that you can work with.
These lessons apply to my life, because I am constantly faced with challenges. One good example would be homework. Completing all my homework is a big challenge for me, especially when you feel there is so much, and other things are going on in your life. All you need to do, is approach that challenge in steps. Take a breath, and do it in a way that you will have it completed. If it requires you to go outside, then do that. Another lesson would be paying attention when you're doing things. My saying is, if you're going to do something, do it right! By paying attention to your task, you will have it done possibly faster, and it will be done properly.
I had lots of fun on the camping trip. It's too bad it wasn't a little nicer, and we couldn't stay a few nights longer. It was nice to just get out and enjoy being around nature. I felt calm when we were there, because I didn't have any distractions to stress me out. I would do it again, although I'm not sure if I would go as far! It was a great workout, although my body payed for it the next day! I had lots of fun, and plan on going back to RC-17 this summer.
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