Backpacking Camp Reflection

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.