Friday, 5 April

Well, I'm actually writing this on Saturday while watching the Canucks game, but I thought I would create the illusion that I wasn't tired from the snowshoe trip and instead got right on to a blog post.  First, let me say that I hope the boys enjoyed the basketball tournament and that all of those who stayed back at school had a productive time with Ms. Rive working on their math and inquiry projects.  I enjoyed the chance to read the reflective piece Saleah left for my return describing the first snowshoe trip and am looking forward to reading the others.  Those of you who were not on the first trip are reminded that you are required to submit a reflection on the Jesse Miller presentation (although secretly, I'm hoping that you are also inspired to write about your snowshoe trip because I'd love to also read what you have to say about the experience).

The second trip was as big a success as the first.  I was again inspired by the fact that the group was able to work through any difficulty collaboratively and with positive energy.  In spite of rain and snow and wind, everyone managed to take control of his or her emotions and present a smile so the group could keep moving forward.  The first trip had elements of adventure and the second did, too.

Thank you for the kind words of thanks many of you have given me for planning the trips, but they really were a team effort.  I'd like to send a warm thank-you to our parent leaders: Sandra Veley, Miles Varty, John Hourigan and John Davis.  Like Jenny Groves and Doug Lyon on the first trip, they did a fantastic job managing the logistical jobs that needed tending while providing well-timed encouragement as the students worked to manage themselves.  Thanks also to Lucy Jascinski and Michele Whiting who provided transportation support and dealt with the deteriorating road conditions at the Branch 500 parking lot.  I had more offers of driving support that I have ever had on any trip I've ever planned!  You parents really came through and I hope the students realize how much effort you invested.  We should also take time to thank Ms. Rive who keenly supported these trips from the start and allowed for creative solutions to address supervision and funding while also suggesting that she take personal responsibility for supporting the students who stayed back each week.  I'm going to ask the students to find ways to thank all of the folks who worked in the background: people who they might not even be aware helped out.  First, there are the Seaforth Army Cadets who kindly loaned us the bulk of our gear.   There was also Dave Lewis and Mark Heidebrecht at Pender Harbour Secondary who loaned us communications equipment and water filters.  We also had support from Richard Till and members of the Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue (more help than I anticipated, in fact).  Finally, there was Don Prendergast and Harry Almond of the Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club, and Irma Mahar of the Sunshine Coast Army Cadets Support Association who were a part of the communications plan.

An example of the SPOT Tracker situation reports we sent via
satellite to our support team.

If I needed any evidence that these kind of trips are worthwhile, it came in comments by the students such as, "We came closer together and bonded with people we might not have otherwise," or "We learned what we can do when we don't give up," or "It was nice being trusted and not treated like we're little kids." Over the years, I've often said to my colleagues that when students are given authentic responsibility and trusted to come through with the right decisions, they will rarely let us down and both groups showed on the mountain how true that is!

Here are some shots from this week's trip:

Ascending to Victor's Landing after checking the ice on
Tannis Lake.

The long ascent to the ridge above the cabin.

Coming off the ridge behind Bachelor Cabin.

Re-entering the tree-line off the ridge behind Bachelor Cabin.

Confidence is high: preparing to leave the cabin after the
morning snow.

The parent leaders who were clearly proud, commented often
about the strong character displayed by the students; as on the
first trip, there was never any whining or complaining, no
matter the situation.

Increased run-off from Bachelor Lake to Tannis Lake: one
of many obstacles that necessitated responsive route
planning on this trip.

Risk management: assessing changing ice conditions on
Tannis Lake.