Stiches

What a crazy few days it has been. As you may have guessed by the title there was a little medical help needed when my face encountered a food barrel. We had been cameoing and to make the story short the big waves some how made there way into the boat and once my partner and I got out a barrel smacked my face. Six stitches later we've taken a few days off to recuperate and rest, but as usual that has turned into lots of busyness and fun with family.

In my last entry my goal was to talk about a typical day at Esprit and seeing as I didn't really get around to that I thought that I would try again. Mornings start early and efficiently. We are usually up at 7 am. The bus rolls out of Esprit at 8:30. So I bet that you are thinking so what's the issues that's a whole hour and a half. Well, in between breakfast is served continental style( which for me has pretty much always consisted of at least yogurt - yummy) as well there is a rotating schedule of eggs and some meat, pancakes, French toast and always hash browns. Hot drinks are available all the time. And be assured that tea and hot chocolate have never tasted so good. We often have to make lunch for the day as well.



We have been divided into work/ mentor groups and each day a different group is in charge of preparing and serving lunch and dinner. Once we are on the road this will also include breakfast. As groups we will be meal planning as well. I'm in a group with two guys and Jason with two girls. Travis and Miles are both from out West. At first you'd be tempted to say they are sort of quite and shy (sound familiar?) but as you get to know them .... it all changes. They both have a lot to offer. Asia and Harry (Harriet) are certainly the opposite. They are fun-loving and bubbly personalities. They give Jason a hard time but all in all we work hard and get the job done.



What I consider to be the worst morning chore is supposed to be done and ready to go by 7:15. Ever seen a wet suit? Ever tried it on? Well the wet suit has become my new ward-robe with several layers on below. I am thankful for the warmth that it offers. Not only are they form fitting and thick as elephant skin, but they tend to absorb sweat smells like nothing you'll ever smell. The are often created such that quick shedding of them in order to pee is not really an option. As the days wears on and my dexterity begins to slow, the removal of anything quickly is difficult. Now that I have highlighted all the benefits of neoprene let me continue with the wet gear problem.



Each day we hang up our gear on clothes lines under the breeze way. We are each supposed to have our own line that we can lock in place ( so now one steals the gear that we have invested in). Sometimes I steal someone elses becaue I have too much and other times I end up folding random campers laundry. But the stuff gets hung and the magical power of wind is halted by the dewy mornings. Needless to say, the gear is not dry by morning. Each morning I stuff the wet, heavy, smelly gear into a bag and look forward to the moment when I get to put it against my skin.

Our first day off ..... and certainly well deserved

Friends and family,

The words that will soon flow out of these keys will do little justice to this new world that we have been immersed in. I will do my best to describe what a typical day is like and all the crazy adventures that we have already had. Thanks for all the comments that people have provided it is a great way for us to feel connected.

The best way to start off is to tell you about the things that we have already done. Wilderness first aid and safety is behind us. Following that we divided into two different groups, primarily based on kayaking skills. Jason and I were on different groups. Somebody recently asked if Jason was the best kayaker. Jason and I had a similar response - laughter because many individuals in the group are pretty experienced in white water activities. One of the guys has been in rafts and kayaks since he was four years old. We both certainly have so much to learn and we've already gained some amazing insights. Each group spent two days kayaking and then two days rafting. Both of us found rafting awkward at first because they glide so much and they are like big tanks compared to kayaks. I worked hard on my roll and it feels much more natural but still haven't figured out how it works while being flipped upside down bobbing around on waves.

This past weekend we went out to Esprit's lunch spot, this is also the location of the last rapid on the Middle Channel of the Ottawa River. We completed out swift water rescue course, where we learned rope systems and what to do when accidents happen in white water. The highlight was the scenario/night search. I'll have to describe what that is and how it works on another post.

Canoeing was the first time Jason and I were together. After I spent a few hours stressed out trying to learn canoe strokes and how to ferry a canoe whileJason graciously tried to be patient with me, we both independetly decided it was better not to learn brand new ideas while we are in the same boat. At least we figured that out early on :0)

So there are a few new things to get you started. I know it isn't quite what I promised but I do hope that you learned something new. I'll try to write again soon. Friday we take a school bus 12 hrs. North, to the mighty Rupert River where we do a 7 day canoe trip in 5 days. Rumour has it that a group may even be portaging 21 km (a 7 km portage, in two trips) in a day. We'll need lots of prays over those days!!

Hope you are all well. Remember that we love to hear how things are so tell us about what's been going on because that isn't the norm for us anymore.