Moving on Again

Well the student teaching part of this year is officially over.  We returned this morning around 11:30 from a fantastic week of backpacking in Spruce Woods.  I had a lot more fun than I first thought, and my body isn't as sore as I had expected.  Both positives in my mind:)  I actually enjoyed myself a lot and would definitely venture out on another backpacking adventure sometime in my future (not too soon though!)    Here are a couple photos from the adventure (well actually just the first and last day, as I have already sent my camera on to Winnipeg to wait for me to go to camp).

Here is our group getting ready for the first 

day of hiking.  We went through the Spirit sands and enjoyed a day of desert life!  Everyone looks so perky still!  and clean!

This one is ME! with my pack on...sorry about the sideways rotation.  Just turn your head and it's not such a bad picture:)  The pack weighed about 50lbs at this point...by the end it was probably down to more like 40lbs.  I've definitely grown some new leg and back muscles.  Great exercise if anyone's looking for a creative way to exercise!

These last two were taken at our pick-up site 5 days later!  WE survived and loved it!

What a fantastic opportunity and experience.  I can only hope that my future teaching jobs will be as positive and rewarding.

And onto the next move...tomorrow afternoon I will be taking the bus into Winnipeg to start my Manitoba Pioneer Camp adventures!!!  Sunday afternoon will be my arrival on the island.  I'll have a chance to visit with my Baba tomorrow which will be nice since I haven't seen her for over a month now.  I am so thankful for each chance I get to spend time with that blessed lady.  

So this will probably be the last post for a little while.  At least until I get settled into island life and figure out where I can hook my computer up to internet.  It might take a bit of time...we'll see.  

BUT snail mail is still working, even if emails do not...I love getting mail while I'm away (or at home for that matter) and I will write back if you send me something.  This summer, you can send me mail at this address:

640 Broadway Ave

Winnipeg, MB R3C 0X3

CANADA

Take care and enjoy the spring!

AWESOMENESS!

Hi All.

I've safely returned from an amazing week of winter camping. I had such a great time living out in the bush and just soaking up the beauty of Creation. The sun was shining almost every day and we didn't even freeze our butts off:)-

The kids in the group are really great. Some are a bit odd, but still fun to spend time with. If this could be my job I think I would have the best work days ever. There was one night of spectacular star gazing during our trip. I don't think I have ever seen so many stars out. And to top it off, the two trip leaders were super knowledgeable about astronomy so we were guided across the night sky and I heard so many interesting things...don't ask me to repeat many of the facts but it really was interesting. We went wolf howling...no response from the wolves though. We also went bird watching and searching for animal tracks. I learnt some interesting facts about animal and plant life in the winter boreal forest so that was good too. We even got a 10km ski in on Thursday afternoon.

Needless to say I was a little tired out when we got home Friday afternoon. I was in bed by 9pm on Friday and slept till 8:30 Saturday morning. I don't think I've had that much sleep at one time in a long time. I had a great week and I am looking forward to my upcoming student teaching placement with this group of kids starting on March 10th.

Here are a couple photos from the week out at Whirlpool Lake, MB.

The 3 muskateers!

All packed up and ready to head down the trail on day 1!

A New Kind of Adventure

So Monday morning I head off on another new adventure.  WINTER CAMPING!!!  It sounds like a lot of fun (at least I think so)!  I know some people think I'm crazy to CHOOSE to live out in the bush for 5 days in the WINTER with a group of teenagers.   That's right, chaperoning here I come:)  

It's been a busy week as I tried to finish off school work in preparation for my time away from school while I'm camping but I got it done.  Today was fun as I cooked and prepped food for my camping trip.  I made this great batch of muffins (carrots, zucchini, apple, raisin, spice and other goodness) and I also made a tasty batch of hummus.  I'm more excited about eating on this trip than being outside for 5 days I think.  Being on a camping trip will definitely be more fun than staying in school for the week though.  

The challenge of actually packing everything I"ll need for the week (including 12 Litres of water) into a 5 foot plastic sled still awaits me tomorrow.  It should be interesting.  I'll try to get a picture of me and my gear before I head off.

Speaking of heading off, I'm signing off for tonite-I've got to sleep:)

Cheerio!  See you again next week.