Janelle Vanderhout shares her experience:
Canoe trip
Janelle Vander Hout
October 11, 2010
“What have I gotten myself into?” thought some of us co-op kids on the second day of the canoe trip. “I can’t believe I’m doing this! I want a hot shower and to curl up in my warm bed.” We were careful not to show these feelings.
This fall, on the annual high school co-op canoe trip, we went up North to an area in the French River. It was completely in the wilderness with absolutely no washrooms, running water, or electricity. We were prepared for an adventure, but we had no idea what exactly we would be facing on the exciting trip of 2010! During this trip, I learned an important character building lesson.
The first night it started to rain and in the morning it continued to rain. For breakfast we ate scrambled eggs, sausage, and hash browns under tarps by the warm, smoky fire. The rain seemed to be slightly clearing and by the time we set our canoes in the water it was not raining anymore. “Hooray,” we thought, but right as we set out the familiar ‘pitter patter’ of the rain started again. Soon our hands were soaked. Our pants and sweaters were next to get wet, and it didn’t take long for all of our layers to be drenched. We were soaked to the skin! When lunch time rolled around we found a campsite and Mr. Mackinnon, Peter, and David quickly got a fire started to warm us up. Standing in a tight circle around the fire, all thirty of us were steaming! It felt incredible to be warm and somewhat dry again!
The most incredible part was the attitude of the exhausted canoeists! After all, we had just gone through a cold rainy morning of canoeing and we had many reasons to be discouraged about the trip, but instead everyone seemed to be laughing and having an enjoyable time in spite of the weather. When it was time to get back into the canoes, nobody complained about getting wet all over again. After a few more bone chilling hours of canoeing in the steady rain, wading through a couple of rapids, and accomplishing a portage, we arrived at our campsite. The raining stopped and we worked together to promptly set up tents so we could change into dry clothes. We all were still smiling and thankful to have made it through the day safe and sound.
I’m sure everybody learned something through this canoe trip. I learned that attitude can make the difference between having a wonderful time or a horrible time. Anthony J. D’Angelo said, “wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” That is exactly what the co-op kids of 2010 did and their terrific attitude made the trip a blast. Whenever I smell smoke or hear chattering teeth, I remember that amazing day in the wilderness of Ontario, where we bravely faced the elements.
Here are a few of Ruthann Vander Meulen's favourite moments on the canoe trip:
Here are a few highlights of my first time on the trip.
I had a really good time despite being a bit nervous. It was a blast to be with all the other students and hang out. I really enjoyed the third day because the weather was awesome. We had canoe races and Janelle and I jumped out of our canoe at one point that day. Even the portage was fun that day. I definitely would have dropped the food barrel if it hadn't been for Steph. I also really loved sitting around the fire every night. The first night when we all sat on the rocks was really cool. I liked cooking supper too. It was a really good idea to get us all to pitch in this year by everyone helping with a meal. The second day, when it was raining, was pretty discouraging at some points, but we still had a lot of fun. I look back at it and think I really learned to canoe that day. That night we were all drying out our own or somebody else's clothes by the fire. The last day we got soaked again but getting in the warm van, huddling up under a sleeping bag and eating Wendy's was still so much fun. It felt really good to get warm and we had lots of laughs in the van braiding each others hair on the way back. I don't think I ever felt so tired as I did on the drive back home.
*RuThAnN*
Pictures by Kat Looby
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