ODP Adventure #1

30 September 2013Sarah M

Last weekend, Outdoor Pursuiters, novice and veteran alike, set out on a journey to explore the waters and islands around Saltspring Island. Having been camping a total of one night in my life, I will freely admit that I anticipated, with no small amount of distress, the many kilometers that lay ahead of us as we sat in our kayaks beside the dock on Thursday afternoon. I am happy to report that my fears were utterly unfounded: the food was great, the trips not too grueling and the rain tolerable. Most of all, I was proud to be a part of the brave and resilient team that managed to complete a challenging journey under difficult conditions, all while supporting each other. On Thursday afternoon we were graced with excellent weather and cloudless skies, allowing us to amuse ourselves with some funny rounds of star-tipping after a delicious dinner of quinoa, chicken and much hot chocolate. We awoke to a beautiful view of the ocean the next morning and set out for our longest day of paddling that would take us to a beautiful apple orchard and finally to our campsite at an abandoned resort. In the rain and cold, we tested our bravery in the haunted shack and later thwarted off nightmares of the creepy figurine heads and chilling prophecies inside. Having gotten ahead on our journey the previous day, we were able to take only a short paddle to our next site and spend the afternoon hiking – or for me – taking a much needed nap. Around the campfire that night we enjoyed Mr. Norman’s repertoire of soft-rock classics and repeat-after-me songs, relishing the warmth of the fire and fresh, dry clothes. Although we were landlocked the next day by heavy winds, we were graced with what I’m sure we will all remember as the best ice-cream sandwiches of our lives by two lovely members of Brentwood’s staff in a coach boat, who generously travelled an hour each way to lift our spirits. After a hike around the island we enjoyed delicious deluxe s’mores by the fire and settled into our last night by the sea. Our final morning was perhaps the most challenging of all. In the wet and cold, we watched the whitecaps crash and steeled our nerves for the turbulent miles ahead. We made way for the Crofton pulp mill in the distance that marked our safe return home and the completion of our journey. Our successful arrival was celebrated by all, though we were sad to leave behind such a unique and valuable experience. We thank the staff who helped load our boats and put up with our fireside fragrance during the ride back to Brentwood. After a luxurious hot shower, I was able to reflect on the significance of this experience and the value of being part of such a fantastic team. On behalf of all of us, I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Norman, Sarah Matheson and Ms. Olszewski for their dedication to the group. Thanks also for the excellent teamwork and strength the ODP crew demonstrated we were able to make the first trip of the year a buoyant success. Sarah M, Alex ‘14

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