The Back-Up Plan
Today
should have been the day that our group of 14 entered the Grass River and began
what is to be a 32 day journey full of canoeing, portaging, camping, rationing,
learning, and growing. Unfortunately due to objective risks, mainly the wind
causing too many waves, we were not able to get on the water this morning.
Although we were not able to start on the Grass River today we did not waste
any time, and turned a would be wasted day into one full of lessons.
We started off with learning about
thermoregulation which was taught by Andrew. As we go further on our trip and
experience the cold that the Boreal Shield will produce we are going to be able
to use what Andrew has taught us, and know how to keep warm. We went from one
lesson to the next and it was time to learn all about, “What can hurt you, make
you sick, and kill you”. As we went over objective and subjective risks we were
able to find out what we need to look out for on our journey so that we can all
come back in one piece. As we continued
on with our day we were able to get a real glimpse of our surroundings, and
walk through the Boreal Forest. This was in large part because of Elizabeth who
was teaching us about edible and medicinal plants. As we stepped into the
forest we were surrounded by coniferous trees, moss floors, and a group of
students willing and waiting to learn. We were sent on a scavenger hunt, and
explored the wilderness that was surrounding us. We moved onto our next lessons
taught by Tyler and Shane and we now know the basics of reading maps and using
our compasses.
As the day passed on and the
sunlight turned to moonlight we once again came together as a group; we spoke
about our ups and our downs, things to improve on, the good and the bad. As
night approaches we are all hopeful that we can leave the Cranberry Portage
Campground and head out onto the unknown and begin our new adventure upon the
Grass River. If all goes as planned then ECOEE 2013 will see all of you in the
blog world in about 32 days!
“Let
us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress; adventure.”
-Cassandra
Roy
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