Canoe Trip

We left CMU after registration and traveled to Manitoba Pioneer Camp on Shoal Lake. Monday morning we had a trip briefing and practiced our canoeing skills. This was going to be a challenge for me without a toilet, a watch or deodorant for days. Our leaders were Steve (former Outtatown leader), Becca (Outtatowner 08/09) and Caitlin. We set out for our trip right after lunch. Our group paddled 9 km on the first day and set up camp on a big rock overlooking the lake. We had the most incredible stars! So bright and so many. The next morning we set out for our longest day, paddling 16 km. We stopped for lunch and got to go cliff jumping! I loved the feeling of free falling from 15 feet into the water! We continued and stopped again at some old mines. The air was so nice and cold but we trekked through mud and even colder water before reaching the end. All of us froze in the muddy water. It was pretty gross but getting to the end was so worth it. That night our campsite was nice. It had a sandy beach where we went swimming.

Day 3 we canoed 12 km. My canoe was with Gus and Andrea. As we passed an island we saw a snake on a rock. I went to grab my camera and tipped the canoe one way. The other two tried leaning the other way and we flipped the canoe over with all our stuff. My stuff and Gus’s stuff was mostly dry but all of Andrea’s stuff was soaked! We used the canoe and our extra paddle to dry her clothes out for the rest of the day. At the time, being wet wasn’t that fun but as we all look back on it, the whole experience was hilarious and definitely a highlight. We stopped for our final night on an island and watched the most incredible sunset. The sky was splashed with orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon. Our last day we paddled back to the camp. We were all excited to get back and shower after four days without soap, shampoo or deodorant. The trip took us a total of about 45 km and we all felt incredibly accomplished after getting back. I really enjoyed being “unplugged” and experiencing the beauty God created for us right here in Canada. The canoe trip was a blast!

-Kaitlin N

For a picture gallery from the canoe trip, click the link below:

http://gallery.me.com/ajvw/100072