Photos - (Failed) Attempt #2

Awwww... Sorry Dudes - I tried.... for some reason its just not working.

Another non-photo update on what is going on...

Hiking training was just peachy; Every hike/climb out here is a hell of a grind uphill the whole way and just incredibly beautiful. Unlike our Mt. Myra adventure, this hike was lush with unspoiled nature, however we had 20 people in our party so we probably ruined the "peace and quite" aspect of the mountaineering for all the other people up there that day. We made summit the first day then came back down to a hanging meadow to spend a raining/misty/

damp evening learning how we set up camp/cook with students. Despite that sounding a bit drab, I couldn't wipe the grin off my face - being in the mountains is just too awesome. How awesome you might ask? Well, on the way down the next morning whole group posed in front of this massive fir tree at the side of the trial (... I am so bummed that we cant post photos...) and later that day Paul and I figured out that by its diameter (approx. 14ft) that it was likely around 1300 years old! From sights like that to alpine meadows, white granite rock outcrops, glaciers and snowfields... This island living this is pretty sweet!

Yesterday we were out on the Burman River sea canoeing trip (the one day version - usually its a 2 or 3 day trip with students). We casted off out into the Matchalat Inlet - a massive inlet that stretches from the west coast of the island (just north of Tofino) all the way to Gold River (which is pretty much in the middle of the island and only an hours drive from the lodge). We paddled along the coast line up into Muchlee Bay and then up the Burman Rive and were super lucky to get not only calm conditions but all got to see tons of wildlife including eagles, a black bear, salmon, and a sea lion! The boats we used are huge Voyager canoes that we crammed 10 people into, are super tipy but can really cruise! It was a really neat experience and something that neither Paul or I had ever tried before.

The schedules for the next few days are up and the students are arriving tomorrow (eeee!) Paul and another instructor are kicking things off by taking a group of students up Kings Peak and I get to go rock climbing at Crest Crags with my group! We will be out in the field with our students for three days and they will be leaving early monday morning. The next group shows up monday afternoon.... and so starts the madness! We are going to be going solid like this for the foreseeable future... well that is, till our contract ends. Can't wait.