Leaving the Snow Behind

It's quite interesting to try to pack your life into a single duffel bag. Shoes, socks, shenanigans, not everything is going to fit. As I prepare for the first adventure of mysummer, I've had to re-think quite a few things.

Do I really need 3 pairs of shorts? or will 1 or 2 and a swim suit suffice?

This camera case takes up a lot of space... is it really necessary?

What about knives? Do I really need 4, or is one enough?

I could manage without a tent...

I had thought about trying to smuggle a few people over the border into Mexico so they could come Sea Kayaking with my program, but I realized the change over in Kelowna, BC, on the way to San Jose Cabo, Mexico, may be a bit much for some. Especially in a suitcase. My suitcase. With multiple knives.

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Carter, or Kappa (depending on who you ask). I am just about to finish my second year in the Eco-Tourism and Outdoor Leadership program at Mount Royal University. ETOL is a mesh between outdoor guiding techniques and training, and studying administration and application of eco-tourism and sustainability internationally. A business degree for Hippies, if you please.

The Sea Kayaking I speak of is, in fact, a part of my program, and is required to complete the degree, but not everyone goes to Mexico. Some circumnavigate the Bugaboos in the Rockies with the epic Ian Sherrington, while others go mountain biking in Moab, Utah, (also with Ian), and some are lucky enough to canoe the Athabaska river with the illustrious Joe Pavelka.

This trip marks the last official trip Allan Derbyshire will do with ETOL before retiring, but it will not be his last trip ever. Allan is an amazing man, with an astounding amount of strength both in muscle and personality. I have had the honor of being his student for the past two years, and look forward to the lessons he will teach us while exploring the beautiful Mexican landscapes. I hope he does not ask me to make tea ever again... But I digress.

This year has been my most academically challenging year to date, mostly because my eyes were bigger than my mouth, and I put too much on my plate. Being a full time Resident Adviser (RA), full time student with 6+ courses, part time construction worker, and life long cool dude has taken its toll, but has left me with many new attributes. Construction has made me stronger, both physically and emotionally. RA work has made me methodical, calm, collected, and able to function on very little sleep. School has instilled a love of management in me, focusing on motivating those around me while maintaining a steady goal. Being a cool dude... Well, that kind of speaks for itself, and boost my ego every time I say it.

My team for this 14 day expedition consists mostly of first year and second year ETOLers. Group dynamic is a huge focus for me, and it will be quite interesting to see how things play out. If memory serves me, there may be a couple of tandem kayaks... Mom, I promise not to play "I can hold my breath for (x amount of time). How long can you hold yours?". Leaders do not intentionally maim or murder their group members.

Upon returning on May 13th, I have 2 days, one of which has been claimed. In the 32 hours I have, at least 16 hours will be devoted to sleeping, and the other16 will be used for packing once more... but that is a story for next time.

Take a deep breath, and put one hand on the moon.
-Carter