We're Baaaaaaaack

Last night, a bunch of smelly, satisfied Redfishers returned from a successful first camping trip. We spent three days hiking and learning in Valhalla Provincial Park. What an experience! We stayed at a site called Evan's Creek, which was actually a RAGING WATERFALL! The power of the falls will 'stick with' a lot of us, as will the cold fresh water which is pure enough to drink straight from the source. What an incredible connection with nature. Another thing many of us will remember is the campfire chat on personal ecology we had on our first night. We have officially compiled a list of reminders to email to ourselves regularly so we don't forget our own ecologies and how to maintain them in the midst of all the 'paction' we will be doing.
Other highlights included our first solo time, in which we were able to contemplate our connection with nature. Even a hale shower didn't dampen our spirits! We also 'got our grade six on' and played a game with Monica about ecosystem services. Some very creative presentations later emerged as to how services such as food production, genetic diversity, and water are necessary. Let's just say we have many a budding actor/rap star among us.
We were also able to chat with Craig from the Valhalla Wilderness Society. It was really inspiring for many of us to hear from someone who had put so much into preserving an ecosystem in the area he had helped protect. What an amazing success story.
And of course, finishing a long hike back to meet up with Brenda, Dane, and delicious treats is never a bad thing!