Beyond the Gates and Into the Wilderness

Four of the seven groups ended up being all boys or all girls, which wasn’t intentional, but happened for a variety of reasons, an arrangement that allowed students to get to know peers who are in the same grade but a different House.

 

The hiking groups experienced varying trail conditions, as it was comparatively dry on the first weekend, but the course was “pretty rugged” on the second weekend after a heavy downpour, and the hikers had to trudge through mudholes and places where rainwater had pooled. The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is now closed until April as the provincial government is doing $1.5 million in improvements to the infrastructure.

 

Shawnigan has developed a strong relationship with the BC Parks employees who work on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, Ms. Dick noted.

 

“They praise us for the way we clean up our campsites and bear caches,” she said. “The students are respectful, and we get a lot of positive feedback from BC Parks.”

 

The kayaking groups paddled to Portland Island, then circumnavigated the island and visited nearby Russell Island, which some students were already familiar with from a sailing trip in Grade 8. For the fifth year in a row, the kayak groups received excellent guidance from Mr. Gordon Brown, a past Shawnigan parent and, in Ms. Dick’s words, an “absolute legend.”

 

“He is so impactful to the kayakers,” she said. “We are grateful to have him. He brings unique knowledge to help enhance backcountry programs.”

 

Ms. Dick also carried out a rescue on the trail, saving a fellow hiker – not from Shawnigan – who had accidentally bear-sprayed herself. Apparently the hiker was putting a water bottle in another hiker’s backpack when it set off the canister of bear spray, hitting her right in the face. When Ms. Dick was informed of the situation by a separate group, she made sure the Shawnigan group was taken care of, then sprinted ahead on the trail until she found the woman in distress. She first performed a calming session, then flushed everything out with saline. Finally, she gave the afflicted hiker her pack of Smarties, because “chocolate makes everything better.” It was the hiker’s first time on the trail, and because of Ms. Dick’s efforts, she didn’t have to evacuate and was able to complete her journey.

 

“It sends a message to the students that we take care of each other,” Ms. Dick commented.

 

Ms. Dick was grateful for the other staff members who volunteered their time to accompany the Beyond the Gates expeditions.

 

“They really are miracle workers,” she said. “Because of them, we can get boots on the ground and paddles in the water. Without the staff, it wouldn’t be the same.”