Thursday, December 27, 2012

21 to 25 December 2012 Monticle Winter Wilderness Challenge “Mew Lake, Algonquin Park”



Day 0
December 21, 2012

General

Registration and gathering at Monticle started at 8p.m after everyone had already ate dinner with our families. Billy gave us our yurt numbers, and gave us a brief lesson on what to expect once we are in Algonquin Park. When that is all done, we watched Brave. After the movie, we slept in HQ with lowered temperature as practice and experience what to expect when sleeping in the yurts. The girls got the offices while the boys slept out.

Day 1
December 22, 2012

General

Wake up time for today was 7:30a.m. There was a lot of bread for breakfast courtesy of Crystal’s and Kendra’s parents. We cleaned and packed up supplies needed for the trip. By 9a.m we were ready to load and by 10a.m we were ready to leave. We arrived and checked-in at 1:50p.m. By 3p.m we had arrived at our yurts. We shoveled, we cleaned, and we moved our packs and food. We had dinner at 6p.m courtesy of Crystal, Kendra, and Edwin, as well as Jane and Edwin Kwok, our volunteer parents. Three instructors in three yurts: Billy’s yurt (dibbed HQ) is #36; Kenny’s yurt is #54; and Matt’s yurt is #62.

Day 2
December 23, 2012

General

Everyone gathered at Billy’s yurt (now HQ) at 8am. Yurt 62 was the only group that got there on time. They got a reward of biscuits for it. At around 8:30, Matt led PT with morning stretches and a jog around the block for 15mins, while Billy and Calvin drove off to ‘run logistics’ as Billy calls it. After the jog, the students and instructors cooled down before having breakfast, which consisted of oatmeal, eggs, and bread. By 10am, we went to Kenny’s yurt for a lesson on hypothermia, frostbites and how to treat it, as well as how to build a shelter. After the lesson, we were separated into groups and did a presentation on what we learned. Team A won. We then had a little break before the next lesson, and there was a mini snowball fight while some of us made snow angels. We had more shelter lessons and Matt taught us a way to treat someone when they have hypothermia. As demonstration, Kelvin got wrapped in a sleeping bag and cocooned by a sack and tarp. We had fun dragging him back to HQ while he had a nice and warm time inside the sleeping bag wrap. We had lunch then cleaned up. At 2p.m we were brought to a secluded area for a snowball fight. Team B this time won twice. We then learned how to carry someone in a blanket. Afterwards we had snacks. After snacks, we tried on snowshoes and practiced walking around in it. By 4:20p.m the hike was finished. And we walked back and prepared for dinner while others went and showered. 8p.m we finished dinner and cleaned up. Then we had a discussion and talked about what we learned in Kenny’s yurt before going off to sleep.

Crystal
Today is the second day at winter camp. We all woke up at 7:30, got ready and arrived at Billy’s yurt for morning PT and breakfast. For morning PT, we joined Matt and we jogged/ slow ran around the campsite. Then we “enjoyed” oatmeal, eggs and pieces of bread with Nutella© and jam. But then we realized that the Nutella was frozen, so we didn’t get Nutella and everyone was sad. After breakfast, we all went into Kenny’s yurt for a lecture about winter safety. We had learnt about hypothermia and frostbite – what they are, how to identify them (symptoms) and how to treat them. Around 12:30, we headed back to the “dining area” and ate a delicious spaghetti lunch. After lunch, we walked to a snowy area and had a snowball fight, my team won!!! Then, the instructors taught us how to safely, easily and properly carry a person who might be hypothermic to safety. Soon, we were taught how to suit up and travel in snowshoes. We “hiked” around the area so we could get used to traveling in different conditions with our snowshoes in preparation for our hike tomorrow. After that, we went back to our yurts, got showers and had dinner. Then, we went back to Kenny’s yurt (again) and discussed about what we learned and talked about suggestions to make the camp even better. We returned back to our yurts early because tomorrow is going to be very tired and active. I hope we all have an amazing day tomorrow.

Kendra
Today was a pretty warm day, but at times my hands get really cold. This morning we woke up at 7:30 and got all ready for the day. After we got ready, we went with Matt and did some jogging around for PT. We then had breakfast which consisted of oatmeal and bread with nutella and jam. Apparently the nutella was frozen so everyone was really sad. After, we went to Kenny’s yurt and talked about frost bite, hypothermia, and we did our own little presentations on what we learned. We had lunch which was spaghetti with tomato sauce or alfredo. There was also vegetables like carrots and celery. When lunch was over, we went to a very “snowy” area and had a huge snowball fight. Alpha vs. Bravo, but sadly bravo won. Then, we had a carrying challenge, and then we had some snacks. We then strapped on our snowshoes and walked around for some training for hiking tomorrow. It was a very cool experience! Around 4:20 after snowshoeing, we headed back and started to prepare dinner since it was starting to get dark. The dinner was really good. Chicken wings!! Tomorrow, I hope we have a safe and fun trip while hiking. I’m so excited!!

Edwin
Today is the second day at the winter camp and it pretty fun. We first woke up at 7:30 and suppose to get to our HQ yurt at 8:00 but we were late by 3minute but still the first group at HQ. We then had our PT exercise for 15minute jogging around the area and sprinting in the end.  Once we got back to the camp site our breakfast is ready with was Oatmeal, Bread, Nutella, and Eggs. I was happy to see we have Nutella for breakfast but disappointed that it was frozen. When we were done breakfast we headed over to Kenny’s Yurt to talk about frost bites, hypothermia, and how to make a shelter for the winter time if your stranded. After we were done with the lecture we went to find areas that can be used as shelter and learned different ways to carry someone who is hypothermic. Also we got to pull one student who was in a sleeping bag and was covered by a tarp so it was easier to pull them. After all that we went back to the HQ camp site and prepared for lunch with was spaghetti and your choice of Tomato sauce or Alfredo and also Vegetables. When we were done with the lunch we set out to an area where the snow was deep. We had some activities when we got there which was a snowball fight between two groups and carrying someone in a blanket. After all that we then learned how to snow shoe, which was kinda simple. We got to walk in a basic route and we also walked off terrain which was fun. I’m excited about tomorrow because we are going hiking all day with snowshoes. When we were done with the lesson we went back to HQ and after putting all the equipments away we have our free time until dinner time. Our dinner was Chicken Wings, Beef, Chili, and some more Vegetables. I hope we all have a safe and fun day tomorrow. Goodnight!

Peggy
Yurt number 62 is quite warm. We all had a good nights sleep since most of us dreamt. We jogged for PT then had breakfast. We saw Blue Jays, Chickadees, and Martins. Birds attacked me. After first I thought it was because I chased after a bird, (thought they held a grudge which I think they do), but then I realized they apparently like my hat. Them birds kept trying to land on my bright pink fluffy hat when I stood still. It’s a strange thing and quite funny too. We learned about frostbites and hypothermia and how to treat it. We also learned the logistics of a good shelter. We also learned a way to take care of a hypothermic person (this involved a demonstration of having Kelvin in a sleeping bag wrapped in a tarp and strings attached and dragging him. Everyone had fun.

Andy
It has been quite some time since I last went winter camping before. True, the last time I went it was a couple of years ago with St. John Ambulance (which, interestingly, was with the organization where another Monticle instructor, Raymond, is in charge of).
            Unfortunately, Raymond’s not here this winter. It’s just Billy, the big guy in charge, and his comrade Kenny. Then there’s this person from Ottawa, namely Matthew. He was from the armed forces, like Billy, and knew how they did winter survival training with his squad. So he taught us too.
            Enough of this wasted time here. Let’s get to what we did today, shall we? (If you’re wondering, yesterday we just arrived and unpacked and ate and broke the ice.) This morning we gathered after waking up and did P.T. (which, in Monticle nomenclature, refers to Personal Training). Afterwards, there was the first lecture, on what to do when frostbite or hypothermia develops. It was a lot to learn, so when Kenny said it was time to present back to Matthew what we learned, he judged in favor of the group who knew more, than our group, the ones who made it interactive.
            Before lunch we sought a location to build a shelter and drag a young kid along the ground in a cocoon-like structure back to the headquarters. (No, not the Monticle headquarters, but rather the in-field headquarters at yurt number thirty-six). And after we ate we were supposed to go hiking but all the snowfall forbid us to go on the trail. So we went to another location, had a snowball fight – and we won! Later we got to race in pulling a guy on a blanket to safety – we struggled a bit but won that too! Now came snowshoe training. Hard to get used to – I fell down in the process, but oh, was it fun! Bet you I’ll be ready to hike tomorrow. It’s possible, and I’ll do it!
            (After dinner we just had a little talk about today and then it was off to bed.)

Jason
This morning I woke up at 7:30 a.m. Everyone had to get ready by 8 a.m. and meet at the headquarters which was in front of one of the tents. Before breakfast we did some stretches and a light jog for PT .For breakfast we had oatmeal and boiled eggs. After eating some people cleaned the dishes while others were getting the ice off the tables. We went to Kenny’s Yurt to have a lecture about hypothermia and frost bite. Soon after the lecture Matthew who was a new Monticle instructor showed us a built shelter and told us how to make one. Matt told us how to save a person who has hypothermia by putting them in a sleeping bag then wrap the sleeping bag with a blanket and then tied rope around the blanket and had one person put the string around the waist and drag them. Later we went to the headquarters and had spaghetti for lunch. We cleaned up the dishes once again and went to some other area of the park to have a lecture to how to put on the snow shoe and how to walk with it in different scenarios. We walked downhill, uphill and around the area to get used to snow shoeing. Then we went back to headquarters to have dinner. After the last cleanup of the dishes for the day we went to Kenny’s yurt to talk about stuff. We were dismissed and get ready for bed. 

Brian
Today I eat breakfast, also did snow shoeing and brush my teeth. I also eat chips, eat chocolate, drink soup and threw snowballs, and eat broccoli. I washed my face and did work.

Calvin

First I wish to welcome Sharon and Matthew to the Monticle team. I really appreciate their interest in Monticle, especially Matthew. Matthew is Monticles newest instructor. Throughout the last two days I have seen many people make new friends. Also, I was fortunate enough to listen to Jason talk about his past love interest. For those who have been with Jason at Monticle before, you know that his stories are never boring.
            Today the students had the chance to practice their snow shoeing skills; tomorrow they will test their skills for the hike ahead. I hope that they do well because they all seemed to enjoy the practice hike very much. I hope tomorrow will be a very fulfilling day.

Andrew
           
            So far, I’ve been having an amazing learning experience thus far. First off, I would like to say that the weather and scenery are very extravagant for taking shots Other than the cold; winter photography looks and feels really amazing behind the camera. One important thing that I learned is experimentation, seeing what works and what doesn’t can really help you improve on your vision about photography. I hope to take what I learned and use it for the rest of  life.  

Alan



            Today we learned what is frostbite and hyperthermia. We also learned how to cure it. We also learned how to snow shoe. We snow shoed for about 2:30 hours. Today we also had a snow ball fight. We also had a good lunch.



Mars


            Today we did some physical training, and then we ate our yummy breakfast. I washed the eating utensils. After that we learned the meaning of frostbite and hyperthermia and how to solve this when it happen. I also learned how to use the snow shoes, and we walked around one hour. On the first day of camping, I didn’t talk with other students, but today I started talking with them and felt glad with them.



Kelvin. Junior
                        Today I learned the true meaning Hypothermia and Frostbite. I also learned how to cure an individual of the symptoms. I also learned to snowshoe for the first time in my life, for snowshoeing I learned how to pivot, to walk and to get over obstacles with the snowshoes, then Billy guided us to walk for about 1 or o.5  km with our snowshoes on. My favourite part of the day was when I was dragged across about 6 min’s . Matt taught us about how to carry the injured with and without materials. The meals were great and my favourite was the pasta/spaghetti I loved it even more with the tomato sauce. My other loved meal was the one Billy made with Beef and Chicken Wings; I loved to Beef but never got a change to eat the Wings. One of also my favourite parts of the day was when we got to play in a snowball fight between me and Alan. Tomorrow I think I am going to die of the long hike. I will miss Matt.

Dec 24-12
Day 3

General

This morning, the scheduled meet-up time is 8:30a.m. Everyone was on time except for a few members; as a result there were extra push-ups for the entire group. We had a hearty breakfast, which consisted of green noodles, fish-balls and dumplings, and choy sum, as preparation for the hike in Bat Lake Trail. By the time we finished our breakfast, cleaned everything, and got readied, it was 10:30. We left the campgrounds and walked with snowshoes in tow, along with full bottles of hot chocolate milk and water, and a bunch of buns we still had not finished from the first day. At 11:05a.m we were at the entrance of Bat Lake Trail and Billy gave a lecture about the sign posted and why it is important to read them. After the lesson, those with snowshoes putted them on and those without snowshoes helped checked those with. By 11:35a.m we were all ready to go. One by one we walked in, each keeping a distance of 3-5 metres apart. The scenery was fantastic, with trees everywhere covered with snow. Each student got a turn walking in the front and leading the group. Breaks were taken at 12:06p.m and 1:16p.m, we refreshed ourselves with buns and water and hot chocolate. Our photographer took pictures of once in awhile. The Bat Lake Trail is 5.8km with an average of 3.5hours of walk. We finished at around 2:45p.m with a walking total of 2hours and 22mins, thus beating the average walking time. We went back to Billy's yurt, clean ourselves up and helped out with dinner, a campfire barbeque consisting of all remaining meat, and rice, vegetables and BBQ pork courtesy of Edwin and Jane (our volunteer parents). After dinner and everything was cleaned out, we went to Kenny’s yurt to lesson/discussion about the hike and animal attacks. Chocolate and biscuits were passed around while we attempted to sing Christmas songs.

Kendra
Today was the big hike through the Bat Lake Trail.  We did some stretches before breakfast. We ate a hearty breakfast consisting of green noodles, fish balls, mushrooms, dumplings and spring onion. We then did a quick clean up and packed up our stuff to get ready for the hike. We walked about 400 meters from the HQ yurt to the trail entrance.
After arriving at the entrance, we read the big sign and looked at the map of the trail. We then strapped on our snowshoes and started hiking. I WAS IN THE LEAD (at first)……..
We took a break after 45 minutes and ate some buns and drank some water. We then started hiking again. When we reached a lookout area, we took another break. Then from the lookout we walked all the way to the end. The trail was 5.8 km and we walked for 2:22 not including the breaks. Though we tripped at times and sometimes had difficulties we still managed to stay safe and no one got hurt. We also had fun and we were walking in a winter wonderland. The sight was amazing!! We saw a giant icicle and a beautiful view from a cliff that was 150 ft deep. When we finished hiking everyone took showers and whatever they needed. Then, we had an amazing appetizer which was steak, pork chops, drumsticks and other meats grilled over the fire we made. It was absolutely delicious! After the appetizer we had bbq pork with rice. Then we went to Kenny’s yurt and talked about animal attacks and had some chocolate. That was about it for today and tomorrow we are leaving Algonquian.

Edwin
Well today is our big day, our hiking day through Bat Lake Trail. Before our hike we had breakfast and it consisted of some green noodles, some choy, mushrooms, fish balls, onion and dumplings. We had a quick clean up and had to make sure that everyone had their water bottles filled up with either hot chocolate. I was in charge of our medical bag which wasn’t really that heavy. When we were done with the clean up we all got our snowshoes and set out to Bat Lake Trail which was approximately 400meters south of our camp area (Mew Lake). Once we arrived at the entrance we looked at the map board and read the sign and information that was on it. The board says the trail is 5.8km and it would take 3.5hours to finish it. After we finished looking at the board we all put on our snowshoes and set out on our hike. Our first break wasn’t even an hour into the walk and we did not make it far in, but our second break was an hour or two after the first break. The second break was around 40min long at a look out area, where had a beautiful scenery. On our way to Bat Lake we saw a frozen waterfall which was awesome and we took a group picture by it. Once we reach to Bat Lake it was the mid point of our trail and we did not take anymore breaks from then to the end. When we reach the end the time we took to walk the trail was 2hours and 22minutes which was a nice time since we got out before sunset. We all did some stretching and then we all head back to HQ so everyone can do whatever they need to do before dinner. Before dinner we had some appetizers which was steak (which I missed T__T), pork chops and drumsticks and we grilled them over our camp fire. The real dinner was rice and BBQ pork with some vegetables. Then after we finished the clean up we head over to Kenny’s yurt and talked about today and any animal attacks. It’s sad that we’re leaving Algonquian tomorrow but it was fun to meet new people and work and live with them for a while well that’s all for today. Goodnight!

Crystal
Today was the third and last full day at Algonquin Park. We woke up early and ate breakfast so we could be on schedule for the hike through the Bat Lake Trail. We had a hot heart-warming breakfast: noodles, fish balls and dumplings. Then we cleaned and packed our bags for our hike. Around 10:20, we left the Mew Lake Campgrounds and headed towards the Bat Lake Trail. When we arrived, we received a short lecture about the trail. Then we put on our snow shoes and started the hike. At first, my legs were really sore, but after a while; I got used to walking with big snow shoes and was walking very comfortably. We had some short and long rest around the trail, so we could drink some water or eat some snacks (since we were going to skip lunch). We had finally finished the hike after a not-so-long time; it took us a total of 2 hours and 22 minutes to finish the trail (excluding rests). We were all very proud of ourselves since it actually was supposed to take around 3.5 hours to complete. After we packed up everything, we returned to the Campgrounds to enjoy some hot showers and a lovely appetizer cooked by Billy: steak, pork, ham and drumsticks. We had also popped some popcorn over the fire. Then we also ate our official dinner: BBQ pork with rice and vegetables. We did a major clean up around the dining area after dinner and headed to Kenny’s yurt for a small discussion. We talked about our hike and how to react in animal attacks, while we ate chocolate and biscuits. I’ve had a great time here at Algonquin Park and I hope to come back here soon!

Peggy
Today was a day of hiking. It was fun and tiring. The location is Bat Lake Trail; as the others had stated, the trail is 5.8km long. We wore snowshoes and walked through it in 2 hours and 22 minutes, thus beating the average time of 3.5hours. It is quite different compared to when I first walked through the trail in October; the trail then had a colourful set of red, orange, green and yellow leaves. Now, they all the leaves are gone and they are covered in snow. It is really beautiful. After the hike, we had a campfire/bonfire BBQ.

Alan

            Today we hiked for a long time. It was sort of tiring. For the rest of the night we B.B.Q and talked and washed dishes. I have nothing to say right now, bye.


Mars

            Today I arrived to the HQ on time. We did some warm up and ate our breakfast. After that we took our gears for hiking. The total distance is 5.8km, people usually take 3.5 hours to finish it. I only saw many snow and trees while we were walking but it looked so beautiful. We spent less than 3.5 hours to finish it, it was faster than everyone thought. After going back to the camp, we returned our gears and took rest. Half hour later, we ate B.B.Q around 4 hours. It was really tired today.



Kelvin Junior (KJ)
            Today we hiked at Bat Lake for 5.8km when I first entered I thought I was going to past out, but after 60min of the hike I figured it was just fine, my mittens weren’t cold but I also figured that my legs were sore, very sore but knew I had to hold it in.  I fell numerous times because I had oversized snowshoes, even bigger than Calvin’s snowshoes.  The BBQ that Billy made was much burnt with charcoal lines coming from the beef and chicken. Sadly I didn’t get to participate in the snowball fight because I was supposed to host it. Did t get time. I am looking forward to participating in the winter camp where we head up north to visit the polar bear. Forgot to take an apple yesterday.

Jason
Today was our final full day of winter camp. We woke up at the 7:30 and had to get ready by 8:30 and get to the headquarters. For Pt this morning we only did stretch before breakfast. For breakfast we had veggie noodle, tofu ball, shrimp ball, and dumplings. We some people cleaned dishes while others were waiting. We got our snow shoes and headed to the hiking area. Billy told us to always to look at a map and the warnings signs because it will save our lives. The hiking trail was 5.6 km and take 3 and half hour to hike but we took 2 hours and 22 minutes to hike through the trail not including the break time. We didn’t have lunch so we had buns to eat during our breaks during the hiking. After hiking we went back to headquarters and prepare for dinner. Billy was barbequing stakes, pork chop and chicken wings for the appetizer. After eating we went to Kenny’s yurt to talk about the day. Then we were dismissed and got ready for bed. 

Brian
We went to HQ and then work.

Andy
Yesterday there was hardly any opportunity to go hiking as there was too much snowfall. Therefore, thanks to some clever rearrangement of our schedule done by our instructors, we were able to go today.
The name of this trail we went hiking today was called Bat Lake Trail as it passed by Bat Lake. It was some distance away so we had to depart camp HQ at around ten so we could arrive at the entrance at around eleven. Warmed up, we slid on our snowshoes and were ready to go.
It began pretty well, although I never realized how long the trail was. The sign at the start said it was 5.6 km long and was supposed to take 3 ½ hours to finish. At one point we stopped to rest, thinking we had a good distance to go and might not even be done before sunset. Oh no! What would we do now?
Thank goodness we were faster than we thought we were. Because we stayed together nobody got left behind. In fact, there was a lookout point which I nearly ran off! Phew. I was later told that that would have caused me my life if I wasn’t careful enough. And there was a descent of an incline of approximately 30 degrees when I couldn’t hold my balance … oh dear! I won’t say anything else about the trek, except that at one time I slipped and fell down, stopping the convoy’s movement.
Ending up, we somehow finished more than an hour ahead of expectations. Wow!
As for this evening, Billy treated us to a series of “appetizers” which consisted of leftover raw meat cooked to perfection on the campfire flame. Many of us said it was the best meal they ever had. I guess so too. In any case, after dinner we spent some time warming up in the fire and having a chat in the yurt before bedtime.
Too bad tomorrow we’re going home. In fact, I feel a little bit homesick already… well, sort of, but maybe not.
Calvin
As wonderful as today was it was also very tiring. I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did. I never had actually expected that the trail I went to last year during the summer would be so much more difficult to walk during the winter. It also seems more dangerous as well since many more dangers, such as ice, snow, and slippery inclines and declines, are present.

Andrew
            Everything wrapped up pretty nicely. I really enjoyed my time at Mew Lake. Although the hike was very exhausting, I managed to finish in a good manner. The 150m view at the ledge of a cliff was quite extravagant for photography. The BBQ was also very enjoyable; we crowded around the fire and enjoyed our meal with laughs and smiles. Though I am homesick, I had an amazing time.

December 25, 2012
Day 4

General

Merry Christmas! We met up today at 8:30a.m. However, someone was late and so we did push-ups for punishment. Then we had a hearty breakfast of macaroni and ham with beans and eggs. After breakfast several of us washed the dishes while the rest of us packed up and brought our packs out to HQ to be put into the sprinters. When everything was cleaned up and readied, we left at 12p.m; Billy and Kenny drove us back. We stopped at a McDonald’s at around 2p.m for lunch. We came back around 4:30p.m and everyone helped unpacked. Parents so came and we all went home.

Andy

            Everything in the world, no matter how exciting it may be, must eventually come to an end. And today, that day has come. We went home and left our memories of our Algonquin journey behind. Over these past two days we spent our time out in the cold, freezing snow, keeping ourselves constantly warm during our activities out in the snow.
            For my third and final blog entry, therefore, a bit of philosophy: survival is an essential skill for Canadians. Because the north is always winter, if we get used to winter as we experienced it these past few days, we will be prepared for the day we all somehow manage to wander off into the wild and never realize what is in store for us.
            True: it really goes by quickly. Four days can mean as much as a lifetime. Who knows where we will all be heading for in the coming years? Some of us may grow up in the city, while others may grow up in the country. Still, we’ll never know who will grow up in the wild. It’s a mystery that remains deep in those we know here at Monticle.
            At the same time, our life and social skills matured over this period. We learned to survive in a challenging situation. We learned to turn to each other when we needed to and when we had to. We built our friendships and discovered, during free time, many things we never knew about each other before. And we, in a word, became young, brave, ambitious people, who, as Billy said to us before, were the best of the best. There is always a future that lies ahead. Only time will tell us what really happens.
            May all the challengers in the nation and the world one day realize all their targets and goals, and may all their dreams come true! And, as it fits for the bitter sorrow of our departures (as all of us here in Monticle always believe in), God bless us, every one!

Edwin
Today is the last day of our winter camp and also it is Christmas day. We all woke up and got to HQ by 8:30. We ate breakfast at 9:00 and cleaned up at 10:00, when we finished our clean up we put all our belongings in the cars and are ready to leave. We left at 10:30 and headed for one of the visitor center but it was closed so we just end up taking a group picture and left. After 4hours or so we had a pit stop by McDonald’s for about 40minutes then we took off again. In around 40minutes we reached back to HQ and unloaded all our luggage’s and cleaned the Sprinters. That’s all for our winter camp Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Kelvin Junior (KJ)
                        Today I woke up very early, like about 6:30Am. I woke up with Alan and I got up, put my gear on and went to the comfort station. My breakfast was macaroni and veggies, my breakfast would be better if it had cheese in the macaroni. Other than the breakfast we started packing after I finished packing I washed to dishes and finally I helped the parents cleans two Cabins. Today was a short day with no exact adventure because today is go-day. We ridded on the luxurious Sprinters, it toke about 3.5Hours. After we arrived at Main Base HQ we unloaded everything all the sleeping bags the mattresses ETC. Finally after all the unloading I wrote my blog which I am writing right now 

Jason

Today I woke up at the usual time. We did some stretches before breakfast as usual. For breakfast we had macaroni with ham and green beans. After breakfast we cleaned up the dishes and packed up everything. We brought our stuff to the sprinter and loaded it. On the way back to HQ we had a pit stop to get some gas and another to get lunch. I had McDonalds for lunch. Then we went to HQ, then unloaded everything then cleaned up. P.S. Merry Christmas to everyone.

Kendra

Today is Christmas day and the last day of the camp. Time to say our farewells ……  We had mac and ham for breakfast and did a cleanup before leaving. Then, we packed up our stuff and loaded the sprinters. We got on the car and deciding to go to the visitor center to check out but it was closed, so we walked to the back and enjoyed the view and took some photos. After, we took a bathroom break and set off back to Toronto. We drove for about 4 hours and stopped for lunch at Macdonalds. We ate our delicious lunch and set off yet again. About 30 ~ 40 mins later we arrived at HQ. We got off the sprinters and cleaned them up. That was about it! Farewell and Merry Christmas J

Alan

            Today is Christmas. Today for Christmas we ate macaroni and ham. For the rest of the day we were cleaning up. and then we went home.

Mars

            Today is Christmas. I was late to group up at the HQ, so I needed to do push up. Although it was my only fault, the other students shared my punishment. After that we started to eat our breakfast and pack our stuff. We left at 10:30, and came back to Monticle at 4:30. Tiredddd
P.S Merry Christmas

Crystal
Today is the official last day at winter camp. We woke up at what-ever time and packed up for departure. We ate a warm breakfast consisting of macaroni and ham, and then left our campgrounds. We drove for a long period of time and rested at a McDonalds along the highway. We arrived at Monticle HQ about an hour and half later. I had a lot of fun and an awesome time at Algonquin Park. Merry Christmas!!! :D

Calvin

I am very tired, too tired to actually put into words. This trip reminded me of the Niagara walk. The cause was the snow and incline that we had to traverse during the winter hike at mew lake….The End? Merry Christmas and a Happy New year

Brian

I eat breakfast, I go in the van, I do work, I brush my teeth, I play on the computer, I drink soup, I drink hot chocolate.

Andrew

This camping experience was quite an enriching one. Aside from the things I learned from instructors, I feel that this challenged my photography skills in a positive manner. The photos I took from this camping trip gave me a healthier understanding on how us suitable setting s on the camera to produce a beautiful-looking photo. I hope to continue improving my photography skills for the upcoming events at Monticle.

Peggy
We woke up, packed, and left Algonquin Park. Merry Christmas! Too much to type so I’m just going to leave it at that. Hehe J But I did learn a lot during this trip.