This semester I've been lucky enough to be taking an outdoor leadership class, a required course for my degree. After spending the whole semester learning theoretically, we actually got to escape the city and go backpacking! 

We went just west of the city, before Canmore, and once we all arrived, got on our way to the Quaite Valley campground. It was around 5km or so, but with all of our gear on our backs it took a bit of a long time. Not too mention it was tiring.. This was my first backpacking trip, so it definitely was a new experience. 

I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous I was ill prepared, as I had never experienced anything like this before! We learned a lot about leaving no trace in the backcountry, and did some various leadership exercises within the group. 

My favourite part was once we set up camp, we went on another hike and got to do a 30 minute solo in the woods. That means no talking, no technology, just me in a choice spot just off the trail. It was a great time to reflect on nature and how challenging this whole experience had been so far. 

My least favourite part was being cold basically all night after dinner, until I boiled some water and put it in my nalgene bottle to put in my sleeping bag - holy warmth! 

I'm pretty lucky that I was able to have this experience. Yes, I had to push myself to get comfortable with uncomfortable in the outdoors, but it was so worth it. It's always worth it. I'm so lucky to live close to such a beautiful place in the world, that provide endless recreational activities outdoors. Time to take advantage of it! 

I'm also so stoked that Mount Royal university was able to give us this experience, it was the highlight of my semester and reminds me how much I love my program. 

Exhausted from hiking 10k with my bag in the last 36 hours, but I have all of Sunday to recover before the last week of classes.