My summer at Beyond Malibu as a sea kayaking guide has begun and I have been here in Egmont, BC now for five days and time seems to be going by really fast. At the same time, it feels like I left home so long ago.
The first four days here consisted of Wilderness Advanced First Aid training for all of us who are first year guides. The days were long and there was so much material to remember but I feel much more confident in my skills to provide treatment and maybe even save a life!
All the guides I am with have been really great and it has been nice to have a few days in Egmont at the Malibu Landing before I jump into the summer of kayaking, although it will be really nice to get on the water. Tomorrow morning at 5:45am, we leave for a 10 day trip with only the guides and I can't wait! We mapped our route, packed our dry bags and set our alarms to wake up at 5:30 am. It's going to be hard work but I am in one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The mountains jut straight out of the inlet waters while eagles soar above.
A few days ago, we walked down to the Skookumchuck rapids. This rapid is the 2nd largest in the world in its classification and the waves get up to six feet high. My kayak leader and WAFA trainer surfed the rapids in their white water kayaks and it looked so fun! I think this is the closest I will get to surfing in Costa Rica this summer.
Within walking distance is a bar just down the road called the Back Eddy. I will be able to have beer this summer and use the internet. This bar is exactly what you would find in a small town up in Canada - strange folks and random groups of people on vacation. I'm hoping to make friends with a few locals.
It has been nice to be up here but the things I am missing from home have been difficult to deal with - my little brother's high school graduation, spending time with family and friends and living in beautiful Bellingham. I am hoping it will get easier to live up here once our trips begin. Fortunately, our summer is packed with trips and I think time will go by really fast.
I will write about my 10 day trip when I get back!
Keep me in your prayers.
Peace.
