Chuckling Bison - August 2-7, 2015 - Experiencing the Canadian Great Outdoors at Pocaterra

August 1, 2015After an early morning of amazing teamwork with some last-minute packing and loading the truck, the Chuckling Bison set off on a drive to the Pocaterra campsite. The views along the way through the Rockies were beyond spectacular. Upon arrival, the students started setting up their tents in their tent groups. Everything went smoothly and those that finished early helped to prepare supper. To end the night, the group had a campfire, sang songs together, and snacked on roasted marshmallows and s’mores.August 2, 2015After a bit of sleeping in, the group packed their day bags to do a challenging but beautiful hike up to Rawson Lake. The weather could not have been more perfect for the occasion. The Bison again were super helpful in carrying stuff up to the lake so we were all able to enjoy a nice picnic lunch, accompanied by amazing views of the lake, mountains, and glaciers. After the delicious meal, most of the Bison students were brave enough to plunge into the icy water. Despite the frigid temperature, the group had an amazing time cooling off. The group decided to keep going on the trail towards the glacier to fill their bottles with fresh glacier melt, but we were stopped short when we encountered a grizzly bear!! The group kept a safe distance but most were able to catch a glimpse of the bear as it also dipped into the lake for a short swim.August 3, 2015Taking full advantage of being in the great outdoors, the group went mountain biking. For a lot of them, this was their first time experiencing the activity, but everyone enjoyed the adrenaline-inducing sport and got a little dirty. The group spent the rest of the day relaxing, playing volleyball, and preparing lunch and dinner. Of course, the night ended with a group campfire where we sang together and enjoyed some guitar playing from several talented students and teachers.August 4, 2015After a relaxing day of hanging out and mountain biking, it was an earlier start to the day for the Bison. We divided the group in two, as half  went to visit the famous Columbia Icefield and the other went horseback riding around Lake Louise! After another enjoyable picnic outdoors, the students accessorized themselves with cowboy hats and rain jackets, and then mounted their horses! The ride started at the head of Lake Louise near the Chateau, continued to the other side of the lake - including the horses walking through the water at some parts, so exciting! - and looped back around. The views were remarkable despite the rainy and windy weather, and we all warmed up with hot chocolate in the area's famous hotel afterward. Those that opted for the Icefield also had a marvelous day and were blown away by the glacier. It was the first time seeing ice and snow for some students, so they were very exhilarated by the experience.August 6, 2015The day started off with a pancake breakfast as well as preparing for another hike in the Great Outdoors! Unfortunately, as we headed towards the trailhead, the weather didn’t hold up. We didn't let the rain ruin the plans for the rest of the day, though! We stopped at a local park in Canmore to have a quick BBQ lunch before we continued onto Banff. Half of the group decided to shop at the Banff boutiques while the rest visited the natural Hot Springs. It turned out to be the perfect day to relax in the thermal baths because of the chillier weather. Some amongst the group were also able to pick up some Canadian souvenirs for family and friends back home.August 7, 2015The seventh was the last morning for everyone but it was sure a busy one! With more exemplary teamwork, the students packed up their stuff as well as dismantled their tents to load onto the truck. After a quick and easy breakfast, we all boarded the bus, bound for a destination everyone was excited about: The West Edmonton Mall! It happens to be the largest mall in North America, providing ample opportunity for the Bison to find the perfect souvenir for themselves, to commemorate the past four weeks. They also had the option to visit the World Waterpark, an expansive aqua-adventure, boasting a wave pool, zipline, and multiple thrilling water slides. Everyone had an amazing time, snagged some great buys, and enjoyed the return to civilization! Now that the camping trip is over, the students have one more day of lessons to wind down the phenomenal four weeks here at Wynchemna. Wish the end would never come![AFG_gallery id='358']