The stalwart crew from St. Justin came to Mini-Yo-We for their annual annual canoe and camping
experience.  Mr. Edmonds, Ms. Russo and Mr. McLean escaped with the grade 8 PACE classes to the wilds of Muskoka.  The purpose of the trip is to prepare for a canoe expedition the next spring and prepare they did.  Canoeing 101, 202; learning how to pack canoe packs and put up a tent, building fires (and putting them out properly); portaging canoes and a night hike.  The Mini-Yo-We staff was impressed with the perseverance of their young subjects.

Particularly memorable was the lake crossing on the 3rd day of their adventure.  Straight into the wind they headed and after a few course corrections and some determined paddling everyone made it across.  When we turned to cruise home the wind increased even more to the point where white caps and rollers pushed them back to the beach.  Only one canoe capsizes and we can blame that one on an overzealous boat driver trying to help.  Wet, tired but not defeated they prepared for an overnight campout.  The boys ventured onto the ridge and slept out by and IN the tree house.  The girls erected their tents beneath a huge white pine on a bed of pine needles, good choice.

Oh and don’t forget the Amazing Race with all their skills: canoeing, portaging, tents, fire building were put to the test. The winner will be forever emblazoned on the trip paddle that Mr. Edmond will honour the winning team with.

Are they ready for the trip. Why they should be, they conquered the wrath of the wind on Mary Lake.  We look forward to your return to the lakes of the north for another adventure.