- Joined
- Aug 23, 2004
- Messages
- 1,499
Well, if it appears that I've fallen off the face of the earth starting Wednesday night, it's because I'm headed back to school to lead a canoe trip for incoming first-years up in Northern Wisconsin! It's a trip I took as a first-year, led as a second-year, and am going to lead again now as a third-year.
It's absolutely the best way to get nervous first-year college students de-stressed, settled in, and comfortable with the idea of finally making the jump to college. By being able to interact with cool, understanding upperclassmen in an environment that is completely relaxed, away from adults, teamwork-oriented, and frankly beautiful, these students get to comfortably ask those difficult questions they always wanted to ask and either couldn't because of adults present or thought they'd sound stupid. We get so comfortable with each other that it's just honest talk, honest answers, and the beginnings of lasting friendships. It's always been a great trip and I've never failed to have a great time. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to it. I'll take plenty of pictures, so I should be able to share some of the better moments when we get back!
This trip is even more special to me because, couple of months ago, my docs told me there was no way I'd be able to do this thing this year. Now, the way my treatment's gone, I have a zillion times more energy and way better blood counts, so I'm good to go! I'll still be in a lot of pain, but that's just a fact of my life. I'd rather be really sore canoing and camping in the backcountry than moderately sore sitting around at home!
Anyhow, I'll be back on campus with iffy internet access for a few days, and then we'll be on the trail; so if I'm not around, that's why. I should be back in touch shortly after I get back on next Friday, the 24th.
So wish me luck, pray that I make it back in one piece, and I'll see you all before too long!
Thanks, and my best wishes to all,
Chris
PS: I'll be packing my BRKT Aurora, my Chris Reeve Sebenza, my Leatherman Charge xTi, and probably loaning a few others to those who have no knives. Can you believe it? Some people honestly don't even think to bring a knife on a 5-day canoe expedition. :barf: What is this world coming to?
Well, all under my charge will have some blade or another, just on principle! 
It's absolutely the best way to get nervous first-year college students de-stressed, settled in, and comfortable with the idea of finally making the jump to college. By being able to interact with cool, understanding upperclassmen in an environment that is completely relaxed, away from adults, teamwork-oriented, and frankly beautiful, these students get to comfortably ask those difficult questions they always wanted to ask and either couldn't because of adults present or thought they'd sound stupid. We get so comfortable with each other that it's just honest talk, honest answers, and the beginnings of lasting friendships. It's always been a great trip and I've never failed to have a great time. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to it. I'll take plenty of pictures, so I should be able to share some of the better moments when we get back!
This trip is even more special to me because, couple of months ago, my docs told me there was no way I'd be able to do this thing this year. Now, the way my treatment's gone, I have a zillion times more energy and way better blood counts, so I'm good to go! I'll still be in a lot of pain, but that's just a fact of my life. I'd rather be really sore canoing and camping in the backcountry than moderately sore sitting around at home!
Anyhow, I'll be back on campus with iffy internet access for a few days, and then we'll be on the trail; so if I'm not around, that's why. I should be back in touch shortly after I get back on next Friday, the 24th.
So wish me luck, pray that I make it back in one piece, and I'll see you all before too long!
Thanks, and my best wishes to all,
Chris
PS: I'll be packing my BRKT Aurora, my Chris Reeve Sebenza, my Leatherman Charge xTi, and probably loaning a few others to those who have no knives. Can you believe it? Some people honestly don't even think to bring a knife on a 5-day canoe expedition. :barf: What is this world coming to?
Well, all under my charge will have some blade or another, just on principle! 
I have a staple gun if you need to secure it to your hand