YW Camp - Canoe Trip

 I will never forget this year's Young Women Camp.  I got to attend with three of my girls - Jordyn, Carlee and Jenna - and Richie was there for the first day and a half too.

Our YW expressed to us a desire to do something challenging for camp, something different.  As we started planning, I knew this camp would be a personal challenge for me because two of my least favourite things in this life are snakes and cold water.  This canoe trip was going to give me a day and a half on cold water, heading right into the heart of snake country!  I did find great comfort in our theme "thou shalt be made stronger" (Moses 1:25).

Tuesday morning, July 9 and we're ready to go.  

We had 19 girls, 3 female leaders, our Bishopric and Richie.

Total of 26 people in ten canoes.

 

And we're off!  Richie, Jenna and I are in the blue canoe. 

I was happy to be in a canoe with Richie, because he's canoed lots before and he assured me that he doesn't tip!  We were towing the large rubber dinghy filled with sleeping bags (it's that green and yellow thing).  We learned at the beginning part of the river how to row together as teams.  And we learned that you can't see anything in this river because it was the colour of pale chocolate milk.  Suddenly you'd be stuck on the bottom of the river because you couldn't see that it was shallow.  We learned that ripples in the water probably mean rocks, but you couldn't see the rocks unless they were sticking out of the water. 

Carlee, Madi and Jordyn were in a canoe together.  Jordyn got to be the "experienced" canoer in the back of the boat, even though she'd never canoed before.  Many of our Laurels took on the "experienced" rower roles, even though they weren't, and they were absolutely amazing.

 

A couple of hours into our journey, I was feeling physically weak.  People were stopped here at this little bank and Rich wanted to go on, but I knew I needed a break.  I needed to drink some water and eat a few chocolate covered almonds (and a few healthier trail mix snacks!).  I didn't dare get my food out of my backpack, that was bungeed to my canoe, while we were on the river.  The food helped revive me a little, but I needed more, and some time on solid ground - I think had a little motion sickness too. 

 

When we arrived at Gold Springs, which was about 1/3 of the way through the days journey and where we were stopping for lunch, I felt like I staggered out of the canoe and up to a picnic table in the shade where I could be alone for a little while because I needed to pray.  I told Heavenly Father how I was feeling and that I needed His help because I didn't know how I was going to get through the rest of the day if I was feeling this exhausted already.  I needed to be made stronger.  We were at Gold Springs for about half an hour, and by the time we left, I felt great - completely rejuvenated and ready to get on with the journey.

 

The map of our river voyage. 

 

After we left Gold Springs, we entered the Rock Gardens - about 43 km of rocks dumped all through the river - and most of them you couldn't see!  The river also got faster and the cliffs got higher (30-40 feet).  The river was constant S turns, one after another, and you couldn't see what was around the corner of the S turn until you were making the corner, which often required some quick maneuvering when rocks would suddenly appear.  But I liked how the rapids weren't constant.  We had a season of rest between most of the S turns, where we could relax for a minute and not paddle, think about what we had done and learn from it.

 

 

We faced many challenges on the river.  The rocks were a constant challenge and we had to avoid them.  On one part of the river there were huge annoying yellow flies.   In another part, birds had built their nests really low in the cliffs, so they were all flying out right in front of my face as we rowed through the rapids.  When the sun was setting and reflecting off the water, I couldn't see a thing.  And when shadows started forming, I couldn't tell if they were rocks or shadows.  I think our biggest challenge though was the rubber dinghy.  Often we would be able to get the canoe through the rocks but the dinghy would go around the rock the other way and the rope would get caught.  So we shortened the rope.  Sometimes we'd get around the rock but the dinghy would go right up on the rock and jerk us to a stop.  Rich would then need to yank on the rope with all his might to free the dinghy, making the canoe rock like crazy while I'd be hanging on for dear life, and probably screaming.  The rapids wanted to throw the dinghy right against the cliff walls, which often had big rocks against it.  One of my least favourite adventures with the dinghy was when our canoe tipped - yes, we were the first to tip.  The water wasn't as cold as I thought it would be and actually felt really good.  When I was able to stand again, the first thing I noticed was that my paddle was floating away.  I went racing after it because I felt like my paddle was my lifeline, my iron rod that I had to hold on to, to safely see me through.  So even though our canoe was swamped, the dinghy wanted to keep going.  I was bracing the dinghy against the cliff, keeping it from going forward, while Richard was amazingly lifting the canoe filled with water up and dumping it out.  Finally we got going again and as we came around a corner, we saw that Bro. N and Bro. B had beached their canoe and Bro. B was walking back up the river bank, coming to make sure we were okay.  I felt such joy in my heart to know that the Priesthood was there for us.

 

 

A while later, we passed by all the other canoes as they were stopped, but we were able to keep going without a rest.  I know I was being strengthened.  Pulling the dinghy made us slower though but we stayed ahead of everyone for quite awhile, right until we found the next stopping point at Coffin Bridge (I was wondering why it is called that!).  By this time it was 5:00pm and we were 2/3 finished our journey for the day.  Our next stop would be Poverty Rock where we were going to be spending the night.  Rich and I left first again, but a bunch of canoes passed us right as we were going through a fast corner.  Our canoe got turned around and we were going through the rapids backwards, with the dinghy beside us, and a canoe on the other side.  This was the most terrifying feeling for me - being completely out of control.  I have no doubt that angels of God were guiding us through.  This part of the river was the hardest and we were all getting very tired, with aching arms.  As we went from one set of rapids to the next, I had a constant prayer in my heart.  I felt very much like Francis Webster who was a member of the Martin Handcart Company, when he said,  "I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other.  I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up for I cannot pull the load through it.  I have gone to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me!  I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one.  I knew then that the Angels of God were there."

 

There were many times when I was sure we were tipping as we were perched precariously on a rock.  Richard would quickly jump to the middle of the boat, and miraculously, we stayed upright.  There was one time when rocks were everywhere and we couldn't get around them.  I was bracing myself for impact when we just kind of sailed right over a huge flat rock, not even feeling it.  The dinghy however, got stuck on another rock.  Once it was freed and we were on our way again, I looked back and saw that we had just sort of sailed over a small waterfall.  I knew that the Angels of God were there guiding us through.

 

 

Poverty Rock was the most welcome sight ever!!!  When we rounded a corner and I saw a big rock off to the right, I excitedly said to Richard, "I think that's Poverty Rock!" As we rounded the corner more, we saw the other canoes beached there.  Bishop H and some young women waded out into the river to guide our canoe into the shore.  And we heard the most incredible sound . . . cheering from everyone else who was already there.  That sound immediately lifted my spirits after what had been the most physically draining, terrifying and yet exciting last few hours.  We got our dinghy unloaded and I was relieved to see that everyone's sleeping bags were still dry.  We were the 8th canoe to arrive and there were still two more after us.  This was the only time I was worried for others as we waited for Sis. E's canoe to arrive, and Bro. N and Bro. B.  About 15-20 minutes later, we saw Sis. E's canoe come around the corner.  The happy cries "There they are!" rang out and we all cheered and went to help them.  Then the final canoe arrived (it was after 8:00pm by this time) and poor Bro. N and Bro. B looked so exhausted and frustrated (Bro. B kicking the dinghy was a good indication of his frustration!).  The dinghy they'd been pulling had it's bottom completely shredded on the rocks and they'd been pulling a dinghy filled with water for a long time.  The tents were soaked so we immediately set them up so they could dry out by bedtime.  We had to throw away some food and others things, including the rubber dinghy.  But we were all there, safe and sound and everyone worked together to get our camp set up.  Our tinfoil dinners tasted so so good that night! 

 

When it was dark, Bishop H led us in a fireside and we talked about what we had learned on the river that day, and how it applied to life.  The girls sang a song they've been learning "Stand in Holy Places" and sounded like angels.  Poverty Rock was a holy place for us that night.  But that didn't mean we slept well.  Between the wind blowing the tent, no pillow or foamy, and my mind replaying the scary parts of the day in my mind, I was wondering how I was ever going to be able to pull the dinghy the next day when my arms were already aching, and my legs were sore, bruised and scraped (from hitting rocks when we tipped) and I could hardly sit.  I was allowing Satan to plant his seeds of doubt and discouragement in my mind.  I just wanted the journey to be over - I wanted us to all be safe and sound at our final destination.  I prayed a lot that night and got up feeling surprisingly refreshed with what little sleep I got that night (I'm thinking 1 or 2 hours).  When Sis. E saw my pajamas, she said, "Oh, you're wearing your Frog pajamas - your Fully Rely on God pajamas."  I had chosen my pajamas well then because fully relying on God was all I could do. 
 

A little while later, Richie came to me and said, "Did you hear the good news?  Bro. N and Bro. B have offered to pull our rubber dinghy today."  What an answer to my prayers!  I cannot put into words how much that news lightened my heart.  Sis. H summed it up perfectly when she said, "That's the Priesthood for you - always there when you need it."
 

 

Poverty Rock - it's the big rock behind us! 

 

Looking down on the mostly packed-up campsite from the top of Poverty Rock.  We had the whole area to ourselves. 

The river is behind us.  Notice we all wore pants that would cover our knees while sitting in the canoes, saving our knees from sunburn.  Everyone wore swim shoes and we were all given fishing hats and bandannas.  I loved my hat!

 

Life jackets too, of course!!!

Getting ready to launch - Carlee and Jordyn with Devany, their new canoe buddy for the day.

 

The closer we got to our destination, the gentler the river got.  The sharp S corners we had gone through became lazy, gentle turns.  But there were some new challenges.  With less rapids, we had to row more, and often the wind was strong and we had to row into it.  There weren't as many rocks so we weren't on such sharp lookout for rocks anymore.  When we hit a rock, Richard said, "What are you doing?" because it was my job to look out for the rocks.  I replied that I was looking at the cows - quite often there were cows down on the river bank watching us go past.  Isn't distraction one of Satan's tools?  I was distracted by the cows and not diligent in doing what I should have been doing - looking for rocks.  

There were some trees that were knocked over and lying in the river, and the rapid part of the river went right under them.  The canoe wanted to go with the rapids, but in this case we needed to steer away from the rapids to avoid the trees. 

At one point, we had to paddle upstream to help some girls who had gotten stuck in shallow waters, and in trying to get going again had gotten their canoe filled with water.  We were rowing hard but it didn't feel like we were getting anywhere.  Sometimes we feel like that in life - that we're working hard but not getting anywhere.  Just keep going - don't give up and you will get there.  We eventually got to the girls and were able to help them get on their way again.

Bumper canoes!

 

The gentler river also meant we could take pictures and videos without much chance of losing the camera's overboard.

 

One thing I learned is that we need to find joy in the journey.  The challenges will always be there but our attitude makes the difference.  It was so fun to see the girls splashing each other, and singing, sharing food between canoes (Madi gave me a Reese's Peanut Butter cup once and I sure needed that chocolate right then!).  Near the end of our journey where the river was very gentle, we came around a corner and there was Bishop H standing up in his canoe, rowing it like a Venetian rower, while his canoe mates were playing in the water around him. 

 

Richie and I.  I was so grateful to have my eternal companion with me in the canoe because he helped get me through. He knows me, and knew when I was panicking, and his voice saying "row hard right, hard, hard, okay, left, okay, that's good, I've got it now" kept me calm and focused.

 

 

As we arrived at our final destination and unloaded our canoes, I felt such relief and joy.  We had all made it through safely.  The phrase "endure to the end" took on new meaning for me as we had to endure the journey - there was no way out except in getting to our final destination. 

 

 

As we reviewed what we had accomplished, we were amazed.  We'd canoed over 70km in 13 hours.  Only 4 of the 10 canoes tipped, and the ones that tipped had at least one experienced rower in them.  Angels were watching over us and the Lord strengthened us as we put our trust in Him.  I wish you could have heard the testimonies of the girls as they shared their experiences around the campfire on the last night of camp.  I know that I prayed more during this trip than I ever had in my life because at times, prayer was all I could do, often praying just to have the strength to do one more paddle stroke, then one more, and one more, and finally one more, to get us through that set of rapids.  When Moses called upon God, he was made stronger than many waters, and so were we.


The canoes were hauled out of the river and drivers came to take them home.  The same drivers delivered our pillows and foamies and more luggage.  So we set up camp again in the group campsite we had reserved and made our "real" beds this time - so comfy!!!  We knew we'd be tired by this time so Sis. C from the Stake YW's brought dinner out to us - the most delicious baked potatoes topped with chili that you've ever tasted!  She also led our fireside that evening and it was just wonderful.

 

 The next few days of camp were considerably more relaxing.  The girls were each assigned a "Secret Sister" that they were to look out for and do nice little things for.  We had mailbags hanging in the trees for the girls to deliver things to their SS.
 

We had a table set up in the camp kitchen that was loaded with craft supplies of all kinds (we raided the YW cupboard for leftovers from past years). There were always girls sitting (or standing) around the table, creating and visiting.  It was a fun place to be.  There was also the river beach for water fun (nice that two of our Laurels were lifeguards!) and the Hoodoos, and also tents for lying around in for chat sessions.  Our camp kitchen had a fridge and freezer, and the freezer was loaded with ice-cream treats that the girls could help themselves to.

One tent had Jenna, Meigan, Sariah, Carlie, Sarah and Alex.

 

Another tent had Bailey, Madisen, Lexi, Jordyn, Shelby and Jianna.

 

 

And the last tent had Janae, Jaelynn, Madi, Macey, Carlee and Devany.

 

 

The craziest thing happened the first morning we woke up in camp.  I could feel that my lips felt really fat.  I asked Sis E if they actually looked fat, or just felt that way (you know, like when you've been to the dentist!).  She said, "No, they actually look fat - like a botox injection!"  As we got up and moving around that morning, a few other girls were complaining about fat lips too.  We figured it must have been sunburned lips from the sun reflecting off the water - sure felt weird!

 

 

Anyway, Carlee hadn't appeared yet that morning.  She had hurt her foot the day before while horsing around on the beach with Jordyn.  This was another miracle - all the injuries that could have happened on the river, and the only one happens once we're all safe and sound at our destination!  So I went to her tent to check on her and see if she needed help walking or whatever.  She rolled over and looked at me and I couldn't help but bust up laughing . . .

She could feel that her lip was fat so took a picture of herself in bed to see if it actually was.  And yup, it sure was!!!  Her lip looked way fatter than anyone else's.  She said that while she was sleeping the swelling in her injured foot travelled up her body and settled in her lip!  Oh it was funny and we all had to laugh at her!  But she's a goofball and handled it so well.  She was relieved to know others had fat lips too.

 

 

Another blessing was the weather at camp.  Our two days on the river were hot and sunny - perfect for what we were doing.  Our one full day at camp was warm and overcast, with a wind - really nice not to have the sun beating down on us again as some of us were sunburned.  But the wind disappeared by evening, so during our testimony meeting, the smoke went straight up and didn't blow in our faces.  Our last day was hot again as we packed up nice dry tents!  The weather could not have been more perfect.

 

 

On our last full day of camp, some of the girls went for a hike in the Hoodoos.

They did not see any snakes!

 

That's Jenna and Jordyn on the ends.  Carlee didn't go because of her foot.

 

Jordyn up in the Hoodoos, with the river we canoed down below her.

That afternoon we played some crazy water games.

Popping balloons in water.

Team relays.

 

Circle games - these girls love circle games!  This one is Signs.

 

 

I laughed so hard watching this game . . .

They fed each other ice cream across the table with the spoon on the end of the long stick.  The person with the spoon was blindfolded and had to feed their partner by the directions the partner gave them.  Oh it was funny to watch!!! 

 

 

Later that night, the girls performed skits - each tent group made up their own.  We told them the theme was "Thou shalt be made stronger" and they had 20 minutes to plan their skit and they could use any props they wanted.  It was so funny to listen to them prepare as the groups were off in different places and we'd hear hysterical laughter coming from each group at different times.  Their skits were amazing - so creative and perfect for the theme.  And we all laughed hysterically too, especially as Carlee did her yoga!!!

 

Later that night around the campfire, our ward YW presidency spoke to the girls, and then we had our testimony meeting.  It went for almost two hours - we didn't end til almost 12:30pm.  It was a beautiful testimony meeting, some even baring their testimonies more than once.  We all had such different and inspiring things to share, mostly from our experiences on the river.  And we appreciated Bro. H keeping the fire burning big and brightly for us.  We ended the night singing our song again - Stand in Holy Places.

 

 

Everyone was still wide awake so finally we had a chance to go snipe hunting (we were all too tired the first two nights).  Then some did some more crafts, some played Murder in the Dark and some visited around the campfire.  We finally settled down by 2:00am.  The last night of camp is always fun! 

 

 

But then the last morning arrived.  I loved that some of the girls said they'd had such a good time at camp that they didn't want it to end.   

 

Carlee packing up her bedroom.  We didn't have to be out of our campsite til 2:00pm so we had lots of time to pack up camp and eat up leftover food. 

 

 

Tents are down and we're all packed.  Doing some final chatting and finishing up ice cream treats.

 

Our final picture before heading home.

And that concludes YW Camp 2013 - one I'm sure we will never forget as we all learned in different ways . . . thou shalt be made stronger.