Outward Bound – Pemberton, BC
Back in March-April-May I had a quarter-life crisis. I realized that as my age was increasing my awesome adventures in life were decreasing. In a desperate attempt to counter this I chose to go to Europe. As I thought more about what I needed I realized that I was generally sick of the news (war coverage, terrorism, etc), cars, people, buildings, etc. Once I figured this out I swiftly realized Europe wasn’t my best bet.
Through some effective urinal advertising I ended up discovering Outward Bound, an outdoor educational organization. I went to their website, ordered their DVD, and promptly signed up for a 21 day Coast Mountain Venture.
"Experience the rugged Coast Mountains as few do in this 21-day, classic Outward Bound course. Get ready to cover a lot of ground. Your patrol will hike off the trail far into the backcountry from the beautiful Pemberton Valley to the remote and isolated alpine far from city or highway. You’ll be backpacking, camping, and setting up several temporary base camps as you travel in the forest, in the lush alpine meadows, and above tree line. (If you take the course in June, expect to camp and travel extensively on snow.) There will be ample opportunities to develop your mountaineering skills: you’ll spend 2-3 days rock climbing and rappelling, improve your navigation skills using a map and compass, learn about snow travel, attempt several peak ascents, and spend some time “on solo” to reflect and set goals. But more than these important technical skills, you’ll learn effective teamwork and leadership. You’ll use these skills on your final expedition, to enable your group to successfully travel through mountainous terrain independent of your instructors. A service project enables your patrol to give back to the community. You’ll challenge and amaze yourself on this incredible 3-week course."
- Text from OutwardBound's course description -
So on September fifth I leave for British Columbia with no computer, no Internet, and no phone. I plan on returning with great photos, a beard, and fantastic stories to share. If anyone has gone on a similar adventure let me know. I’m very curious if it is as good as it sounds.
A note from the future: I'm back, trip was a blast. Read a day by day account of it here!
Comments
Ryan Hillier - August 4, 2003 10:38 pm
Man, if I didn't have to go back to college in September, I'd be signing on for this as well.
Unfortunately I'm the type of person who buys books on hiking and wilderness survival but rarely ever gets the chance to really experience living in the great outdoors.
Hope the adventure goes well!
Ryan Hillier - August 4, 2003 10:56 pm
Having checked the availability for the Venture, I will now say that if I didn't have to go back to college in September and IF there were any spaces left, I'd be signing on for this as well.
Will - August 5, 2003 1:15 am
I totally saw that advertised in a bathroom somewhere...
Steven Marshall - August 5, 2003 7:41 am
I've just taken a look at this... I'd love to do something like this once I finish my degree...
It could cost a bit more for me, though - I'm in the UK.
What's weird, though, is that there are very few companies offering this sort of thing over here (or, rather, in Scotland or Wales).
Still, it shouldn't be too expensive to go to Canada...
I'm starting saving now!
Alan - August 5, 2003 8:41 am
My buddy Wally went Outward bounding in the Arctic in hte mid-90's and had a blast. After ten days or so they were left to live by themselves for 24 hours. He came back being able to build the best snow forts. We drank tea and whiskey in one in his backward one January afternoon.
Rob Paterson - August 5, 2003 9:26 am
When I was 18 I went to Botswana to work in the Kalihari desert for De Bers as a diamond prospector. I lived in a tent for 9 months and was put in charge of a team of 40 all of whom knew more than I did. It was the greatest year of my life and I draw on the experience even more as I get older (53).
Dan I think that we are starved for real adventure where we are genuinely exposed to nature and to real risk - we had snakes everywhere,lions and elephants as well as the occasional terrist band. The night sky in the wildnerness is also an awesome experience as is sitting around a fire and telling stories - better than blogging I assure you.
I envy you going off now - I bet that you too will have a great time.
Rob Paterson - August 5, 2003 9:26 am
can't spell sorry
Dan James - August 6, 2003 2:50 am
Steve, Outward Bound seems to have a failry active school in the UK.
Rob, a diamond prospector?!!??! Holy cow!
John Morris - August 11, 2003 8:57 pm
Dan,
Having done Outward Bound Australia I will say you will have a blast. The sickest thing will probably be that you do not have access to a clean shower every morning. If I would have known I would have signed up as well. And if you get a chance, do it in Australia. Its much better. I did other courses out in Alberta (hiking to glacier climbing) and I must say Australia was much better mate.
John Morris - August 11, 2003 8:59 pm
god knows, if you do a course next year with Outward Bound, I may be your instructor :D
Dan James - August 30, 2003 12:09 am
Due to the fires in BC our course has been moved to Vancouver Island. We will be hiking and exploring in Strathcona Provincial Park. Can anyone tell me anything about this area of the world as I've never been. Thanks!
Steven Marshall - September 2, 2003 11:45 am
Thanks for the pointer Dan.
I think I might have a go at one of the UK-based courses...
Just a shame that the course list for the UK isn't as comprehensive as .ca's, and that their site is nowhere near as cool ;)
Keith - January 1, 2004 6:12 pm
just wondering about job opertunities, I have been camping for years and would love a summer job at and Outward Bound company, anywhere in the country
Matt "E.cubed" Gunn - January 29, 2004 10:22 pm
Dan,
it's me your OB instructor from the summer. I just stumbled onto your site. I've had some pretty good laughs reading over it. But i must say, i'm a little perplexed by this "romance" you speak of...
me and jas?
anyway, other then that one detail it all seems pretty accurate. i can hardly wait for the gripping conclusion. the suspense is killing me!! what happened?!!
:)
matt
Dan James - January 29, 2004 11:04 pm
WHOA! Matt! Welcome man. Worlds colliding. Re: You and Jas - accuse the Girls, not me. They fueled it. I think a lot of it was so that there was a drama on the trip :-). How's your book coming?
Matt Gunn - January 30, 2004 6:04 pm
really great! i'm giving it everything for the next two months and i think i'll be done! it's gonna be great!!!
i'm also chasing a couple provate school jobs teaching outdoor ed. things look good, i'll do another course or two with OB this summer and take august off to run around on my own and so some great trips!
what about you? how's life?
and....
what was the "big decisioni" you made during solo? you never told...
:)
matt
Agent Jasmin Dobson - January 31, 2004 1:52 pm
Dan!
It's your other Outward Bound instructor, (remember the really smart one, the one you guys liked best! sorry Matt, had to). What a great site! Matt passed it on to me. It's had me laughing quite a bit.
And as for the romance....Matt..I can't believe he's deny... I mean, um, nevermind....
And, I am also very curious as to what your big decision was Dan!
Hope as is well!
Cheers, Jasmin
Dan James - February 1, 2004 1:37 am
Well, isn't the internet a wonderful place! Welcome Jas!!! I can't believe you two have stumbled onto here. It was going to be a surprise (honestly, I was going to mail you folks all a full copy when I finish :-). Ah, my big decision...... You'll have to wait a little longer, people on here (the website) mostly still don't know. You could ask one of the girls from Quebec though, they know it all ;-). It's so awesome to have you guys both on here!
Dan James - February 9, 2004 5:10 pm
Matt and Jasmin: I just posted about my "big decision during solo". I hope you aren't too disapointed. I've also finished up the story in case you haven't noticed. Over the next few months I'm going to get a book form of the story made and send it to each of us. Let me know if you addresses change. Thanks so much for the adventure. I can't say that with enough meaning and sincerity.
Matt Gunn - March 14, 2004 3:48 am
Hey big guy!
that's fantastic. Jas and i guessed that was one of the possibilities. Congrats!
awesome trip journal dan. i really, really enjoyed reading it.
:)
matt