Ode to the Caver

Joined the small group of about 20 persons who had arrived in Canmore on Thursday afternoon/ evening and we walked around Canmore after a rather satisfying dinner at The Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company. Went shoe skating on a pond, became little kids for a time and then traversed a dark and winding and somewhat scenic road. 

Britta & Jenna showing off their figure-skating prowess 

Chris in his new uggs

Mark & Darcey (who we have to thank for organising this amazing weekend)

Power rangers, POWER UP! 

The next day everyone set out to their selected activities- some to hockey, some to Sunshine Village, some to dogsledding. My preferred method of adventure this time was caving aka spelunking (so I'm told.) When I hear the word spelunking I picture kids dropping large rocks into water. 

Anyway...caving.

Fitted ourselves out with awkward harnesses, ropes and sexy overalls before embarking on a gruelling hike up the mountain to the cave. Our group was then split in two so that we could explore the smaller areas more easily. Thankfully I had camera contacts in both groups so will share some of Britta & Rob's pics here for you. (thanks guys) 

Britta & Jenna

Chris & Jana

One of the pools in the grotto

Sexy & I know it

Sam, Britta, Jenna, Ronan, Anita, Mel, Jana & Chris.

Emily & Jake

I work out! Getting ready for some cave action.

Rob 

Our group:

Ryan, Kaylee, Me, Layne

Jake, Marisa, Emily & Rob

Little packrat

Jake's probably repeating "I'm not claustrophobic, I'm not claustrophobic."  

Nick our guide and very talented/ avid caver. Recently traversed a new section of a cave in Roger's Pass by cave diving and blindly scaling up a waterfall. 

Rappelling into a rather deep pit- so exhilarating! 

Down the laundry chute...

Some amazing soda straws & general dribbily bits.

(And the back of Ryan's head - just in case you were wondering) 

In the grotto 

Moe (Marisa) 

It was a really mind-opening experience. I wasn't sure just what it would be like, so didn't really have any expectations about the whole thing. I think that's the best way to go into it. We tested ourselves with heights, small spaces and squeezes, trusting your equipment, others and most of all yourself. You really learn how to trust yourself and become strong in your mind in the situations that arise. LOVE IT!