The last 10 months of my life have been the best of my life.
Hands down.
I can't believe the amount of things I've done and seen, and the relationships I've built in this short period of time.
And I blame it on these three:
My life would not be as full of love, laughter, and adventure without them.
Thank you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting the Environmental Technology program when I did was the BEST decision I have ever made! And it's been an amazing program, at the end of the first year I have my GPS certification, Pleasure Craft Boating License, Stream Keepers certification, Restricted Operator's (maritime) certification, and WHMIS certification. Not to mention hours of actually field experience!
I was so hesitant of the week long field camp component of my spring semester, but when I got out to Fairy Lake near Port Renfrew I had a really great time.
I drove my first power boat, I canoed around Fairy Lake and up the San Juan River and it's tributaries, which is such a beautiful area (Besides the copious amount of logging happening in that area)
We collected insects and salamanders using different techniques as part of an on going study of populations at Fairy lake which was really neat to be apart of. It was great doing actually field work that is being used and is meaningful. We also did Telemetry which was interesting, I wasn't very good at it. Although while practicing Nathan and I did find a real frog instead of the fake ones that were hidden.
We did another stream survey, which I really enjoy doing. I love doing the field chemistry part, finding the pH, and dissolved oxygen in the water. It combines my favourite things: Chemistry and Nature.
The timber cruising module I think was my favourite though. Learning how to fill out mensuration forms, using calibrated prisms, and calculating the volume of wood in a stand was really interesting. I want to go into foresty, developing sustainable forestry practices and these are my first steps in the field. We didn't do any tree coring, which is something else I am really interested in, but I'm sure if I ask, I can get someone to take me out to do some.
While at camp I also learned how to chop firewood! It was so liberating, and fun to be able to cut my own wood, then start a fire with it. I am one step closer to being self sufficient! I also filleted a salmon! I really manned up.
My wife and I have also made another Tofino trip since I last posted, May long weekend we made yet another trip to the West Coast to visit friends and surf, although this time with our own gear!
We also got to take a boat ride over to "Stubb's Island" that only opens up to the public once a year
And more recently Perry, Kim and I went for a hike around East Sooke Park after having an amazing lunch in the sun on the patio of the Smokin' Tuna Cafe (which is randomly located at the end of an amazing trailer park near the Park).
We saw this really cool weather system that caught up to us just as fast as it passed by.
