Two weeks tomorrow marks the official start of my Yukon Grand Adventure . In the past 3 months that I found out I was chosen for this course (from a work sponsored program) I've gone through a lot of emotions: excitement, nervousness, anxiety and fear. I'm not even sure how I've managed to find time for these emotions since pretty much all I've been doing is training for this trip. I know that this trip will be a one of a lifetime adventure for me, and even though I haven't even left yet, I've learned a lot about myself.
I realize that one of my greatest fears in life is a fear of the unknown. My ex used to call me a control freak and after some soul searching while getting ready for this adventure, I'm happy to learn, that's not accurate at all. I don't need to be in control of a situation nor do I need things to go "my way". I admit though, that I do like to be prepared and have an idea of what to expect when doing something. Ironic, really, considering that a lot of the things I do are pretty spontaneous. However, I`ve figured out that even in spontaneous situations, I have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
What I do know about this adventure, is that it`s 30 days long, involves backpacking, whitewater canoeing and carrying a backpack so heavy that anyone I`ve talked to that`s backpacked laughed at (an 85L pack with an average weight of 60lbs) and that, is pretty much all I know about what I`ll be doing for a month. Needless to say, with my new admission of fear of the unknown, I`m scared shitless.
I have no doubt that all will end well and I`ll come back with some amazing stories (I`ve even started a pool at work where collegues can try to guess the cockamammy adventures I might find myself in) but until I get on that trail, my mind is going to run wild with possibilities. Possibilities like:
- What will my fellow students be like? It seems like I might be by far the oldest student as the average age of the students is 18-25.
- Have I prepared enough? Or am I going to realize partway thru I'm ridiculously out of shape and can't handle it (so far, my practice hikes are with a 40lb pack)
- Am I completely off my rocker for even signing up for doing this. All signs point to yes: I've never even backpack camped, what made me think it'd be a good idea to do it for a month???
- Will I have the right equipment? Everything they've suggested seems to assume it will be freezing in the Yukon. All information I've found suggests the temperature should be between 5 and 20C. However, they're insistent I bring a sleeping bag rated to -15C. Considering I bake when I sleep and weight is of the utmost importance (a bag this warm is MASSIVE) I question this.
- Am I going to be able to stand not washing my hair for 30 days. I know there will be lakes to swim in and surely they'll be freezing, but how often will we find them?
- Will I be able to survive without toilet paper for a month. I can't believe this is even a possibility. After I was accepted and read through the boatload of information (that still didn't tell me much) I read the part about the "no toilet paper" rule. I almost died. I never even considered this an option. Of course, I knew to be ready for the woods etc... but no toilet paper? Instead, we're to use "nature's toilet paper" which includes smooth stones, spruce cones, moss, leaves and snow. First off, I'm allergic to trees so I'm pretty sure that cancels out that option. I can't say I've ever looked at a rock and thought "now that is the PERFECT shape for ass wiping". Honestly, the toilet practices are the single thing that gives me the most anxiety. I'm really not sure how this is going to shake out (for lack of a better word)
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