Going to the West Coast

Departing for our first day of our "West Coast" field trip to Vancouver Island. Over the next 5 days we be sailing around the southern part of the Island (Juan de fuca and Straight of Georgia). Students will learn about the geographic region, ocean ecosystems and how to sail. I must give a huge thank you to the Calgary Board of Education for facilitating this amazing experience for our students and the teachers from Balmoral TLC for organizing the trip. 

Day One:

4:30am - On any other day, this would be a painfully early time to wake up at. However, the students excitement make this a great start to the day of travel

Students are early to the airport and very excited for their parents to leave so their trip can officially start! We are flying Westjet from YYC to YYJ and they have been amazing so far. Thanks Westjet!

Flights are on time and the students have boarded the plane. Very exciting time for several of the students as this is their first time on a plane! 

The students were able to get in a quick visit to the Royal Museum of British Columbia. We had a wonderful tour and then quickly made our way to the Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney. 

Always fascinating to see instruments in historical perspectives and their influence upon culture. 

The discovery centre is a great place for students to touch and experience marine life that they would otherwise never have the opportunity too. 

We boarded our two ships, the "Duen" and "A Fine Madness". We will be spending the next 5 days on these beautiful vessels and the students couldn't be more excited.

After a thorough overview of the boat from our Captain we set sail for Tod Inlet where we would spend our first night on the ocean. 

As we passed a buoy on route, a sea lion as tying to sun bathe!

Ilfe long learning! I have been waiting for this book to come out for quite sometime.  Luckily, it was released just in time for this trip! 

The Duen anchored in Tod Inlet for the night. For a day that started out so early and tightly scheduled, it couldn't have gone better and most importantly, our students had an amazing day! Before lights out, they spent 45 minutes of quiet time journaling about their day. By the end of the 45, most students were asking for more journal writing time! A great start to a great time! More to follow soon!