Hey guys, let me tell you about my wild ride on the shakedown trek – it was a rollercoaster of emotions and adventures! First off, we roll up to the trail, just a short 10-minute drive away from the Hanifl Centre, and boom, we’re hiking straight downhill. Now, you might think, “Downhill, that’s easy-peasy, no problemo!” Well, think again! Those first 30 minutes felt like a test from the hiking gods themselves. Picture this: steep incline plus dry leaves equals a slip ‘n slide of epic proportions. I seriously questioned every life decision I’d ever made in those moments, but hey, no turning back now! Thank the hiking deities for my trusty trekking pole – I don’t know how I would’ve survived without it. After that heart-pounding descent, we split into teams and I somehow found myself leading the pack. And by “leading,” I mean I bravely volunteered to keep the slowpokes (yours truly included) up front while the speed demons held down the rear. Team effort, right? Fast forward through 10 miles of trails, villages, landslides (yikes!), and off-the-beaten-path exploration, and we finally stumble upon our campsite oasis. Cue the culinary adventures as we whip up some pasta magic over the campfire. Bellies full, we decided to sleep cowboy style under the twinkling stars – because why not? The next morning, we woke up at the crack of dawn and made breakfast. After breakfast we hiked down the mountain back to civilization. Luckily, our van awaited us at the bottom, cutting our hike short to a mere 1.5 hours. Bless those four wheels! After a day of hiking that could rival a marathon, we finally make it back to base camp. Cue the sighs of relief and a well-deserved day of rest. But hey, the adventures don’t stop there – today we started WAFA training! More on that in later blogs. Stay tuned!

What did you learn during the shakedown overnight trek? How will this impact your approach to the longer trek later in the program? What leadership skills abilities did you recognize being implemented by your peers during the shakedown trek? Upon reflection, how did you personally offer leadership on the shakedown trek?

I learned a lot from the shakedown overnight walk, and it will definitely influence how I handle the larger journey later in the program. One of the key realizations I had was regarding my pace. I discovered that I tend to move more slowly compared to others. One significant factor contributing to my slower pace was my cautiousness. I was mindful of the rugged terrain and the potential risks of stumbling or falling, especially given the uneven ground and occasional obstacles along the trail. Moreover, the weight of my backpack added to the challenge. Despite its practical contents, the load felt heavier than anticipated and as I trudged along the trail, each step required a conscious effort to maintain balance and stability under the weight of the pack. While my pace may have been slower, it was a deliberate choice rooted in safety and practicality. I prioritized stability and caution over speed, recognizing the importance of navigating the terrain safely, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. The last thing I wanted was to risk injury or exhaustion due to reckless haste. Moving forward, I’m really dedicated to getting better at this. I know I need to work on my endurance and agility, and I’m ready to put in the effort. With more time out on the trail, I believe I’ll naturally become more efficient in how I move. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between being careful and keeping up a good pace. I’m looking forward to getting more comfortable with trekking and understanding what my body can handle. Ultimately, I want to be able to move a bit faster while still making sure I’m safe and feeling good along the way.

Observing my peers during the shakedown trek highlighted the importance of leadership skills and abilities in outdoor settings. I witnessed authentic leadership in action, where individuals displayed genuine care and concern for the group’s well-being. Servant leadership was also evident, as peers willingly stepped up to help others and put the needs of the group above their own. These leadership styles fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, essential elements for a successful trek.

Reflecting on my own role during the shakedown trek, I recognized the leadership I offered through proactive communication and democratic decision-making. To ensure everyone’s comfort and safety, I regularly checked in with the group, offering breaks every five minutes and ensuring everyone’s well-being every ten minutes. This approach not only allowed me to gauge the group’s needs but also empowered everyone to voice their concerns and preferences. By incorporating a democratic decision-making process, I ensured that everyone had a say in the direction of our trek, fostering a sense of inclusivity and collaboration.

Moving forward, these learnings will significantly impact my approach to the longer trek later in the program. By recognizing my own pace and observing the leadership skills of my peers, I gained valuable insights that will inform my approach to the longer trek. Through proactive communication, democratic decision-making, and a commitment to authenticity and servant leadership, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to the group dynamic and ensure an enjoyable trek for all.