Rob King, Instructor in Physical Education & Health and Head Cross Country Coach traveled to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada along with Randy Bass, Facilities Supervisor. The purpose of the trip, funded by the Ragland family, was to prepare for an international studies backpacking trip that could be offered to Peace College students during the summer of 2009.

Below are highlights from the trip through Banff National Park.

Day 1 of the week-long sojourn into the Canadian Rockies was a travel day. The flight from RDU to Calgary included a stop in Dallas. Traveling from the eastern time zone to the mountain time zone afforded us additional time on Thursday to secure national park passes and wilderness passes, which are required when visiting Banff. Upon arrival, we checked into a hostel, an experience in itself, providing a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.

Day 2 was a day to further prepare for the wilderness expedition at hand. We purchased last minute supplies such as camping fuel, which cannot be transported on airplanes. We also had a chance to experience the town of Banff, and enjoy some local eateries, as well as mountain biking.

Day 3 we entered the woods for a 3 night backpacking trip in the Skoki area of Banff National Park. Highlights of the trip include 1) breath-taking views of glacier-fed lakes and mountain peaks eclipsing 10,000 feet, 2) up-close views of animals indigenous to the area, including a bear, hoary marmots, squirrels, and a coyote, 3) a scramble up Skoki mountain, 4) hot tea and pastries at the Skoki lodge, and 5)the reminder of the splendor of God’s creation and each individual’s little place in that creation.

Upon our return to civilization, we explored the Lake Louise area, as we were considering it as a potential place to stay in a hostel and/or campground with the summer 2009 class trip participants. Afterward, we returned to Banff before coming home on day 7. The post-trip time in Banff gave us opportunity to further prepare for the international studies opportunity forthcoming.