Week 1: Done!

Well what an eventful week it has been! Since my last blog all kinds of things have happened! To start with, on Monday we went snowboarding. IT WAS IMMENSE. I was lucky and somehow got the hang of it and I'm now addicted. Cannot wait to go again! It was a lovely day with some stunning views at the top, so I will get those posted to you soon!


Tuesday was a day of prep, tidying the house, setting up the boys room, doing a phenomenally large food shop and discovery of 'Liquidation World'. A phenomenal shopping experience where companies who go bust sell all their stock on disgustingly cheap! Then we had a nice relaxed evening at the Ranch for Jennie's final evening in CA.


Wednesday was the beginning of an epic drive to Calgary to drop Jennie at the Airport and pick the boys up, after a while of waiting we located them all and they all seem like a lovely group and excited to tackle the challenges. We were then fortunate enough to stay with some friends, The Ungas. They have a phenomenal custom built house in the foothills of the rockies with some fantastic trophy kills on the walls; Cougar, Moose, Elk, Antelope. All hunted with bow which is apparently where all the skill lies! We had Elk chili con carne, which was again so so so nice, very lean and very tender, exactly what was needed! We then played about sledding for a while then a nice Early night before the mini hike we took on in the morning! This took us to the top of the foothills and gave us a phenomenal view! Then we had to do some kit shopping for some of the boys in Calgary, then a nice big subway and back to Herbert! Driving in CA is fun, its just a lot of straight roads and spectacular views! We have also invented a silly game called 'yellow bus' which is making the long road journeys a little more interesting!


On Thursday evening we just let the boys settle into their rooms and the house and they hit the hay. Friday was briefing day, so we started to get into our usual routine. Up early, then a morning session, then a run followed by gym work, then lunch. In the afternoon we went to the ranch to do more tubing which was fantastic fun for the guys, until the quadbike tipped and I broke my collarbone badly, one bone sliding under the other, and chipping bits on the way! A very short and painful ride to the clinic followed, where they confirmed it was a bad break and gave me a specialist support which I have to tighten to straighten my shoulders out! It was a really gut-wrenching moment. However, I'm happy its not worse, or my neck, or my legs. And it gives me a chance to really focus on other areas of my leadership rather than rely on my stronger areas (physicality).


Saturday, the boys went on a big hike while I stayed at the ranch with the family. Was really gutted I couldnt go with them, until I heard about the - 20 snowstorm they got caught in. As ever though, they made it through with smiles on their faces and slept contently after nachos, meatballs and a bit of 'Rocky'!


This week will be the start of the programme officially with all the reading and teachings as well as attachments in the community such as kids club etc, which I know we are all excited to get stuck in to! Weather is taking a turn for the worse and we are expecting minus 20C all week!


Hope all is well with you guys and that first weeks back at work were not too painful!


Stay in touch!


Love,


Laurence