J's Outward Bound Experience

Earlier this month, J went on an eight-day Outward Bound course. Outward Bound (in NZ, as I know that there are different programs with the same name in other countries) is a leadership training slash physical challenge course that pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages you to trust yourself. You can read about the organization here if you're interested: http://www.outwardbound.co.nz/

J didn't take any pictures on the trip, being more focused on maintaining consciousness during the most physically strenuous eight days he's experienced, but fortunately, other people in his group did, and they've shared them with us. You're going to get my explanation of what J has told me about the trip, but I'll have him proof read it, so it will be accurate.

J flew to the South Island (for the first time) and got on the Outward Bound bus toward Anakiwa. But before they got to their training location, they stopped, got out of the bus, and did a challenge activity (the first of many, as it turned out). Then they were told, "We're four kilometres (2.5 miles) from the camp. See you there!" And they drove away, and the participants had to jog into camp, and then jump into the icy cold ocean! Good thing J had been training beforehand, but it was still an intense first day. Although he said that by the end of it, that run would have been relaxing.

This is the view near their training location on the South Island.

This is the cliff face that J had to climb. Blindfolded. Yes, blindfolded. And he got off easy, because one guy had to climb it blindfolded with one arm tied behind his back!

For two days of the trip, all nine people in J's group lived and slept on this boat! Notice that it is not that big, and that there is no "inside." 

They did some sailing, but also lots of rowing. They are in the Sounds, which are a series of sea-drowned valleys. So they're the ocean, only not quite. Apparently, and not surprisingly, they are freezing cold. Which becomes important, given that they had to jump into them every day! And don't be fooled by the sunny day, J said it was 7 C (44.5 F) most nights. Cold!

It's still funny to me to think that this looks like a lake, but is part of the ocean.

After the boat part of the trip, they were told to jump into the ocean, wade to shore, pick up a pack, and each find their own secluded campsite. They then spent two days completely alone in the woods. This is not J's campsite, but his looked a lot like this, but more inclined. Also, his was very full of wasps, so he pulled down his tarp during the day and stayed under it.

They did lots and lots of hiking, including peaking two mountains! J's pack weighed about 40 kilos (88 lbs). No wonder he came home tired!

You can see the bend in this photo; that's because the person used a GoPro camera, which is all the rage here. It's wide screen and on an arm so that you can take pictures of yourself doing all kinds of crazy things.

Pretty lovely scenery! I can't wait to go to the South Island some day.

Again with the GoPro curve, but I love these trees!

On the last day, before flying home, J had to jog a very mountainous 12.5 km (7.8 miles), which is by far the longest jog he has ever done. He got off the plane exhausted but happy and proud, and I've loved listening to him talk about all his adventures, and telling our friends about them. He seems to have gotten a lot out of it, not the least of which is the knowledge that he is capable of rising to the occasion when it comes to physical challenges.

Also, the leadership teacher gave each person feedback on their leadership before they left, and J's feedback was extremely positive, so that's always nice to hear.