Sep 22, 2016
We all need a break from our daily routines every now and then. This summer Entrust client JW, a participant in Entrust's disability services program, enjoyed a nice break from his daily life during a camping trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park. The park is located about two-and-a-half hours southeast of Calgary in Alberta, Canada.
JW, one of his good friends and a few Entrust staff members made the four-and-a-half-hour journey from Edmonton to the park. JW said it was a long drive from Alberta's capital city. However, he felt it was totally worth the travel time.
When the group arrived at the campsite, there was just enough time to set up tents and cook smokies for dinner before it started to rain. That night, it rained so hard the bottom of JW's tent was like a waterbed. So much water had pooled underneath the tent floor. Luckily everyone managed to stay dry inside their tents!
After a good night's sleep and a pancake breakfast, the group set out for a hike through the badlands. The badlands are distinctive rock formations and erosional landscapes found in Dinosaur Provincial Park. It wasn't long before they left the main trail to venture onto side trails in search of new challenges. They found that each new challenge led to a rewarding scenic view. JW couldn't get enough exploring through the park's unique terrain. He climbed to the top of four hoodoos, which are tall rock pillars carved by wind and water erosion!
JW felt a great sense of accomplishment from his hiking achievements. His hiking experience through the challenging badlands terrain left him wanting to become more active. He hopes this increased activity will help him conquer more hiking trails in the future.
That day the temperature reached almost 30 degrees Celsius in the park. JW really wanted to cool off from the hot summer weather. He convinced one of the staff members to join him for a dip in the muddy Red Deer River. The Red Deer River flows through Dinosaur Provincial Park. The river was swift-moving, but they stayed close to the bank where it was just deep enough to cool off safely.
Overall, JW's camping trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park was a huge success. He had a great time exploring Alberta's unique badlands landscape. He is already talking about planning his next outdoor adventure!
