Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Well, it is always difficult to return to work from vacation, even more so from a great vacation, but now it’s near impossible after another awesome CMH experience with our children. They keep saying they “want to go back to the mountains!” Have we used enough adjectives yet!
Yes, it was that impressive. Where do we start? Certainly we know what to expect from CMH when it comes to level of service and delivery of product. But what about kids? Usually you don’t see them around and about in a remote CMH lodge.
We weren’t sure what to expect embarking on our first “Family Adventure” Helihiking at the Bugaboos Lodge. But the “Family Adventure” staff was nothing short of spectacular. Kelly, Mandi & Jeanette jumped right in and took control of the varied age group of children that accompanied us; and we had a total of16 kids. They had all kinds of activities planned for them.
First CMH outfits everyone, including our 4 ½ year old with a backpack, poncho, down parker, coverall pants and a water bottle. Then of to lunch and immediately afterward a helicopter lift to some hiking. We couldn’t stop marveling at the sight of our kids walking around above treeline with us and all their gear. At one point one if the care specialist introduced the kids to a game of camouflage which they loved. We learned about the flora & fauna of the area and took numerous pictures
Upon returning to the lodge, it was then that we realize the incredible value of the Family Adventure. Our kids were nowhere to be found. So many activities, and separate dinner plans, it’s know wonder they didn’t want anything to do with us!
The next day we hiked in the morning with the kids again, and came across a patch of snow where they went bum sliding for about ½ an hour. We all had lunch together and then the kids went off with the counselors and we had our own guide that gave us a fairly strenuous hike. Just a fantastic day.
The third day was the culmination of a very special mountain experience. We hiked the entire day in the meadows beneath the incredibly spectacular Howser Towers. Our photography looks as if there was a false background added, but what could be further from the truth.
Overall, just a super experience, so much so, that Lisa and I want to convince anyone interested, that HeliHiking is an "experience that should not be missed".