Students learn about adventures Deana Lancaster News Reporter dlancaster@nsnews.com THROUGHOUT the winter, West Vancouver elementary school teacher Josée Clermont dreams about getting on her bike and taking _ off. Bue. while most city- . dwellers with similar musings ‘rarely have the opportunity to » pact on them, Clermont creates her opportunities. This teacher has a serious case of wanderlust. ~The. 43-year-old’ emits a “Kinetic energy when she talks » about her love ‘of adventure. “In her home _ province of Quebec, Clermont was on the national biathlon team, and “on the national team for wild water kayaking. “: Ten years ago she moved “to B.C., and has taught in ’ French immersion at Sentinel - and now at. Ecole. Pauline Johnston. She loves her work, but not even that could quiet - her need for adventure. Four and half years ago she Bes? -3 Nights joined a friend on a three-day bike trip ia the Rockies. “It was kind of hard for me. We were just going 20 kilometres a day and stayed in hotels. E was fit from) cross country skiing, but not neces- sarily bike fit.” Still, after just a‘ taste of exploring Canada from two wheels she wanted more. The following summer, August of 1957, she set off on a trip few would contemplate: she rode from Dawson in the Yukon to TInuvik in the Northwest terri- tories. She did it in two wecks, and she did it alone. “EP love the north. I just _ love it. The days are long, and if you want to be in the wilderness ... there was noth- ing there.” For 740 kilometres she pedalled. her heavy old road bike along a dirt road. There Avere few campgrounds, and “she had to carry her food, gear and a two-day supply of water. It was slow-going, and there were grizzly bears to watch out for. “I was terrified of bears, I would sing all day to my: self. if ended up losing my voice.” Eventually a traveller she “Dec 17, © Bec 21 4 Nights 3 Nights 239 389 369 479 Dec 14 3 Nights Gec 10 4 Nights ~: Air Only : y - Depa 52.29 At an 1, 22.28, 5 HOTEL PACKAGES i 1 Week . 2 Weeks Mare island Cotony 969 | “1429. Sy, Superior room © 2 7 Miramar at Waikiki 1089 : 1639 : Standard room: HORQUAN ROTEL PACKAGES BICLUUE: : Alrtere, hotel secommeadatlen, treasfers > fresh flower lets and mach more! Children onder 18 years STAY FREE! : Deeat bie 6 Retum Dec 23 Air Only Depart nS Reto Jan 13, 20,27 « HOTEL PACKAGES ‘Jan 5, 12 Marc Maui Vista 1249 1879 Studio ; Aston Maui islander sta room MAUI HOTEL PACKAGES INCLUDE: _ Aistare, botel seccamodation, transters and 4 deac compact car (basic rental}! Children under 13 years STAY FREE! 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On another occa- sion she woke up to find a chocolate bar in a plastic bag next to her bike. “People would pass me on the read and spread the word ahead of me that I was com- ing.” Most of all she learned to met gave have faith in herself. “I realized if ] want to do something I should just do it. 969 1379 . Vancouver departures. New Bookings Only. Package prices are per person, double cecupancy unless stated other- wise and are subject to change without notice, Air Only, prices are per person. Not inctided: departure taxes, trans- portation tees, supplements and insur- ances. Space is available at lime of our advertising deadline. Other ‘conditions may apply. 8S REG#H 2454-4 What [needed would come along.” After that isolated trip, her 3,000-Kilometre ride through Europe the following summer was almost easy. She rode through the Alps, in Italy, Switzerland and France. 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