Fatherhood is an adventure few are fully prepared for and when it happens, nothing is ever the same.
    Dale Johnston, who is a new father, shared his experiences about how life has changed after his son, Taden, was born only three months ago.
    One of the biggest changes Dale noticed, was having to give up a few things, which might sound terrifying to some, but is worth it.
    “It’s pretty life altering. Now, you’re looking out for them and you put your own stuff on the backburner,” said Dale. “It’s somewhat of a sacrifice, but totally worth it. It’s pretty cool, I’m not going to lie.”

Dale Johnston holds his three-month-old son Taden, with his wife Dana. Taden is the couple’s first child and Dale described how his life has changed since learning he was to become a dad. Though he has put some of his own interests aside, he is excited to embark on the adventure of being a father to Taden.

    Dale and his wife Dana learned a year ago that they were expecting their first child. Up until then, the pressure was off. The news created  some mixed emotions in Dale, who wasn’t sure he was ready for the challenge that would come from being a father.
    “Excitement, shock, and scared for the unknown. You’re never 100 per cent to be a father, no matter how much you try to prepare yourself,” said Dale.
    Dale is learning each day he has what it takes to be a dad, although he could do with a little more sleep.
    “The sleep is not as consistent as it once was. You just survive on little sleep, but it gets better and better. Every night the little guy gets closer and closer to sleeping through the night,” said Dale.
    Perhaps the most exciting part about being a father for Dale, is the opportunity to watch Taden grow and teach him.
    “As one of the old farmers used to tell me, he’s growing like a ragweed. I can’t wait for him to grow up so we can play some catch, because I’m a big baseball nerd. I’m looking forward to doing stuff like that and seeing what the whole adventure entails,” said Dale. “He’s starting to learn more things, smile, and do all the little things. You can’t wait to see what happens next.”
    Perhaps the biggest change  Dale noticed after becoming a dad, is how it changed his perspective on his life.
    “You don’t understand your life without them,” said Dale. “You can’t figure out why you didn’t have them earlier.”

    So far, 11 dedicated Drumheller youth are signing up to take on a grueling trek from the Valley to Banff on bicycles this summer.
     A number of Drumheller youth have taken up the Duke of Edinburgh Challenge and Two Wheel View is giving them a chance to fulfill many of their requirements during a seven-day bike trip. They are getting closer to hitting the road.
    Grade 10 student Josh Wolfe is planning to go on the trek and put the experience towards earning his silver Duke of Edinburgh award. He has never taken on such a challenge before, but he is pumped.
    “I have never really done a biking trip, but I have done lots of camping,” he said.
    Most of the participants who registered for the trek, slated for August 20-27, are Duke of Edinburgh candidates. They have a lot to do to get ready for the ride, besides getting in shape to pedal up to 50 kilometres a day.
    Two Wheel View outfits the riders with their bike and camping equipment, helps with route coordination, and orientations before the program. The participants have a number of responsibilities in preparing for the excursion. The biggest is fundraising.
    Each participant has a fundraising goal of $750 and the group is already working on ways to come up with the funds.
    This weekend they are hosting a barbecue at the Drumheller Co-op to raise the funds.
    On June 22, they are hosting a major event at Freson Bros IGA. This includes a Bike Safety presentation from members of the Drumheller RCMP. Corporal Kevin Charles says Canadian Tire is also supporting the event with prizes and participants will be hosting a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    The group is planning to collect bottles and perform other fundraising endeavours. Look for them in the community working towards their goal.