What to Expect
Rain or Shine
With anything in the wilderness, Mother Nature has the last say. Be prepared for the schedule to change throughout the week, especially during the camp days if thunderstorms head our way. Rain or shine we will be on the water and carrying out our activities throughout the week, but thunderstorms will anchor us to shore until it’s safe to move. As our team evaluates the weather, we may have to pack up and move on a moments notice or hunker down longer than expected. Safety is our top priority but we will do our best to reach our exit point on time, ensuring no one misses a flight the following day.
Teamwork
You know the old saying, “There’s no I in team” ? Well, becoming a team and forging life long friends is a huge aspect of this trip. It is imperative that we all work together to set up camp, perform camp duties and move through the waterways and wilderness as a unit. There will be zero tolerance for rushing ahead, leaving anyone behind or left out. You will begin as strangers and leave as family!
Canoeing & Portaging
While this trip is considered a “beginner trip” for a canoe /portaging backcountry expedition, it is designed to challenge you and show you that you are far more capable than you think! Majority of the expedition will be canoeing across beautiful, secluded lakes and through shallow and narrow rivers at a leisurely pace, looking for wildlife and taking in the beautiful scenery. However, there will be points where you will be physically and mentally challenged as we portage our canoes across rocky ground. Yes, you guessed it. That means we have to carry all the canoes plus our gear from point A to point B through the timber. I will show you how to carry a canoe solo or you can opt for a 2 man carry with your canoeing partner. Everyone will pitch in, whether that’s carrying a canoe or carrying gear, we will work as a team to get there. You will use muscles you likely haven’t used before but you will also discover that despite the brief struggle, you are capable! We have chosen a route that we know you can do! With fluctuating water levels on a weekly basis, new beaver dams by the day and changing weather, we are always in for an adventure and it is all part of the learning experience; adapting and thriving in the wilderness! There will be moments that you are uncomfortable but these are the memories you will remember forever and the friends beside you will be there for life !
Activities
All of the activities and learning opportunities will be taught in a very laid back, casual setting. No matter your skill level, there’s always more to learn, especially being in a new environment! It will be a great opportunity to practice these skills and at the very least, have a blast! And of course, questions are encouraged and if there is anything else you want to learn, just ask!