Our adventure began before we even left Waterdown, on the bus. We managed to fit over-packed duffle bags and 19 people uncomfortably on a midget-sized school bus. As the clouds screamed rain and we were taking in our last bits of music, the crew was ready to "rock and roll" (as Mr. Warrick would say).

But the real odyssey began when we stepped off the bus into a world unknown: an endless expanse of trees, open water and our starting point, also known as the Northern Wilderness Outfitters. Mr. Warrick has taken a group of teenagers to this site for over two decades. He said that part of the reason he chooses this route every year is because of the ideal setting and features of the chalet.

The owner, Bill MacFarlane, supplied everything: our transportation (canoes), food, cooking supplies, backpacks and shelter for the next three days. We prepared for our expedition with some final key points from Bill. Some of his words of wisdom included putting dish soap on the outside of the pots before putting them on the fire (otherwise you'll be scrubbing black off for days), and, "Don't make too much noise, or the savages might come and getcha."

With these lessons in mind and the sun attempting to shine through, we started to paddle. The route started on Kawaymog Lake, and led back to...Kwaymog Lake. The lakes in between included Amable du Fond, North Tea, Manitou, Three Mile, Upper Kawa, Kawa, Sinclair, Bigger, Hornbeam and Mangotasi. But, as any happy camper will tell you, it is not about the destination, it's about the journey.

I admit, somewhere in the middle of our third portage and four hours of paddling, the lack of exercise over the winter and cold weather was getting to me. But there is something to be said about a group of strangers pulling together and the serenity of the outdoors that makes the hard work exciting and refreshing.

Our longest portage was three kilometers. With determination, the thought of food at the finish line and teacher Julie Buckle's stories about Michael Bublé and New Zealand, I managed to make it through. And the last day of our trip was the sunniest of all. We finished with two portages and a canoe trip, where we saw a moose and a lamppost attached to a tree.

Even though we finished our paddle at Northern Wilderness Outfitters, I wouldn't call it the finish line. That was Webers' at the side of Hwy. 11 on the trip home. After all, nothing says congratulations on a job well done like a juicy hamburger and fries.

Special thanks to Mr. Warrick for planning the trip and being such a warrior, carrying the canoe with a sprained ankle, and all.