We arrived at a stop called Peterbell Marsh where we were to get off the train. At one time Peterbell was a thriving town. Now, all that was left was a few remnants of days gone by and, oh yeah, and a flat spot to pitch a tent. Seeing as it was 11:00 and the mosquitoes were out in full force, we climbed in the tents as quickly as possible. That night we were treated to the sounds of howling wolves and a moose that walked right through our camp.

By the time we woke up our guide was already preparing breakfast down by the river. We were treated to a hearty meal and a chance to get acquainted with the people with whom we would share the next eight days.

After breakfast we found our canoes and food barrels right by the side of the tracks where we had left them and began to move everything to the waters edge. A short debriefing and we were off. Four canoes and eight people -- beginning a trip that would take us over 40 rapids and cover 168 kilometers.