It all started with an Instagram message!


"Hey Melissa! I was wondering if you travel to events for photography by any chance? An outdoor event specifically!"


We hadn’t talked before, but I recently followed Chelsea on Instagram and was curious about her message and what she might be looking for.

I mentioned that I haven't before but would be open to it depending on the details. She then shared all about her new retreat, her plans, and her vision, and I was immediately sold. Everything she said really spoke to me, and I was excited to get involved.


There were so many messages and calls since that first one, and it’s crazy how quickly August came around.

A matte gray Nissan NV cargo van parked under a concrete overpass with modern buildings visible in the background.
A smartphone displaying Google Maps navigation interface with satellite view and route guidance shown on the screen.
Urban traffic scene with cars waiting at intersection near modern high-rise apartment towers in a city skyline.

DAY 1

Most of us arrived in or met up in Toronto, where a spacious van awaited to drive everyone the rest of the way. Despite the chaos of the city and airport, the stars aligned, and everyone arrived safe and sound. It was clear that everyone was ready to leave the hustle of the city behind and trade it for the peace of trees and lakes. As we neared the resort, almost as if on cue, a rainbow stretched across the sky, perfectly framing the lodge and the week ahead.


Our stunning riverside lodge, had everything we could ever need and more! There were enough beds for everyone and we were all under the same roof. This gave us the perfect opportunity to get to know each other before we journeyed into the wilderness together. Each bed was topped with swag, and the ladies wasted no time unpacking and filling their snack bags with essentials. While everyone got settled, we fired up the BBQ and cooked supper, sharing our first meal together.

A colorful rainbow arches over a wet rural highway viewed through a car windshield on a rainy day.
Group of travelers loading backpacks and luggage into a silver van on a sunny day.
Person in casual wear with backpack stands on rocky shoreline overlooking serene lake surrounded by forested hills at sunset.
Interior view of wooden cabin bedroom with folded clothes on a blue patterned bed through a doorframe.
Collection of folded clothing and sports merchandise with red and navy colors arranged in wooden storage space.
Navy blue clothing and merchandise items laid out on wooden shelves in what appears to be a retail storage space.
Close-up of a dark blue water bottle with Wasatch Brewery logo visible against blurred background.
Two stacked YETI coolers sit near a window inside a wooden cabin interior with natural lighting and curtains.
A group of people gather around a barbecue grill at sunset in an outdoor setting with trees in the background.
Someone grilling food on a gas barbecue with flames visible in the evening light.
A rustic cabin lodge with a covered porch sits on a grassy hillside at sunset with pine trees in the background.
A group sits in camping chairs around a campfire by the water at sunset enjoying an outdoor gathering.
Silhouette of a person standing near a campfire with smoke rising at sunset with a cabin in the background.
Group gathered around campfire in red lawn chairs at dusk enjoying an evening outdoors.
Two Canada geese grazing on grass at dusk with warm orange lighting in the background.
People gather around a glowing campfire at night outside a house with lit windows in the background.
Friends gather around a glowing campfire in the woods at dusk with pine trees silhouetted against an orange sunset sky.
A group of silhouetted figures gather around a campfire by a serene lake at sunset with pine trees in the background.
Silhouetted figures gathered by a tranquil lake at sunset with evergreen trees and dramatic orange sky reflected in the water.

DAY 2

Our second day was packed with a full schedule of shooting and archery!


With many beginners in the group, the main goal was to build confidence and get everyone comfortable with handling and shooting rifles. The team took a hands-on approach, covering the basics and teaching how to use the rifles effectively in a hunting scenario, making use of the landscape for various shooting rests. The group went over marksmanship principles and the ladies were encouraged to try different shooting positions with the .22 rifles. Most importantly, it was about getting comfortable with the guns and taking as many shots as they wanted.


It was amazing to witness their transformation. What started with some initial hesitation quickly turned into a surge of confidence as they began hitting targets—and their smiles grew with every successful shot! Before long, every woman was nailing the steel ring, and even those who were unsure or had never shot before were getting in on the action!


Afterward, we enjoyed sausages with peppers and onions over the fire, then decided to stretch our legs with a little hike. Along the way, we discovered a variety of mushrooms and even stumbled upon a small moose antler. Unfortunately, one of the ladies set it down, and we haven’t been able to find it since.


We wrapped up the day with traditional archery, which is always a fun challenge. It didn’t take long before everyone was hitting their targets!

A vibrant red maple leaf with yellow veins rests on sandy ground surrounded by small rocks and sparse grass.
Ear protection headphones and ammunition boxes arranged on a wooden surface outdoors.
A group gathers around a table outdoors for instruction while holding sporting equipment and wearing casual attire.
Close up view of multiple black rifles with mounted scopes lined up on a wooden surface.
Person in camo jacket sits cross-legged on large rock formation with stones and boulders in background.
Close up view of firearms and ammunition being loaded on a wooden surface outdoors.
Two people in camouflage gear inspect firearms and equipment during an outdoor training session.
Close-up of person wearing navy blue hoodie with Musky logo examining wooden rifle stock.
Two hunters in camouflage gear practice shooting at an outdoor target range.
Two people practice proper shooting form and technique with rifles at an outdoor range.
A Belgian Malinois dog rests on rocky terrain next to someone wearing tactical pants and boots.
A shooter in a blue jacket aims a scoped rifle while lying prone on rocky terrain during target practice.
Four brass bullet casings lying on dark rocky ground with small stones and pebbles scattered around.
Person practices target shooting with a scoped rifle in rocky outdoor terrain while receiving instruction.
Person wearing a baseball cap and olive jacket takes photos on rocky terrain surrounded by green foliage.
Empty bullet shell casings lie on concrete with protective blue safety glasses blurred in the background.
A person in a blue jacket lies on rocky terrain while aiming a scoped rifle.
Row of brown hiking backpacks with gear attachments and carabiners lined up on dirt ground outdoors.
Three people stand together at a shooting range with an old swing set in the background on rugged terrain.
A shooter in an olive shirt and gray cap aims a scoped rifle while seated at a rustic outdoor shooting station.
Assorted firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories laid out on a wooden surface for maintenance and inspection.
A shooter in a blue shirt practices with a scoped rifle at an outdoor range setup on a tree stump.
Two people sit on rocks having a conversation with a red tractor and silver vehicle in the background.
A campfire with stacked wooden logs begins to ignite while a group gathers in the blurred background.
Campers tend to a smoking campfire at sunset in the wilderness while relaxing outdoors.
A person in a black tank top drinks from a water bottle at sunset with a blurred bokeh background.
Sausages cooking on a grill plate over open flames with smoke rising in a rustic outdoor setting.
A gourmet lobster roll being topped with caramelized onions on a serving plate.
A person on a dirt path wearing a navy blue shirt and trucker hat gestures with both hands.
A group of people gather outdoors in conversation, enjoying drinks on a warm day with a parked vehicle in the background.
A group of people walking together on a forest trail during golden hour sunset.
A small brown toad rests in cupped hands being held gently by someone wearing blue sleeves.
Someone in a navy sweatshirt kneels down to examine plants in a lush garden with orange flowers.
Hand holding fresh red raspberries with blurred brown background.
Orange jewel weed flowers bloom among lush green foliage in a garden setting with soft bokeh background.
People hiking through a dense forest with green foliage and filtered sunlight creating a moody atmosphere.
Close-up macro photo of an orange and white mushroom growing on dark soil in nature.
Hand reaching down to small orange mushrooms growing on forest floor with camera equipment visible nearby.
A runner wearing a tank top poses in a forest setting while holding an orange object in their hands.
A group of people sitting on a fallen log in a wooded area during an outdoor activity.
Two archers with bows stand on a wooded hillside during outdoor target practice in natural terrain.
A group in coordinated black tops and cargo pants poses casually on hay bales in front of a parked vehicle.
Two people practicing archery outdoors with one taking aim using a bow while standing on rough terrain near a forest.
Several people practice archery outdoors in a field surrounded by trees.
A group walks along a dirt trail through wooded terrain carrying supplies and equipment.
Two hikers with camping gear traverse a rugged desert trail in outdoor adventure gear.
Purple-fletched arrows rest in a quiver beside a held bow against hay bales during archery practice.
Two archers practicing with compound bows at an outdoor range on a sunny day.
Three people practicing archery outdoors at a shooting range with a rocky backdrop.
Archer wearing baseball cap and denim vest aims compound bow at outdoor target range on desert terrain.
Two mountain bikers taking a break while sitting on a dirt trail surrounded by autumn foliage.
Two people with dark hair wearing tank tops stand close together outdoors against a blurred nature background.
A person sitting on dry ground holding a purple pen against a backdrop of dried grass stems and brush.
A rock climber grips a belay rope while wearing a blue baseball cap and tank top during an outdoor climbing session.
Close-up of brown Kuiu backpack with whiskey flask attachment and camo pattern gear.

DAY 3

It was a stunning, foggy morning on the Ottawa River with Lake Nipissing Outfitters and the Whiskey Creek Retreats crew. Everyone was excited to learn some tips and tricks and hopefully reel up a big one.

Let's Go Fishing!

Frontiersmen Gear equipped each of us with a badass knife to carry during our backcountry canoe expedition. It was put to good use to fillet some fish before we even left on our adventure!

People sit at wooden table working with craft supplies near a red building on a sunny day.
Close-up view of hands filleting fresh fish on a wooden cutting board with orange tool visible.
Hands using orange scissors to carefully cut raw fish meat on a dark cutting surface.

The afternoon was dedicated to preparing for our big canoe trip!


Chelsea let us know that the first day would be tough, involving a couple of challenging portages and navigating canoes through shallow, rocky waters. But with storms looming on our exit day, it was clear we needed to push farther along the route than originally planned to make our safe departure possible. While this was intended as a beginner backcountry canoe trip, portaging itself is no easy feat!


Chelsea showed everyone how to pack their new KUIU Divide 3000 packs. With beautiful weather expected for most of the trip aside from the final day, we didn’t need to overpack. That said, being so far out in the wilderness meant we had to carry all the essentials to stay warm and dry if the weather turned unexpectedly. There wouldn’t be anyone coming to deliver extra supplies. Everyone was given a safety kit containing various essentials, including a small first-aid kit. We also all marked the route and all way points in our OnX apps the night before we set off into the wilderness.


Once everyone was packed and ready, we capped off the day with a delicious supper, before heading to bed, full of excitement and anticipation for the journey and challenges that awaited us!

A group gathers around a campfire table at sunset by a serene lake with pine trees silhouetted against the pink sky.
Gray outdoor backpack with straps shown against a person wearing a blue tank top in an indoor setting.
A blue baseball cap and hiking sandals sit on a wooden shelf in dim lighting.
Two gray outdoor backpacks sit on the ground as travelers prepare for a hiking adventure.
A person packs gear into a backpack while sitting on a bed in a rustic wooden cabin bedroom with natural light.
Multiple rugged backpacks and bags hanging on wooden wall hooks in a cabin or lodge with dramatic lighting.
A group sits together on a wooden dock at sunset, silhouetted against a peaceful lake with forested hills in the background.
Group gathered at sunset by a lakeside with mountains in background under a tree's silhouette.

DAY 4

Today was the day, our journey has begun! It really was no walk in the park—let’s be honest, it was tough!


With storms brewing on our exit day, we had to push farther than planned to stay on track for our window to canoe to the pickup point on the final day. Between us and our campsite on a remote lake were a series of challenges: beaver dams, two portages, and boulder-strewn rivers that forced us to float our canoes through. Chelsea had paddled this route solo just a week earlier, but the beavers had been hard at work since then. They’d built a few extra dams and drained part of the river, leaving us to wade through thick muck. It’s all part of the adventure, though—nature always has the final say!


This retreat isn’t about sipping tea and meditating under the trees (though those have their time and place). It’s about pushing boundaries, stepping outside your comfort zone, learning new outdoor skills, and forging lifelong friendships. There will be times when you’re uncomfortable and moments when you question yourself, but when you look back, I guarantee you’ll see things differently—and this trip will stick with you for years to come.


Watching these ladies push through every challenge and absolutely crush it was nothing short of inspiring.

A modern Chevy Silverado pickup truck loaded with gear parked under a covered storage area with stacked firewood.
An informational trail map sign displaying the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System with waterways and routes marked on a wall.
Three people stand in the back of a pickup truck in a sunlit forest during golden hour.
A group of people preparing to embark on a canoeing adventure, loading gear into a green R22 canoe by the water.
Two kayakers in life vests paddle a canoe through lily pads on calm waters during a sunny afternoon.
A wet grey backpack with water droplets showing its water-resistant properties in a close-up shot.
Someone paddling a green canoe on a calm lake while wearing a red life vest, with gear stowed in the vessel.
Two people paddle a blue canoe across a calm lake with sunlit forest reflections in the background.
Person in red life vest paddling a dark green canoe on a lake with forest in the background on a sunny day.
Out of focus kayakers paddling on a serene lake with evergreen forest along the shoreline.
Two people paddling a green canoe across a lake with evergreen trees along the shoreline in summer.
A pile of driftwood and branches sits near yellow wildflowers at the edge of a pond covered in fallen leaves.
Kayakers paddle green canoes in scenic wilderness lake at sunset with forest background.
Canoe paddlers in life vests prepare for an adventure on a tranquil forest lake during sunset.
A green bullfrog pokes its head above dark water among lily pads and reeds at night.
Water lily flower blooms in white against dark pond surface covered with circular lily pads.
Two hikers kneel down to look at something interesting on a fallen log in the forest.
A close-up shot of someone holding a Peak frozen pizza while camping with outdoor gear visible in the background.
A hiker rests with snacks and a blue Whiskey Peaks water bottle on a dirt trail in the woods.
Paddlers in blue canoes navigate across a serene mountain lake surrounded by forested hills and calm waters.
Two people paddle a green canoe across a serene lake surrounded by dense forest on a summer day.
A group of friends help each other traverse a wooded hiking trail on a sunny afternoon.
Two people carrying a green canoe overhead on a sunny summer day in a wooded area.
Two people prepare red canoes for an outdoor adventure along a scenic riverside surrounded by lush vegetation.
Two people carrying a green canoe through a forest trail on a sunny day.
Hikers with blue backpacks traverse a sunlit forest trail during golden hour.
A kayaker carrying their boat along a forest trail wears a North Face shirt and shorts amidst lush greenery.
People attending an outdoor cookout or barbecue gathering with a grill in a wooded setting at dusk.
A green canoe sits by the shoreline while a group of people gather near the water's edge on a sunny day.
Multiple hiking backpacks and camping gear scattered on rocky ground near a stream in low evening light.
A group of people exploring a shallow rocky stream or riverbed during an outdoor activity.
Person relaxing and laying in a shallow rocky stream while wearing a hat and blue shirt.
Paddler in a blue tank top navigates a canoe loaded with gear and supplies down a river on a sunny day.
Two people paddle a green canoe along calm waters near rocky cliffs and evergreen trees on a scenic lake.
Two people in a green canoe explore a peaceful lake surrounded by evergreen forest at dusk.
People gather cranberries from canoes on a dark reflective lake surrounded by evergreen forest at dusk.
Group of adventurers work together to carry a canoe up a sunlit slope near a river on a summer day.
Close-up of a hiking backpack with gear attached against blurred natural background in low light conditions.
Two outdoor enthusiasts adjusting their gear on a sunny day with backpacks and tactical equipment.
Closeup of a green and black hiking backpack with gear on a blurred outdoor trail background.
A hiker with backpack wades through shallow river water next to a green canoe in a rocky stream.
Two people in life jackets prepare to launch a canoe into water through leafy foliage.
People paddling canoes on a tranquil lake at sunset with golden light reflecting on the rippling water.
Three people gather with camping gear in a wooded forest area at dusk.
Person in blue tank top and cap adjusts gear in a canoe surrounded by leafy forest foliage at dusk.
A tent with Cabela's logo is shown while someone sets up camp in the outdoors.
Close-up view of hands playing string instruments in a duet performance at sunset.
A person in a navy cap and tank top kayaking on a tranquil lake during sunset.
Close-up of someone setting up a beige and navy camping tent in a wooded forest setting at dusk.
Campers set up a tent at a wooded campsite during a misty summer evening.
A person wearing a black Whiskey tank top with visible arm tattoos illuminated by red lighting in a dark setting.
People gathered around a campfire at dusk by a lake, with trees and hills silhouetted in the background.

DAY 5

After a well-deserved rest, everyone was back in the canoes, ready to explore our secluded lake and try our luck at fishing. One of my favorite parts about being in the bush is improvising and utilizing what you have on hand to make it work for your needs. Of course we forgot a net so we had to test our bushcraft skills and came up something pretty impressive, if I do say so myself! Many of us also took a refreshing swim, and once everyone returned to shore, we dove into a wilderness first aid class. While an afternoon isn’t enough to cover it all, we focused on the basics and key steps to handle backcountry emergencies. That evening Lindsay also showed us how to start a fire with a ferro rod.


The day was a perfect balance of paddling, connecting, swimming, and learning—an opportunity to unwind while still gaining valuable skills.

A black water bottle and energy drink sit on a wooden surface against a blurred natural background.
People enjoying a rustic camping experience by a lakeside campfire as sunlight sparkles on the water in the background.
Someone pours a drink from a pitcher at an outdoor gathering with camping equipment on a rustic wooden surface.
Bright orange campfire flames dance against dark logs while someone cooks outdoors at a rustic camping setup.
Four people enjoying a summer swim in a serene lake surrounded by forest on a warm day.
A person in a white tank top sits in a canoe with a fishing pole on a peaceful forest lake.
Two women smile while wading in a dark lake surrounded by forest on a summer day.
Two people sit in camping chairs enjoying beverages in a sunny forest clearing on a summer afternoon.
A delicate fern frond gently rests on an open palm in soft lighting.
Navy blue t-shirt with whiskey logo hanging to dry on clothesline by lake against sunset backdrop and tree silhouettes.
Person wearing white tank top with logo sits cross-legged on ground in wooded setting with water bottle and supplies nearby.
Two people enjoy a summer picnic on a blanket in a wooded area with food and drinks spread out between them.
A person wearing a white tank top with M logo and gold accents sits outdoors with visible arm tattoos.
A person performs first aid training on a simulated casualty lying on the ground in a wooded outdoor setting.
Hiking gear including GPS device and backpack with legs resting beside outdoor equipment in nature setting.
Photographer in white tank top holding camera equipment in a forest setting with dappled sunlight.
A group of hikers taking a break and resting on logs along a wooded trail during a sunny afternoon.
Someone in a white tank top holding red rope or cord in an outdoor setting with blurred greenery in background.
People take a break at a wooded rest stop during an outdoor activity on a sunny day in the forest.
Two hands work together to manipulate red-handled gardening shears while pruning branches in a sunlit forest.
Close-up view of a hand wearing multiple silver rings against burgundy clothing.
Hands grasp frayed rope segments in a collaborative effort to untangle or arrange them outdoors against a blurred forest background.
Close-up of hands holding and examining a multi-tool or pocket knife with scissors extended.
A person in dark dress and patterned stockings sits casually on cemetery grounds.
A camper sits cross-legged by a small campfire while wearing a dark t-shirt and red shorts in an outdoor setting.
A cozy campfire glows in the twilight as campers gather around smoke and flames on a peaceful evening outdoors.
Hands light a sparkler in the dark creating glowing embers and smoke against a black background.
A vintage corkscrew rests in dry grass next to glowing embers in a moody nighttime lighting scene.
Garden tools and worn leather work gloves lying on dark soil and mulch in low light conditions.
Hands use a ferrocerium rod to create sparks on tinder for fire starting in dark outdoor setting.
People gather around a glowing campfire at night while tending to the flames in a dark outdoor setting.
Hands using flint and steel to ignite tinder for starting a campfire in dim evening light.
Hands using tongs to tend a small campfire with burning sticks as darkness falls.
Someone uses a fire starter tool to ignite tinder and kindling for starting a campfire in the dark.
Figure illuminated by campfire light tends to glowing embers against dark night sky with red and blue lighting.
Smartphone screen displays glowing campfire embers in dark nighttime setting.

DAY 6

We broke camp at dawn and set out toward our final campsite. With storms on the horizon and a vast, unpredictable lake ahead—known for its towering waves on windy days— Chelsea knew our exit would require careful planning and teamwork.


The hours ahead tested us with rocky rivers, one last portage, and choppy waters. I watched the ladies standing waist-deep in the river, guiding the canoes between boulders and helping each other navigate it all. Just days ago, these women had been strangers. Now, I watched them work as a team, drawing on one another’s strengths to navigate the boulder-strewn waters. Despite the challenges all I saw were smiling faces and, laughter echoed through the air.


We finally reached the big lake and aimed to get as close as we could to our exit point since we were being picked up the next morning. The water was choppy, but we took it slow and stayed close together.


We settled into camp and had an amazing evening—tying knots, doing some yoga, and Chelsea even gave us a quick watercolor painting lesson. The view couldn’t have been more perfect for it! I can't speak for everyone, but I felt a little sad knowing it was our final night out there.

A group of hikers rests on rocks by a stream in the woods with a Canadian flag displayed above them.
Hikers explore a scenic mountain waterfall trail surrounded by moss-covered rocks and flowing water.
Someone smiling in a SWAT cap and navy shirt in a sunlit forest setting.
A group of friends taking a selfie together while smiling and enjoying nature near a waterfall outdoors.
Two kayakers paddle across a serene lake during golden hour with autumn trees reflecting in the dark water.
A smiling person in a baseball cap and sunglasses sits by a lake at golden hour.
A person paddles a Scott canoe across a serene lake during golden hour, creating ripples in the calm water.
Two kayaks drift along a serene forest lake during golden hour with paddlers visible in silhouette.
Two people paddling a canoe on a lake at dusk with evergreen trees lining the forested shoreline in the background.
A bright green snake with yellow eyes being gently held in someone's hand against a dark background.
Close-up view of hands holding a small green seedling in focus.
Purple bluebells bloom among green leaves in a garden setting with dark forest backdrop.
Canoes navigate through rocky waters in a scenic wilderness river surrounded by autumn foliage and evergreen forest.
Canoes navigate through rocky rapids in a scenic forest river surrounded by autumn foliage.
Canoers navigate through rocky waters on a scenic river surrounded by evergreen forest and autumn foliage.
Outdoor adventurers navigate a green canoe between rocky outcrops on a serene lake during autumn.
Outdoor adventurers preparing gear and equipment on a sunny day with backpacks and camping supplies.
Canoe adventurers in orange life vests prepare their boat for a journey through wooded surroundings on a sunny day.
Hiker carrying red canoe through dark forest trail between birch trees in late afternoon light.
Backpackers explore a dense forest campsite with tents visible among towering trees in dappled sunlight.
Someone wearing a whiskey t-shirt carries a large red canoe through a dark wooded forest trail.
Wooden bench interior casting dramatic shadows through slat design in morning sunlight.
Someone wearing camouflage pants holds a pocket knife outdoors in natural lighting.
Person paddling a green canoe numbered R22 on a calm lake with other boats visible in the background.
Orange tent rope secured to a tree trunk with camouflage bark pattern next to a green blurred background.
Group of people working together to lift a canoe near a rocky riverbank with tall grass.
Kayakers paddle through a serene forest lake surrounded by tall pine trees on a summer afternoon.
Two people paddling a green canoe on a calm river under overhanging tree branches on a summer day.
Group of kayakers paddle across a dark lake in colorful life jackets with forest backdrop at dusk.
People paddling canoes across a misty lake surrounded by evergreen forest on a calm day.
A green Scott canoe floats on rippling lake water with forest shoreline visible in the background at dusk.
A paddler in an orange cap and blue life vest checks their phone while sitting in a green canoe on a calm lake.
A group of people canoeing on a serene lake with forested shoreline in the background during summer.
Two people paddling a green canoe on a scenic lake with evergreen trees along the shoreline in summer.
Black canoes rest on the shoreline of a scenic mountain lake surrounded by autumn trees and evergreen forest.
A person relaxes on a peaceful lakeside beach surrounded by maple leaves, enjoying the tranquil waterfront view.
A group of people gather along a shoreline at dusk, silhouetted against dark water and forested background.
Two hikers wearing hats and long sleeves interact outdoors against a backdrop of autumn foliage.
A small wedding ring rests in an open palm against a dark blurred background.
Close-up of drum sticks and a black glove resting on dark surface with an orange cloth in the background.
Someone's hands hold a red and navy outdoor gear bag while arranging or organizing its contents.
Camping supplies including a water bottle, JetPower fuel canister, and snacks arranged on a rock in nature.
People relax on the beach with kayaks and gear while enjoying a sunny day near a forested lakeshore.
A group of people gathered at a lakeside shore with a Canadian flag during a summer gathering.
Hands holding a packet of Moonshot Pack Out BBQ flavored snacks against a blurred background.
Hands hold an unopened pack of Jack Link's beef jerky against a dark background.
A person wearing reflective orange sunglasses smiles while relaxing outdoors during golden hour.
Active person in athletic wear carrying a water jug along a scenic lakeshore beach with mountains in the background.
Person wearing a dark tank top and shorts walks barefoot at the edge of a lake while carrying a tote bag.
Hands tending to a small campfire with glowing embers and flames amongst rocks and ashes.
Hands tending to a small glowing campfire with embers and ashes in the dark.
A camping knife with orange handle rests on a log near glowing embers and sticks in a dark outdoor setting.
Three people gather around a campfire outdoors, sitting on logs and sharing a fun moment in nature together.
Friends gather around a campfire outdoors, sharing laughter and warmth in a natural setting surrounded by greenery.
Close-up view of brown hiking backpack with gear and patches attached against dark background.
A figure in a dark tank top and shorts poses against greenery in moody evening lighting.
Person in gray Kuiu pants holds a Zero Energy drink while sitting on rocks outdoors.
A group of people relax outdoors on forest ground while playing cards and having drinks together.
Backpacking gear including a black camping stove and orange gloves resting on dark soil in an outdoor setting.
A group plays card games while sitting on the ground outdoors surrounded by trees and foliage.
Close-up of hands holding wireless earbuds in a brown woven case with charging cables visible in the background.
Hands hold a metal flask with brown burlap cover featuring a bear paw design next to an orange backpack outdoors.
Hands holding bright orange paracord with camping gear and camouflage pants visible in background.
A dark leather notebook and red carabiner lie on forest ground covered in mulch and greenery.
Close-up view of hands rolling marijuana joints with cash and supplies on lap outdoors.
A bright campfire burns against stacked rocks while someone sits in the background during twilight.
A pair of hands connect a green charging pack to devices while camping, with red hiking boots visible in the frame.
Someone in a blue sweater sits on the ground reviewing hiking gear with a water bottle and backpack nearby.
Hands holding a partially unwrapped chocolate bar outdoors during twilight.

DAY 7

The night before, the rain came down hard, but by the time we were packing up camp, it had thankfully let up. The fog rolled in, adding a stunning touch to our last paddle. It almost felt like the fog reflected my own mood—cold, wet, and tired, yet I’d never felt more energized and alive.


We made it to shore, and everyone erupted in cheers. Our mission was accomplished, and the journey was complete.

A group of people paddle canoes across a misty lake on a cloudy day with red and blue watercraft visible.
Two paddlers navigate a misty lake in a green canoe on a foggy morning with forest in the background.
Two canoes with people paddling across a misty lake on a foggy morning with dark waters and forest in background.
Two canoes paddle across a misty lake surrounded by fog-covered shoreline in the early morning.

Otter Pointe Resort

After wrapping up three days in the wilderness, we were thrilled to arrive at Otter Pointe Resort just ahead of a big storm! What a perfect ending to our incredible adventure.

Check out our Oasis!

The journey is not just about the destination; it's about discovering what you're capable of!

The outdoors has a way of forcing you through tough, uncomfortable moments. But on the other side of that discomfort lies something profound—a longing to return. It humbles you, yet it also empowers you. You realize that even when you feel you’ve hit your limit, there’s still so much more you’re capable of giving.


That’s what makes this journey so special. Chelsea not only designed her retreat to be fun; it’s meant to show you your own resilience. You leave not just with memories, but with a renewed sense of possibility and newfound skills. Whether it’s a backcountry hike with your kids or a remote hunting expedition, you’ll be ready. And more than that, you’ll know you’re capable of more than you ever imagined.


This resonates with me as well. Although this wasn’t my first backcountry canoeing trip, it was my first time capturing an experience like this through photography, and I learned and grew a lot alongside these incredible women. Witnessing and documenting their journey was both inspiring and unforgettable, and I’m so grateful to Chelsea for trusting me to be a part of it!

Kayakers paddle across a serene lake surrounded by pine trees on a summer afternoon while wearing blue life vests.
A group of hikers pose with a Canadian flag at a cascading waterfall in a lush forest setting.
A paddler in a blue tank top sits at the edge of a green canoe on a calm river surrounded by forest scenery.