I’m sitting on the back of a 30 ft boat right now, called the Anica Lee, facing in the opposite direction that we are heading. Everyone else is inside the boat, but I escaped to do a little writing by myself.

The view in front of me is absolutely breathtaking. There is a wall directly behind me, but for a 180 degree angle from side to side, and all I can see is river and sprawling mountainous landscape.

It definitely doesn’t feel like I’m in Ontario anymore, because we are not used to mountains or any interesting geologies in Southern Ontario.

The water almost has a greenish hue to it, as it fades into the distance. The shores to my left and right are green and tree-covered, but as they fade into the distance, they become hues of blue and grey. The humidity is not as bad here, but it is having enough of an effect to make the land appear misty in the distance.

There are very few clouds in the sky, just a few speckling the hazy blue horizon.

It’s strange how disconnected we are from the world out here. No wifi, no 3g or reception. Nothing but yourself and the nature.

All I can hear is the motor of the boat and the splashing of the small waves. Scratch that—I was literally just scared of out my chair by a playful Irish Setter pup named Bridgette that lives on the boat. My arm is now a bit slobbery, as she has taken a liking to me.

We’re currently on a 4 hour boat ride down the Nipigon River heading toward Bowman Island. We’re going to be spending the night at Bowman Island Lodge, a lodge that is only accessible by water or air. We will be completely isolated.

Just like now, we will be spending the entire night without the distractions of internet or frivolous entertainment. I’m not going to lie; this will be a challenge for me. But, I plan to make the most of it, and spend the evening relaxing and enjoying nature.

The lodge itself ended up being a lovely little place that was run by a friendly couple. Not only were they fully accommodating, but they seemed to go the extra mile to make sure that we were comfortable and happy. If I was cold, they would give me a jacket. If I wanted tea instead of coffee, they would boil the kettle.

I spent time sitting alone on the dock, taking a short walk down the rocky beach and relaxing with a few magazines (didn’t bring any books). I was able to have a nice nap, and woke up just in time for dinner.

Dinner was a tasty spread of pork tenderloin, lake trout and even… moose burgers. Yes, moose burgers. They tasted exactly like a hamburger, and I gobbled it down quickly. Everything was grilled up on the BBQ, and we ate with a wide view of the sunset.

Along with the main dishes, we had potatoes and Caesar salad. Dessert was blueberry pie and tarts, and coffee and tea were served at the same time.

The rest of the night was spent relaxing and enjoying the scenery. We watched as thousands of stars started to sparkle above our heads, as the sun dipped under the horizon and created a pastel palette across the sky above us.