Holding onto the ‘OH SHIT’ bar in Chuck’s Jeep I rocked and wobbled as Chuck maneuvered a washed-out, two-track deep in the Canadian wilderness.  After miles of this I had to put my ‘ladies’ back in their support garment. 

It was August in 2017. Chuck and Jeremy led a group of twelve overlanders through undeveloped areas in the Canadian wilderness. We crossed “impassable” two tracks and forged streams in our Jeeps. Our son, Noah, 15, joined us on our caper.

We performed radio checks and we were off for our adventure! Each Jeep was equip with a radio so we could communicate while overlanding and react appropriately if someone got stuck. We also shared observations of wildlife and sang songs during the long hours on our way to the destination.

We finally reached our planned location and set up camp at the base of a rock wall SOMEWHERE in the eastern quadrant. “Be sure to hang your food. There are bears here.” As was proven true by the huge paw prints in the sand.  I shuddered.

Sticky humidity made my clothing cling to my skin as we set up the ‘taj ma – tent.’  The luxury of a cot, sleeping mat and tent was Chuck’s way to truly show his love for me.  He can unroll a hammock or wool blanket and sleep anywhere, but I am used to hotels. His care for me after my back and knee surgeries as well as torn cartilage in my hip was very thoughtful. 

I was ready for a swim in the nearby river after setting up camp.  All twelve of us were. I never expected northern Canada to have uncomfortable humidity.   So off we headed down the road to the river.  More bear prints were discovered and some scat, too.  The thought of sleeping in a tent unnerved me a bit especially with “Aunt Flo” visiting me at the time. (“Aunt Flo” is code for having my menstrual cycle.)

When we came to the end of the road we needed to walk through some thick brush to get to the river.  Stepping over the brush and maneuvering on the soft, uneven ground created sharp pains in my knee and hip.  Everyone was far ahead, so I tried a short cut only to get tangled in prickers. 

Chuck was nearby and gave me words of encouragement, but I let out a rant, “This isn’t a vacation.  I’d rather be on a cruise right now than deal with this bull *&%#.  This is ridiculous!  (Growl) Oh *#%# ! Sleeping in a tent when there’s bears…” Tears sprang from eyes. “This is stupid.  I can’t stand it.”  I sat on a bent over tree. These tears surprised ME, as I am usually helping others and I don’t let my feelings get in the way. However at this moment I was overwhelmed, uncomfortable and emotional. It was a lethal combination.

“I will take you on a cruise. OK?” Chuck pacified me. “You deserve a cruise.”

Wow! Did I just hear him correctly? Chuck on a ship with gobs of people? My tears dried up, “Really?” I asked aloud. He nodded. “Not in Thor?” I questioned. (Chuck has a zodiac boat pictured below.)

I moved forward through the thick brush and glanced behind me. Knowing how I get lost easily, I wondered aloud, “How are we going to find our way back to the road?” Chuck continued to be patient and guide me toward the river.   He reassured me that he knew where to go. (Of course he did, but I also knew my habits and was seriously doubting myself on many levels.)   

Soon we could hear the others talking about the river current and the muddy bank. I thought about what kind of cruise Chuck had in mind. I struggled to picture him on a large vessel full of strangers.

“We are REALLY going on a cruise? Not, on your zodiac boat, but a cruise ship?” I inquired to clarify as to the authenticity of the promise. “Sure!” Chuck smiled, “Come on!”

The shoreline was slippery mud, so I took off my shoes and slid into the water with as much grace as an elephant on roller skates.

Once I was in the water I “cooled off” physically and emotionally. I apologized to my fellow adventurers for my tantrum.  I shampooed and air dried on our walk back.  Chuck did the meal preparation and led the singing around the campfire.  All was good.

As darkness crept across the cliff, dragon flies buzzed around us. They fluttered and hummed as they ate all the of the mosquitos. It was magical. I felt delightful in the glow of the fire, the kinship that comes from singing and eating popcorn while drinking adult beverages.

Over the week we traveled on washed out two tracks, crossed rivers and found an abandoned mine.   Jeremy and Chuck had located places of interest which were rarely visited by others.   

As a storm clouds darkened and thunder rumbled, we took cover in our Jeeps. The banter on the radios in our Jeeps made the late night thunderstorm full of humor.   Even with my tantrum, the Fortune Bay group still accepted me. 

I have learned that I don’t need to rant with worry, all problems can be overcome. I have gained confidence and found some peace in the wilderness. I reflected on how I needed to be a better model for our son, Noah, who was on the trip with us. I also learned that I needed to invest in some athletic bras just for the Jeep rides.

Two years later, we went on a cruise….It was glorious for me! Walking freely around the ship with a glass of wine. We enjoyed sitting in the cool breeze on the deck which helped with the humidity in the Gulf of Mexico. There was Bingo, a pool and buffets. I was thrilled!

Chuck felt trapped, claustrophobic, but made the best of this subdued ‘adventure.’ We went on an excursion to some Mayan ruins. Chuck had an Indian Jones moment. He makes everything a memorable adventure!

I have learned to accept challenges, embracing them as we head into random locations and meet people who have stories to share. I now own more supportive intimate wear, so I am ready! We look forward to continuing many more capers as we look behind the curtain of life!