This past summer, a group of young women ages 17 to 22 embarked on a journey few ever dream of, a 40-day canoe expedition along Canada’s Coppermine River, beyond the Arctic Circle. Guided by leaders from Camp Widjiwagan in Minnesota, they navigated whitewater rapids, carried their canoes across long portages, and adapted to the shifting moods of the northern wilderness. Along the way, they built resilience, teamwork, and memories to last a lifetime. Outdoor Research proudly partnered with the group, equipping the women with rain jackets and rain pants to help them stay dry, warm, and protected through every paddle stroke. We eagerly awaited their return to hear the stories from the boat and beyond. From grueling portages to surreal views of the Arctic Ocean, their reflections revealed the joy, challenges, and personal transformations that came from pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone. And as we learned from their story by making this journey by canoe meant their success truly hinged on teamwork. We are proud of their story and honored to be able to share some of their highlights. Meet Some of the Team Flannery McGreevy – Guide, Senior at the University of Hawaii Manoa in Global Environmental Science Daphne Cooper – Camper, Freshman at the University of Vermont Marjorie Borer Seabloom – Camper, Freshman at Grinnell College Vivian Turback – Camper, Freshman at Loyola Chicago University in Nursing Photo by Melissa Brand. Before the Trip: Planning & Anticipation Flannery McGreevy (Guide): “I got the call about this trip in February and was immediately excited. At Widji, we call this kind of expedition a ‘Voyageur’ trip—it’s rare, remote, and demanding. I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Preparing for the journey required months of logistics, from food planning (think 760 tortillas and 252 cups of oats) to repairing tents and canoes. “We had 40 days of food, about 800 pounds total,” Flannery recalls. “The sheer scale of prep was mind-blowing.” For Marjorie, the anticipation had been years in the making: “My brother told me about this type of trip almost ten years ago, and it became a personal goal. I was excited for the adventure and nervous about whether I could keep up with the challenge.” Vivian summed up her feelings before the trip: “So many nerves, so much excitement, and even fear. But I reminded myself—it’s something that would change my life.” On the Water: Challenges, Awe, and Teamwork A Typical Day Most days meant 12–14 hours of paddling, portaging, or both. With the midnight sun overhead, the group even flipped schedules to paddle at night when the wind was calmer. Meals were quick, and layover days were almost nonexistent. The Hardest Moments Flannery recalls the brutal triple-portages of week one: “By the end of a 1-mile portage, we’d each walked six miles with heavy packs. There were tears, but also pride.” Vivian found her greatest challenges were mental: “Sometimes I’d think, ‘I can’t keep going.’ But 9 out of 10 times it was just a mental game. With encouragement and laughter from the group, I got through it.” Daphne remembers “bug week,” when swarms of black flies tested everyone’s patience. Yet even those low points became part of the bond that carried them through. Joyful & Awe-Filled Moments Running whitewater brought both fear and thrill. “Gliding past huge rocks and waves threatening to tip us—it was a rush like nothing else,” said Daphne. Marjorie’s moment of awe came when the group rounded a bend into the Canyon section: “The red cliffs on either side were breathtaking, with a patch of blue sky breaking through. It felt like another world.” For Flannery, the most unforgettable view was reaching the Arctic Ocean itself. “After weeks of hard work, seeing that horizon felt surreal. We had made it.” Teamwork Above All Every participant emphasized teamwork as the key to success. “Canoeing is inherently a team activity,” Flannery explains. “I couldn’t have done this journey alone.” Marjorie agreed: “From communication during rapids to simply offering encouragement, teamwork was essential.” Photos by Flannery McGreevy. Unexpected Moments & Lessons Learned The river offered plenty of surprises. On day one of whitewater, a canoe pinned against a rock forced Flannery into rushing water to push it free—“like a mom lifting a car off her baby.” Later, navigating blind through a canyon of 100-foot cliffs left the group both shaken and proud: they ran it clean, never swamping a boat. Marjorie recalls getting stuck on a shallow rock mid-rapid. “It was frustrating in the moment, but later it became one of the funniest stories we told.” Through it all, they built new skills—from repairing packboats with duct tape to mastering new paddling techniques like “Mother Ducky,” a pod-formation style that let them run long rapids together. Most importantly, they discovered strength within themselves. “I learned I can do hard things—and stay positive while doing them,” Flannery reflects. Vivian adds, “After this trip, I truly feel I can accomplish anything.” After the Expedition: Reflections & Takeaways Vivian: “Honestly, it was heartbreaking. I never wanted to leave the girls who had become my family. The end was surreal—after so much anticipation, all of a sudden it was over.” Daphne: “Without the obstacles—the bugs, the portages, the rapids—the highs wouldn’t have been so rewarding. The strength and trust we built are what made the trip.” Marjorie: “When I got home, the first thing I did was eat fresh corn. But the memory that will stay with me is seeing the Arctic Ocean for the first time. It was accomplishment, awe, and sadness all at once.” Flannery: “We celebrated back at camp with family, friends, and real food—meat, fruits, veggies. It was the perfect way to end.” Would they do it again? Every single one answered yes—with minor adjustments: better boots, more coffee, and, as Vivian added with a laugh, “definitely more underwear.” Photos by Flannery McGreevy. Closing Thoughts Journeys like this go far beyond the miles traveled. They’re about testing limits, relying on teammates, and finding joy (and let’s be honest laughing at times at the situations we decide to put ourselves in). With the right gear, preparation, and spirit, these young women paddled through challenges few encounter and returned even physically and mentally stronger. Thanks for including us in your journey, we are truly inspired! >> Shop the Aspire 3L Rain Jacket and Rain Pants.
