Cambrian Survival Expedition 2007
Nova Scotia, Canada
Dates: 1-17 October 2007
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Price: £1300 inc VAT
The price includes all accommodation during the expedition dates, food, local guides, instruction, specialist equipment rental, public liability insurance, internal transfers and Park fees. It does not include airfares, alcohol, personal clothing and equipment and any extra activities outside the expedition programme. Note: We strongly recommend you take out your own personal insurance for the expedition.
Itinerary: Day 1
You will be met at Halifax International Airport and transported via Halifax to the Base Camp location, deep in the woods to the north of Kejimkujik Park. Here you will have the opportunity to relax, enjoy a hearty meal and drink around the camp fire and get to know the other expedition members and leaders. You will also be briefed on the forthcoming events and receive an in-country safety lecture. The first night will be spent in the comfort of tents.
Day 2-5 - skills training
The Base Camp location will be your home for the next 4 days. Here, you will become acquainted with the various skills needed to live and survive in this part of the world. Part of everyday will be spent learning the intricacies of the open 2 man canoe, which will be used for the duration of the expedition. This will involve learning about packing, portaging, safety procedures, paddling techniques and the J stroke, embarking and landing, capsize drills and much more.
Other skills training will concentrate on various wilderness skills you will require during the expedition, including some which are ideally learned in this part of the world. This will include primitive firelighting, navigation, birch bark containers and packs, Nova Scotian flora and fauna, first aid, shelter building and water purification techniques. We will also look at safe travel in bear country.
Day 6-15 - the expedition
Now comes the main part of the trip and the opportunity of a lifetime. The 10 day expedition will give you a chance to switch off the mad rush of the 21st century and experience the delights of wilderness travel by canoe, much as the early explorers would have done.
Following a series of talk by the Keji park staff on the diversity and natural treasures to be found in this area, you will load your equipment into your canoe and set off. With the focus firmly on enjoyment, adventure and exploration, you will push very deep into the Nova Scotia wilderness. Our guide on this phase will be one of the leading lights in open canoeing and wilderness preservation in Nova Scotia. With only the gentle splash of the paddle, you may find that you can get closer to nature than you ever thought possible.
Day 15
In the late afternoon of Day 15, the expedition shall beach its canoes for the final time. Once all expedition equipment is cleaned and packed away, you will be transported to a nearby log cabin. Here, you will be able to relax, enjoy a warm shower and look forward to a sumptuous meal.
Day 16
The following morning, the whole expedition will be transported to Halifax. Once we are booked into our accommodation, the rest of the day is yours to explore Halifax, do some shopping or just unwind. The city centre is within easy walking distance and many excellent restaurants and shops are to be found there.
Day 17
The final day will see you transported to Halifax International Airport for the flight home.