- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

Out of a mutual love of nature, Emily, Cody and Jack have founded Samsara Wilderness Tours so they can make a living doing what they do best.

Samsara is a Sanskrit word meaning wandering or flowing and evoking the cycles of rebirth in the natural world. The threesome are going to bring people to nature with guided tours in the southern Georgian Bay area, beginning with four day-trip routes this summer.

Two tours will be on the Saugeen River, one on the Nottawasaga, and a beginner canoe experience will be on McCullough Lake. In all tours, introducing or developing canoeing and navigating skills will be blended with sharing the history of the area, the natural landscape and local flora and fauna.

Samsara is quite ready to customize trips for groups or families, and plan longer trips on the French River and other routes. For more advanced paddlers, navigating water ways, wilderness survival and compass skills will be part of the experience.

The three friends know from their own experience that the learning and life changes that can come only in nature are far superior to anything in an urban environment. They want to help people leave stress and technology behind. Emily cites Dr. Richard Louv, "This – what we're offering - is Vitamin N."

Emily Walton comes from a small farming community in south-western Ontario. She grew up going to summer camp, but her grade 8 class trip to camp Celtic was the rite of passage she had waited for all through her school years. As soon as she could, she went to work at the camp and returned every spring and summer through her undergrad at Guelph, teachers' college at Western and outdoor education specialization at Nipissing.
During the school year, Emily teaches at a small private school in the region that focusses on the outdoors and entrepreneurship.

Jack Doris is from Toronto, and spent his younger summers swimming and canoeing at the family cottage in Quebec before getting his summer job at Camp Celtic. His degree is in Health Promotion from Queen's University.

Cody Walker is the most local member of the team. He went to Sullivan Community School in Desboro, and studied Outdoor Adventure Education at Sir Sanford Fleming College in Lindsay.
Among them they have full credentials in first aid, lifesaving and level 4 canoeing.

The three met at Camp Celtic six years ago, and credit the well-respected camp with developing the bond of trust, the skills, and the sense of fun and adventure that they are ready to share with you.

Samsara is planning its first trip for July 7. Paddlers from age 7 up are welcome, and all tours will be adapted for the individual group. All equipment is provided.
So whether it is the gear, the knowledge or the company you lack to do this on your own, Samsara is ready to fill in the gaps and give you an authentic experience you'll never forget.
For more information, check their website  or Facebook page.