Gary Newton found himself overwhelmed by the roar of the seaplane as it descended toward Lake Ookiama. This was his first experience joining his friends on their four-day escapade into the Canadian wilderness. To him, staying in a five-star hotel felt like roughing it.

His friends, Josh Landis and David Houghton, had persuaded him to partake in their annual outdoor adventure. The idea of no phone service, no internet, and using outhouses was far from appealing to Gary. However, they promised him it would be a transformative experience.

Gary's brother, Mark Newton, co-owner of the Newton Dress Company, had also encouraged him to go. After discussing it with his wife, Debbie, Gary decided to give fishing a shot.

The group of eight flew from Toronto to Thunder Bay with Air Canada and then drove five hours north to their destination. From there, they boarded a floatplane to reach a remote area of the Canadian wild.

The floatplane, a Cessna Caravan, bore the name "Stoney Davis Charters," the company contracted by Far North Outfitters to transport anglers to their fishing camps. The pilot, a tall man who appeared uninterested, guided the group on how to load their bags efficiently.

As they began to load the plane, Gary suddenly stepped out of line, claiming he had forgotten something crucial in his carry-on. The pilot, skeptical, warned that unpacking would delay their departure, but Gary insisted it was vital. He watched anxiously as his bag was retrieved, and to the amusement and irritation of his companions, he revealed he had only needed his Fitbit to track his physical activity during their trip.

After a lengthy loading process, the pilot briefed the group on safety protocols. Gary jokingly mentioned his life jacket as he boarded, but his humor fell flat. Once airborne, Gary expressed his discomfort with flying to Josh, eliciting groans from the others.

The aerial views of forests and lakes were stunning, but as they approached the water for landing, Gary made a regrettable decision: he inflated his life jacket, causing chaos in the cabin. Josh and the others were baffled by his antics.

Upon landing, Josh asked Gary about his lifejacket mishap, to which Gary explained he wanted to be prepared for any emergency. After a strenuous trek to their cabins, Gary expressed his confusion about the lack of air conditioning, which led to some light teasing from his friends.

Fishing soon commenced, and Gary revealed his aversion to touching fish, prompting his partner, Marty Jacobson, to handle the fish he caught. Despite not helping with the food preparations during their barbecue dinner, Gary could not resist boasting about his lavish dining experiences, which his friends found tiresome.

As the days progressed, Gary's behavior continued to irk the group. He struggled with the basics of camping life, from brushing his teeth to helping with meal prep. His comments often fell flat, and it became apparent that he was out of sync with the camaraderie of the trip.

However, a turning point came during an outing with Bruce Michaels when Gary suggested they fish near the shore. The success of this venture helped him realize the value of teamwork and the importance of being a good sport. Gradually, he began to shed his entitled demeanor.

By the final days of the trip, Gary was actively participating in discussions and helping with meals. His transformation was remarkable, and he even apologized for his earlier behavior.

On the last morning, Gary requested to fish with Marty, and they bonded over shared experiences. As they prepared for their final shore lunch, Gary's humor and enthusiasm were infectious, and he became a welcomed member of the group.

When the trip concluded, Gary expressed gratitude for the adventure and the lessons learned. His friends were pleasantly surprised by his growth and willingness to engage with the group.

As they returned to the airport, Gary reflected on how his initial reluctance had shifted into a fulfilling experience. He thanked his friends for their patience and friendship, while also deciding that perhaps another fishing trip was not in his future.

Reunited with his wife, Gary looked forward to a comfortable vacation, free from the rigors of camping life. His idea of a perfect getaway was one that involved luxury and relaxation, far removed from the challenges he faced in the wilderness.