I'm three days into a five-day trip along the fabled Missinaibi River with Missinaibi Headwaters Outfitters. I joined the group of seven paddlers at the town of Mattice along Highway 11. They'd already been on the river for several days but by the end of my first day, I knew this would be an exceptional trip. Not only because I would sample the angling of this remote river, but because I’m joining four strangers who quickly become friends, and guides whose exemplary cooking, camping and paddling skills make moving through the remote wilderness a distinct pleasure.