The author is sipping tea on the eve of a week-long winter trip--over a decade since she first tramped trail with Mike Elrick into the winter wilderness. This evening holds for her the same electricity that it did in 1997--anxiety and excitement--when Elroy guided a motley crew of teens (his gang) into the woods and frozen waters of Algonquin Park. With his wealth of wisdom, Mike carefully crafted those frozen days of prospector tents, baking bannock, singing, solos, star gazing and frozen-fingered guitar groove into the first few steps of a semester-long journey. Their journey meandered through winter, spring and summer, and explored a rich geography of life that failed to penetrate their school walls. They were intrepid, exploring the confluence of community, environment and leadership, and gaining invaluable life skills to meet the challenge of any life expedition. This journey was the Community Environmental Leadership Program (CELP). This semester-long program wasn't just a casual wander through the wilderness. CELP proved to be a challenging expedition into uncharted territories of communication, conflict resolution, teaching and learning. Mike was an anchor and an ear through all of their tumult. He had patience and passion to match all of their angst. He spoke to them as though he were sharing their journey. These memories have informed so many experiences of continued growth and learning for the author, constantly encouraging her to live well.