That’s what three youths from Choiseul decided to do during their trip to Honiara.
From their village at Posarae, they jumped into a dug-out canoe and endured a 20-day journey all the way to Honiara.
The expedition marvelled 700 youths currently attending the Seventh Day Adventist Church Ambassador Congress at the Marantha hall, Burns Creek.
Many could not believe this has happened in this day and age.
But Linton Vatora, 24, with his two nephews Jugha Japson, 25, and Nipla Thomson, 17, made it safely to Honiara through rough and hostile seas.
In Honiara, they joined the first-ever Ambassadors Congress, which is being attended by more than 700 students around the country.
Day one of the congress, on Sunday during the official opening, and a canoe was displayed at the hall.
Many wondered why such a thing would have found it self there and be put on display at the hall.
To answer their curiosity, the story of three young men travelling in a dug-out canoe from Choiseul on a 20-day journey was revealed.
Throughout this week, this expedition had been the talk of the youths attending the congress.
The journey started on June 3rd and ended on June 23rd.
It’s a risky journey not worth taking given the continuous bad weather condition which had been experienced in the country last month.
Team leader Mr Vatora said it was his idea to take on the challenge and describing it as an ‘Island Hopping’ expedition.
This was after they heard that a congress is coming up at the end of June.
With very limited finance, the trio decided to give it a try by paddling after an aunty in Honiara wanted her dugout canoe delivered.
The other reason is to try and experience the old ways of transportation between the islands in a dug-out canoe.
“In the past our great grand fathers travelled between islands in normal dugout and war canoes when there were no outboard motor and fast crafts.
“So with this opportunity coming up, I decided with my two nephews to go on a similar journey,” he said.
Mr Vatora who is an Adventist youth leader for Choiseul said money has been a setback for most of the youths in the province from travelling to Honiara for the congress.
“We also face similar problems with finance as well so we decided that this is the best option for us,” he said.
After much consultation with their family members and relatives, the trio decided that the trip must go ahead.
Their parents and relatives could not argue more.
They left Posarae in the morning, which is on a Thursday and paddled all day to reach Robroy island, where they spent the night.
In the morning they left for Wagina island arriving Friday evening and spent the weekend.
On Sunday morning they left Robroy, crossing the Choiseul - Isabel border and spent the night at Arnovan Island, which is a conservation island and a tourist attraction site, where turtles normally came to lay their eggs.
They left on Monday morning and reached Kopikolo on Isabel where they rest and spend the night.
Then they took the south route down the Kia district which faced the Russell Islands.
On the southern side of Isabel they spend two nights at a logging camp at Matanata during their second weekend.
They also stopped by Jejevo, Biluro, Talise at San Jorge Island and spent each night at these communities with some of their relatives who are living in these three villages.
They also participated in various programs especially telling their experience.
At Sepi, the village chief was also interested in their journey and interviewed them how they managed to travel from Choiseul and through to Isabel on their way to Honiara.
Early the next day, they left Sepi and then crossed the straits paddling all day to Savo.
They arrived at Panoeli village at 6.30pm in the evening and spent more than four days there participating in their weekend program.
After recovering well from their trip they finally took their last journey from Savo.
They left Savo on Wednesday 23rd June in the morning and arrived at Kakabona later in the evening at around 6.30pm.
They resided with a friend at Kakabona for the night.
Mr Vatora said the trip was rather exhausting and tiring because they paddled all the way.
“We have no sail what so ever with us,” he said.
Mr Vatora said although they have enjoyed their expedition they encountered challenges that are related to the heat of sun, rainy weather, rough seas, strong wind, thirst and hunger.
“Sometimes, we think of giving up but in our hearts, we remained strong that we must reach our destination,” he said.
He said one thing which really gave them hope and courage is through their daily prayers during the entire trip.
“We never stop praying to God throughout the trip and it had paid off, which is a living testimony for us as youths,” he said.
He said they never ran out of food because along the trip, the communities have provided them with food ration and water to last their trip.
“During the trip we received assistance from many communities through food and water where we stopped,” he said.
The trio said they would cook their food like rice or potatoes which could last them for two days.
Apart from their luggage they also have a cooking pot, knife, medicine, matches and containers of water.
The trio said they ensure that they travel during the day.
They did not even have a compass because they can see the land during the day.
The boys have thanked all the communities who have supported them along the way.
While the future is still young for them, Mr Vatora they would not hesitate to try out a similar expedition in the future.
But the challenge he left is for some more youths to try their route.
The three are the only ones representing Choiseul at the congress, which ends tomorrow.
Since their arrival they have received assistance from relatives and friends in town.
On their return trip they will travel on board MV Lauru or any available transport heading Choiseul’s way.
By MOFFAT MAMU & DENVER NEWTER
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