By nightfall, we arrived at the Bubble Hotel—part of the enchanting Centre de l’Hêtre, an eco-conscious retreat tucked in the forest near Quebec City. Known for its immersive nature experiences and transparent domes, the centre is dedicated to helping guests re- connect with themselves and the natural world. It was the perfect stop to transition from the buzz of the city into the stillness we were seeking. Snowflakes danced above the transparent dome as Leone and I giggled in the dark. Protected from the elements by the heated dome, we slept under the stars, the hush of snow and the excitement of what lay ahead surrounding us. Day 2: Into the depths at Flintkote Quarry We woke to a snow-covered wonderland. Trees bowed under the weight of fresh snowfall. “Ohhh mama—ohhh wowww,” Leone whispered, eyes wide. After a bit of play, we packed up and headed to Flintkote Quarry. The road was frozen and wild, but our Outlander PHEV held firm, with Super All-Wheel Control and the vehicle’s snow mode helping us carve a path through the forest with ease. Prepping the site The quarry stood still. Quiet. Sacred. Because of the heavy snowfall, we began by shovel- ling a path on the ice to allow sunlight to filter through to the water below—my natural underwater guide. Without it, I would’ve been diving into pitch black, with only the triangle hole as my light source. We pierced the ice using an auger, manually drilling three holes in a triangle formation. Using an ice saw, we connected the dots. One hole for entry. One for exit. The ice was 36 centimetres (14 inches) thick. Moving the slab underneath the ice was more physic- ally demanding than anticipated. We chipped it down, section by section, until we had a safe, open space. Inside an onsite container, I suited up: Elios wetsuit, gloves, socks, fins, straps and a mask. No snorkel, just trust. Then, I stepped onto the ice and reviewed
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