And, after working extremely hard since arriving in Fort Simpson last spring -- he's had jobs at the Northern Store, Toy Lending Library, Nahanni Inn and even worked as a clown for kid's parties -- Bellefontaine figures he's now saved enough money to go and visit these computer friends.

He'll be leaving for his home in Nova Scotia at the end of February and then off to England to began his journey, which he hopes, will take him around the world.

"I figure it's the only time I'm going to get (in life) where the time will truly be mine," he says when asked why he's departing now.

Ironically, Bellefontaine didn't know much about computers until he came North. Once here, he latched on the computer his family had bought and quickly discovered that the world was at his beck and call.

"I'm probably spending 50 or more hours each month on the Net," he says of his computer habits. "Now I know people from all over -- especially in Asia."

And, while travelling can be expensive, Bellefontaine isn't too concerned about money. He's now saved quite a bit and says he'll return to his native Nova Scotia or find work in Europe should funds run out along the way.

Regardless of what happens, he'll be missed by all those who have met him in Fort Simpson.

"Thanks to the Internet, I have friends all over the world," Bellefontaine, who is about to turn 21, says. "I have friends in Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and England."

And, after working extremely hard since arriving in Fort Simpson last spring -- he's had jobs at the Northern Store, Toy Lending Library, Nahanni Inn and even worked as a clown for kid's parties -- Bellefontaine figures he's now saved enough money to go and visit these computer friends.

He'll be leaving for his home in Nova Scotia at the end of February and then off to England to began his journey, which he hopes, will take him around the world.

"I figure it's the only time I'm going to get (in life) where the time will truly be mine," he says when asked why he's departing now.

Ironically, Bellefontaine didn't know much about computers until he came North. Once here, he latched on the computer his family had bought and quickly discovered that the world was at his beck and call.

"I'm probably spending 50 or more hours each month on the Net," he says of his computer habits. "Now I know people from all over -- especially in Asia."

And, while travelling can be expensive, Bellefontaine isn't too concerned about money. He's now saved quite a bit and says he'll return to his native Nova Scotia or find work in Europe should funds run out along the way.

Regardless of what happens, he'll be missed by all those who have met him in Fort Simpson.