Year 1. Algonquin
For
the last dozen years at this time of year as the seasons turn, I’ve been
camping and canoeing in southern Ontario
parks with my pal David. We have been transported on two trips to Algonquin, two to
Temagami, two to Massasauga, two to Kawartha Highlands, one to Haliburton
Highlands, and three to the jewel in the crown, Killarney.
Year 2. Algonquin
Year 3. Temagami
We
have witnessed the spectacular in sun-bleached skies and star-laden heavens,
gales and downpours, frosty mornings and breezy afternoons. We have been awed
by magnificent scenery in lakes and rivers, canyons and cascades, waterfalls
and woodlands, marshes and mountains. We have encountered ravens who bid us
welcome and loons who lull us to sleep.
Year 4. Kawartha Highlands
Year 5. Temagami
Year 6. Massasagua
We have constructed and been toasted by
roaring campfires long into the hours of darkness. We have eaten heartily and
drunk merrily.
Year 7. Massasagua
Year 8. Killarney
Year 9. Killarney
We
have mooted a lot of ideas, spouted a lot of drivel, and laughed our socks off.
We have ruminated about the world we have temporarily left behind and pondered
where it is headed.
Year 10. Kawartha Highlands
Year 11. Killarney
It is
a wonder to me to feel so enriched by Nature’s effusive embrace and reassured
by the knowledge that this majestic land and lake scape will sustain itself for
eons after we are dead and buried.
Year 12. Haliburton Highlands
