The Big Question. Why the heck are we doing this?

I have been asked this question many times throughout the years. 

I answer as best I can, trying to paint a picture with my words. 

My paddle pulls me through these scenes and my mind consumes the visions relayed to it via all of my senses. 

I am absorbed into the natural world and become lost in its embrace.  


Perhaps, this short video will help solidify my words. 

Night time closes in us while we are still on the trail. Canoe Tripping in Algonquin Park.

Liam and I arrive at the junction of the Crow River and White Partridge Creek at approximately three pm. 

The journey to this juncture has tested us and has left us wondering if we should continue on. 

Our food is dehydrated. Water is required to re-hydrate it. I was far from comfortable taking the water from the relatively stagnant river. Regardless of how good our filter is, Giardia and other little bugs are just waiting for new hosts. 

As I wander up the small incline at the start of the next long portage, I encounter a campsite littered with glow sticks. My reaction is inevitable. 

That same reaction re-rejuvenates my diminished energy levels and we decide to move on. 

As I move through the long portage trail, the creature within my book "A Long Paddle Home" comes into my mind like a wraith and pushes me. 

We are in trouble! Day two in Algonquin Park

Liam and I embark on our second day of paddling. We had no idea of the trouble we were about to face. 

The low water level on the Crow River forced us to abandon the thought of actually canoeing. 

We had to embrace the reality that we were going to have to walk several kilometers before gaining paddle depth water. 

That is the beauty of a canoe trip; you never know what is around the next bend.