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 push ourselves to near exhaustion. Day Three - Algonquin Park.

Liam and I wake up as the faint light of a new day infiltrates our tent. We pack up our gear, load the canoe and head out to see what the third day of our trip in Algonquin Park has in store for us.  

We have deep reservations about the planned route.
Low water levels have us questioning our ability to make it to our next campsite before nightfall. 

The day begins with a Bald Eagle as it flies out from the south shoreline, it circles us and then heads back the way it came. Omen - Maybe. 

Portaging thoughts while canoe tripping in Algonquin Park.

Stay tuned! 

Liam and I embark on the third leg of the trip. 

Tired from the night before, we plunge our paddles into the cold water's of Crow Bay. 

We head out for a day which will direct the course of the rest of our stay in Algonquin Park.  

As we wander, I begin to imagine what it would be like to walk with the ancient ones through this place of mystery and wonder.  

The writer in me begins to see the pages of a new book.