It’s the
silence mainly, that keeps me returning to this amazing place. Perhaps it's the
magnitude of the park also, with stunning views in every direction. Being
larger than the entire province of Prince Edward Island, the more than 1500
lakes and endless miles of trails in Algonquin Park make for countless
possibilities.
Complete, and
only interrupted by the welcome and equally soul-lifting cry of the loons, it
seems to totally surround, wrapping your being in a cocoon of calm, deafening
in its nothingness.
After a day
of travel by car, by foot and by canoe, we set up our camp on an island located at
the eastern edge of Rain Lake. Eight of us: brothers, sons, cousins and nephews
connected by blood and by our mutual love of this place.After setting up, I leave the group and paddle off alone, circling to the other side of the island. The water is perfectly still and flat like a mirror, but for the wake of my passage. The reflections of the clouds and the trees are extraordinarily vivid, another world viewed upside down in the black still water.
I stop
paddling and take it all in. The silence is complete, perfect and soul-cleansing. I exhale fully and am at peace. I remind myself to soak it in and burn this scene to memory.
After some
time, I reluctantly return to my group, joining in the laughter, the camaraderie
and the fun. This family is a blessing to me and I am pleased with the
knowledge that my sons will retain these memories forever.
At some point
my youngest nephew says to me “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I agree. “Do you want
to paddle around the island with me?” he asks. “You bet, Matt” I say, smiling. “There’s
nothing I’d rather do.”
