Did that month actually happen? I remember writing a couple of checks beginning with “1” and ending with “2012”, but I could have dreamt that. I’ve had much wilder dreams than that one. So where in the heck did I put that month? i must have misplaced it. Perhaps it will turn up later if I don’t think about it. Maybe I’ll find it when I’m hunting for June.
Speaking of which, the PLAN is to take a road trip in late June, up to the wilds of Canada where there is a lake…a long lake with first-come-first-serve campsites. The PLAN is to take our canoe and all necessary gear, fasten these items in and above our vehicle (a Kia Sportage with license plates that read “HpyPlce” for Happy Place, not Hippy Place), drive up to Canada, adventuring along the way, to said lake. When we reach the lake, we hire some outfitters to take us to the north end of the lake and turn us loose. We paddle and adventure south, criss-crossing the lake while camping until we get back to where we parked our car. It should take about 5 days, the whole trip 2 weeks.
That, my friends, is the PLAN.
Plans can change, so don’t hold your breath. There’s a lot of organization to do, but not by me.
Me? I just make a list and grab my stuff, making sure I have my comfy pillow, change of clothes, warm sleeping bag, tent, food (that means chocolate), and a means to light a fire. I usually forget something.
Al? Well, he’s a little different. Currently, he’s in Research Phase….meaning… he’s on the internet sussing. What is he sussing? Everything and anything that has to do with canoeing and camping. When he is done, we will be well organized and PREPARED for just about anything. My little list will pale compared to his masterful one.
In point of fact, this is HIS trip. I’m just going along for the ride. The only thing I refused to do was adventure with our dogs. I’m sorry, but I really did not want to travel through two states and into bear country with our dogs. I’m afraid I was forced to put my foot down on that one…primarily because our dogs haven’t even been introduced to the delights of canoe travel. I’m sure they would like it. I’m sure I will get tossed overboard as they learn to like it. They are rather opinionated pups.
No, the dogs can go to Happy Dog in June, not Hppy Plce. I will even volunteer to make the reservations. We can take them sometime when we are closer to home.
ALSO…. I don’t even know how to canoe very well. Fortunately that’s not a problem because I’ve been assigned to the front seat. I just need to know how to paddle and synchronize my strokes with Al. I can do that. Al does all the rest. I want to learn all the rest, but I’ve got a few more months.
I love that canoe. I love being on the water and trying to paddle as quietly as possible. I love seeing all the water fowl….ducks, geese, king fishers, osprey. We’ve seen the occasional sea lion as well.
Hopefully we can get out this week. The weather has cleared up some and warmed up. This usually happens this time of year: we get a couple of weeks of nice weather. It’s supposed to be 58 today. Sounds like canoe weather to me.
True, this PLAN is a far cry from a Cruise ship….but it will be just as rewarding. Probably more so.
Chronicles of Cammy, my Fool's Journey and Travelogue 
I am wonderfully envious This sounds like one of the best ways to spend 5 days that I can think of, absolutely magical. Your canoe sounds like an life-enhancement tool, what a great present for yourselves. And yes, the time goes by all too quickly. I understand it only goes faster as we get older, alas. More’s the reason to enjoy every moment. You are a great model for that !
Thank you, Vivia.
I’m looking forward to going out into the middle of the lake at night with the stars overhead and their reflections below. That’s on my bucket list.