Up North and Off the Grid

Still Canoeing…                                                                                

By Viki Mather

I always wonder as I paddle silently along the shore, why so many people put their boats away before the ice begins. Pick the right day, especially early morning when there is no wind, and canoeing in December can be the most breathtaking boat ride of the year.

Of course, with a half kilometre of new ice between me and the water, it can be challenging to get started………. 

Once I got through the ice, I turned around to take a picture of the path I made.

The ice is paper-thin where it is newest.

The forest in its cloak of snow is magical.

A light breeze begins as I approach the end of the bay, erasing the perfect reflections from the dark water. Perfect icicles formed from waves splashing during the wind the day before. 

Under the cedars, the ground water freezes into long icicles.

Heading homeward again, I follow the path I made earlier. Is this likely to be my last day of canoeing for 2006? Maybe….maybe not. I’ve parked the canoe on the dock. Just in case the wind should come up and take the ice away, giving me one more chance to float upon the still waters.

 
Viki Mather is owner of Kukagami Lodge, a northern Ontario wilderness resort at the southern boundary of the Temagami forest. Web: www.kukagamilodge.com , email: lodge@kukagami.infosathse.com Viki has lived in the wilderness for 25 years, without electricity or running water. Read these columns monthly to discover wonderful ways to live in harmony with nature, bring edible wilds into your kitchen, thrive without plugging into the grid, and enjoy a healthier life.