Not Missing Fall
I get frantic this time of year.
Will I have enough time to enjoy the transition between summer and fall and the change of leaf colours before autumn settles in with bare trees?
I think I’m doing a good job so far! Luckily I’ve scheduled 2 of my 5 workshops during September and October so it has been a great excuse to get out.
Monday I went up to the Unceded Territory of the Algonuin Anishnaabeg People (Algonquin Park) to scout some locations for 2022 Photography & Adventure workshops. The canoeing component to these workshops are definitely more sought-after.
Paddling a creek in the backcountry of Algonquin.
It was a really empowering day. I’ve done a lot of solo canoeing but around other people lately. I’ve gone on solo canoe trips, but it’s been awhile since I’ve done something like this on my own.
There was a lot of wildlife along this creek. Can’t quite tell what bird this is, but looks like some species of hawk.
I packed a day trip bag, some snacks and 2 cameras. It had rained for days and when I finally arrived at the creek I wanted to explore, the clouds started to break.
The sun behind me lighting up the grasses creek-side.
My heart just kept feeling heavy and heavy. Like I was holding onto something. I was in the middle of the backcountry all by myself.
But with a deep, long sigh, I let it all go. I wasn’t afraid. Hell no. I was happy. My heart full of joy. A joy so intense that I felt tension.
No matter where I looked, the scenery was breathtaking.
The sound of my paddle cutting through the water and my breath were the only things I could hear.
And maybe the startling of ducks and a few warblers.
I so desperately tried to believe I was hearing the rut of a moose off in the distance, but no. It was probably just my empty stomach.
Instead I heard the snorting and chewing of a couple of curious river otters munching on fish.
It’s taken me years to actually enjoy paddling. I used to hate it. But I find that my body actually craves it. It’s the motion of moving the canoe through the water using your core and muscles.
Paddling your own canoe opens up more opportunities for adventures. I no longer have to rely on my husband to get me into the backcountry. Or even just to go for a paddle.
Paddling on top of clouds. Sensory overload.
Everywhere I looked along this creek was a beautiful landscape. I’m excited to bring a group of adventourous souls here for a photography tour next spring.
Reflections on the water. Reflections in my soul.
You know those grins that make your cheeks hurt? That’s how my face felt after my adventure here.
It’s taken awhile to open myself up to feel joy. Life has been pretty tough this last little while. But allowing myself to remember that life is a balance of sadness and joy has allowed me to see more good and hopeful things in life than bad. I’ve felt far too much heart-crushing sadness. It’s time to find hope.
I hope you can join me on this adventure next year! I love meeting people who enjoy pushing their boundaries and with that comes a feeling of accomplishment and confidence.
All good things,
Cobi
