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Sept 16, 2003 It was hard to come back from vacation and go back to the daily grind. One full week spent camping with a panoramic view of the lake as far as the eye could see. I dont think Ive ever been anywhere so amazingly quiet before in all my life. Of course we did pick the first week of September when the kids are back in school, but it was a still lake and aside from the haunting sound of a loon and a few howls from the wolf pack, it was quiet. We have been camping just about every weekend during the summer, but nothing compared to Haliburton Forest in Ontario, Canada. There are trails galore that are not only well marked but designated as easy, moderate, difficult, steep, or use at your own risk. We took turns doing moderate and difficult trail, as we are avid hikers. For the past five weeks I have been working out at Curves gym and the results from that definitely paid off. Our walks were at least two hours and I wasnt out of breath and my legs felt strong and solid. I think I would have passed out prior. We ate well, keeping with my diet and staying fueled for the amount of walking we did. Every night around the campfire we drank up chai tea and reveled in the beauty around us. There are ten wolves in Haliburton Forest being taken care of by a committed and caring group of people. We went into a building, which housed many artifacts and informational pieces about wolves, but the best part was seeing the wolves. They run around over fifteen miles of land, we were lucky enough to be there when they were being fed. That was quite a site indeed! Beautiful creatures that they are, Ive always been fascinated with them and this was as close to a highlight as watching the sunset over the beautiful calm waters. I must mention that while we do love camping, it is reinforced by the fact that we dont quite rough it and most people do. We bring along quite a few luxuries and that includes wine to go with our steak dinners. Thank goodness for car carriers or there would be no way possible we could tote all our loot. Our large three bedroom tent was a treat for us this year, knowing we would be taking a lot of mini camping vacations but especially in preparation for the week long one we just completed. Next on our agenda was a dining tent after many mosquitos and tree fuzzies covered our first few meals back in June. Between lanterns, a barbecue, a collapsible sink, camping shower, and a humongous cooler, we knew we were ready for anything. Its not that these things cant be done without, it is just more convenient. The weather was great for the whole week with only thirty minutes of rain in the early morning which didnt deter us at all, we just slept in. Already the leaves of the trees were changing color, preparing for the beauty of Fall. There was a small part of me that wishes summer would last a little while longer, but watching the maple trees change their colors to a flaming red or vibrant orange and gold here in Canada just makes the changes easier. Originally I am from the Oregon coast and never saw much for the changing of the leaves. There was a briskness in the air that was a nice welcome from the previous humidity but it also reminded me winter isnt too far off. Last year was a long cold winter and I am keeping my fingers crossed that its a little shorter this year. Many things excite me about fall and it stretches from fall fairs, pumpkins and squash, Halloween, my birthday, Thanksgiving, and again the beautiful hues and tints of the leaves on the trees. It also means I get to go back to wearing jeans, my favorite fleece vests, and look forward to grandmas handmade sweaters. Because we were on vacation my son got to start school a week late. I didnt hear too many complaints but he was certainly missing seeing some of his friends and I dont blame him for that. He is a great little camper and a big helper. I laugh when I think back to the first time I took him camping, he wasnt thrilled with bugs, sleeping in a tent, or just about anything having to do with the great outdoors. Now he is a pro and proud of it. I give him a lot of credit though, when I was his age I think I was a big pain and thus my parents rarely took me camping. Now as an adult I really appreciate the beauty of what we have been given and prefer to take refuge in the great outdoors rather than do the tourist things or stay in hotels. Camping seems to balance me and is great inspiration for when I write. This past week was a much needed break away from the daily grind, work, writing, noise, traffic, and pollution. For seven days we breathed in fresh air, appreciated Mother Natures artwork, and felt rejuvenated and relaxed all at once. We dont get the chance to get away nearly as much as we would like, especially now that the warm weather is leaving us behind, but in many ways that makes the vacation even more special. To take time out and treat ourselves to such a piece of heaven, well that is vacation enough for me to last at least until spring! ------------ About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author with works in Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Lost Souls, and various anthologies including Labor Pool Horror Tales, Broken Mirrors, and the Romancing the Soul series. Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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