We actually saw people enjoying the water on a lake that we have passed many many times. That was different, and so nice to see. So often ball parks, manicured lawns, playgrounds are void of human laughter and activity.
We were headed to visit a friend we hadn’t seen in a number of years, She lives on a lake that is basically on private land, to get there one must travel a private road for miles. The kind of road where you see signs, telling you that it is private, and you travel it at your own risk. In other words it is maintained only by the people who own the land surrounding this lake.
It is isolated in a way, from inside her log and wood constructed home, when one looks out, one sees only the natural vegetation of the area. The trees on one side of the house are just an arms length away from the outside screened in porch .. where safely inside if you are very quiet, you can hear and see some of the daily activities of the creatures who call the wild area, their home. If you berry pick you do so knowing that a bear can be not that far away picking just like you.
The sun had been out, but on our arrival, thunder rolled across the sky, it seemed we were under a bowling alley, it was that close. From the shelter of the roof that covers the wide porch where we had parked, one can sit and just enjoy the storm as it passes by. Her son built her home, it is not a “cottage’ in the woods, it is a lovely big home, that can fit her extended family when they cone to visit It has a quiet charm, There is a television and with her two grandchildren spending summer with her, I was surprised ro learn there is now a computer in the house. There never had been before. I smiled when she thought for a moment, and said, “but I don’t think its working, besides the children are so busy being outdoors, i don’t see them on it” We are speaking of teenagers!
I have not used pictures from our trip, but very close examples of the ambiance we got to enjoy .. and appreciate for the time we were there. Unfortunately, we city folks were on a schedule of sorts, and had to move along. What I wanted to share was that.. so often I think that I am in a quiet place. AND…. in my reality I am, BUT yes (winks) there is always a but, what I found yesterday was that to really and truly enjoy the laid back environment I was in, I would need time to unwind.
When visiting I usually sit with my back to the kitchen, facing out at the lake, On nights where we have lingered after a meal, I have always been lulled by the quiet and total darkness that envelopes the home.
When staying with my friend, its an early night and an early day to a start to a day of fresh air and leisurely walks to scout out the new growth in the woods, or to admire her gardens that she loves to sprinkle in the cultivated areas on her property.
The last couple of years, she tells us that it is difficult to go into the wooded areas without being protected from head to toe because of ticks.
We were sorry to take our leave, but we did have a long journey back to the city. On the way we were going to stop in Kingston, interesting for me, that I was looking forward to some signs of a city, I wanted an iced coffee! Shame on me I know, but there you have it… as much as I enjoyed the hours of bliss in small towns, and the wonderful vistas of farm lands cottages, and lakes………………………..I wanted a Tim Horton*!
Namaste – Oyashikiri
*for non Canadians, Tim Horton’s is a coffee/donut chain
pics – Pinterest
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