Almost as good as a walk in the woods! I can't wait to get outside!!! Thanks neighbor- from just across the border. Gee, I didn't know that I could grow Goji berries here. Happy Trails!🍁🤠🍂
Beautiful, Gavin! Thank you. I'm getting very little "done" these days as I've been in the woods every day. It's all I can think about. Headed out there right now. Happy November! The Beech trees are putting on a show here right now... xo
I always wanted to try surfing, I think I'm too old now. I didn't know you could surf Lake Huron.
I was having a good time body surfing in Cape Breton, until I rode in a really good wave and stopped dead when my forehead hit sand. That was very rude.
Me too! I have only skim boarded and body surfed my self but I had buddies out west that surfed near Tofino. Huron surfing would not be ideal for beginners like us (as I imagine you are aware) the shoreline is often gnarly and you only get solid surfable waves during big storms (usually in the fall, so a wet or dry suit would be required). The thought of surfing the stormy swells of lake Huron makes me think of this video: https://vimeo.com/24380083
Have you ever been to a pull out off the trans-canada highway on the north side of Lake Superior called "Old Lady Bay" ? I went body surfing there one time and there was some Hawaii sized waves coming in, gorgeous beach there too. I did some face plants my self that day haha
Your never too old! I have taught 80 year old beginners to downhill ski down diamond runs so I think you could surf if you really wanted to :)
I'm a water baby Gavin. I grew up in Prince Edward Country, water in every direction. I was a water ski instructor when I was 16, I wind surfed for years, I've sailed all my life and in some damned nasty weather, when I lived in Ottawa I went on whitewater canoe trips once or twice a year.
I have no desire to be dashed upon the rocks on lake Huron. That guy is insane.
I have ridden above (way above) Lake superior quite a few times, last time last year. It's pretty awe inspiring. Maybe next time I'll look for Old Lady Bay.
Ahh very cool! Despite being raised on the ski hill in Whistler, BC I have actually never waterskied before. I also began teaching (downhill skiing in my case) at about age 16. Do you ski on mountains at all?
I have kayaked down rivers and on the rugged coast of Vancouver Island but never white water canoed before. haha ya that Irish surfer filkmmaker guy is pretty intense isn't he... I am happy to see someone living live so passionately though, as I find that many in this modern world spent way too much time obsessing about safety (so much in fact that they find themselves safely and effectively from cradle to grave without having ever really lived at all).
You do not seem like someone that aligns with that modern day obsession with "safety" though so I am glad to know there are more people out there that are not afraid to get their hands dirty, get freezing cold and soaking wet to catch glimpse of magic in nature and trade in scrapes, bruises, blood, sweat and some scars for worthy skills, experiences and moments where once can sense the life pulse of nature.
The last time I was there it was august, a hot day and there is this crystal clear creek that meanders out of the Boreal Forest and through the middle of the beach. I spent a few hours swimming and basking in the beauty but wish I would have taken a week to camp out in the forest and explore the area fully.. it is on my list for a future camping trip now.
I looked up Tremblant. When I took out my knee the chalet was a double tongue and groove cedar panabode. And a parking lot. I've been ther many times since but I liked it better then...
Started Snow Skiing about 16, out of a book. Took a knee out on Tremblant about 17. Lots of mountains near Ottawa but not Rockies. I've skied Whistler/Blackcomb.
That knee is still bothering me. It's my only lingering injury.
Not particularly safety minded, you got that right. My motorcycles are essentially big dirt bikes and when I go down I throw my body between the bike and the ground. I do not do this consciously it is my body automatically concerning itself with the safety and well being of the motorcycle. On road however, I am totally concerned with safety because they are all trying to kill me.
If you want to go places that are hard to get to you're going to be cold and you're going to get wet too. (Dr. Seusse, I may be paraphrasing)
I hate campgrounds, they have people in them, I prefer crickets. Campgrounds do have hot showers.
I try to spend as much time in the woods as I can. I spent my 65th birthday sleeping outside, in a sleeping bag, in the woods, somewhere this side of Wawa. And that was just fine.
Looks like I was close to Old Woman Bay.
I used to stop at the Wawa Goose when I was young and crossing the country, there was a phone booth there, I would call someone. Anyone. No phone booth there now.
I am sorry to hear about your knee my friend. I was once working at one ski hill in the interior of BC and there was a particularly cowardly bully on the staff there who did not like that I refused to bow down to his intimidation tactics but was not confident enough that he could subdue me in a direct physical confrontation so instead he snuck into the rental shop where I kept my skis at night and loosened the bolts that attached the bindings to the ski frame. The next day I went to go off a jump and when I landed my ski came apart resulting in me rag dolling at a pretty high speed, dislocating my shoulder and knee. The knee still clicks and gives me some trouble here and there but I manage to mitigate stiffness and pain with a combination of fermented turmeric rhizome (taken internally) and a cannabis based topical salve (applied on the skin). I believe I share one of my recipes for fermented turmeric rhizomes in my book and here is a link to what goes into my Cannabis salve https://gavinmounsey.substack.com/p/sacredsevensalve Perhaps these could help you with your knee as well?
Whistler/Blackcomb is a giant corporate dominated rich tourist trap now a days.. you have to trek pretty far away from the valley to get some peace, but once you do, it is a gorgeous area in the mountains.
nice Dr Seusse quote! :)
The word "camp ground" means something completely different to me than it does to most people from eastern Canada as when I was young my parents were park rangers in the backcountry of the coastal mountains. Back then, (to me) a "camp ground" was barely discernable from a pristine forest by a lakeside, it just had little foot trails going to dirt pads for your tent and a picnic table (if you were lucky). These big messes of RVs and tarp cities crammed together in parking lots that charge you as much as a cheap hotel costs to stay there which I have had to familiarize myself with in Ontario when we go car camping are something I also do not like and prefer to avoid.
Old Woman Bay is not a campsite, just a day use area but I am not gonna let that stop me from stealthing out in the woods and setting up my hammock up on that ridge line overlooking the lake next time I am up that way.
I can't put my injury down to malice. I was at the top of the mountain, the lifts were closing, there was only one run that I was sure went down the north side of the mountain. It was a double diamond aptly named 'El Diablo'. It's my ACL, the injury remains as an indicator that I weigh too much. As an added bonus I had frostbite when I finally got back to the chalet. Yes, ski resorts are now all modelled after Disneyland.
One cool thing about canoeing in Algonquin Park is actually the camping. You are directed to only camp at campsites. They are nicely maintained, have out houses with TP, they always have firewood and they limit the traffic in such a way that you hardly see anyone. They don't have showers but you're in the water every day anyway. I always feel warmly towards the Yogi's.
I have a hammock as well. Third one. I had to lay out some cash to get one that would handle my bulk but it is lovely. Camping with a hammock is a method that doesn't really lend itself to campsites designed for tents and RV's but it's great for stealth camping. As are adventure bikes.
Almost as good as a walk in the woods! I can't wait to get outside!!! Thanks neighbor- from just across the border. Gee, I didn't know that I could grow Goji berries here. Happy Trails!🍁🤠🍂
Beautiful, Gavin! Thank you. I'm getting very little "done" these days as I've been in the woods every day. It's all I can think about. Headed out there right now. Happy November! The Beech trees are putting on a show here right now... xo
You are most welcome!
Sometimes one's spirit calls for the most important task to be one of stillness and reconnecting in nature, everything else can wait! <3
It always warms my heart to see your comments on my posts sister :)
Happy forest bathing!
I always wanted to try surfing, I think I'm too old now. I didn't know you could surf Lake Huron.
I was having a good time body surfing in Cape Breton, until I rode in a really good wave and stopped dead when my forehead hit sand. That was very rude.
Me too! I have only skim boarded and body surfed my self but I had buddies out west that surfed near Tofino. Huron surfing would not be ideal for beginners like us (as I imagine you are aware) the shoreline is often gnarly and you only get solid surfable waves during big storms (usually in the fall, so a wet or dry suit would be required). The thought of surfing the stormy swells of lake Huron makes me think of this video: https://vimeo.com/24380083
Have you ever been to a pull out off the trans-canada highway on the north side of Lake Superior called "Old Lady Bay" ? I went body surfing there one time and there was some Hawaii sized waves coming in, gorgeous beach there too. I did some face plants my self that day haha
Your never too old! I have taught 80 year old beginners to downhill ski down diamond runs so I think you could surf if you really wanted to :)
I'm a water baby Gavin. I grew up in Prince Edward Country, water in every direction. I was a water ski instructor when I was 16, I wind surfed for years, I've sailed all my life and in some damned nasty weather, when I lived in Ottawa I went on whitewater canoe trips once or twice a year.
I have no desire to be dashed upon the rocks on lake Huron. That guy is insane.
I have ridden above (way above) Lake superior quite a few times, last time last year. It's pretty awe inspiring. Maybe next time I'll look for Old Lady Bay.
That was one beautiful video.
Ahh very cool! Despite being raised on the ski hill in Whistler, BC I have actually never waterskied before. I also began teaching (downhill skiing in my case) at about age 16. Do you ski on mountains at all?
I have kayaked down rivers and on the rugged coast of Vancouver Island but never white water canoed before. haha ya that Irish surfer filkmmaker guy is pretty intense isn't he... I am happy to see someone living live so passionately though, as I find that many in this modern world spent way too much time obsessing about safety (so much in fact that they find themselves safely and effectively from cradle to grave without having ever really lived at all).
You do not seem like someone that aligns with that modern day obsession with "safety" though so I am glad to know there are more people out there that are not afraid to get their hands dirty, get freezing cold and soaking wet to catch glimpse of magic in nature and trade in scrapes, bruises, blood, sweat and some scars for worthy skills, experiences and moments where once can sense the life pulse of nature.
Have you seen this video before? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKo8oC0LHMU
I looked up that spot on Lake Superior I misremembered, it is actually called Old Woman Bay ( https://www.google.com/maps/place/Old+Woman+Bay/@47.7853504,-84.910531,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipNI7nRVrz8tGclWutxEmG4oKSYO9iTevjTD_Puk!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNI7nRVrz8tGclWutxEmG4oKSYO9iTevjTD_Puk%3Dw203-h152-k-no!7i4032!8i3024!4m7!3m6!1s0x4d47bae19dc3cbf7:0x13c924e1d4a6790b!8m2!3d47.7853504!4d-84.910531!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F1q5bmdvbv?entry=ttu )
The last time I was there it was august, a hot day and there is this crystal clear creek that meanders out of the Boreal Forest and through the middle of the beach. I spent a few hours swimming and basking in the beauty but wish I would have taken a week to camp out in the forest and explore the area fully.. it is on my list for a future camping trip now.
I looked up Tremblant. When I took out my knee the chalet was a double tongue and groove cedar panabode. And a parking lot. I've been ther many times since but I liked it better then...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2NMdpvMmLk
(I know, Whistler looks like that too)
Started Snow Skiing about 16, out of a book. Took a knee out on Tremblant about 17. Lots of mountains near Ottawa but not Rockies. I've skied Whistler/Blackcomb.
That knee is still bothering me. It's my only lingering injury.
Not particularly safety minded, you got that right. My motorcycles are essentially big dirt bikes and when I go down I throw my body between the bike and the ground. I do not do this consciously it is my body automatically concerning itself with the safety and well being of the motorcycle. On road however, I am totally concerned with safety because they are all trying to kill me.
If you want to go places that are hard to get to you're going to be cold and you're going to get wet too. (Dr. Seusse, I may be paraphrasing)
I hate campgrounds, they have people in them, I prefer crickets. Campgrounds do have hot showers.
I try to spend as much time in the woods as I can. I spent my 65th birthday sleeping outside, in a sleeping bag, in the woods, somewhere this side of Wawa. And that was just fine.
Looks like I was close to Old Woman Bay.
I used to stop at the Wawa Goose when I was young and crossing the country, there was a phone booth there, I would call someone. Anyone. No phone booth there now.
I am sorry to hear about your knee my friend. I was once working at one ski hill in the interior of BC and there was a particularly cowardly bully on the staff there who did not like that I refused to bow down to his intimidation tactics but was not confident enough that he could subdue me in a direct physical confrontation so instead he snuck into the rental shop where I kept my skis at night and loosened the bolts that attached the bindings to the ski frame. The next day I went to go off a jump and when I landed my ski came apart resulting in me rag dolling at a pretty high speed, dislocating my shoulder and knee. The knee still clicks and gives me some trouble here and there but I manage to mitigate stiffness and pain with a combination of fermented turmeric rhizome (taken internally) and a cannabis based topical salve (applied on the skin). I believe I share one of my recipes for fermented turmeric rhizomes in my book and here is a link to what goes into my Cannabis salve https://gavinmounsey.substack.com/p/sacredsevensalve Perhaps these could help you with your knee as well?
Whistler/Blackcomb is a giant corporate dominated rich tourist trap now a days.. you have to trek pretty far away from the valley to get some peace, but once you do, it is a gorgeous area in the mountains.
nice Dr Seusse quote! :)
The word "camp ground" means something completely different to me than it does to most people from eastern Canada as when I was young my parents were park rangers in the backcountry of the coastal mountains. Back then, (to me) a "camp ground" was barely discernable from a pristine forest by a lakeside, it just had little foot trails going to dirt pads for your tent and a picnic table (if you were lucky). These big messes of RVs and tarp cities crammed together in parking lots that charge you as much as a cheap hotel costs to stay there which I have had to familiarize myself with in Ontario when we go car camping are something I also do not like and prefer to avoid.
Old Woman Bay is not a campsite, just a day use area but I am not gonna let that stop me from stealthing out in the woods and setting up my hammock up on that ridge line overlooking the lake next time I am up that way.
I can't put my injury down to malice. I was at the top of the mountain, the lifts were closing, there was only one run that I was sure went down the north side of the mountain. It was a double diamond aptly named 'El Diablo'. It's my ACL, the injury remains as an indicator that I weigh too much. As an added bonus I had frostbite when I finally got back to the chalet. Yes, ski resorts are now all modelled after Disneyland.
One cool thing about canoeing in Algonquin Park is actually the camping. You are directed to only camp at campsites. They are nicely maintained, have out houses with TP, they always have firewood and they limit the traffic in such a way that you hardly see anyone. They don't have showers but you're in the water every day anyway. I always feel warmly towards the Yogi's.
I have a hammock as well. Third one. I had to lay out some cash to get one that would handle my bulk but it is lovely. Camping with a hammock is a method that doesn't really lend itself to campsites designed for tents and RV's but it's great for stealth camping. As are adventure bikes.