I’m the first one awake, perhaps not just in the house but seemingly across any of the spaces nestled along the shores of lake Kagawong.  Save for the loon I can hear somewhere across the water, I am alone in a moment, and if I’m being perfectly honest I am unsure of how much I want to write about or describe it.  I could paint words about he how the water, calm and peaceful, is ever so gently kissing the rocks and roots of the land by feet.  I could try to detail the very specific colour of the sky as the sun touches the trees on the shore across the lake.  I could try;  but some things are better left experienced.

I’ve never been to Manatoulin Island before and after only being here a little over 12 hours, I can say that’s a real shame.  Driving in off the ferry, the car in front of us seemingly headed slowly for the same destination, our immediate instinct was not a need to speed up and pass them, but instead to was back and follow their lead.   As I’ve explained the past: I don’t slow down well.  It takes a great deal of effort for me to not exude effort, but when I have chances such as the one I do this weekend, I also know it would be inconsiderate of me to not give in and let go.   It will be a quick turn around, as we are only here for two nights, but I plan to get the most of the 40 or so hours in which we find ourselves surrounded by nature, adventure, and, perhaps most notably – friends.

The kids are back at home (thanks, Gran!), and Alison and I are awarded this opportunity to move at an adult pace, enjoy a meal with conversation and explore the things we want to explore.  The bikes are tuned, the canoe is at the ready and the paddle board has already taken a tour around the dock; we’ve probably packed an ambitious amount of gear for such a short period of time, but that seems to be the way we like to do things when opportunity presents itself.  And while that may not sound much like slowing down or taking in a breath, I will point out that slowing down is not the same as stopping altogether.

I’ve abandoned work, I’ve left behind my worries and penchant towards ‘fixing’ everything, and I’m aiming to purely enjoy what this is. I’m going to play out the agenda as it presents itself, I’m going to drink my morning coffee peacefully by this lake, I’ll likely go for a walk towards ‘whatever’, I’ll probably throw the disc around for a bit, and I’m going to enjoy every moment of laughter that this group of friends provides.

It’s a rare and fleeting situation, and while I want more than anything to write down every detail, in truth so much hasn’t happened yet, so instead of sitting here sharing with you how wonderful it is, and all the things I want to do, I’m going to go ahead and do them.

I hope you all have a weekend too beautiful to describe.