Dear friends,
This morning, Sadie let us sleep in a little longer so we all woke up rested. I had to traipse only once through the dark trees with a flashlight to use the pit toilet so that’s a win!
The weather here has been marvelous throughout our stay. Sometimes, we’ve had thunderstorms or hard rains, sometimes we’ve had wind so loud I couldn’t fall asleep. Sometimes the temperature has fallen into the low 40s at night and risen only to the 60s during the day. But this year, we can’t complain: sunny skies, seventies and a light breeze during the day with high 50s at night. Perfect for camping and for beach time.
We start with a morning walk to the beach and a simple breakfast of granola, yogurt and coffee. Then, we grab our chairs and our coffee and head for the beach where we let Sadie swim to retrieve toys. We take turns throwing so we also each have time to read and sip our coffee and soak in the landscape. Sadie runs along the water, sometimes making me sprint to keep up.
After a light sandwich lunch, we drive a kilometer down the road to the one and only Agawa Camping Grocery Store. It’s one of those places that advertise as soon as you leave Sault-St-Marie. Every five kilometers or so, a new sign pops up, informing us of crafts, gas, groceries, WiFi, dog walk, carvings, moccasins,…
You’ve seen them. You’ve stopped at one. They’re a wonderful spot to people watch and survey the mix that comes through on this northern highway. Dutch immigrants (she told someone), bikers of both sorts, conservative Mennonites, dogs, RVs of all sizes, life-size moose, tipi, old and young folks in a variety of modes. And then there’s the Canadian food, like chips with dill pickle flavor. We drink a cup of coffee at the outdoor table as we watch.
The beach soon calls us back. We spend another few hours on the dog beach, we at rest, Sadie at play.
Later, at the campsite, I pull out my ink and paper and make some nature prints from the flora around us. Another walk, another quiet time.
We prepare one of our favorite camping meals for supper: hobo dinners. Using all foods from the Goshen Farmers’ Market, we slice potatoes, carrots, onions, cheese and crumble ground beef. Then we place it all inside two leaves of green cabbage, wrap the packet in foil and cook it in the coals of the campfire. A great ending to a day filled with slow, easy living.
Sights of the day: the first red, fallen maple leaf, the sun skimming the lake, a half moon among a sky of stars.
Time to ponder those life questions as we sit by the fire. How do we decide what is too much work? How do we set boundaries between work and play?
Here’s hoping for another clear night,
Rachel
I love your shoes!!
How very lovely! Wonderful letter and pics!