We were trying to figure out what time it was by the position of the sun. One person had a watch. “3:30!” I called out. We paddled in a group today instead of a long line. Eva and I were miraculously keeping up and the red canoes had formed a pod, talking, laughing. “2 o’clock!” … Continue reading Dressing
Circa ’77
Stolen Lunch
The food was heavy on the back, light in stomach. We were ten 13-year-olds and two counselors aged 16 and 17. We were without cell phone, RN on duty, sunscreen, supervision. We were alone, canoeing across miles of deep Canadian lakes. I was the girl with the appetite of a man. I was always hungry, … Continue reading Stolen Lunch
Bigfoot
I grew up under the roof of Yonkers-Irish idiom, which included a touch of Yiddish. Other sayings were made up entirely. “I called that man and gave him what for.” “People want to hear you play the piano! Where’s your hutzpah?” “What’do you want? An egg in your beer?” “See you on the campus!” In … Continue reading Bigfoot
Portaging: The Can Sack
“Because the activities involved in canoeing activate hearty appetites, don't skimp on food supplies.” - Temagami Canoe Routes I had it in my head that the can sack was 100 pounds. It could have been 500 pounds, but regardless, when we got to the edge of a lake, somebody’s back had to transport it over … Continue reading Portaging: The Can Sack
Canada Series: The Send Off
"Far in the grim Northwest beyond the lines that turn into rivers eastward to the sea, Set with a thousand islands, crowded with pines, Lies deep water, wild Temagami..." -- Archibald Lampman Canada’s wilderness would become a new playground for us, but right now, Eva and I hopped on a bus and listened to the … Continue reading Canada Series: The Send Off
Circa 77 