“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
Big, Blue Duffel: Intro to the Canada Series
(circa 1980) An original life is unexplored territory. You don’t get there by taking a taxi— You get there by carrying a canoe. –Alan Alda The Canada series starts in LaGuardia airport in New York, with my mother running after the camp director, yelling at his flanneled back, “Make sure my daughter takes her medicine!” … Continue reading Big, Blue Duffel: Intro to the Canada Series
Swim Lesson
I jumped out of the car and ran across the driveway, my sandaled feet slipping over the loose gravel. My Great Aunt Dotsie was taking down her stiff towels from the line. My Uncle Tommy was already counting for hamburgers and hotdogs, pretending not to see my younger sisters. The tiny yard smelled of charcoal … Continue reading Swim Lesson
A Ghost Story
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single ghost in possession of a haunted house must be in want of a scare. Block Island is the black sheep of the northeast Atlantic. I grew up going there two weeks every summer with family and cousins. Leaving it after the two weeks gave my heart … Continue reading A Ghost Story
Circa 77 