We were surrounded by white caps, traveling on a long stretch of lake between two dense shorelines of pines, in the Canadian wilderness. Branches overhung the shallows. There was nowhere to stop. It was every canoe for itself. In seconds, a strong wind rushed our canoes as if a giant fan had switched on. Was … Continue reading The Boulder, 1981
Canada
Lily Dipping
It was the third week of our summer canoe trip. Eva and I were making our way with eight 13-year-olds and two counselors, aged 16 and 17. We were living among the loons and Canadian lakes with a paper map and tents and red canoes, eating from the cans we carried on our backs during … Continue reading Lily Dipping
The Surprise
I was the girl who could climb trees and outrun boys. Dusk made me invincible, as if I were running faster than I actually was, so I loved to play games like Manhunt when the light was fading and I could tear across a stranger's lawn or an empty golf course. So, in Canada, when … Continue reading The Surprise
Dressing
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
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
Circa 77 