Crystal Clear Water and Murky Plans for the Future
(written August 12)
From Espanola, we ventured onto Manitoulin Island. It’s the biggest freshwater island in the world, with 100 or so lakes of its own. Driving around, finding Bridal Veil waterfall and a beautiful beach on Providence bay were highlights from our time there. After camping on a side road and witnessing a thunderstorm with bright lightning, we made our way to South Baymouth to catch the ferry to Bruce Peninsula.
This ferry was a recommendation from our friend Stu (from Chapter Six), and it was well worth it. We got into the National parks there, and did a hike on the Bruce Peninsula where we found some of the most beautiful water on the shores of Lake Huron. It looked like somewhere tropical, and though cold, it was crystal clear and a beautiful green color in the shallower sections.
(cup and saucer hike on manitoulin island)
That night, we drove to Owen Sound, and then the next day made our way through blue Mountain and Wagawa beach before heading down to Niagara Falls.
Niagara was one place I really was looking forward to, and though the touristy shops everywhere and heaps of people were not necessarily our cup of tea, the falls themselves were absolutely stunning. There’s just something about seeing that much water fall that far, witnessing the sheer power of nature, that leaves you feeling small yet inspired. It was definitely worth the trip.
(niagara falls)
Throughout the past few days, lots has been on my mind. We are a little over two weeks from finishing our trip, and this chapter of life will end.
A problem that I seem to have is trying to figure out which one of the many ideas I have am I going to actually focus on. I’m reminded of this past year, and some of the things that I tried to start and get involved in, and I feel discouraged, feeling like I left without accomplishing much. It’s a lie that keeps taking hold in my mind.
I tend to think that at this point in my life, I should have accomplished more. I should have a house, a proper job, maybe a business or two, or really, just anything that seems a bit more permanent than the transient life that I’m living now. Why is it that I have such a hard time acknowledging the amazing opportunities that I have right now, in front of me, and always look towards the other side, where the grass seems greener?
(lake huron as seen at bruce peninsula)
The next day, we headed into Ayr, where we came across a cool group of guys who I was introduced to in Copenhagen. Cam, Joe, Nolan, Jordan are partners in a distillery, brewery, restaurant and farm, and were kind enough to show us around. Seeing their process, tasting their gin and beer as well as some of their whiskey tests, walking through their farm and talking with their chef in the restaurant was a grounding experience. To see these guys, who have learned on their own and have taken the time to put care into the products they are creating, all in this small farm in the middle of a town no one has really ever heard of, it’s cool.
(two different gins, same base recipe but very different finishing techniques, willibald farm)
(the front of the restaurant and distillery, willibald farm)
(whiskey tasting, willibald farm)
It was amazing to be there, and a reminder to me that for those who have found a place to pursue their purpose, it’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. It’s also something I have to find again.
So as we venture on to our last couple weeks, I plan on finding a balance between thinking about what’s coming next and enjoying and soaking up everything that this trip is, which is to see amazing places in Canada. Our next stop: Canada's capital city.
