Paddle In
Jack returned from the far north after an adventure of 42 days and 1500 km paddled to within 10 miles of Hudson Bay. Along the way his group came across fires that had been started by lightening which caused them to reroute their trip. Their trip staff were taken up in a helicopter to view the situation and plan a way around the fires. We knew there were fires in the area, we didn’t know how close they came to the fires. They could feel the heat and the smoke was so bad they had to wear wet bandanas over their noses. They camped in a completely burned out campsite. I think it was more dramatic than we thought but what an adventure. Libby returned from a number of trips the last one being in Quebec where there were no fires and no fire ban. She was, however, in an area prior to her last trip that was on fire after they left. The fires are still burning. We didn’t see any but we could smell the smoke. The sunsets were spectacular.
On Monday we went up to camp and had lunch then we went out to the campsites. With a few wrong turns, you cannot believe how much all the islands look alike up there, we eventually found Jack’s campsite. He is always such a gentleman and he came down to the shore to help his grand mother who was driving the boat, land on the rocks. You should see the propeller!!! We had a great visit there and after an appropriate amount of time for catching up, we headed off to Libby’s campsite. John and I had been to see her last year but for Katie this was a first for her to see her daughter at her campsite. Last year Katie was working in Salt Lake City which made it impossible for her to get to Northern Ontario. There is a big difference between the two campsites but no less enthusiasm for what they did all summer. The woods and the rivers call their names and out to paddle is what it is all about. Being unplugged for six weeks and connecting with people not with machines and Snap Chat is a wonderful experience. They came back with an appreciation for the environment and the risks that can be found out there as each group had to acknowledge the fire situation, as well as a strength that they didn’t know they had. We hope this carries through their school year. They both have big years ahead as Jack is a Senior in High School and Libby in her last year at Middle School. They have the keys to help them navigate what is in front of them.
Bean The Retriever
We learned while we were up at the lake that little Bean, who is a Westie, thinks she is a retriever. Wyke, who is a retriever, will go after a stick or a ball but he isn’t very good about bringing it back to where you happen to be. Bean on the other hand, heads to the stick and brings it all the way back in. I have never seen a little one like that be so eager to go and get a stick and bring it back. I just had to take a video of her. Hope you get a kick out of it.
Eating Out
We don’t eat out when we are up the lake except for the camp for a couple of meals and the obligatory stop at Loon Lodge for a Loon Burger. No, it’s not made of loon, it’s just a souped up hamburger. There is nothing good about it or the onion rings that come with it but once a year a little grease is ok. At least I keep telling myself that. I came home from Temagami craving a Caesar Salad with fresh romaine and lemon and garlic and Parmesan cheese. Years ago we took Jack to Lake Temagami at the age of 18 months and we actually stayed at Loon Lodge. We have a picture of him sitting on the table while we waited for our lunch. He has changed a lot since then. It’s tradition folks. Happy faces!
Returning to our own Lake
We are back from the lake and heading for the sea this week. Referenced above, a new propeller is being put on the boat and it is getting a much needed clean up. Kids have gone home and now we are going to head to Maine to see some southern friends. It appears we do not sit still very long at all. It was a long trip from Temagami to North Hatley but we did it. We left the lake at 9:31 in the morning and we were back on Massawippi by 7:45pm. It’s not bad to be back. We had a super busy weekend ahead of us with celebrations of the marriage of good friends and a beautiful christening. The baby is the great grand child of one of my mother’s sisters and she wore the christening dress that had been in our family for over 100 years. It was pretty special and very meaningful to be there to witness this special event. My mother would have been so pleased.
The Goodness of Seeds and A Recipe to Try
Here’s a wonderful graphic listing the benefits of adding seeds to your daily diet. So much goodness packed in such little things. Add a few and see how you feel.
Lemon and Herb Roasted Potatoes
We are not talking French Fries here but a healthy version of a really good staple in most diets. There are lots of good reasons to eat potatoes (not poutine please) among other things they are a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and phytonutrients. (Keep the skin on for the most bang for your buck.) Once again this recipe is from Blue Zones.
INGREDIENTS
5 pounds potatoes, scrubbed and cut into thin wedges (Yukon gold work well)
6 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup good-quality veggie broth
½ cup water
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
3 teaspoons sea salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
DIRECTIONS
Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F and oil a large baking dish.
In a large bowl, stir the potatoes, garlic, olive oil, broth, water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Pour into baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven until potatoes start to brown, for about 40 minutes.
Add oregano and mint to potatoes, stirring to combine. If potatoes look dry, pour another ½ cup broth to dish.
Return dish to oven and bake about 30 minutes longer. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Tradition Times Two
Every year for the last six or seven years I have taken a picture of Jack and Libby sitting on the swing in North Hatley. They have grown so much and they love to see the changes in themselves and now tell me how I have to take the picture. Jack is wearing his Bay Trip shirt and Libby her Wabun shirt. They are strong and healthy and happy and so are we to have them home again.
