As promised, the wind was howling all night and is continuing into the morning hours. I had hoped to head for the Omega lake area for our explorations today but, those plans are immediately scrapped as we prudently determine to hunker down in camp. I finish cleaning up the fallen tree at the landing and an enormous half rotted but, dried out cedar stump so, we will have plenty of firewood tonight (If we can have one?)

We take turns lounging in the hammock, as I put away a few chapters in my book. Hide and seek, I spy, along with some other games help pass the time and, it’s cool enough that we occasionally retreat to the tent and play some rummy. It also gives us a cherished opportunity to just sit, talk and spend some quality time together. Another opportunity to turn a perceived curse into a rich blessing.

It should come as no surprise that spending time in canoe country is one of my deepest passions. And, as I try to do with all aspects of my life, I make deliberate effort to intimately incorporate my Savior into this activity. For example, when I read in Exodus about how the Israelites were sent out in the wilderness to be tested, it conveys an obviously relatable profound spiritual aspect to all my trips. And Jesus’ own words in the Gospel of Mark, “Come away by yourself to a lonely place and rest awhile.” (Mark 6:30) is, in my mind, nothing short of marching orders to visit canoe country!

And, while the ambiance of a warm campfire, the tug of a chunky trout (or, really any fish), basking in the glorious aura of a sublime waterfall, panoramic overlook, majestic old trees, seldom seen plants or animals can all be treasured moments; I believe the purest pleasure is allowing myself to be enveloped into the silence and, like my Blessed Mother, ponder things in my heart. (Luke 2:19) While this can, and should, happen just about anywhere. I think doing so while in an area that has been minimally trammeled by man, provides a closer connection to The Creator. As Robert Cardinal Sarah exclaims in his book, “The power of silence: against the dictatorship of noise” Silence is sacred.

While Aurora is keeping herself entertained, I take this opportunity to deeply reflect on my life. Most especially the past few years and the heartache associated with the unfortunate happenings in that time frame. And the hazy uncertainty that seemed to perpetually hover over me while trying to move forward with my life. Not that it’s really something to celebrate but, by the grace of God, after 2 and a half years my divorce was finalized earlier this spring.

While there were (and are) many different resources that I’ve been utilizing in my continuing spiritual journey; one important resource has been music. And, to that end, one of the songs that has really spoken to my heart recently is actually a canoeing song by Jerry Vandiver (One Match). It’s titled; “The morning fog has lifted” and, like all truly great songs, it can be easily applied to many different stages of life.

I’ve had the enviable pleasure of meeting Jerry once at a bwca.com wing night several years back. Of course, he sang songs around the campfire while he was there. But the fact that he helped me jump start my van that day spoke loudest about what kind of person he was/is. I believe one of the violinists he used was also from Albany, MN (a town I lived in and by for several years!) It’s amazing how God intertwines these special people into my life – for however briefly and yet, their impact is lasting.

This is turning out to be a bizarro day. Strong winds gust most of the morning but, by early afternoon, they are beginning to ebb. And seeing a couple of other canoes out on the lake we decide to head out ourselves and explore the eastern end of the lake. It is still quite chilly, but the sun is out, and the waves are manageable. Aurora is non too enamored with the fishing here as things are very slow. However, I can manage without her help paddling so, she can enjoy the ride.

There is a small little back bay landing near the eastern most site that seems to be inviting us in so, we oblige and pull in. This is an elevated peninsula site that provides an exceptional view. Although, there are a few large downed trees sprawled across the site that block convenient access to one of the tent pads and serve as a stark reminder that wind will likely be an issue at this site. Still, it’s a welcome diversion and, Aurora enjoys exploring while tossing rocks over the precipice into the lake.

We also stumble across a note left in a small Ziplock bag about a lost dog. The incident appears to have happened last September so, hopefully there was a happy resolution. I seem to recall something about this on bwca.com but don’t recall the particulars.

Eventually we start to work our way back to camp. As we approach the back side of ‘our’ island we are afforded complete protection from the light breeze and will have calm waters the rest of the way. Astutely realizing the favorable conditions, Aurora requests to paddle by herself the rest of the way. I quickly acquiesce and rest my paddle across the gunnels. Naturally, it is difficult to maintain a straight heading with a bow paddler only and I tell Aurora as much as we zig-zag towards camp. While this will certainly take us longer, she stubbornly persists her solo endeavor. However, there is no discernible cause for concern as we are in a well-protected channel and, the realistic worst-case scenario is that we may get a little too close to some overhanging tree branches. Yet, almost uncontrollably, I feel the irresistible urge to offer an occasional stealthy correction stroke from the stern. Upon discovery of this treachery, Aurora vociferously rebukes me! “I want to do it myself!” My natural instinct is to help her as she struggles but, upon reflection, I know she needs to do this by herself – even though I fully realize there will undeniably be frustrations encountered. It’s actually a watershed moment (pun intended) as I step back and realize my little girl is growing up. And, as much as I want to protect her, I realize that it truly is in her best interest to work through some of these tough situations on her own. Still, the interior mental battle I have with myself is probably a greater struggle than she is having steering the canoe. In the years ahead, I'm sure relinquishing control is a lesson I’ll need several reminders to willingly accept. Hopefully, I’m not too hard headed in my discernment when those opportunities present themselves.

Predictably we arrive safe at camp where we enjoy fresh F&D polish & fried potatoes with “stinky” cheese. (This is our moniker for asiago cheese.) And, it has been a long-standing favorite on our camping menu. Aurora doesn’t care too much for the polish but devours her portion of the potatoes and has some of mine as well. A good thing too, as it sounds like we’ll need full bellies tonight as the temperature is expected to drop severely. A beautiful pinkish hue dramatically illumines the evening skyline as we enjoy the warmth & ambiance of a crackling campfire and each other’s company before retiring to the tent where a few more games of rummy are played before bed.