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The Way I See It: Why Do I Canoe Trip?
Why do I canoe trip? My answer is not easy, nor is it the same as anyone elses. Sometimes it's hard to explain in words the reasons why, but here's my attempt:
- to wake up every morning, and be genuinely happy to start the day
- to experience something new every single day that most people will never get to experience
- to get good, healthy exercise - without it seeming like work
- to breath in crisp, clean air
- to appreciate what I have in life
- to sit and contemplate in silence
- to forget about the pressures and responsibilities of everyday life
- to accept different pressures and responsibilities - those of protecting nature and ourselves
- to enjoy the small things - like the leaves blowing in the wind
- to really feel alive
- to enjoy the company of others who have similar interests
- to learn valuable lessons in life, which sometimes can be learned in no other way
- to learn respect for the natural environment, and everything that is in it
- to be amazed by the complexity of a seemingly simple life
- to be amazed by the simplicity of a seemingly complex life
- to really understand what it's like to be cold
- to test my limits
- to gain appreciation and respect for the amazing power of nature
- to finally get to the end of the portage and realize that it was worth all the pain
- to really think about something without being distracted
- to appreciate those who I call friends
- to see stars that are never visible in the city
- to see sunsets that can never be done justice in a photograph
- to share a smile or a conversation with a complete stranger
- to paddle across a lake that is as smooth as glass, surrounded by perfect fall colours
- to go to bed exhausted, but happy
- to sleep more soundly than I thought possible
- to learn who I really am
That is why I canoe trip.
Darren Cope
Oct.17, 2001
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