Change of Plans!
Another stunner day. Blue skies without a cloud and perfect temperature - about 22. Didn’t get up to much today. We got the day started at 9am with toast and coffee. Sat in my chair in the morning sun and soaked it in and somehow an hour disappeared.
Went for a little walk around the campground and looked at things. Then went to connect to wifi. Got talking to another visitor who was here alone with her dog too. Texted a couple friends and then remembered Stephanie’s lesson on Turtle Island was at 11 so we drifted over to the spot a few minutes early. Jubs wasn’t settling so I took her back to the car where she could just wait it out.
Stephanie did a fantastic job. She brought her bundle again and explained the various items. She said that all things that are sacred are either found or gifted and they are only come into your life when it’s meant to be. She brought a few ribbon skirts and asked each of the women visitors to wear one. I think I got the prettiest one. She explained the symbolism - the skirt is to protect a woman’s child-bearing abilities and also when she has kids, the kids are protected by the skirt and then the grandkids etc as they are wrapped in the skirt metaphorically.
No question was too dumb and there was no judgment at all. She also explained that she is learning everything too, as a survivor or residential school. She said that eeveryone in her community in her age group were completely disconnected and were heavy drinkers. At some point not that long ago many got clean and began to learn about their heritage for the first time. She said she’d only been learning for about ten years and she’s in her sixties. I found this deeply sad but also a hopeful example of resurgence and perseverance. She is the embodiment of openness and her willingness to teach those willing to listen is inspiring.
Afterwards, I came back to the site and decided to tackle the chaos of the car. It needed to be done. It will all come undone again but it doesn’t much matter at this point. I’ve got five more nights here and then with one night in Sault St. Marie, a couple of nights at Chutes and then Cabin, it just needs to not get left behind. It’s funny, I’ve been living out of the car for three weeks and it’s only now that I think I’ve got a better system, just as the bulk of the trip is done. Oh well.
Decided not to have a nap today but it was impossible to fight it. So we napped. It’s Jubs fault. I blame it on her.
I’ve had about 50% success with my dehydrated meals. Some have been delicious, others have been inedible. The inedible ones are more a function of gross recipe rather than dehydrating issues. It is definitely A LOT of work to dehydrate all these meals. I don’t think I have the patience to do it again with the exception of prepping for backcountry trips. I’ve managed to eat better this time around, and to figure out how to keep perishable foods for small periods of time. Most of the parks are close-ish to groceries and I’ve decided it’s not much fuss to do a town run every few days to be able to eat well. I’ve figured out a good rhythm.
Am considering going for an evening paddle. It’s beautiful and it’s bright until about 10pm. We’ll see.
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