Ontario/east of Kenora

Saturday, May 12, 2007

At 3AM I zipped open the tent door. There was an automatic chill. My miner’s headlight revealed that the grass around had been hit by light but sparkly frost. So the walk this early morning was brisk; the chill tempered by a wool chaddar (shawl).

The moon has not missed his regime. He had become more slim since yesterday. Millions of sweet whistles resounded again. They are like duplicate Krishnas playing the flute.

Yovany is new to the game. He’s new to Canada. It’s a cool day even in May like the old Motown song: “I got sunshine on a cloudy day; well it’s cold outside even in the month of May.”

Yovany took to the road with me. We chanted japa (mantra meditation) together and then songs honoring the guru and the Creator. He was impressed with the landscape-the endless number of lakes, trees and rocks. I concurred. It is truly a northern paradise here.

I pointed out a beaver dam and a lodge, which the mammals call home. We reflected on the special shakti or empowerment that is given to all creators. These plump furry mammals can do a major job at adjusting landscape. They are amazing at their craft.

Yovany had his test at cooking. On the menu was a fine mix of veggies in dahl and rice. Known in parts of India as Kichari, it was nothing short of delicious.

Doug, more affectionately known as Darshan Doug, is our videographer. Formerly he was called Video Doug because of his obsession with videotaping.. I had suggested some time ago to sanskritize his name, so the name Darshan Doug stuck. He is also our chauffeur. It is his vehicle we are borrowing for the walk support; a modest ’93 Ford Explorer SUV. Doug will also be contacting the media along the way.

We will plan laundry days, where to stay, who to contact from past acquaintance and meeting new receptive people to learn about our walking mission. We are a good team.

I met Harry Swanson. He stopped; he got the chance to utter the sacred sound, “Hare Krishna.” His own name is already halfway there.

I met a woman and a boy scout. Together with ten others, they planted 2400 Spruce trees that day to raise funds for the local scout division. As is often the case, she wanted clarification. Am I a Buddhist or a Hare Krishna?

We had a picnic at a secluded fishing hole which we found when we ventured down a side road off the highway. After the meal I couldn’t resist the year’s first outside northern lake so I went for a polar dip.

Yes, and there’s still the odd snow patch clutching on to the spring season.

Our day’s end came to the perfect closure with kirtan. We stationed ourselves at a vista spot on Vermillion Bay where I beat the dolak drum and led kirtan (chanting) while Darshan Doug and Yovany responded with kartals (hand cymbals) and song.

A hard push near the end brought me to 40 kms

40 kms