Bracebridge, Ontario
Trees, Water, and People
I hit a few trails outside of Bracebridge with companion, Jay Gopal. We had them all to ourselves. The trees were with us though, only they did not walk. We had red and white pines, cedar, maple, hemlock, beech, and more, which acted as our canopy. True friends they are.
At noon I embarked on the Lady Muskoka cruise, one that meanders the Muskoka River, and then to the lake of the same name. “Tourists are down, ever since 9-11,” said one of the cruisers staff, “Americans don’t come as they used to.” Anyways, water was all around and it was very tranquil, the whole 2 ½ hour run. It was also my chance to connect with fellow passengers and make friends.
Outside of forest and water, I had a great conversation with a Polish fellow who’s doing renovations at the Inn. Being Polish, he declared his exposure to Catholicism, yet I found in him a sense of incredible openness. He is currently reading Canto 7 of the book, “Bhagavatam”, and has immersed himself in the wisdom that tells of tall tales and deep philosophy. He was enamoured by the self centred character, Hiranya Kashipu. He talked and questioned long and hard, and I responded from the platform of Vedic philosophy, which he admitted, goes deep. He did share with me some good material from Saint Augustine’s “The Confessions”:
In this life, which is said to be one long temptation, no one should be complacent… Restrain yourselves from the monstrous savagery of pride, from luxurious inertia of self indulgence, and from sham pretention to knowledge.
May the Source be with you!
9 KM
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