Thursday 20 February 2020

Thursday, February 13th, 2020


Mayapura, India

The Bruce Trail in Canada

What follows is an article I wrote which was featured in Padayatra Worldwide magazine:

The image was so vivid—autumn leaves spiralling down from the heights of hardwoods.  Our eyes were widened to the stark reds, oranges, and yellows.  It was captivating.  A magical descent.  Prettier than snow.  Beauty reigned for sure.  We saw it also in the lichen, fungi and mushrooms.  David sees it in the wild ginger.  He forged some for the dhal to be cooked up for later on.  For snacks along the trail, Oksana brought her baked muffins.  Jaya, ambling in pace, was quiet, focused on japa meditation.  Gyan is more talkative, and while in queue behind me, repeated the mantra: "be careful."  At one point along the rocky trail I had to say, "Please don't mother me."  Gyan means well.  His consistent smile redeems it for me.

And, there was Christopher, his first day with us.  He resembles Jesus, somewhat, with his full beard.  During our trek today, he lost balance twice, slipped and fell.  So did I fall, but not like the leaves.  It was my first fall since starting the Bruce Trail in the summer of 2018.  I'm able to make the time when available, on which occasion I bring friends.

One day a group of Southeast Asian students came along, numbering thirty-five.  They LOVED it—"It's all green,"  said one (it was summertime).  New to them, also, was the frivolous water fun.  After ten kilometres walking in grand Lake Ontario, "Isn't that an ocean?"  asked another. 

Challenges:  The Bruce Trail is a 900 kilometre path long the Niagara Escarpment where the terrain is mostly angular.  At one point, the trail, a creek, the rocks, and leaves all merged.  It is tough to gain foothold.  But for the most part, the day is one of rhapsody.  There are plenty of waterfalls to calm any nerves.  I take it back—no challenges.  I've done 1/5th of the trail.

The greatest reward of a day like today on a Sunday, October morning, in 2019, is the culmination of our walk—a visit to a god-brother, Giri Jadhava, my former sankirtan leader of my early mookhood days.  He prepared a great meal for our walking group.  The apple cider was a big hit, even after a mere nine kilometre hike.

And let it be noted that a walk like this builds up gratitude.

May the Source be with you!
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