This week we’ve had a few showers pass through. Everything from light gentle misty rain to full blown thuderstorms. On warm summer evenings I find the sound of a thunderstorm a very comforting experience. The sound of rain pitter pattering on the roof of the lodge can be remarkably soothing.
The other night a group of three parents and their three little ones, all under the age of 8 were awakened by an evening thunderstorm. The three little ones scrambled to their parents beds to their comforting loving embrace. I’m sure its memories of experiences such as this that shape our feelings towards “good” and “bad” weather.
It brought to mind a 10 year old memory. Driving with Tim in the car; a young, young Tim, was just learning to speak. As the wipers swished back and forth while we sat waiting for a stop light in that quiet moment, Tim said, “Listen Dad, it sounds like the rain is saying ‘I love you.’
Here at Northern Edge Algonquin, we tend to consider that there are only two types of weather here, Golden days and Silver days. Some of my favourite times paddling canoes have been with a gentle rain falling and all the world is quiet. Just me and a few loons on the water.
The key thing to enjoying the rain is keeping dry. A good waterproof rain jacket and rain pants does the trick. Often our guests are surprised to find out that we can outfit them for their trip with good rain gear, it can make all the difference to enjoying anything Mother Nature offers up.
In contrast to the weather which is out of our hands, the second important aspect to enjoying rainy days on canoe trips can be controlled. Our recipe calls for ‘great food’. Our guides do their best to ensure that everyone is very satisfied with the backcountry fare we serve – definately a cut above ordinary. Indeed, many folks each year request a cookbook from us. Maybe next year.
In the meantime, the next time it rains, I’m going to sit in the dark and listen to see what the raindrops want to say to me. I invite you to do the same
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