Solitude and peace is what I feel when I head into the woods. Camping and canoeing are my "Walden". Relaxation has become an ingredient of my daily life. Small things that used to slightly perturb my attitude, no longer count or matter. I am grateful.

Today I got rid of three pieces of furniture, three tables. My apartment is small, at least it seemed small to me when I leased it May of 2010. It is less than 600 sq. ft. The landlord maintains it is 600 sq. ft., no matter. So because it is small, and doesn't have closet space, I have decided to go vertical. Those three tables, have freed up space. Space that has made room for three shelf units. This will allow me to move the armoire out of the kitchen. That armoire is in front of a large window, so it will be a real plus to get the armoire out of the window. The other bonus is that my clean clothes will now be on the same floor as the bedroom and bathroom.

In addition to removing the three tables, I was also able to clear out a few years worth of pay stubs and pre 2005 tax returns. Those papers are all ready to be burnt, once the county fire ban is removed. We could use a good rain, maybe a few of them.

My wonderful son has returned home after spending a week here, and then visiting with friends in Montreal. My sweet daughter is still pursuing her career after finishing her education.

What a good life.

For my last week of vacation, Jacqui and I had a two night camping trip to Charleston Lake Provincial Park. This was my third, first visit, to a park this year. The other two 'new' to me were Algonquin and Frontenac Provincial Parks. I would like to discover one more beauty before it closes ... Sharbot Lake.

Soon all the parks will close in this area, except for Frontenac which remains open all year long. Algonquin also is open all year, but it is further away, and requires the driving time, which I grudge. It is better to camp at Frontenac. It too, is a back country park, and there is not any car camping or facilities available. There are no showers or bathing facilities ... or water taps for that matter. To bathe one must break the ice to obtain the water, and then heat it to use.

Frontenac is very quiet in the winter. Last year when we there, we were the only humans camping-both times. The hour long hike one way with gear to the nearest campsite, helps keep the numbers down.

Of course it is worth it. It is frozen, pristine and natural. Occasionally, if the wind is in a certain direction, there is the occasional jet that can be heard, but at 30,000 feet, they are somewhat quiet.

To see more photos of Charleston Lake, check out this link: http://www.flickr.com/mike_55/

Caio for now,

Jebb

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, a photo by Phototrain Photography on Flickr.

Here is a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi in front of the Quebec National Assembly in Quebec City.

"My life is my message" - Mahatma Gandhi -

Jebb

Jebb, a photo by Phototrain Photography on Flickr.

Here I am enjoying a chat with J & G on their deck. The old D50 has come back from 4 months not working after being dropped in the lake.

John the master photographer took this shot. Click on the image to see more.

Covehead Point Lighthouse

Covehead Point Lighthouse, a photo by Phototrain Photography on Flickr.

This is the lighthouse at Covehead Point, Prince Edward Island National Park. This was a wonderful trip. I'm sure we will be back very soon.
Here is the set @ flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_55/sets/72157627215938659/

You can also click on the image to see more.