“Perhaps wisdom. . . is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go.”
– Anthony Bourdain
Wake up call this December, whether we needed it or not! Covid, Covid, Covid was the alarm. Beginning with 2021 X-Ring Ceremonies, the virus ran rampant the entire month impacting home, school and community life. Antigonish, which for the most part had steered away from any real outbreak, soon became all too accustomed with terms such as quarantine, self isolating and exposures. We got to the point where the morning java was accompanied by a nose swab. Yet, a bright spot remained in the fact that hospitalizations and major sickness hadn’t been part of the wave, leaving us hopeful that the initial viral load was waning and better days are ahead.
The nature of this blog was indeed, at one point, all about family travel. For almost two years I haven’t really mentioned the possibility and, with recent developments, it looks as though it will not be any time soon. I had entertained the thought that we might get something small in over Christmas, but that went out the door when X marked the spot. Yet, ol’ faithful (Camp Lumsden) was a welcome distraction and weather allowed for multiple weekends and even task completion in short days nearing winter solstice. I got a winner photo of arriving at camp after a fresh snowfall. Janie and I have come to enjoy this previously avoided season as much as all the others!
Thus, December was spent between work/home/camp. As the end of the school year disintegrated, I spent more time hunkered down at Smelt Lake and continued in my methodical pursuit of selective wood cutting opportunities (basically collecting fallen/discarded trees), transport (non-impact carry out), and processing (block/split/pile). Further jobs included installation of wind break plexi on the front of the camp and some old school spruce bough insulation across the front of camp. Results, beyond a warmer camp, included steady exercise, respect for the woods and fresh air & isolation. Of note, I also did a beach sweep in Cooeycoff Lake that collected a solid bag of glass, plastics, ropes and metal cans. More work to be done there but great start!
It has to be said that 2021 (in all its angst) was good to me! When things fell short, we made better things happen. Although we weren’t able to travel formally, I got 128 nights in at Camp Lumsden… a record year during my tenure as landlord 🤓! Further, the building and property are in far better shape than any time during our ownership. We count ourselves among the “fortunate few” that are afforded an option where we can isolate, enjoy the outdoors and experience nature at such a meaningful level. In essence, privileged enough to alter course from restrictions (in regard to events & indoor gatherings) and focus our energies on adopting a more healthy lifestyle. Results have been regular daily exercise, healthy eating and outdoor activities. I find myself down 1/4 of my body weight and nearing a year without “the drink”. I’d like to think we’ve slapped the adversity encountered with a handful of resiliency! Bring on 2022… I’m ready for it!