We were up to the Blue Spruce Resort at Dwight, Ontario, a few days ago. It's an annual tradition, a week spent meeting with ageing friends spent mostly discussing the benefits of ageing. Just to let you know, there are none, absolutely none. In between we, my wife and I travelled into nearby Algonquin Provincial Park. We once upon a time would canoe and hike the trails gathering sketches and wildlife experiences from here and there. Now, we travel through the park on Hwy 60, stopping at various pull-offs, and picnicking in sheltered areas.
It's nice, but not the same, nor for that matter is the park. At one time one would encounter deer and moose feeding at the side of the road and there were clear views of the park's lakes. Now, with the forest maturing there's not much to view while driving except trees, which is good I suppose, and it's been years since we've seen deer, or moose feeding at the side of the highway. Things have changed. Used to be one could simply drive into the park, and get a camping site, now reservations and permits, even for day use are required, and they're nolonger cheap. And, the visitation at the park has increased substantially. The world has, it seems, become smaller. Of course, it's only we old folks who are somewhat concerned. The younger generation have no idea, or little idea, of the park's past history nor are they concerned. Many are from other countries, and have different histories to remember. Their only concern is to enjoy a break from the crowded cities to the south, and perhaps see a moose.
There's change at the Blue Spruce Resort, as well, a changed in ownership. The Hayden Family who called the resort home for 70+ years, have retired from the area, leaving the future of the resort up in the air. It had to happen, of course. With time everything changes.
Algonquin Park, however, for the moment remains the same. Taller trees perhaps, but still a place of solitude where one can have a time out from the stress of our shrinking, troubled, world. Still a place where one can savour a few moments grabbing a quick sketch, a memory of time well spent.....
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