Nothing can explain the excitement you feel when you pack up the car, head out on the road to only unpack it all again and fill its contents into a canoe on the water’s edge. What awaits you is the steady rhythm of paddling as you plunge the wooden blade into the water below, the sound creating a small splash as you propel the canoe forward. Water drips, creating artistic ripples on the calm water’s surface reflecting the world above. The gentle sound of paddle knocking canoe, and creak of your seat ground you to the present. Water and sky surround you. Evenings fill the air with campfire smoke, the chatter of family, and meals that taste divine. A tent zipper signals the end of the day, as bodies snuggle into sleeping bags, whispered goodnights are said and the last mosquito is defeated. Eyes close, and the distant loons sing a sweet and longing lullaby.