I don’t miss an opportunity to walk outdoors. The Richel’s told me that they are camping at Figure Eight lake, twenty minutes from the parish. It’s a lake with the shape of figure eight. They were planning to walk around the lake on a Sunday afternoon. And they invited me to join for lunch and a leisure walk around the lake. So, I was ready for a Sunday afternoon walk in the wild.
It’s a relaxing three-kilometer walk around the lake. And it took us close to an hour to complete it. The joy was what happens along the way – the conversation, selfies, and stories.
Beaver trails with a story
You will notice beaver trails, trees cut down, and beavers. Beavers, active during the fall, cut down trees for their food during winters—the beaver lodges below the lake’ frozen waters. One fact you learn – a beaver can cut down an 8-foot tree in five minutes. An industrious animal has earned the title: busy as a beaver.
Mushroom hunting works
I found myself looking at the mushrooms. The Richels has a cultural specialty of preparing sour soup with mushroom during Christmas. Mushroom hunting is another outdoor activity. I had done a walk earlier with another family – collecting editable mushrooms. I remember saying: mushrooms are like women – pick the right one, you are good for life, and you are done, if you pick the wrong one.
Attractions on Figure Eight lake: wooden floating bridge
The trail around the Figure Eight lake is impressive. It has a remarkable small wood bridge floating over the water. It depends on the weight; water can enter your shoes. I tried to avoid the water. But if you panic to prevent the water, there are chances of falling into the water on the bridge. If you walk in a group, the bridge will sink, and water will overflow the bridge.
Yes, it’s pleasant and scenic. The fireflies, butterflies, and birds enjoy their freedom. Occasionally, you find an insect resting on your attire. Oh, mosquitos do exist. I did see a wild chicken running into the bush.
Bear Country: If Bear shows up…
The dangerous expectation is spotting a grizzly or black bear. It is a bear country – lots of bears. People venture out in the bush with a bear mace – spray smell supposed to drive the bear away. As the bears are most active during the fall, I was expecting one. July and August are the risky months for fatalities of a bear attacking humans. And you need skills, equipment, and presence of mind to avert a bear with cubs. Bear did not show up during our hike. There are lots of jokes, what to do if a bear shows up. The one I heard: I will give the bear my credit card. Enjoy shopping!
During winter, the lake is frozen. Once, I did enjoy ice fishing on the lake and brought home a trout. I am yet to try cross country skiing – the next adventure walking on the walk.
Something for you …
Need funny and thought-provoking stories about priests, buy on amazon The Uncommon Priest: Incredible Stories You Never Read
Check out my spiritual videos on YouTube: Feroz Fernandes
ferozfernandes.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Leave a Reply