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TOMORROW |
© 2001 by Wayne Sakal
Part 2 of 12
In August of 1975 our troop is at Camp Mahawu, Sherman, Connecticut, for a week of summer camp. A favorite Troop 64 annual tradition. Sitting at a picnic table, centered within our camp site, Bob, Chuck and myself want to begin planning next year's summer week of summer camp. I make a remark that alters the flow of the conversation. "What about canoe hike to Canada?" I suggest, for the thought has remained dormant, in a cluttered back alleyway of my brain for three years. "We're due for a canoe trip in Canada" said Bob, who has become scoutmaster. Both Chuck and I express much enthusiasm, over such a venture. Bob then fathoms the possibility. Bob conveys to us,that we can go to Canada, if we there is enough interest from the troop. Upon our return from summer camp, we must sell the troop on the vision. A canoe hike in the wilderness of Canada, inplace of summer camp.
As Summer gives way to Autumn, we experience cool nights, with the verdure leaves changing to a harlequin of red, orange, and yellow. We are all jovial when we learn that the proposal: "Canada Canoe Hike" is accepted by the Troop 64 membership. It's a go! Unanimous! Our steadfast dream has now become an idea! Next we must make the idea, into a reality.
As Autumn gives way to a New England Winter. Long nights with continual meetings and planning sessions ensue our voracious appetite for a journey into the wilderness. We start to feel like we are following in the commodious footsteps of John Wesley Powell or Lewis and Clark. Frequent meetings where the logistics of the expedition are at the top of each agenda as we plan for our quintessential summer excursion.
As longer days, shorter nights signal Spring. The mystique of our summer trip wanes near. One evening, Bob stops over my house to loan me a book, that interesed me. A hardback, with a slightly torn paper cover, depicting an Indian paddling a birch-bark-canoe. The book, entitled "The Algonquin Story" by Audrey Saunders Miller. Bob then proceeded to unfold a newly acquired map covering our glass-top coffee table. He pointed out and traced the route we are to besiege this summer. It continued to spur far greater interest for me. After a short talk, he folded up his map, and left me with the book.
For the next few weeks I read every page of this book. Starting with the Algonkian hunting parties, early French explorers, lumberjacks, railroaders and early park superintendents who once made this land their playground and sanctum. I could not wait for this trip as the countdown still felt centuries away.
As the Summer of 1976 is upon us, three monumental world events take place.
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| DREAM | RETURN |
TOMORROW |