We’ve been spending the week at Little Bear cabin, Montana, disappearing for a while. Our days have been fast paced; books, small wanderings, sitting, books, sitting some more, and maybe a beer by the fire. Maybe.
One book I’ve really enjoyed is “Canoe Country” by Roy MacGregor. It’s a delightful account where MacGregor argues the canoe made Canada, and his argument is supported with tales and anecdotes about well known and less well known paddlers in Canadian history. If you’re even slightly intrigued by the canoe, you’ll like the book. Sitting outside a cabin up a mountain, it was like catnip for an old PlaidCamper. Mrs PC has been right to point out we have nowhere to store a canoe…
In a book full of memorable passages and quotes, here is one MacGregor uses that particularly appealed:
Every so often a disappearance is in order. A vanishing. A checking out. An indeterminate period of unavailability. Each person, each sane person, maintains a refuge, or series of refuges, for this purpose. A place or places, where they can, figuratively if not literally, suspend their membership in the human race.” (John A. Murray, Colorado naturalist)
Most of the time, being a member of the human race is just fine, and I maintain that most people are well intentioned and propose no ill will to their fellows. However, the weight of bad news headlines prefacing endless appalling atrocities and scandals are apparently the only stories worth telling, and this can take a toll. Thank goodness for Little Bear, and all the other natural refuges available to those lucky enough to reach them. And perhaps there’s still time this summer, for those so inclined, to find a new place or two – maybe even traveling there by canoe…(don’t worry, Mrs PC, we’ll rent it!)
Thanks for reading, and have an enjoyable weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
That sounds like the perfect week!
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It really was the perfect week! Thanks, Maria, and I hope your week is going well!
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Wonderful! Yes, it’s a great week. We’re working on expanding our garden. It is a fulfilling job 🙂
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Well said, my friend. I’m about to do the same, more modestly perhaps than Going to the Sun (I’ll bet that’s a tasty one!), but stepping out for a short while, too. Enjoy!
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I sure hope you’re going to some sun, and to some great fishing too!
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Great photo of the Jeep and cabin. After reading that wonderful quote, I will have to check out your latest book recommendation. Enjoy your solitude and the weekend.
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It was a wonderful week of solitude, and over all too soon…
I hope you’re having a great week!
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your not truly Canadian until you’ve portaged your canoe………….& maybe while wearing a toque? Love the cabin.I just got back from mine.Caught Lea swimming across the river yesterday! She ran off pretty fast!
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That Lea, eh?! You’re right, and I think mosquitos should factor in any portage for it to be authentic! Thanks, Wayne, and I hope your week is going well.
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I whole-heartedly agree.Disappearing is essential to my well-being. I love the cabin, too, though interested in more detail, well lit by the sun. It is so charming.
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It is a charming cabin, and we were happy to disappear for a while. I hope all is well with you!
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Such a peaceful post. Looks and sounds like the perfect place for a bit of soul reflection time.
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Thanks, Miriam – it really was about perfect to simply be there and reflect. I hope you’re having a good week!
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This is all I’ve wanted to do for quite some time. A cabin, a book, couple of beers. Solitude.
I’m also debating myself if I should get a kayak. Arguments for yes: it’s fun. Arguments for no: it doesn’t fit in our apartment.
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Cabin time? Essential. Getting a kayak or canoe, also essential. Convincing your partner we might have to move to accommodate a kayak or canoe? That’s the tricky part…
I hope your week is going well!
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There’s nothing more delightful than escaping from it all, and this cabin and your week away sounds so lovely, pc. As I write it is a few wks later, and I hope you have been able to maintain some solitude. My best to you and Mrs. pc.
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Thanks, Jet! We always try and bring back the feeling from the mountains – two PCs, pinging about like manic manakins, wouldn’t be great…
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