Some Things are Better Left Alone

Well, after a brief hiatus due to weather and a certain nephew's birthday, I hit the road again to tackle another new trail. This time, a friend of mine joined me for the trip.

The day started later than usual. After picking up my friend, we had to make a stop at Cabela's. I was looking to purchase some bear spray (I had promised my friend who had promised her boyfriend that I would bring some) and they were out. I did discover a nifty new tool thanks to the staff there. Bear bangers! It's actually pretty neat. The "launching" device looks a lot like a pen, and at the tip of this device, a cartridge is screwed in. When the pin is off safety and pulled back, the latch springs forward and impacts on the casing. This creates a bang louder than a shotgun (or so I am told). What is also neat are the flares that can be used in the same fashion. I love sporting goods stores... you never know what you will find!

So, after fulfilling my promise, we were back on the road. Todays destination was Nopiming Park, and the Ancient Mountains Trail. Nopiming Park is north east of Lac Du Bonnet, and is the most impressive park I have ever visited. I am pretty familiar with the southern section of the park after having spent much time there with Dave at the DND CFSSAT SERE camp at Springer Lake and surrounding areas.

We were headed to the northern section of the park, just south of Atikaki Provincial Park. After a lot of driving, we finally found the trail head. For those of you who have never been to Nopiming, I encourage you to go. Set on the cusp of shield country, the land is a beautiful mixture of lakes, bog, exposed bedrock, and "mountains" (I use this term loosely as when compared to the Rockies, they are more like big hills).

The vistas were amazing. My friend who is not completely used to being outside in nature, could not get over the silence. I love this silence; it is what keeps me coming back again and again. I find the sounds and movements of city life smothering. Being able to access areas that are quiet, that are secluded and clean makes me feel calm. I always feel so sad when I have to leave. As silly as it may sound, I feel much more centered when I am outside in the woods than anywhere else.

The trail up to the peak was painfully short. According to Parks, the total trip should have taken an hour and twenty minutes. I guess it would take that much time if you were 80 years old, and a serial smoker with one leg. We were at the top in 15 minutes.

It was a good trip for my friend as she just wanted to get her feet wet. For me, although the destination was breath taking, the journey was an utter disappointment. I prefer the challenge of a good hike much more than I do a good view. I would not make the trip out here again unless I were to be camping in the area and taking advantage of what this beautiful place has to offer.

If I sound a little off in this blog, it is because this trip was a bit off for me. I had invited my friend to join me because I though I would prefer the company. Maybe it was just the disappointment of the trail, but in hindsight I would rather have been alone and not on a schedule. Until now, I don't think I realized how intimate these trips are for me. I cherish my friend dearly, and I think I will take her on other trips closer to the city, but for the new ones I want to explore, I may do that on my own. In truth, I have only enjoyed being out with one person. I don't think that will happen any more though.

On a hike, as in life, I will trudge along and trudge alone, knowing I have wonderful people in my life who love and support me.

Until next time, it's ok to take things personally, because if you don't, no one else will.