View from Silver Peak
Today Ruth, my wife, is heading north to Killarney Provincial Park where she will join eight other women to canoe, camp and climb. More than 25 years ago a bunch of younger women (well, late 30's, early 40's) talked together about the demands on their lives and the desire to have more fun together. Most of them were active in the life of the congregation I served at the time, teaching Sunday School, leading choirs for kids, and serving on committees. None of them were part of the United Church Women (UCW) which met during the day, but they were dubious about that involvement because it seemed as though it would lead to a lot more work.
They started by hiking and cross-country skiing, then decided they would enjoy a canoe trip. Only a few had experience but Ruth and another woodsy woman did training sessions on how to portage a canoe and to string up food packs to keep them safe from bears.
About a dozen of them headed away, and they had a blast. They paddled and swam and talked and laughed. Cartons of wine and Bailey's may have been involved. After they returned one husband joked that they had a lot more fun without us, and it was probably true. No. it was true.
A number of these women have continued the tradition and Ruth has joined them from time to time. Everyone is a sexagenarian (it sounds better than it is) so their portaging days are over, but they are still adventurous. Sometime this weekend they plan to hike up Silver Peak in the La Cloche hills, which offers a magnificent view.
It was important back then that these women experienced some grace and play in their busy lives. While most are retired now, they still enjoy each other's company and certain libations. I hope they have a fantastic time, by the grace of God.
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