photo: Ruth Mundy
Yesterday morning we decided to go for a paddle and by 7:30 we were on the road to Bon Echo Provincial Park, an hour north of Napanee, Ontario. Parks are open for day use again, but it is isn't always clear whether the gates to campgrounds will be open to give access to the water. At Bon Echo the gate was locked but a staff member emerged to helpfully direct us just up the highway to a public boat launch. We paddled back into the park and across Mazinaw Lake to the cliffs on the east side which are 100 metres high. These rock faces are known for their red ochre Algonquin First Nation petroglyphs,
Because the park entrance was closed and it was early on a Thursday morning we were alone as we paddled along the cliff. No boats of any kind, no human voices, no human sounds, We have visited some of the great cathedrals of Europe and this experience rivalled anything we experienced there.
We were at the cliffs three months ago, having skied in, which was a first for us, and on that occasion we were along as well. . Yesterday was our first springtime visit and we were delighted to see that the bushes and grasses which cling to the rock are actually flowering trees and plants. There were dragonflies everywhere and above we could hear what I'm quite sure was the peregrine falcons which nest there.
photo: Ruth Mundy
I have no hesitation in describing all this as a religious experience. In other centuries architects designed cathedrals to inspire awe and wonder and praise for God. We did praise the Creator as we moved quietly along the lake.
A hundred years ago there was a lodge at the narrows of Mazinaw Lake, now in the park. It was owned by a religious man who brought in contingents of Methodist pastors. Attendance at Sunday worship was required! We were certainly in a worshipful spirit yesterday, grateful to the Creator for this gift to the senses.
photo: Ruth Mundy
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