I am the Weakest Link
As a fall chill begins to hit the air, and the September
Labour Day long weekend approaches, I find myself reflecting on the
summer. The days have gone all too
quickly, with so many trips and adventures still on the wish list! This has been a monumental summer for us in
many ways. We have watched our “flock of
baby birds” with awe, pride and sometimes a sense of terror and foreboding as
they have embarked on their own adventures.
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| Family Kayak Trip - Sechelt |
It seems like yesterday we were packing diapers, soothers,
stuffies and SNACKS into our back packs – (essential survival items for outdoor
travel with toddlers). Now, we find
ourselves anxiously awaiting trip reports and news from our adult children as
they cycle to Mexico, paddle the waters of BC and guide in the unpredictable waters
of the Hecate Strait, off Haida Gwaii.
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| Bunny Boyz arrive at the border to Mexico |
Rob and I feel such a sense of pride as we watch Ian, Adam
and Emma embrace the outdoors and challenge themselves to take risks and seek
adventure. However, it has become
abundantly clear that I am now the weakest link. In all honesty, I have probably been the
weakest link for quite a long time, but it was this summer that it became obvious - even to me! I began to notice
everyone asking if I was all right, if I needed help. While I am comforted by the fact that my
family cares about me, it is quite unsettling to realize that I am the one that
is slowing the pace of the group, and the one that the group worries about
most.
Our style of out tripping has definitely evolved from those
early years. We are no longer about the
speeds and distance or the weight of the pack. And yes, it is a little harder to roll out of
that sleeping bag on a cold and rainy morning, but at the risk of sounding cliché,
we are taking time to smell the roses. So,
as we begin to plan our next trip, we may shorten our mileage, walk a few hills
and accept help when offered.
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| San Juan Islands |
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| Rob sets up camp |
YES - I am the Weakest Link….. and I think I love my new
role! Now, could someone please help me
with this heavy pack?
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| I am the Weakest Link |
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