Tuesday 9 October 2012

Forever Young

"Forever Young".... in a ski bum's world. 
Canadian Autumn Leaves
Yes, summer is now over, and it is time to look towards cooler weather and a cold winter ahead with hopeful heaps of snow blanketing the west.
Summer......it arrived and now gone.  So what does a ski bum do in off season?

Other than heal our bodies (especially Bob), and myself of course.  Thanks to Rudy and Matt from David Levy Memorial Physiotherapy Clinic, we can dream of our dreams come true.  What can we do next season?  What if?...

So, what if we sell our home in Southern Ontario?  Move closer to Paradise, but not too far from our family and friends. And, become full time Ski Bums?  What if.............
Once the dust settled and we unpacked, put back and restocked our kitchen with food as we tried to adjust back to Southern Ontario lifestyle. We realized we just don't want to be part of the "Rat Race" anymore!!!!
A big decision indeed.  Our emotions set in.  We had no idea living "outside the box" changed our lives forever, realizing there is so much more to life in this tiny universe we live in.
Our passion is Canada; the outdoors; the want to experience life to the fullest within our beautiful country. Living the Ski Bum life has now become reality for Bob and myself.

Yes, we sold our home! Friends asked if we will be living in an Igloo.  "Yes", I explained..."a three bedroom Igloo with a view of the lake and floating icebergs."
We are relocating to a small northern community on Lake Superior almost halfway to Panorama and only a short 15 hour drive back to Caledonia to visit our family.
 Terrace Bay, Ontario is our new home.  No; there are no igloos in Terrace Bay. Yes, there are people, roads, electricity, and no, we do not drive dog sleds to work. Yes; we will be wearing Sorel boots, toques and mitts in Terrace Bay.
Summers in Terrace Bay will be spent kayaking, cycling the mountains, and hiking the coastal trails.
When the frost bites our faces in November, we will begin our winter dream of heading west  to the magical world of snow and ice. 

Yes, we made it work...our dreams are real.  We have to pinch ourselves every so often to confirm reality.  And how fortunate we are to have our health, love of the outdoors and passion to experience life at its fullest.

Fort William
Pregnant Woman Island
So....in two weeks, the big truck arrives at our doorstep in the misty, early a.m. here in Caledonia...ready and willing to load 14 years of "stuff'" and memories.  All inclusive with 9 cacti, one being a seven foot monster.  When asked if they (Oneida Movers) if they would be able to transport these prickly beasts. With some hesitation, they replied: "we cannot guarantee what they will look like when they arrive in Terrace Bay"  I was not too worried about the cacti, but we are greatly concerned what the two gentlemen moving these beasts will look like when they unload the prickly beasts!  We appropriately named the oldest one (approx. 50 year old cactus) the "Old Pr*#k" for good reason.  Our family was visiting us one thanksgiving, when Christine (our daughter) had backed up into the old guy! (cactus of course)  Ouch....Christine and I were off to the bathroom with a pair of tweezers to remove the thorns from her....well, buttocks!  The old guy is ungratefully named from that day on.
Neys Campground, Lake Superior
Fifteen hours drive to the North Shores through and away from the big cities, noise as the "Rats" have won the race. With smiles on our faces and the beginning of true "Ski Bum" life, our new adventure begins again.




Only 14 more sleeps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
"Forever Young"
Lake Superio Sunset
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
 
lyrics:  Bob Dylan