#dowslake

I didn’t think I’d be ready to write a blog about anything crazy considering it’s Monday – but hey, when life gives you lemons, right?

The morning started off uneventfully – only difference was that I got to sleep in an extra hour. I shouldn’t complain, though; I needed it. I went to work, and was thankful that it was steady all day. It was my third month working there today, and all my security clearances were finally cleared, and I had access to all the programming needed. It was a big weight off not only mine, but my coworkers’ shoulders. It was so liberating – so liberating, in fact, that my boss gave me a Starbucks gift card that said, ‘thanks for your patience!’ Cute.

I couldn’t wait for the clock to strike five so I could book it out of there as fast as possible. My bike was calling my name, and I just wanted to get the show on the road. By the time I left work and got home, I was conflicted as to whether or not I’d have enough time to hike before it got dark. Instead, I figured I’d just take another +20km bike ride. About 3 quarters of the way through, I decided I’d go kayaking.

Bike parked and deposit and ID in hand, I was a woman on a mission – like the one I’d done probably more than 10 times this summer already. I waited for an unusual amount of time before someone came over to check me in. There were quite a few kayaks and canoes docked, so I figured it hadn’t been too busy. Finally someone had come over, and warned me how rough the waters would be. The wind was strong, I will admit, but I sort of laughed it off instead. He tried to convince me that it mightn’t be a good idea – until his co-worker came along. She asked what I was renting, and I said I single kayak. The guy looked at her almost dumbfounded, and she turns and says, ‘yeah, she’s a regular. Don’t you recognize her?’ He looked embarrassed, poor guy. I blushed, and thanked her. I was so flattered! She asked which kayak I prefer, but I tried to switch it up with one of the newer ones they’d gotten in. I was proud with my decision as it was certainly a smoother ride than the ones I’m used to.

The trek out was a bit rough, but the wind was working in my favour. I wasn’t planning on going as far as I normally would in a tandem, so I decided to head in the direction toward the locks instead. I coasted along, toasting in the sun. Very shortly in had I realized what a bad idea it was to wear leggings while you’re kayaking. Let that be a forewarning to all of you out there!

I watched the few kayakers and canoers stroll by, as well as a rowing team, practicing. It was pretty motivating to watch them go, and looked very intense! I decided to coast for a little while, watch them all work together in unison. While I was sitting there, I heard a big orchestrated marching band playing somewhere off in the not-so-far distance. They began playing the National Anthem, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Not in a bad way, but in the sense that it was almost surreal. It made this venture all the more epic!

A few meters ahead, I came up to the bike bridge that crosses the lake and opens into this little ravine-like area in the park. It was magical – so still and serene, and the most beautiful scenery. How many times can I reiterate: Canada is AWESOME! I hung out there for a bit, chowed down on my blueberry muffin, and watched people cruising along on bikes, running, or walking in the park. At this point I could still hear the marching band, but they were playing these absolutely hysterical comedic tunes that I had to record. Too funny!

People began coming in and out of the gem of a nook I’d come across, but nothing beat the canoe with 3 Arabic college students. As they came in, they tried to manoeuver the canoe to turn it around. The one in the middle frantically started yelling at the one not paying attention in the front as they were headed straight into the tree/rocks ahead. When he’d realized what was going on, they all tried to gain control again, and the boat began to rock. It was so hard not to laugh, so I had to look away and hold it in.

I decided it was time to turn back myself when the sun was starting to set and it was getting chillier. When I got back out to the main area, I hadn’t realized just how intense the wind was. It was going to be a struggle to get back. I pushed hard, but the wind was pushing harder. The waves were big enough to start splashing water into my kayak. Time to put everything I had in me to get back! It took a good 20 minutes to get back to shore, and a good five minutes before anyone noticed me to bring me back to dock. Irritating, but I let it slide. I tried to empathize with how boring their day must’ve been.

After I paid, rinsed out my leggings, I hit the road for the 8km bike ride back home. Taking my normal route home, I decided to stop to pick up some groceries. By the time I got to the checkout, I realized I had no driver’s license or debit card. Shit. The pavilion was closing in less than half an hour, and there was no way I could bike back in time. To top it off, I had my first driving lessons booked for Tuesday. I called my mom in a hurry, and asked for a lift back to the pavilion. I raced home, put my groceries away, and we were en route back to the lake.

We parked, and I raced out of the car down to the bathroom; nothing in any stall. I ran back to the dock, and asked if anyone had turned anything in. Their eyes almost lit up when they say me come in, and they both said in unison, ‘we were just about to call you!’ Turns out someone had brought both the ID and debit card in just 2 minutes before my arrival. Thank you, kind stranger! You made my day!