I awoke bright and early to pack up my things, eager to get back on the road and see something new. A quick stop at the campground office allowed me to take advantage of their wifi before the call to adventure took the reigns as it guided me into the unknown once more.
I had a destination in mind but like usual found myself taking random detours along the way, the first of these being Christopher Lake. At small area with cottages scattered about found their home along the sparkling lake, people living in their own little paradise. Winnie becoming quite the water connoisseur took a sip from the refreshing lake as I took in the scenery. The day still had plenty to offer so I smiled to myself, saying a silent goodbye as I ventured back to the car.
A short drive down the road took me to the main attraction of the day, Prince Albert National Park. Just as I had pulled over to take a picture an older man pulled up in his truck to make sure I was ok which led to us talking about the various attractions and sights worth stopped at in the area. Always the one to enjoy hearing from the locals I found myself chattering about. It came time to say our farewells and we drove our separate ways.
At last I was venturing into the park, oak trees lined up along the side of the road, their ranks occasionally broken for the streams that pushed their way through. You’d hardly know you were still in the prairies as the thick of the forest became the ruler of the land.
I decided to go for my first hike of the day and pulled over to one of the designated areas. Hiking boots all laced up I set off upon the trail that lay before me. The path took the hiker to a viewing tower that looked out over the landscape. Now I had looked over the map a little too quickly and came to an area that split into two different directions, not knowing which way to go I took a guess and set off on one of them. As I explored I realized what I had done as I found myself going deeper into the woods with no tower in sight. A bit of backtracking and I was where I needed to be, at the fork again, heading in the right direction this time. I looked up and smiled, I’d made it to the tower at long last. Ah well, I learned to read my maps a little more carefully and it’s all part of the adventure anyway!
I was off once more, back in the car and heading deeper into the park. My next jaunt took me to a pristine lake where various people were launching their boats and swimming about. The heat of the day made the waters to alluring to pass up. I tossed on my swim trunks and went for a dip. What a refreshing decision it turned out to be, the cool waters easing the burden of the sweltering heat.
Feeling refreshed I set off once more, taking the occasional hike to a lookout tower, or pausing to gaze upon a vast lake sparkling in the distance. It was such a beautiful park, a welcomed escape from the bustle of the busy cities. Meeting friendly tourists was common and I often found myself taking photos for them as they returned the favor.
Soon I arrived at the biggest lake in the park where I stopped to explore. I walked down to the shore where I found a fallen tree to perch on as I looked out upon the glistening water. It was the perfect place to calm ones mind, letting the scene assuage your thoughts to tranquility.
I realized I had spent far more time in the park than I had originally planned and set back on the road heading north to La Ronge. The setting sun left a bright array of colors that stretched out across the sky before diving into the horizon as dusk in it’s deep blue garment heralded the coming night. I arrived in town and set about finding a campsite, soon finding a spot right along the edge of the lake. Despite the pesky mosquitoes, I stood upon the rocky shores staring out over the darkened water. Who I was becoming I did not fully know but I knew I would embrace the path less traveled, I would step fourth and seek out the deeper meaning to this life, and I would find it.
