Benjamin Islands -First Timer

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Created on Tuesday, 23 August 2011 11:43

Written by Rick Wise

There is nothing about the Benjamin Islands that gets old for me. I will happily paddle its pink granite shores until I'm tipped into my final kayak resting place.But this morning I was reminded of what it is to be a first timer when I opened an e-mail from a woman who had recently joined our 5 day trip. Here's a little of what she had to say ... "For the first couple of hours of my drive home I was trying to figure out why I longed to be back in my Horizons kayak. Then David Suzuki came across the airwaves to explain it all! Yes you provided us with top notch equipment and always had our backs. And yes the food and other trippers were great. But it turns out there's more to it than that. According to Suzuki, 'biophilia' describes our inbuilt need to "affiliate" with other species. Nature grounds us amidst the chaos. And nature can help calm everything from ADD to conflicts with neighbours. Swooshing around the windy points and into the hidden harbours of the Benjamins. Swimming in my own private cove. Walking over smooth rocks and through soft moss. Using my paint brush to capture a weather-worn white pine. Marveling at a garter snake bathing in the warm sun. Listening to the loons from the shelter of my tent. Slowing to the pace of nature around me and remembering that I am part of it. Experiences only a kayak and a trusted guide could have given me, and a feeling that still lingers in the midst of my busy urban life. When I lose that connection, I'll know where to get it back. Thank-you."No, thank you.-- Rick

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