April 6, 27 and May 11

There were three day-hikes and they admirably helped people in ways that are too many to count. There was one couple who came on a hike. In drop-ins she is very quiet, while he usually does most of the talking. Two weeks before the hike their bedrolls were taken. They were sleeping at the side of the City Hall and their stuff was just thrown out. The two of them came on a hike two weeks later and what a change! After the hike she jumped out of the truck, shouting to the world what a good time she had, and he was hushed by her enthusiasm. After a couple of hikes and a promise of a canoe trip, another two people got a job because of their new confidence. There are further trips coming up two or more a month. Once a month there will be extended trips of 4 to 5 days. Each trip can help more people as described above. Contact Paul Mackle for further information.

November 27th, 2003 - Top

When we pulled into the marina from our four-day canoe trip at Anstruther Lake, and we came ashore, we heard and saw a father and two kids start up their snowmobile. "I think it is too early to start that up," voiced one. "No," a reply came, "I think we will need it soon."

Soon is right! October 3 to 6 was the coldest weekend we had seen in years. We started out on Friday and by Sunday night it went down to -4°C. Nevertheless, it was that cold; the feeling of not going back to the city was coming out and warmed us up by the fire that night. We pronounced our feelings as being in harmony with the wilderness and wanted this to last.

Before long, after the trip is over, the pressures of the city come in to play; the memories of the trip make the burden more bearable and easier to withstand. Thoughts of the trip and memories of how one can work with others, are the ultimate power that continues to make life more tolerable and knowing others will support the one that has fallen on the trail (the path of physical existence). Our coldest trip ever with others makes it the warmest journey to travel!
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Paul Mackle Executive Director