Summary

The website content describes a serene kayaking experience on a Northern Alberta lake, immersed in the beauty of nature and accompanied by the music of Ludovico Einaudi.

Abstract

The author paints a vivid picture of a peaceful kayaking journey through a pristine northern lake, where the act of paddling becomes a meditative communion with nature. The kayaker is surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness, from the rustling birch trees and clear waters revealing the lakebed, to the insects and birds that inhabit the area. The permanence of the ancient Boreal Forest trees contrasts with the fleeting moments of the kayaker's journey, offering a comforting sense of stability and a guided meditation to the sky above. The experience is so profound that it prompts the author to reflect on the interconnectedness of self and nature, likening it to a scene from the movie "Excalibur" where King Arthur's soul is replenished by a deep connection with the land.

Opinions

The author finds a deep connection with nature during the kayaking trip, which is enhanced by listening to Ludovico Einaudi's "Nuvole Bianche."
The natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings, including the trees and wildlife, evokes a sense

Kayaking in a glorious Northern Alberta lake. Photos: Eira Braun-Labossiere

Kayaking Beneath Nuvole Bianche (White Clouds)

Come along with me on a peaceful journey in nature

“Nuvole Bianche” by Ludovico Einaudi is on repeat in my brain for the entirety of my beautiful kayaking adventure. For an enhanced experience, I encourage you to listen to this touching piece of music as you become my kayaking companion, gliding through this pristine northern lake together.

The bow of my kayak slices through the lake. Birch trees greet me with applause, their leaves like tiny hands clapping as they rustle in the wind. In the distance, I see a long winding stretch of shoreline to explore, and my heart dances.

Slowing scooping water with my paddle to propel me forward, I gaze into the crystal clear water. Rounded polished rocks of all sizes line the bottom of the lake. Aquatic insects are dancing on the surface of the water, butterflies and dragonflies linger above my head then take off in what looks like a crazy random flight pattern, in pursuit of dinner.

The shoreline is dotted with more scattered rocks and exposed tree roots. Moss-covered fallen trees jut out occasionally, making me vary the path of my vessel.

As I steer around one, I look up at the standing trees beyond. Pine, Elm and other Boreal Forest inhabitants are guarded by Stinging Nettle. They all gaze down upon me with a beatific countenance. How long have they stood there, stretching to the sky, a witness to so many generations of humans and animals coming and going while they remain rooted in one spot, eternal? Their permanence is comforting to me. They embody a guided meditation:

No matter where you are, I will always be here; return to me any time you like. Come sway with me in the wind. Inhale the earthy scents. Hear the trickle of the water beneath your paddle. Relax your focus, follow the direction of my treetop pointing upwards and beyond…

I lean back and angle my head upwards to contemplate clouds peppering the sky. Overhead are swirling, sweeping puffs of pulled cotton. Further out are plump floating marshmallows hovering above the still surface of the water.

A white-throated sparrow song draws my attention back to the trees. I never see these feathered creatures but I always hear them… “My Sweet Can-ada, Can-ada, Can-ada.”

Their song draws me back into the moment.

There is an inexplicable peace here.

… I take a breath.

Lowering my gaze to the horizon, I negotiate my path with a simple micro correction of my paddle. It draws me slightly, slowly closer to the shoreline for examination.

The rocks are smooth from exposure to the elements. Harsh conditions have polished them into profound beauty and decorated them with moss ranging from shades of chartreuse to emerald. I want to take some home and build an altar of worship to the gods of this glorious Nature. Instead, I lock every memory of this experience inside my imagination, to draw from it whenever I please, whenever I need to take a breath in my day.

How do nature experiences make you feel?

Immersing myself in nature I’ll often recognize a sensation that reminds me of a favorite scene from the movie Excalibur. After a long weary search, Percival finds the chalice and brings it to a withering King Arthur.

“You and the land are one. Drink!” Percival insists.

Arthur pauses, sips, and gasps,“I didn’t know how empty was my soul until it was filled.”