Vicar's Corner |
Four friends and a small mountain
A number of the clergy in the area have been getting together to chat and swap stories over lunch. Sometimes we talk about programme and congregations, but mostly we just hear about each others lives,. Carole is a poet and all of us have tried our hand at it, with more or less success. Mead is an author and is quite famous for the scenarios that he develops for his mystery murder dinner party events. Wanda has moved here just recently and is still getting to know the area, but brings a lot of experience as a pastoral counsellor and educator. As you might imagine, I find some reason which to hold forth. It has become, quite quickly, a group that is appreciated by each of us.
A couple of weeks ago, we decided that we need some exercise
and Wanda and Carole had not ever climbed the Pinnacle in Baldwin
Mills. The date was set, the gang gathered with suitable supplies
and equipment and off we went. Travelling in Baldin Mills with Meade
Baldwin is a special experience. I had been there about five times
but the house were just houses. Now it was, this is my parents
house, my brothers including a chalet he rents out, my uncle’s place
and on it went. It was a connection to the people that have loved
this land, this lake and this mountain since the day they were born,
and that through many generations.
Then we started on the mountain. I remembered it from hikes with Quebec Lodge campers, when the campers and the counsellors charged up the hill and I was left with a few stragglers to pull up the rear. Often the stragglers beat me up the peak. This group was more uniform in ability, except for
Mead who is part mountain goat after climbing this mountain two or three times a week during all his summer vacations. The ones who had not done it before were beginning to wear out on the lower shoulders of the mountain and were somewhat daunted when we explained that the climb was just getting interesting. With much huffing and puffing and judicious pauses to enjoy the view of the forest, we persevered until we came to the crest. Then quite quickly, the view opens up and you can see the hills and mountains surrounding Lake Lyster. It was a sight that made the ascent worthwhile.
Travelling down we decided to try our hand at a collective Haiku.
Pinnacle vista!
Breathing heavily with praise
Four friends reach the top
As you enjoy your summer here in North Hatley, or as you plan for some weeks ahead, I hope that you will plan for some adventures with friends in the beauty of this series of strung pearls that are the lakes and mountains of the Townships. May God’s grace touch you as it did these four friends.