“Like some ranch cowboy's faithful steed
my dove grey Chestnut rides on waves,

Rivers, lakes and woods of Algonquin Park are spread so long and wide it takes days to range from one side to the other. If it was the plains of the West country it would mean travelling point to point by horseback. Here, it is my Cruiser canoe, all 16 feet and 65 pounds of taut canvas and wood that carry me.

no reins nor spurs I need to steer
true course to lake's far distant shore,

When they cap high and white, lake waves buck and shake a paddler like an unbroken horse trying to throw its rider.

one simple turn of wrist enough
will guide canoe bow, have no fear.

But it is water, river or lake, testing your paddling skills. The slender boat beneath your knees works with you, not against, so my Chestnut is always my friend and I have learned to trust it come high water or low.”