Stroll Along the Lakeshore

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Stroll Along the Lakeshore

January 25, 2012 by Derek Hendsbee

Donahue Lake

Donahue Lake is frozen. I’m not 100% confident in the ice just yet but I noticed ski tracks which meant that if it was strong enough for someone else it would be strong enough for me. I did not venture very far from shore as I walked. I could have skied but there wasn’t enough snow, in my opinion: I like enough that the tips of my poles don’t slip on the ice. There wasn’t even enough for walking. My feet slipped each time I pushed off. To get anywhere at all required an abbreviated sort of baby-step.

Donahue Lake

The afternoon was clear and almost windless.

Large glacial erratic in Donahue Lake

Donahue Lake

I went as far as the skiers had which I estimate to be in the three kilometer range.

Camp chair w/inflatable 3/4 length mattress

I packed along my camp chair this time.

Demonstration of proper sitting technique, Donahue Lake

Sitting is something that seems self-explanatory to me. It’s probably a tough sell concept for those who never consider it as part of being outdoors nor of being active. Sitting is being still, both physically as well as mentally. Being still allows you a very special vantage point because you can take your time to see what’s around you. You can examine everything. Very often the details are surprising. Likewise, when you’re still, you can examine your own interior, you can talk to yourself, work through things that might be bothering you and so on. Sitting is restful. As long as you don’t become too uncomfortable it will revive your stamina and make the return to your vehicle less taxing. The length of time is always going to vary but I think a minimum of twenty minutes is worth aiming for. If your pause is too brief you simply won’t benefit, you won’t notice as much detail, you won’t relax.

Looking north (sort of, probably), Donahue Lake

During much of the year you can find a rock or dry patch of ground. In winter I think it’s important to insulate your bum from the cold. You want to remain dry and as warm as possible. A lightweight camp chair is easily carried, easily deployed and easily packed again. Whatever you use should be light, easily carried and easily used. If it isn’t you won’t use it and you will resist incorporating sitting into your outings.

Donahue Lake

Good health isn’t just a matter of taking care of your physical well-being. Sitting nourishes your mind and spirit. It adds balance. It means truly appreciating your surroundings. When you discover beautiful places or simply find yourself outside on a nice day don’t be in a rush, slow down, sit still, let all your senses filter the experience.