Gatineau Park, Take One

Hiking is fantastic, even close to the city (if your 'close to the city' is Gatineau Park). I say this for a number of reasons. For one, there are TREES. This alone delights my small-town heart. Two, there is the Canadian shield in all it's glory, which also delights my small-town-on-the-Canadian-shield heart. Thirdly, EXERCISE. Fourthly... I like hiking. And, finally - PEOPLE ARE FRIENDLY.

I should probably stop excessively capitalizing things.

But, they are friendly - just about anyone you pass says hello. I think this is splendid. Might it say something about the effects of exercise and fresh air upon the human condition? I think it might.

Well, apart from the marvellous chorus of "Hi"s, "Hello"s, and "Bonjour"s I heard today, my friend Maria and I had an interesting encounter with an older couple. I'm not getting any points, as Maria handled the bulk of the conversation, but here's a few what-I-learneds.

1. Maria out-randoms me.
2. Trees shaped like benches are never forgotten.
3. Trees shaped like benches should be objects worthy of scavenger hunts.
4. Once you find a tree shaped like a bench, you will long to see it again.



Now that you have seen this one, I know that longing is growing in your heart. You wish it was you instead of that handsome stick man.