I found myself standing on the platform in Washago, a sense of anticipation tingling in my veins. It was the start of what I envisioned as a green adventure, one that would take me from the quaint familiarity of Washago — a name perhaps not known to all, but a gateway to the wilds of Ontario for those in the know — to the rugged terrains of Nakina for a season of tree planting.
Washago may seem like just another dot on the map, but for me, it was the launching pad to a summer I would not forget. This wasn’t just a journey; it was a transition into a life that promised more than just daily routines. Here, I was about to board a train toward a commitment to reforestation and an immersive experience with nature.
Boarding the train, I found the mixture of emotions within me a curious blend. There was excitement about the unfamiliar experiences that lay ahead and a silent hope to earn money for my school fund. And amidst these swirling thoughts, the train whistle blew, marking the beginning of an adventure to Nakina, where green horizons awaited.
The Rhythmic Joy of Rail Travel
Once aboard the train, the journey takes on a life of its own. There’s a distinct rhythm to a train ride that road trips just can’t rival. As I settle into my seat, the steady clack of the wheels against the tracks works like a calming metronome, perfectly in sync with the passing scenery.
The view from the window evolves like a live painting – from bustling towns to tranquil lakes and dense forests. I take this time to absorb the quiet beauty, letting my thoughts wander. I also chat with other passengers – some who will join me in the planting camps and others who share tales of their own adventures. Each conversation weaves a new thread into the tapestry of my experience.
By the time the train begins to slow, signaling the approach to my temporary Northern wilderness home, I’ve grown accustomed to the gentle sway of the railcar. My muscles have memorized the rhythm, and my mind is now attuned to the slower pace of life that awaits us. Without realizing it, I’ve transitioned from the hustle of travel prep to the peace and anticipation of our shared mission: to revitalize the forest ecosystem one tree at a time.
Welcomed by Winter: A Snowy Greeting in Nakina
I remember the mixed feelings I had when the train pulled into Nakina. Where was I? It was mid-May, and I was naively expecting spring’s warm embrace, but Mother Nature had other plans. As the train’s doors opened, so did the skies, unleashing a surprising snowstorm. It was a stark reminder that up here, winter lingers before yielding to spring.
We took shelter on a company bus to wait out the storm. There, bundled up in my warm clothes with the gentle rocking of the parked bus, I found an odd peace waiting for the other tree planters to arrive.
Those early days gave me a crash course in the resilience needed for this summer gig. It wasn’t just about planting trees; it was about adapting to what came your way, from wayward weather to impromptu sleeping arrangements.
This unexpected welcome by snowstorm only amplified my anticipation for what was to come. With each flake that fell, I sensed an adventure beginning just as the layers of winter were being shed. And as the final planter arrived, signaling the end of our wait, I knew we were ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of camp life.
Settling In: Camp Life Begins
Adjusting to camp life became my next focus. A tent to call home for the summer was the first order of business – a flat, upland site, free of roots and rocks, and away from dead or damaged trees.
Daylight hours at camp introduced us to the harsh reality of the local insect population. Black flies by day and mosquitoes by night; it was relentless. The pests became our inadvertent teachers in the art of resilience and adaptability. There were myriad strategies for coping, from protective gear to home remedies, all of which were tested thoroughly.
Amidst these challenges, though, we found moments of peace under the expansive skies of Northern Ontario. Few sights can compare to the tapestry of stars unfurling each evening. The spectacular views served as a nightly reminder that we were part of something much larger than ourselves and our daily toils.
A sense of awe and appreciation began to settle in, alongside the humility that working closely with nature often instills. It was this reverence for our surroundings that anchored us, a prelude to the diverse encounters we would have with the Northern Ontario wildlife. From the fleeting glimpse of a fox to the steady gaze of a moose, or a bear at the dump, the wilderness was both our office and our educator.
Tent life was interupted when I experienced a zipper malfunction later in the season. A minor setback? Maybe not, but the mosquitoes sure enjoyed it. Fortunately there was a lot of room on the bus. Retiring to the bus wasn’t the retreat it might sound like. In fact, it was a shared experience, an impromptu solution that became part of the many stories we would reminisce about later. Laughing about these trials by night, icebreakers, really, we created bonds that would sustain us through the summer.
Beneath the Open Skies: Embracing the Wilderness
As my time in Nakina stretches on, I realize I am not just planting trees but growing into the rhythm of this wild place. I pause to take in the vast expanse of open skies overhead, a canvas of blues and purples at dusk that I won’t find in any city.
Here, wildlife is our neighbor. From the curious fox to the rare sight of a great horned owl, each creature adds to the narrative of our days. Often, in moments of quiet, nature’s presence feels close enough to touch.
But more than nature’s spectacle, it’s the comradery that will stick with me. Sharing stories over a campfire, celebrating the day’s achievements, and supporting each other through every challenge. We’ve built something stronger than the tents we sleep in: a community.
As the summer nears its end, my broken tent zipper feels inconsequential. My fabric shelter was only ever a backdrop to the vastness of outdoor living where the real shelter was always the towering trees and the watchful stars.
So, with a backpack full of memories and a heart full of gratitude, I prepare to bid farewell to the rich wilderness of Northern Ontario. It’s been a season of growth, amidst the black flies by day and mosquitoes by night, but one that has taught me resilience and the true meaning of hard work.
Until the train whistle signals my departure, I’ll be soaking up every last moment of this grand adventure. For I know the echoes of laughter and the whispers of the trees will follow me long after my journey through the open skies of Northern Ontario comes to an end.