Perseverance develops character

After a brief stop in Nipigon at the "Paddle to the sea" park, we headed to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Starting out early and having seen how eager our little tribe was to hike, we thought it would be no problem for the kids to complete the 24 km return hike to the top of Sleeping Giant. They were absolute troopers but make no mistake, it was hard work on many levels.

The hike started out easy with the kids in front once again, and us being made to feel older than we needed to . As we travelled, the fungi we saw along the trail were like creatures from a science fiction movie, and the thunder of the waves of Lake Superior crashing against the shore was loud enough that we almost needed to shout to hear each other at times.

We made it to the top of Sleeping Giant in 4.5 hours and arrived to a precarious rock face overlooking a gorge and Lake Superior.

It is difficult to put into words the view, or the feeling of smallness and awe that surrounded the moment.

The wind gusts were strong at the top and our crew was tired, with the hike back still ahead of us. Step after slowing step we made it back to our bus but it was not without sore feet, sore shoulders, only a few tears, and most importantly a lifetime lesson on the rewards of perseverance.