Sitting in my little second-floor table nook reading and having coffee, I heard a presence arrive at the door below. Looking down, I saw an older man in smart cycling gear. He introduced himself as Alec, the neighbour I'd been told of — a retired physics teacher — who loves to hike regularly. I enthusiastically agreed to meet him for a 2pm departure in to the woods. I've been here a month and not explored the wilderness that is all around me. It's been a shame to only be seeing it from the property of my cabin or from my car en route to town and back. But solo woodland walks are ill-advised in this country where bears flourish.
We made our way through mountain meadows and forest trails to a neighbouring farm. Here I was introduced to a couple of old brothers and their cousin visiting from Switzerland. I was intrigued by the home of one brother, Paul, which had all of its windows covered by bamboo slat blinds hung down from the outside and secured in what looked to be a permanent fashion. Imagine having the most spectacular mountain vista and choosing to block it all out! Curious. Also curious is the fact that Paul's wife could be heard in that dark house but is apparently rarely seen.
These brothers have lived here all their lives and raise beef cattle. They also have a spectacular vegetable garden, producing more than they could possibly consume but choosing not to partake in selling at the Farmer's Market. Alec suggests that I may be able to weasel my way into some of their bounty if I play my cards right.
Alec and I munched on heavenly raspberries that edged the garden as we awaited Paul's cousin Alfred. Then we all set off on what became a five-hour hike through dense forest. I was amazed that Alec seemed so sure of our route, despite the rare appearance of an actual trail. But sure enough, every so often we would come to one of the ribbon markers he had tied to a branch on one of his many other ventures through these parts in the more than thirty years he has been exploring them. We discovered a tiny lake, its edges teeming with lush, healthy vegetation, including thick waterlilies with their divine yellow flowers.
Later, we rested up the mountain and shared stories while taking in the most incredible view of the valley and the mountain ranges on the other side. Paul pointed to various peaks and glaciers, recounting adventures he had experienced there over his long lifetime of local exploration.
Alec and I parted ways with Paul and Alfred and I was shown the peaceful splendour of "Secret Lake", so called because it is so well hidden but it's not really a secret at all. In fact, when we arrived, there were two women sunning themselves on a floating dock. I recognized one of them as Joanne Nugent, the woman responsible for having hired Peter and I to play the Midsummer Festival.
We soaked our feet, allowing the many minnows to tickle our toes before heading down through more thick brush which Alec seemed so calmly familiar with, as if it were a well-beaten path. We parted new friends happily agreeing to become regular hiking buddies.
Next I need to pursue the leads I have on possible riding opportunities. There are so many horses all around, surely that won't be hard!
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