Water world
In the spring of 2015, Canadian Voyageurs will cross the country by canoe (Photo by Canadian Voyageurs)
Water: the giver of life. Water is essential to all living things. Almost three quarters of the Earth is covered by water (70 per cent). Yet less than three per cent of all water on Earth is fresh water and more than two thirds of that small percentage is locked up in glaciers and ice caps. The Great Lakes hold six quadrillion gallons of fresh water; one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface supply. Canada contains about seven to nine per cent of the world’s renewable fresh water supply.
Water does more than quench our thirst and grow our food. Water is a source of our well-being in so many waysm including physical and spiritual well-being. Water is refreshing, soothing, calming and healing.
I have always been drawn to water — I find peace by simply sitting by a lake, river or stream and soaking its beauty in. The sound of a babbling brook or the sound of rain falling on my tent brings me comfort and makes me smile. Water has a powerful effect on me.
Water is also one of the most powerful forces on Earth. It can wash away soil, put out fires, destroy iron and carve mountains. The force of water needs to be respected; anyone who spends time on or near the water can vouch for that. A smooth flowing river can turn into a torrent in the blink of an eye, ravaging everything in its path. It can destroy life as easily as it can give it.
Sooke Basin by kayak (Photo by Canadian Voyageurs)
Nonetheless, spending time near or on the water has always lifted my spirits. Sitting quietly on the shores of the ocean I connect with the Earth’s rhythm. The pounding surf has a calming effect on me. Canoeing on a crystal clear lake soothes my soul. The connection I feel to nature is intensified. My body relaxes and my mind clears.
Running rapids in my kayak gets my blood pumping and invigorates me and makes me feel so alive. The adrenaline courses through my body and gives me a natural high. Paddling on the ocean is an experience I will always cherish – the force of nature is never more evident as when you are bobbing on top of the waves, being pulled by the currents and sharing this space with creatures bigger than city buses.
Water is indispensable; it is essential. As long as we respect water and all is does for us we will continue to benefit from all its properties. Protecting our water supplies is all of our responsibility – and more than that it is our duty. Future generations will be affected by the decisions we make on a daily basis. Recognizing the importance and value of water, and not in a monetary sense; is the first step to ensure we all continue to benefit from this essential natural resource.
Canadian Voyageurs is made up of Celine and Gerry, a couple who has been married 24 years and lives off grid in the remote wilderness of northern Ontario. In celebration of their 25th anniversary, they're taking to the waters — paddling across Canada by canoe and creating a documentary. The journey began in the spring of 2015 at the Rocky Mountains. The couple will likely travel through the fall, logging more than 5,000 kilometres in total. Being nature lovers and wishing to protect wildlife habitats, Canadian Voyageurs have chosen to leverage support for NCC using the journey. If you would like to support Celine and Gerry on their epic endeavour, visit www.mywildcanada.com for more information.
Sources:
Earth Observatory
Great Lakes Facts and Figures
Water
About the Author
Canadian Voyageurs is made up of Celine and Gerry, a couple who has been married 24 years and lives off grid in the remote wilderness of Northern Ontario.
