The wife and I enjoyed a glorious day on the beautiful Ottawa River taking in the fall splendor, on this sunny, 80 degree day. We were invited by friends of ours who spend a lot of time on the river in their 31' Chapparel Cabin Cruiser. It is, and has been their summer cottage for the last 4 years. For folks to understand why they choose this as their annual summer playground, you need to know that the Ottawa River starts way up in northern Ontario as small flowing streams in the northern boreal forest. It wanders southeast getting bigger and bigger. Flowing between Ontario and Quebec, it eventually meets up and flows into the St. Lawrence. A trip of some several hundred kilometers. It is extremely rustic, scenic and has to be experienced in person to appreciate its sure grandeur. Today was to be the last cruise for this year, as the boat, their pride and joy, will be coming out this week to go into winter hibernation. We felt honored to be able to spend the day with this couple, sharing what is their greatest joy. We traveled up river for approximately 30 miles, all the time being exposed to the fall foliage of this unique and extremely picturesque area. We were even treated to the sight of a pair of Bald Eagles along with their "this years" fledgling fishing for breakfast. All in all a day to remember.......... ........And remember we will because this was also the last trip for the gentlemen who owns and loves this boat and his river. He is in the N stage of a 4 year battle with Malanoma with probably a short number of weeks to go. On top of that, his wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has just finished her 3rd round of Chemo. They have 2 sons still in school and everything to live for. We can all guess how this is going to turn out. This folks, is why my read on life is pretty simple. "Have a good time EVERYDAY, cause we're only here for a short time"
Wow. Very rough for them. But you're right, gotta enjoy the days you have. Good on you for having a great trip with them, I'm sure it meant a lot to everyone
Great post... well said Sir....... one of those I want to like, but also want to not-like (the part about your friends illness)
Some more of the beauty of the Ottawa. The second picture is of the Chalk River Laboratories of Atomic Energy of Canada. This facility is one of two of the worlds largest producers of medical isotopes. Also pictured is what is known as Wiseau Rock. 445' high and the water that fronts it is also over 400' deep.
Beautiful pictures and how wonderful it is that your friends took you out to share the joys of life with them as they deal with thier own trials.I will pray for them ,and remember myself to try and enjoy life everyday.
Thanks for sharing this with us Rotti, and the fantastic photos. There is so much cancer now. No family is spared it seems. We found out my wife has a small malignant melanoma in her right eye this summer. They're keeping it under close observation and will treat it with radiation if it grows. These are fairly well contained when they're in the eye in the early stages, but it sure is nerve wracking knowing its there.
It is a sinister disease for sure. It has no bounds and strikes without regard to who you are, where you are and what you may or may not have. In Canada, 2 in 5 people with be struck with some form of it. We all have either had family or friends directly affected by it. It is the one charity that my wife and I work hard to raise donations for. We have both lost family and friends to it, and unfortunately, will continue to do so.
Well said Rotti, it's nice knowing you were part of those folks lives, especially their final ride on the water. Great story with a little sadness
Rotti, that is wonderful that you got to spend time with your friends on that trip....looks like a beautiful day and scenery. As for cancer, it is a wretched disease and has affected our family many times as well..... My heartfelt prayers to your friends and their entire family......In the end, God has a bigger plan for us that we don't always understand and that is why, like you said, we need to try and live everyday to the fullest.....
"Have a good time EVERYDAY, cause we're only here for a short time" ... well said Rotti. Sounds as though your day made important memories for all. I hope you're able to spend more time with your friends going forward.
What a sad story. I wish I had some profound words of wisdom to help ease the pain. I can only offer prayers.
Thanks for sharing the story and pictures rotti. Looks like beautiful country up there! Praying for your friends and their family.
Thank you for sharing a wonderful day with us even though it must have been painful. As an ex-boater, I know is really hard to go through the parting of the ways with the cherished lifestyle of a boater but it must be even more so when the reasons are so final.
Sorry to hear about your friends. Time is infinitely more valuable and precious than money. It's a shame that so many don't realize this and that some only realize it when they're forced to confront their own mortality.
