Impromptu
With Brigitte we are climbing a trail of wild flowers and moss to reach the
top of Margaret Falls. Equally in shape, we are experiencing some kind of a
rush in front of all the beauty at every turn of the trail.
A kick of adrenaline runs through our blood knowing that down below this
quiet creek transforms itself into strong cascading water. This pure basin
of cold brew becomes a turbulent force of nature.

Right at the top, close to the rustic wooden bridge, we hear the familiar
bear bell tune of approaching hikers. Cordial salutations revealed their
tourists status. That’s how we met, in the shade of a giant cedar, swept
by its invigorating perfume and surrounded by mosquitoes buzzing around. We
exchanged stories from their foreign country, share photo picks of the day
and just like that, our casual encounter became an invitation to our cabin
later in the day.

Early evening they both showed up and our offer to initiate them to kayaking
became reality. We witness our brand new German buddies leaving the shore
aboard tiny bright yellow kayaks. Awkwardly paddling along this immense pool
we observed in the haze of an early summer evening the colorful life
jackets getting more distant. Lisa and I shared a smile, you know the
unsure feeling of ” hope they will be ok” or ” what about if…..” . It is
probably our parental instincts that just kicked in but we felt more at ease
remembering that we told them the safety feature of the whistle attached to
their vest.

To keep our mind busy we decided to prepare some food and drinks for our
adventurous visitors. Darkness was fast approaching but fortunately I
remembered that once you are on this majestic lake, the time perspective is
very different. The unique opportunities to observed nature from the water
level is mesmerizing. Have you ever seen a great blue heron with it’s
elegant hunting posture? Dozen of gulls perfectly placed in a row on a
swimming platform. So many varieties of ducks exhibiting their unique diving
styles right in front of you. We secretly know the are the type of people
to let themselves tame by this giant live diorama.

Here with enthusiastic efforts they are approaching with their plastic
embarkation, both of them smiling. That evening we chat on the balcony
until 1:00 am. With limited knowledge of a common language and good
translating apps on our intelligent phones, we exchanged so much. Of course
we shared views of world events, presents to each other our cultural
identities, compared political aspects of our respective countries but more
than that we strongly felt that universal human connection we all crave now
better than ever. Who knew than an impromptu meeting of complete strangers
on a trail somewhere in the mountains, sharing views and a few laughs can
refresh your trust in this unique bond.