One of the best side effects travelling in your own country is the realization of its beauty and the renewed awe one feels about it.
For example, I discovered a new phenomenon during our semi-cross country auto voyage from Ontario to British Columbia. I was surprised to see how often travellers erected Inukshuks--- stand-alone rock formations in the shape of humans--- at regular intervals along the Canadian Shield sections of the TransCanada Highway in northern Ontario to the Manitoba border.
For example, I discovered a new phenomenon during our semi-cross country auto voyage from Ontario to British Columbia. I was surprised to see how often travellers erected Inukshuks--- stand-alone rock formations in the shape of humans--- at regular intervals along the Canadian Shield sections of the TransCanada Highway in northern Ontario to the Manitoba border.
Inukshuks are stone guides in the rough shape of humans first built by the Inuit years ago. Today these rock formations symbolize the sense of a caring community; they are friendly guideposts to point you in the right direction of your journey.
There are many, many mini Inukshuks along the north shore of Lake Superior. Each small statue has its distinct personality, each a reminder of a caring spirit. What intrigues me are the variations on the essential human form.
Different rock colours, sizes, and designs are as original as any piece of sculpture displayed in a contemporary art gallery. Hats off to those who stopped to build their Inukshuks for me to enjoy.
There are many, many mini Inukshuks along the north shore of Lake Superior. Each small statue has its distinct personality, each a reminder of a caring spirit. What intrigues me are the variations on the essential human form.
Different rock colours, sizes, and designs are as original as any piece of sculpture displayed in a contemporary art gallery. Hats off to those who stopped to build their Inukshuks for me to enjoy.
And did you know the word Inukshuk was recently added to the Oxford English Dictionary? Called a ‘loanword’ by linguists, Inukshuk, borrowed from the Inuktitut language, is defined as ‘a structure of rough stones stacked in the form of a human figure’. They are especially prevalent where dynamite is used to blast through the rock for roadbuilding.
Inukshuks were not my only discovery along the northern Ontario route. I used to think Newfoundland was the only Canadian province with picturesque place names. Not. Our north westerly route took us by Pancake Bay, Pumpkin Point, Rabbit Blanket Lake, Old Woman Bay, Bear Paw Landing. We even followed a dead-end trail in Nipigon to where Paddle-to-the-Sea park was supposed to be.
First Nations names like Shawanaga and Magnetawan dot the landscape, too, conjuring up our colourful history while also dipping me in shame as I think of the plight of our First Nations people today.
Inukshuks were not my only discovery along the northern Ontario route. I used to think Newfoundland was the only Canadian province with picturesque place names. Not. Our north westerly route took us by Pancake Bay, Pumpkin Point, Rabbit Blanket Lake, Old Woman Bay, Bear Paw Landing. We even followed a dead-end trail in Nipigon to where Paddle-to-the-Sea park was supposed to be.
First Nations names like Shawanaga and Magnetawan dot the landscape, too, conjuring up our colourful history while also dipping me in shame as I think of the plight of our First Nations people today.
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