Algonquin Park is widely hailed as the top location in Canada for biological and environmental research. Aboriginal peoples lived and curated the land gently until the 1800s when logging for the majestic white pines took hold. In 1893 Algonquin was formed as a wildlife sanctuary, fishermen and the Group of Seven fell in love with it all, and in 1944 an 80 square kilometre parcel was set aside as a jewel: a carefully protected sanctuary for research and preservation. This is the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station, and as he did for several years as Principal of Blyth Academy, Luke now has partnered and is collaborating with the AWRS through Thrive.

We depart by vehicle at dawn from Toronto. Arrival at the Station by early morning, and three lakes and two portages later, we will arrive at our home for the next night or two. On a freshwater lake seen by fewer people EVER than is readily understood, there is fishing and cooking and journalling and fires and chats and quiet time and ecotherapy to be had. Return the next day or day after to Toronto my mid-afternoon.