On the second day of the retreat, my fearless fellow travellers and I headed over to Caribou Mountain, right in the heart of Temagami, Ontario. Our intrepid organizers had chosen the Red Fox trail in the White Bear Forest. It was a longer hike than I expected: with some April snow in the air, mud on ground, and hilly terrain, I would have welcomed a snack and even poles, but these minor challenges were nothing compared to the wonder of trekking among some of the oldest white and red pines in Ontario. Some thirty years ago, I was cursing while trying to plant white pines: their stiff, long roots were difficult to grasp and plant in one swift movement, and they would intermingle in a gnarly mess in my tree bag. I was paid by the tree and didn't make much money on white pines... but to walk among the great-grand mothers of my baby trees was both inspiring and soothing. The bark of red pines have a gorgeous texture and colour, of such thickness that you can easily imagine the city of animals that must reside in them!
The next day, before heading back to Ottawa, my travelling companion and I went back, this time to master Temagami's greatest claim to fame: the Fire Tower! It is indeed a sight to behold: its height alone is vertiginous as it overlooks a huge expanse of land and lakes, the traditional territory of the Teme augama Anishnabai (Temiscamingue) tribe. Temagami means Deep River in Ojibway: the blue-black hues of the lakes show that the area carries its name well. Alas! The tower was closed for the season: ice still covered the steps, no doubt making it a tricky and dangerous climb. We were still able to bask in the beauty of the lookout at its base and were rewarded with a Turkey Vulture Eagle soaring high above us and with a Pheasant who greeted us in the short walk up to the tower.
Turkey Vulture Eagle and Pheasant
I always love looking up the traditional meaning associated with Animal Medicine. It's often difficult finding only one interpretation since Indigenous people will associate their own meanings based on their experiences. Certainly, the Vulture around the world is associated with death and danger, but it is also highly regarded for its strength, power and willingness to viciously protect its young. Its flight patterns also gave insight on changing weather and it is considered one of the rulers of the sky. The Pheasant, by contrast, does not fly and is associated with fertility: a male can have a harem of three hens, the number of creativity, sexuality and influence.... And here I realize: we came across Death and Rebirth in a few short minutes... how beautiful is that?
