I used to love going camping when I was a kid and some of the best memories I have are from a campground. Cold Lake, Alberta, was the first place I experienced the joy of being in the woods. Sleeping under the stars and waking up to the fresh scent of God’s incense.

It’s also one of the places I want to visit during our road trip next year. There and as many campgrounds as we feel like. The idea of having all the time in the world to explore Canada and the Rocky Mountains makes me anxious to get going.

For the past few years Krista and I have enjoyed spending time at my brother Jim’s cottage on the Rideau Lakes, north of Kingston, Ontario. It’s a beautiful place, right on a lake, surrounded by woods and nature. For the first time in a long time I felt at peace being in the woods, smelling the forest and listening to the birds.

One of the reason we decided on a road trip next year was so we’d have a chance to decompress and see where life takes us next. We might settle in British Columbia, or Mexico, or wherever we find a feel that’s us.

For now the fall is here, the coolness is in the aire, and I’m feeling good about the future.

I noticed something by the water late one night so turned on my flashlight and walked closer to see it. Turns out it was a big owl (not sure what kind) and it was probably looking for frogs to eat.