Dorwin Falls Park … Where Myth and Magic Merge

Dorwin Falls

Only 60 Kilometres from Montreal in Quebec’s verdant Lanaudière region, Rawdon, a small touristy-flavoured town, is blessed with an abundance of spectacular forest amidst a myriad of watery wonders. Beckoning all nature lovers, is Dorwin Falls.  Its daring 60-foot-drop is exhilarating to witness. No wonder! It’s part of the vast Ouareau River which is over 80-kilometres long - a titan of a tributary of Landaudière’s L’ Assomption River – itself majestically meandering along a mighty 200-kilometre-long-path from Mont Tremblant’s massif.

Upon arriving at Dorwin Falls, a park in its own right – there’s even a vast picnic area set amidst a grove of towering pine trees.




                                                        Corona virus did not deter us

Valerie with mask on 

 But I headed first for the falls. I was lucky to snag on the spot, Valerie who works security – checking the trails to ensure everyone’s safe. But on this day, she graciously doubled as my guide.  I really loved where she took me. 




                         Varying vistas

Before reaching the climatic lookout - one of two staired belvederes, we walked a short path whose floor featured above-ground gnarly roots and big natural stones.

We entered the tall-treed grove 

Treading in all an easy 2.5 kilometres of canopied scenic paths - all meticulously cared for with fabulous views of Ouareau’s pristine water either spilling down or lingering lazily like a motionless lake where we made our final stop at a little lake on the isand.



 I loved the fact that the short path took visitors right to the waterfall lookout to witness its magic from an on-high advantage. My love of unbridled water falling dramatically was found here at Dorwin Falls. The sound contrast between the powerful falls and this still area of quiet water is truly remarkable and unique.

It also offered river rapids ending in a kind of lake where a bridge takes you to a small island whose waters are perfect for pondering. 

                         On the island

A beaver dam across the island

 I loved the fact that the short path took visitors right to the waterfall lookout to witness its magic from an on-high advantage. My love of unbridled water falling dramatically was found here at Dorwin Falls. The sound contrast between the powerful falls and this still area of quiet water is truly remarkable and unique.

It also offered river rapids ending in a kind of lake where a bridge takes you to a small island whose waters are perfect for pondering. 

The falls senttle into still waters 

A girl wets her feet

                                                           Magical reflections

A rare reflection of a tree. It lasted 5 seconds! Magical

Valerie  certainly proved invaluable as she guided me to this little island gem that I otherwise might have missed. No maps are given.



                                                 Magic in a rock
Dorwin Falls captured my imagination not only because of its visuals and powerful sound, but also because of the Algonquin Indian legend that has left its mark in stone.

At the lookout, the story is vividly written on a board with a surprise that awaits you: the legend’s unlucky antagonist is embodied in his profile - prominently carved in stone (much like Mount Rushmore). “Where, where?” I found myself asking.



                                                        Can you post his face?

Nipiasingue's facee is near the top under the tree on the right side

 Valerie told me to look straight ahead at the falls and a boulder midway.  There he was - right in front of me, proclaiming his stone-faced fame.

                                                      The legend in stone


Read it here:

Many moons ago, there lived in the Algonquin hunting grounds, an old Indian sorcerer, the wicked and all-powerful Nipissingue. Very cunning, able and evil, he coveted the lovely Hiawhitha and non dare oppose him.

Unfortunately for the sorcerer, Hiawhitha was deeply Christian and had taken vows to become a nun. Daughter of a chief, tradition did not allow her to refuse marriage, but she had the right to choose her own husband.

Desperate, she decided to give her heart to Arondack, the sworn enemy of Nipissingue.

Whereupon, the sorcerer then launched the Algonquins on the warpath. Nipissingue counted on the fate of the battle to get rid of Arondack… He judged well: Arondack, fatally wounded, made it back to his wigwam. Hiawhitha, the tribe’s healer, sat at his bedside and nursed him.

One day, missing some plants, Hiawhitha made her way to the steep precipice at Dorwin. There at the botton, where a thin rivulet of water trickled, grew a few sarsaparilla roots. In hot pursuit of his prey, Nipissingue sees her and enraged flung himself on her, thereby throwing her into the ravine. Just as Hiawhitha’s body touched the thin rivulet of water, a loud thunderclap reverberated through the gorge and Hiawhitha’s long, white linen robe turned into a magnificent waterfall. Nipissingue, stupefied, stopped and was transformed into stone by the Great Manitou, thus condemned for eternity to hear Hiawhitha’s triumphant song of victory.

                                                  Les Cascades... Another Watery Wonder





Les Cascades - also part of the Ouareau River is another waterfall that inspires. Tumbling over a series of beige rocks, La cascade is incedibly impressive. You can picnic at this park while enjoying watching and listening to the water cascading over canter levered rows of big rocks. I spotted bathers on rocks, but the sign warns that rocks are really slippery. No bathing.

Finally, I made my way to Rawdon lake to watch some end of season kayakers (you can rent here). A stone path offers a walk along the water.


                        
                                  
                                The beach is beautful

On the way back, I passed a children's playground sporting wooden carved statues referencing  Indian heritage.

 How original to play in the present within a cultural past. For such a small town, Rawdon is  remarkably big on outdoor recreation - accessibly pleasing for all ages. I didn't want to leave.

For all information, visit the websites:
https://rawdon.ca/en/tourism/recreational-tourist-sites/dorwin-falls-park/

https://rawdon.ca/tourisme/sites-recreotouristiques/parc-des-cascades/

MONT SAINT BRUNO - FOREVER BEAUTIFUL

Covid 19, can put a grave damper on your spirits and energy. The perfect cure to replenish and get lost in nature’s magnificence is to head for the eternal Mont Saint Bruno - a Quebec national park run by Sepaq.  It always inspires me.
I urge you to click into the links below to get the unique history of the park and how the Fathers who settled here created a paradise. who settled here.

 From the minute you enter the warm welcome centre, Isabelle and Sylvie greet you with smiles and help you out handing you the map to get you to its three main lakes.

Isabelle and Sophie at the welcome centre

I headed for the longish but easy trek to Lac des Bouleaux and beyond to enjoy its row of birches that hug the shore. In fact, I walked about 8 kilometres there and back, and wished I could have done more. There's even a trail that goes around the lake.

 I also wanted to canoe, and so canoe kiosk gals Justine and Vivianne fitted me up and Vivianne canoed with me.  They were so helpful and fun. I am posting many photos to get you inspired to go to the lakes, and learn about the religious imprint left by the Fathers who lived here.
                            

                                                            Lookout over lac Seigneurial         

                               

                                                                       Justine and Vivianne.

                   

                                                             Vivianne and me

                                                                     Going solo

different views

Beautiful still waters surrounded by verdant beauty

Time to dock and walk further along the shore

 Green everywhere. It makes you forget the pandemic – the moment you start your walk.  

 But wear your mask and keep your distance between other nature lovers enjoying this natural     outdoor treasure.

                                       

                                                       lac des Bouleaux: views on foot

Thank you Philippe for making it all happen!

  Check out the website for all information

parc.st-bruno@sepaq.com

    (open links below to read my articles about this park)

  Mont Saint-Bruno National Park Shows Autumn Splendor 

                                     MONT-SAINT-BRUNO NOW HAS DOGGY-FRIENDLY ROUTES                                       

                                                   Winter Wonder at Park-Mont-Saint-Bruno                                                                           

                             

KAYAKING ON THE SAINT LAWRENCE RIVER WITH NAVI

 My trusty Navi helpers,Tommy and  Nico
 Covoid 19 masks lowered for photo

                                                     

                                                Navi’s got your back from start to finish

It’s not everyday you can get into a kayak to paddle on the Saint Lawrence River and feel like you’ve left the city far behind.  Yet you are in the city - Verdun to be exact, a borough of Montreal - about 15 minutes from downtown.

Navi is owned by Michel Tremblay, a nature and cyclist enthusiast who puts his heart into his company. Aside from the eight-year-old Verdun location, he also has kayaks at Nun’s Island. Bikers can cycle across the bridge right to this picturesque Verdun location where the water laps the shore and nature is right before you.

                                                              

My turn to hold the paddle. Nico standing by my side

                                             

                                                        Off you go Girl!  

Hiring a nice cozy staff who picks out your paddle, gets you down to the water where – two kind kayak dudes await you. They were so helpful to me. Life jacket on, they selecting a terrific Tarpoon kayak, then helped me into the kayak and handed me the paddle.

Adjusting the foot straps

Ducks seeing me off

They pointed me into the direction of the rapids, but the flow of the waves were against me, so I took their advise and paddled close to the shore!” No matter how experienced you are, you’re given a radio to communicate back to Navi in case you need help. The river is wide and the weather temperamental.

Imagine keeping 8000 kayakers safe over the summer. Navi does!

Enjoying the sights … Kayaking into Nature

  In the distance I could hear the roar of the rapids – the popular destination for many of Navi’s newbies and veteran kayak buffs.

 I loved the idyllic setting of the shoreline where ducks and birds hang out. Bushes, lanky reeds and trees greet your eye at every paddle stroke. I could hear geese and see them happily floating on the waves of this famous historic river.

Happy paddle boarders

At one point a family of ducks came right up to my kayak – one beak touched the side of my kayak! It doesn’t get any better than that!

But it does. Michel has outfitted his company with a fine fleet of kayaks – 10 double with two super comfy padded full-back seats, and 45 single kayaks.  

Tommy took me out on the double kayak, but not before swimming out to say hi and pull me to shore. What fun!

 Double seating in fishing kayak with Tommy

These are made for setting your fishing rod into a special central holding place where the promise to catch the fish of your dreams is real. Too bad I didn’t bring my dad’s.

A Great Guided Excursion

Navi has a 3-hour top-notch excursion where you paddle board or kayak out to Rock island, take a swim and paddle back. There is a nest of islands nearby for you to explore as well. In addition, he offers wake surfing. Can you imagine the thrill of it all as you jump off his high speed motor boat and surf the wake on a board! Although eight people can go, each has his own separate turn.

 No matter what activity you do on the water, Navi ensures your safety and comfort. Michel and his staff make sure you have a fabulous day. I did.  

Prices are a steal:

single seat kayak, one hour: $20; two hours: $30.

double seat kayak, one hour: $30; two hours: $45.

                                

The address is 6500 Lasalle Boulevard, Verdun, Quebec, H4H 2S9

Navi’s hours are from 10: am to 8:30 pm. Open June to September.

For more information, reservations and activities to enjoy,

 check out the website: info@espacenavi.ca

Make your reservation here:  (514) 800-0481

Happy kayaking!

Michel was very pleased about this feature

Wow!

Very very nice article Nancy!

I’ve never read one like this. It’s well written and when you read it, it feels like you’re really kayaking on water and enjoying the wonderful environment of Saint Lawrence river. The reader definitely wants to try Navi’s experience.

Many Thanks, Nancy !!!

                                                                                                                   Michel Tremblay

Darren’s Dilemma

                                                               

“This is just what we wanted. It’s perfect for us. The backyard is huge and the walking trails are two minutes away.” Jane was so excited; her husband, Darren wasn’t.

“Honey, it’s so far from my office, and the living room is so small. You wanted a fireplace too.”

“That’s true.” Jane looked deflated.

“Look, let’s sleep on it.  Tomorrow’s another day. We still have two more houses to visit.

Darren woke up refreshed, but Jane never got out of bed. What he did that night was hard, but telling Jane he had lost his job would have been even harder.

“PASSAGE TO PARADISE: HELLENIC SKETCHES OF THE MIND" catapults you into a whirlwind maze of culture and excitement

 A GORGEOUSLY WRITTEN GREEK MEMOIR by YANNIS ZERVOS

Yannis Zervos is responsible for birthing the iconic Athens Centre. From its humble beginnings, once known as The Athens Centre of the Arts, his brainchild becomes a remarkable mecca brimming with genius: scholars, actors, musicians, painters, sculptors, poets, philosophers and enlightened esoteric professors who are leaving an indelible mark on humanity. They all have one thing in common: their love of all things Greek, and they have all taught at the Athens Centre at one time or another. Yannis has met them all.

His vast knowledge, charisma and refreshing sincerity, steeped in wit and self-deprecating humor are revealed in this remarkable book. Climbing like Sisyphus, mounting countless theatrical performances, including a huge production of the play, Antigone, with an audience of 1000 at the Macedonian border - never giving up despite calamities of all kinds – he works endlessly to ensure his beloved Athens Centre will survive, thrive, and spread its Greek goodness far beyond Greece itself.  Despite many moments of financial sputtering and political chaos, Yannis succeeds.The  Centre rises to Olympian stature as an international hallmark for Hellenic culture.

The memoir takes you into a close-up personal journey into dozens of countries teeming with brilliant people in the arts, business tycoons, bold entrepreneurs, royalty and rascals alike.  He meets them all. His entire life is surrounded by the rich, the famou,s the fortunate and the eccentric, shadowed by the poor, the unlucky and saintly. Immersed in buzzing labyrinths of meeting, greeting and befriending, he remains both on-looker and go-getter.  His generosity and sociability spill out when he hosts parties at his sublime house in Athens and in his place on the Island of Kea where he keeps his treasured antiques.

The book is ripe with entertaining anecdotes that reveal Yannis’s own trusting nature and skills as he navigates around people’s personalities and solves seemingly impossible situations. His acumen at mounting productions and getting politicians and stars on board is part of his brilliance – which albeit - is sometimes peppered with his own faux pas in the presence of famous people, or a gripping fear that the show won’t go on. We are struck by the author’s ravenous curiosity honed with an ability to size up so astutely different people. Insightful observations and comments abound. Whether it be about people, events. buildings or places, chapters vividly reflect the author's sense of wonder, wit and wisdom.

Yannis Zervos

His knowledge about places is most evident, and the reader is eager to follow this purposeful globetrotter on his immersive visits to places near and far.  Historical facts and architectural gems are revealed to us during his visits to cities and villages – some exotic, others less so. They include, Bangkok, Istanbul, Goa, Cairo, and almost every country in Europe, including the Scandinavian ones, along with cities in Great Britain and in the United States. He travels to these interesting cultural hot spots for personal and professional reasons.   His driving experiences most often turn into calamities that raise the hair on the back of your neck. He’s even ended up in a few police stations. Like Odysseus himself, Yannis is crafty and awfully clever at untangling himself from difficult situations. Honesty and charm seem to beguile those he must confront and convince that it’s all a misunderstanding.
                             

The book reads like a Who’s Who, but most astonishing is the fact that Yannis develops life-long relationships with many of them.  His candid comments - either flattering or disparaging about various individuals, combined with his vivid descriptions of parties - leave us smiling or frowning. We feel we're right there, sharing the cocktails and ouzo with these VIPS that the author so easily mingles with.

 “I have no defined social role or standing and can slip easily into different strata.”
                                                                                                                                      Yannis Zervos

The hilarious and the horrific collide in non-stop events that shape this amazing man’s life. Yannis’s humility, risk-taking and drive to succeed have created his own inexorable destiny where paradise blooms sublimely.

“I conclude that viewing the world and our role in it is better based on verifiable information than blind beliefs, however comforting.”      

                                                        

“Passage to Paradise:
 Hellenic Sketches of the Mind”

Contact: info@hydroplanbooks.gr

Maggie’s Skill

                                                          

It wasn't that Maggie enjoyed playing her skillful game every Tuesday.  It’s just that she couldn't stop

herself from doing it.  The first time she did it, she was eleven – just four months after her mother had died.

Now twenty-two, she was a pro. And even though there were no fans to cheer her on, she didn’t mind.

Still, she missed not being able to brag about it to her friends or show them her trophies. That would be dangerous.

She could easily ply her craft in any city, and at any age.  Maggie was a great shoplifter.