Well, once again Canada Day and Vital Spurs meet. While Canada has its issues and we certainly have leadership problems this is still a terrific place to live.
As I look out at the sunrise over a lake in the Kawartha's I see all the incredible beauty that central Ontario has to offer. The Canadian Shield is one of the most magnificent geological forms on the planet and we are blessed with all the lakes and ruggedness it offers.
I am contemplating Vancouver Island, where my son will spend the next 10 months, and how lucky he will be to spend that time within relatively easy reach of Nanaimo, Tofino and Mt Washington. Not to mention Victoria itself. 3,384 kilometres away from Toronto. Haida Gwaii and salmon fishing beckon.
At the other end of the country lies Newfoundland. The one province we have not managed to spend any time in yet. Hiking Gros Morne is one of our must do's in the next 2-3 years. Many people are exploring the dying fishing villages that are just being rediscovered as great places to buy and either rebuild or build vacation homes. One of the key members of where I work is from Cook's Harbour NL, population 123. It doesn't get much more remote than that.
There are many other great places in the world that I have been or want to go. Many great people and cultures. But the feeling of equinamity, opportunity and the desire to explore never die here.
I hope everyone has a chance to spend time in Canada at some point during their lives. It would take several lifetimes to take it all in. But there is something for everyone.
We are very, very lucky.
Happy Canada Day.