Madawaska River, 1962

Harold's and Meredith's families had been camping, canoeing, and skiing together, so we knew each other pretty well. During the summer of 1962, we were paddling the Madawaska River in Ontario, Canada, and we began courting in a tentative sort of way. In this photo, we are on the left. The "grown-up" is a family friend, and Meredith's sister, Marion, is on the right.

Here, passions still under control, we sidle a little closer to each other. I remember fishing off the shore of this island, casting way out, and producing a huge snarl of fishing line through some sort of backlash. Meredith and I sat together by the shore patiently untangling that line for hours. We were side-by-side under the moonlight with tiny waves lapping against the stones. Our hands gently worked over the tangle, fingers seeking out loose strands (and each other's fingers). I know—it was just a feeble excuse to hold hands.

Our Run Down the Madawaska

(Click the thumbnail for a larger version.)

			We were able to snuggle just a bit in camp, but we couldn't paddle together. I paddled with my Dad.
			Meredith was paired with her sister, Marion.
			Here are a few shots of Meredith's parents, Bonnie and Clarence.
			Clarence was an avid fisherman. Here he shows his catch to their dog, Millie, and works on gathering the firewood we would need to cook the meal.