Two Sore Backs

Keji was on Val’s “must do” list right from the start, and she didn’t waver as the weather got crazier and our travel stamina wavered.

It didn’t hurt that the weather took a turn for the better just days before we were scheduled to check into the Keji Oasis shelters that Val was so keen to try, but she was right – Keji was awesome. I should have expected this. My second cousin (dad’s cousin) Paul McGuire, who lives with his wife Cathy in nearby Kingston NS, said several times that they “love Keji”

Before checking into the Oasis, we met up with our other cross the street neighbours, Gary and Ann Sears, who were travelling with Ann’s sister Barbara and just happened to be visiting the park that day. “It’s a small world” has been said a lot this trip.

Unfortunately, all three of them were fighting a virus – probably Covid – so we had to keep our distance.

After a nice visit, we were off to a short hike to Peter’s Point.

Then it was off to the Oasis. Not exactly my style, but I have to admit they’re pretty cool. They definitely would be a good way to get kids excited about camping.

Next morning was beautiful. Perfect for canoeing.

The pictures don’t do it justice. It was beautiful, and definitely the highlight of our Keji visit.

Later that day we did a couple hikes near the visitor centre: Mill Falls and Beech Grove.

Then it was back to camp for dinner and a nice fire afterwards.

The following morning was just as nice. Time to pack up camp and head out for one more hike.

The Hemlocks and Hardwoods hike was the last one before leaving. It’s all about the forest lifecycle, first growth hemlock trees, and views of Big Dam lake.

The hike was a nice end to our stay in Keji.

We met up with Paul and Cathy for dinner the following day. Paul was Louis McGuire’s seventh son, in a row. Louis was his parents Daniel and Mary’s seventh son in a row! That makes Paul the seventh son of the seventh son, which according to the bible means he has special healing powers.

I asked Paul if this meant he was under pressure as a kid to become a doctor. He gave a wry smile and said “it’s all I can remember anyone talking about”.

Paul and Cathy gave us a short tour of the area on the way to a really nice dinner at Kellocks in nearby Berwick. We had a nice chat about Keji – they still go to there every year, and on one of the trips rented all 8 of the Otentiks, one for themselves and one for the families of each of their five sons and two daughters! Here’s a thumbnail picture of the Keji Otentiks that I found on the internet.

Paul did go on to become a doctor, and in partnership with another doctor had the biggest medical practice in Nova Scotia. He’s now retired, and his focus these days is training to do the Camino pilgrimage in Spain next fall. Not bad for a guy in his mid-seventies!

Regretfully, we forgot to get a photo with Paul and Cathy. Darn.

Oh, and they did try for seven sons but had to eventually “throw in the towel”!