The `ra' is for `Rat Portage'.

Kenora is a small town in northwestern Ontario on Lake of the Woods. A large statue of a muskie named Huskie sits next to the Trans Canada on the way into town. The word `Kenora' was made up of bits of three town-names, Keewatin, Norman, and Rat Portage. It is also the town in which my Mom grew up, and really, really far away from here (as far away from SmogTown as Miami).

My grandfather lived there for a large portion of his life, and stayed after all his children, save one, had moved on to other parts of the province. His was a large personality, and that, combined with the natural beauty and tranquillity of the area, has uplifted Kenora to a rather mythical status within that side of the family; it is the Davidson's Mecca.

Three summers ago, the Davidson's had their first official family reunion since my grandfather passed away in 1986. Almost everyone was there. We spent a week at a camp by Long Bow Lake, and had a marvellous time. It was one of the rare family events that was a ton of fun - I got to hang out with cousins I rarely see, talk with family about the family history, and enjoy nature. This was one of the more refreshing vacations I've had, and returned to life with a new energy and outlook. Both pictures are from that trip, overlooking Long Bow.


Today marks the beginning of the next Davidson reunion - everyone vowed that the reunions should occur with much more frequency. However, this one is at Long Point, a part of the world that doesn't enjoy the nostalgic connexion to our family as Kenora. That in mind, as well as the lack of `ra-ra-ra' and communication about the week, has left this reunion, unfortunately, as one to miss.

In the end, despite my lack of interest in this years' events, this has been a good excuse for remembering, with a smile, a wonderful part of the world, and a significant part of my life.