Carefree Highway

This week reminded me of how much I love my adopted city, Toronto.  In the span of two nights I was able to take in The National Geographic Live Series at Roy Thompson Hall, and witness a rare concert by one of Canada’s most cherished singer-songwriters, Gordon Lightfoot, at Massey Hall. Two very different events but both equally compelling.

With a group of my favourite “publishing peeps” I spent one absorbing evening listening to National Geographic Explorer of the Year, Kenny Broad, speak about the mysteries, wonders, and dangers of underwater cave diving.  This man can weave a spell-binding tale!!  Aided by stunning visuals and film clips, Broad spent two hours whisking every audience member along with him as he explored the claustrophobic and wondrous underwater caves of the Bahamas.  I cannot wait until our next National Geographic Live evening!  For more information on the series, please visit their website here.

Two evenings later, I was the lucky girl to tag along with yet another favourite “publishing peep” to Massey Hall where we listened to the iconic Canadian crooner, Gordon Lightfoot, as he took us on a tour of our musical roots.  His voice may not be as strong as in years past, but his ability to weave a spell-binding tale rivals Kenny Broad’s above. Through the music of our youth, we were transported!  The Canadian Railroad Trilogy reminded me of my recent cross-Canada train trip from last year. I was struck then by just how closely Lightfoot’s lyrics and music mimic our rugged and carefree Canadian landscape.  I was also reminded of a Grade 8 spring concert at my elementary school, Kinnaird, where our class sang a medley of Lightfoot songs in haunting rounds. And I was reminded of summers back home on our farm listening to Sarnia’s CHOK radio in our old blue pick-up truck.  The song Carefree Highway is perhaps my favourite Lightfoot song. It is the ultimate driving tune in my Jeep! Do you remember this?

“Searching through the fragments of my dream shattered sleep

I wonder if the years have closed her mind.

I guess it must be wanderlust or trying to get free

From the good old faithful feeling we once knew.

Carefree high way, let me slip away on you.

Carefree high way, you seen better days.

The morning after blues, from my head down to my shoes.

Carefree high way, let me slip away, slip away on you.” – gordonlightfoot.com

If you would like to see more back road fall colour snaps, please visit my photo gallery here. Thanks for visiting and have a great Sunday!