Pigeon Lake, Bobcaygeon is part of a group of lakes called the Kawartha Lakes, and part of the Trent-Seven Waterway. It’s about 27km long and 3km wide. Many people have cottages around the lake. It’s an adored fishing site.

My first encounter with Pigeon Lake happened in May 2018 when I was in Gr. 5. My classmate, Ella, invited us to her party at her cottage near Pigeon Lake. That was my first encounter with that lake. It was a calm body of water stretching as far as the eyes could see. There were no waves or significant surf. Small boats dotted the surface.

The reflection of the sun on the surface was like a million tiny mirrors, mixed with sparkling stars. My mom came with us but found it too cold to participate. I excitedly changed into my swim gear with my life jacket on. We went kayaking. I tried my best not to fall. I was on a donut floatie and we were being dragged with a rope, which was connected to a jetski. My stomach was churning, and I felt like puking. But I held on so as not to be embarrassed. There were about 12 of us.

My friend fell off a few times, but he was safe. I managed to stay dry till the very end. Nevertheless, my teeth chattered quietly and my body shivered, as I was cold at the end of it all.