When I was young at the lake, on a clear Canada Day afternoon, I remember strolling down the boardwalk, eating ice cream, and chatting with my family. When we reached the dock, l remember my small, five-year-old body was surrounded by a fleet of long, white boats ready to set sail.

When I was young at the lake, I tasted the cold, smooth vanilla ice cream melt on my tongue, along with the rainbow sprinkles | insisted on getting every time. Aboard the boat, the water dominated my senses. I smelled the fresh, cool air surrounding me, heard the waves crashing in the distance, and saw landscapes come and go through my red starfish sunglasses.

When I was young at the lake, anxiety had settled in the pit of my stomach. I had never been on a boat before, let alone near a body of water. Combined with the fact I couldn't swim, I was terrified. I remember how my mom would reassure me with kind, comforting, and caring words. She promised that I would be safe and that my 12-year-old brother would protect me. He was laughing at me, so I was skeptical, but I agreed nonetheless. And I'm glad I did because I remember having a great time in the end.

At the lake, I will always remember the breathtaking scenery on the water. I recall the waves rippling under the boat, crashing onto the shore, and surrounding the land in the distance. The sunlight glistened off the slick white surface, droplets of water sparkling on the metal. I remember passing trees, rocks, and buildings. We even got close to the CN Tower. To this day, I still think about that trip to Lake Ontario. It was a day full of tasty sweets, conquered fears, and beautiful landscapes. That was truly a Canada Day I will never forget.