There's a special feeling that comes with being in Muskoka. It's the calm ripple of the lake against your boat, the whispering pines, the stunning sunsets, and the friendly waves from fellow boaters. It's a feeling that we at Pure Muskoka not only cherish, but also strive to encapsulate in every interaction, every shared moment, every community engagement. It's not just a place - it's a feeling.

The other day, as I navigated our boat across the clear, sun-dappled waters, my young daughter asked a simple yet profound question, "Dad, why do we wave at people in other boats but not people in other cars?”

I paused, realizing that, yes, we do wave more frequently on the lake than we do on the road. There's an unspoken rule, a tradition almost as old as Muskoka itself, that when you see another boat, you lift a hand and wave, connecting with complete strangers in a brief moment of shared camaraderie.

So, why do we wave? It seems like such a simple question. Yet, it's steeped in our psychology and brimming with connection and good vibes. And it's something that feels right, especially here in Muskoka.

Think about it. A wave is an unmistakable human gesture. It's a sign of recognition, like saying, "Hey, I see you there," but without uttering a word. It's an acknowledgement of another person's existence, a signal of peace, an instant bridge of connection. It's like a universal language, understood by everyone, regardless of where they're from.

Waving on the lakes isn't just about politeness, though that's definitely a part of it. It's also about signalling that you're a part of this water-touched community. You're sharing a moment, an experience, a connection with everyone else who loves these lakes as much as you do.

And that's really what the Muskoka feeling is all about. It's about being part of something bigger, a collective experience that transcends the individual. Every wave exchanged between boats nurtures this sense of togetherness, this sense of belonging. And isn't that what we all crave deep down?

But let's think about why we don't do the same on the road. Roads are filled with signs, signals, and horns, which leave little room for the warm, friendly wave. But when you're out on the lake, the only signs you're likely to see are those of nature - a loon dipping below the surface, the flash of a fish, the rustle of leaves in the wind.

On the road, we're cocooned in our own worlds, often lost in thought, or focused on getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible. It's a busy, bustling space, and it doesn't always lend itself to those simple, friendly interactions that we have on the lake.

Out on the water, it's a different story. The pace is slower, the environment is quieter, and we're more open to the world around us. We have time to look around, to enjoy the view, and to appreciate the people sharing this experience with us. The water brings out a friendlier, more relaxed side in all of us. It's almost like a holiday from our daily routines.

As we navigate our boats across the glimmering lakes of Muskoka, let's remember to take a moment to appreciate the magic in each wave we exchange. It's not just a friendly gesture or a simple hello – it's a tradition, a testament to the spirit of this incredible community that we're all a part of.

Through these waves, we're saying more than just 'hi.' We're saying, 'I see you, I acknowledge you, and I'm glad you're here, sharing this beautiful place with me.' In that brief moment, as our hands lift and our fingers stretch out in greeting, we're connecting with the very essence of what it means to be part of Muskoka.

So let's keep this tradition alive. Let's keep waving, keep connecting, keep fostering that sense of community that makes Muskoka so special. Because remember, Muskoka isn't just a place – it's a feeling. And every wave we share on these tranquil waters, big or small, is a celebration of that feeling. Here's to the Muskoka wave – long may it continue!

And next time my daughter asks, "Dad, why do we wave at people in other boats but not people in other cars?" I’ll tell her, it's because Muskoka is more than just a place, sweetheart. It's a feeling. And it's one we're all lucky to share.