A few fortunate friends of mine recently returned to Niagara-on-the-Lake after a four-day canoe trip in Algonquin Park.

Everything had been great, except for a leaky tent one night that made for wet sleeping bags and a bad night’s sleep. Or another night of fitful, uncomfortable sleep. And, being delayed for an afternoon while drying clothes on a rocky point on Burnt Island Lake. Thankfully, the sun and a breeze did the job.

I learned many moons ago, “Canoe trips are great, until the weather goes south.”

Yes, it is quite a push to ramble about rain and water here in Niagara, after what we have been through of late.

But curiosity grabbed me, and I Googled “coureurs des bois.” These legendary characters played an important role in the development of our great nation, exploring and trading and developing working relationships with our native peoples — even helping to start the Hudson’s Bay Company, which went on to be Canada’s oldest corporation, until officially closing last year.

And I knew next to nothing about these mostly French Canadians who braved the most miserable weather elements as they travelled from Montreal to the interior of North America. Sometimes paddling and portaging along our own Niagara River as they passed the mighty Falls at Niagara. They had to be totally self-sufficient, carrying food, supplies and items to trade for beaver pelts.

It seems the most active years for the coureurs des bois were during the second half of the 17th century.

Shame on me, having ignored this important and fascinating part of our history for so long. I cannot wait to learn more.

Now seriously, may I respectfully challenge readers to take some time to learn about this unusual subject. The coureurs des bois had to be some of the toughest dudes in Canada.

When it rained on them, it rained on them. Sometimes almost endlessly. Imagine being in a canoe with perhaps a dozen other paddlers, digging the paddle blades into one of the Great Lakes for one long monotonous day after another. Weeks on end, or more. Add in wind and waves, and someone snoring every night. And almost never in dry clothing.

How did they prepare meals? It’s challenging enough to cook over a wood fire when the wood is dry. And where did they sit while dining so unelegantly? Again, day after day after wet day.

How about if someone fell ill out in the wilderness? Medications and wound dressings? A qualified medical person with first aid experience? Just call 911 or Telehealth Ontario?

I will ask again. Who were these tough chaps? I guess they were a good example of the expression, “Man got to do what man got to do.” Just to survive, and see another day.

Wikipedia taught me the coureurs des bois were “independent entrepreneurial French Canadian fur traders who traveled in New France and the interior of North America.” They formed relationships, both business and personal, along the way.

Some married, and some even went into business with the Indigenous peoples.

And now, the indelicate question that must be asked: where did they go to the bathroom?

I will quickly move on to rain and nutrition and health. Please join me in trying to imagine.

Sometimes, rain for weeks on end. The same food and meals. Sometimes warm, and rarely hot. Usually cold. Continually eating corn and bear fat for up to 18 months. Wet and damp clothing, without a comfort break. To emphasize, we cannot even begin to understand or empathize.

Regularly, I remind myself, “Not that long ago.” Really, not that long ago. Ten or 11 generations.

This Ross’s Ramblings has been from out in left field. Just a gentle and brief way to step out of my comfort zone. My issues pale by comparison, but are nevertheless my issues.

Is it really true the Toronto Maple Leafs have outdone themselves by trading Matthew Knies just before the first game of this NHL season? Didn’t they just return from a team bonding trip to Phoenix, his hometown? I hope fans who have purchased a Knies sweater will get a refund. Hey, it’s a business.

Have faith, Leaf Nation. Rogers and MLSE assure us Jordan’s own John Chayka, and former captain Mats Sundin are savvy hockey experts.

Please, just be patient.