Harbourfront Centre's Crayon Box of Kayaks in Toronto

On the waterfront in Toronto, rows of kayaks are tethered impatiently to their network of metal sleeves. How torturous it must be for them to look out onto the luminous water, aching to be set free to make love to the lake but too often find themselves taunted by each flippant wave that slides up against the edge of the pier.

And here they must wait as the days are long in this hectic city that doesn't take summers off. There are many tasks that must be completely crossed off before the list is cleared down far enough to allow the line "free time to do that which makes one feel truly alive" to be up next.

But when that time comes, they are ready. Kayaks, like so many other instruments of passionate, leisurely endeavours, are used to being put on the side burner, kept warm and lovingly in mind until the time is afforded them. The good thing is when they have been listed as the main event of a sultry, Sunday afternoon, they will inarguably become the best part of the week - or longer - enjoyed wholeheartedly, unabashedly, and thoroughly, free from the clouds of responsibility or the wind of time. From the cleansing deep breathing to the repetitive physical exertion to the occasional splash of lake water, everything always comes alive on the waves.