Wow. Just… wow. After 43 days of the government shutdown nightmare finally ending, I needed a complete reset.

I grabbed my car keys, pointed the car north, and somehow ended up here. I’m a tourist guide, and I thought I’d seen it all, but Goose Bay, this tiny hamlet in the Town of Alexandria, New York, is my first time visiting. It’s exactly the kind of unexpected, quiet escape from the political unrest situations —or the news cycle…

I stumbled out of my car, feeling a bit like a newborn deer, and saw a group getting ready for a boat trip. Before I knew it, I was asking if they had room for one more. That’s the adaptive mindset kicking in when you’re just happy to be breathing fresh air and not checking the news.

I met two random local guys who look like fishing-buddies: Mr. Kingmoney ( I was little surprise about his last name) and Mr. Ray who allows me to call by his first name. They was surprisingly friendly and just laughed at my obviously non-local attire when I enjoyed the natural in-lake view.

They offered a spot on their 3-hour fishing boat. The relief was immediate and immense. I leaned over the railing, feeling the gentle rock of the boat on the quiet water, and started our conversation.

Me ( as The First-Timer): “Is this… Goose Bay? I just pointed my car this way, and I’m stunned. It’s so peaceful. Is this what a ‘hamlet’ is? Like, smaller than a village?

Mr. Ray: “That’s right! Welcome to Goose Bay, part of the Town of Alexandria. And yes, a hamlet is just a small community without its own local government like a village or city. It’s what we call ‘unincorporated.’ We’re small, but we pack a punch when it comes to nature.”
Me: “I’m still processing the fact that the government is open again. This quiet is such a gift. It’s like a detox after all that stress.

Me: “So, as a guide, I always ask: What’s the main purpose here? Why do travelers come to Goose Bay?”

Mr. Kingmoney: “The main purpose is simple: Water Recreation and Serene Escapism. You’ve got the St. Lawrence River and the bay itself right here. People come for boating, fishing, and peace. It’s a jump-off point for the 1000 Islands, but we’re a lot quieter than, say, Alexandria Bay. It’s where you come to drop your stress and pick up a fishing rod.”

Me: “Serene Escapism. I love that. And you can definitely feel that sense of relief wash over you. I’m already feeling 100% better than I did 6 weeks ago.” Murmured: […] 6 weeks ago was… sigh… actually, it was a 43-days-depression… Anyway, it is the end of the shutdown.

Mr. Ray: ” Fork, what are you talking? government shut down? when? you talk about the shut down in 2019?”

Me: “No, sir. That shut down became the second longest because the new breaking-record with 43 days shutdown since the midnight October 1st, 2025.”

Both elders: “hmm….”

Me: “Anyway, it is official end in the evening on November 12th, 2025. It is already the past. While we are here, we enjoy and cherish this moment. By the way, what are the top three must-see attractions you two suggest? I have a half day, and I keep getting distracted by how un-busy it is here.”

Both elders look at each other and light smile: “Three attractions, got it. We keep it focused here.

1. Goose Bay State Marine Park and nearby Kring Point State Park

This is probably our biggest draw. It’s not just a beautiful spot, it’s functional—it’s where you access the water. They’ve got ramps and docks. It’s the gateway to St. Lawrence River. Plus, the views across the water are gorgeous. That’s probably where you’d be mooring your boat.”

2. The Goose Bay Channel/Marsh Area/Shoreline

“The channel that feeds into Goose Bay from the river is a wildlife haven. It’s less of a tourist attraction and more of a natural characteristic. Bird watchers, kayakers, and fishermen love it. It’s undeveloped and just stunning. It’s a great spot to practice some mindfulness and resilience if you’ve been dealing with a lot of noise lately.”

3. Local Lodges and Cottages

The character of Goose Bay is tied to its small-town hospitality. We don’t have big chain hotels. It’s all local inns and private cottage rentals. They all have their own unique, rustic charm. You get to feel like a temporary local, which is really the best kind of travel experience.”

Me: “That’s a fantastic setup. I mean, the fact that you can just step out of the chaos and right into a marine park… That’s a revelation.”

Me: “Okay, let’s talk about doing, not just seeing. If I have a whole weekend here, what are the top three things I can do at Goose Bay?”

Mr. Kingmoney laugh loudly: ” Fork, Fishing is king here. The bay offers great protection for bass and pike. A few hours, like we’re doing now, is the perfect, temporary escape from the real world.”

Mr. Ray adds: ” Kayaking or canoeing around the perimeter of the bay and into the marsh channels. It’s quiet, and you get to see nature up close. You can rent a boat at the marina if you don’t have your own.”

Mr. Ray continues: ” It’s simple, but it’s a daily ritual. Grabbing a simple bite to eat at a local spot near the water, and just watching the sun drop over the St. Lawrence. It’s mandatory relaxation. It grounds you.”

Me: “Mandatory relaxation. I’m adopting that as my new life philosophy. Thank you so much for letting a completely frazzled, first-time guide crash your fishing trip. This sudden, random adventure—and the knowledge that things are finally moving again back in D.C.—is the best travel experience I could ask for. I’m already planning my next trip.”

Me points out: “ Oh! I see a black duck.  I wasn’t expecting to use it for wildlife! How about swans? Have you ever seen a black swan around here? how about other kind of birds can you actually spot in that marsh? Any particular time of day?”

Mr. Kingmoney: “Hmm… do you know what you just asked me, fork? A Black Swan???”

Mr. Ray shares: “I have seen some white swans. But not a black swan. Instead, you’ll see plenty of Ducks, Geese, and Swans.“

Mr. Kingmoney: “We get Great Blue Herons wading in the shallows, some American Black Ducks, Bald Eagle, Canadian Goose, and occasionally a Northern Harrier gliding over the marsh.  If you come back next month, you might see Rough-legged Hawk, Herring Gull, American Tree Sparrow.”

Mr. Kingmoney adds: “ It’s best in the early morning, when the water is mirror-still. It’s incredibly quiet, just you and the water. Perfect for that reset you mentioned.”

Me: “A perfect reset. The idea of getting a clear, peaceful photo of a heron… That really underlines the ‘Serene Escapism.’ It’s a completely different kind of focus than following the news. Thank you for that tip.”

[…] The conversation reminds me to times I had chatting with my grandfather whom we lost during the Covid-19. Perhaps, some parts of me extract the image of my grandfather and put to Mr. Kingmoney and Mr. Ray…

My grandfather has rest in peace.

And we, Mr. Kingmoney, Mr. Ray and me, have the temporary peace at Goose Bay.