Wandering The West Coast On Canada Day

July 1st, 2016. It is 8:16 PM, and once I got my feet planted on the ground today, remembering who I am and what matters to me, I chose to pay attention to the amazing world around me.

When I woke this morning, I was not paying attention, nor was I caring about who I am, or more importantly who you are. I would like to say the most important part of who I believe myself to be is a part of all of you, and when I remember this after moments of ignorance I am humbled. Thank you to my home and the community that sustains me both spiritually and physically.

I have been on the road a long time this trip, and when I woke in my camper van this morning, I forgot that I choose to be a part of the solution, and when it is tough and the road has seemed long I must do it actively. I could feel the worlds struggle, not only on my chest but upon my shoulders as well. Recently there have been some big things going on in our world, Brexit, Trump, Trudeaux, and the severity of the changes that lie ahead, and the reasons for them had me frustrated this morning. I quickly turned the key in the van and headed West.

I woke up on the East side of West Sooke and as I drove into Sooke, I realised it was time to return to my Canadian Roots, my ancestry, my culture, my home. I kept the pedal down, turned up the music and drove the windy road out to the French Beach store.

Once there with coffee and cigarette in hand, facing myself once again, the conversation grew and I remembered, as I knew I would. Sometimes when we are struggling with the pressure of what is going on around us it is important for me to remember that I am not alone. More to the point it is important for me to remember it truly is not all about me. When I feel the struggle it means that others are struggling, and on Canada Day more than on any other day I yearn to be a part of the solution.

We sat on the back deck, the rain stopping, and the mist rolling in through the evergreens off the Pacific, whispering to me of the blessings I am so quick to forget. We talked about today’s state of affairs, the world leaders that got us here, and the world leaders that profess they would like to help us make changes. Putin, Trudeaux, Trump, Clinton, Blaire, Reagan even crossed our lips. We discussed World War 2, our current economic system, what changes could occur, and we smiled and laughed some about it. It was a great way to start my day over.

And then he said, “Happy Canada Day!”. I was at once elated, and then ashamed. As a Canadian it is my responsibility to be a part of the solution, and I had forgotten that on my own. Elated to remember. The family at the store, from Cowichan with the little girl in her Tigger suite reminded me. When I asked her if I could be Winnie and she nodded, I knew right then and there that if the solution is that simple for her then it could be that simple for all of us. Kindness, responsibility, all a choice.

So after a shower, some news, and email, I began my Canada Day. My goal to wander the West Coast seeking and finding my roots, my ancestry, my culture, and yes my home.

My first adventure was to find an old logging road, maybe with some trails near some big trees to venture upon. I was lucky enough to stop in at Shirley Delicious so that I could find someone to look at my Backroad Map Book with me. While I was there I met the owner Phil, a gregarious and friendly soul, who not only puts on a fabulous show but who also gives all credit where credit is due, to his amazing baker. You could not find more scrumptious food in downtown Manhattan, some organic, some gluten free, a European sandwich, grilled Eggplants, and ham smoked to divinity. The best part though was the show. The energy that man puts into his life is worthy of applause. In stopping and talking to him I remembered the Sheringham Lighthouse just down the road , and the new park trails they had recently created.

What a fantastic way to spend a Canada Day afternoon.

Wandering through the trails, Salmon Berry Bushes twice my size, picking Logan Berries and Huckleberries to the point where I should have stopped, but just could not. Bringing back wonderful memories of my childhood, my tummy tightening, saying, ”That is enough!”, but my mouth watering as I reached for just one more; and then just one more.

Today you can walk right down to the Lighthouse, it was not always this way. Fifteen years ago there was a fence that kept you at a distance of 200 feet. With the new park you can actually put your hand on the base of the lighthouse and look over the edge of the concrete foundation, if your nerve can handle it, to the waves rolling over the barnacles and starfish, to crash on the rocks far below.

As I stood there the silence engulfed me and I thought back to the early 1900’s when the Europeans ships were travelling in these waters. A kerosene lamp lighting the lighthouse; doing its best to keep the mariners safe from these hard and cold shores. I have spent a fair amount of time lately on the West Coast over the last 4 months, from Renfrew to Tofino, and have often thought of the hundred or so ships lying beneath the waves. A very important part of Canada's heritage.

As I wandered back up to my van, I decided to walk the road and not the trail, nosing about. I actually found a property that reminded me of the place I grew up on at the mouth of the Sooke Basin. Canada Day was one of my mother’s favourite holidays, and as I saw all of the Wild Daisies growing about I thought of her. They always have reminded me of her; they were not her favourite, Gerber’s were, but there is something about their tenacity that always, no matter where she is, brings her close to my soul again. I was gently reminded by the wind that I have been home for 4 months on The Island and have yet to visit her. I picked a bunch of 3 representing our family that was and one representing the child they left behind. After they have dried, and I have enjoyed them, I will make the opportunity to take them to where she now rests peacefully in Chemainus. Until then they shall hang from my rear view mirror. My roots, my ancestry, my culture, my home.

As I returned to my van, I turned the key in the ignition and the radio came on. I was standing outside with the Daisies on the dashboard, me changing my shirt in the parking lot. The radio was talking about the plight of Rio Deja Nero, regarding economy, corruption, homelessness and the effects of the Olympics that are soon to be, when all of a sudden I saw a flash in the window. I swore it was a butterfly, I looked more closely and I was correct, but it was outside the window, and it was not A butterfly, but TWO Monarch butterflies. They were trying to land on my Daisy’s The joy I felt, touched by the truth, if only for a moment. I am not even sure what truth it was, but it felt existentially real, and truly beautiful.

Life is about change, and the world is changing as I type this right in this moment. Butterflies, the eternal symbol of metamorphosis, travelling all of the way from Mexico into Eastern Canada. These little guys only came from the Sierras of California, but still the moment felt just right and very Canadian. I am abashed to say but will say it anyways, in that moment I actually yelled, “LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!” My inner child was pleased. I felt the multiculturalism, the mosaic of my ancestry, my roots, my home, our Canada.

So I got back in my van and lumbered my way through to Sooke, to where the fireworks are going to be tonight. I was craving a Hamburger, the kind they serve at the Fairgrounds, and I found it. I took it and went and sat by the river. Some days you know I fight pretty hard with myself. It can get dirty and nasty. I feel that often my behaviour in these battles, can become unattractive, and down right mean and belittling. But there I was sitting there, and what I fight for walked right up to me and started a conversation.

I met a security guard. Grant, a man who works three jobs, so that he can feed his three children. His wife stays at home to raise them, and he works three jobs. Did I mention that he works three jobs? That middle class that Canada was built on that is slowly disappearing into the West Coast mist, that is what I fight for. Many may not believe it or understand it, but it is my truth. No one should have to work three jobs to raise three children, not in Canada. Not in what is the best country in the world. It is wrong. We laughed. I was reminded of community as his coworkers came over for a chat, and reminded again that even the tough mornings are worth it.

That is where I am going to leave this today, as twilight has arrived, and I am sure the show is about to start. The mist has lifted, as my spirits have throughout the day. I again feel part of, part of the solution. It is tough times for a lot of us right now, but as Canadians, and people of this global community, you and I, we all need to remember that we do not travel alone.

Here is to the story, whatever story it is, that lifts us up, that reminds us that we are worthy, and encourages us to be kind to others, do right for ourselves and those that we encounter in our daily journeys. It is not always easy, this I know. I often find myself, in my own way. I forgive myself, and do my best to be present so that I can notice the important people, the people that matter to me. The ones that I do have left.

To my mother; thank you for my Canadian roots, my ancestry, my culture, and my home. Although you are no longer here with me in body, you are here in spirit, and when I forget the wind always reminds me.

Loving Canada today, and filled with gratitude to have woken up this morning, no matter how I felt. Everything passes, even the good moments, so enjoy and savour each one you get.

Happy Canada Day!

And as a late added byline, the fireworks were fantastic. The laughing children and barking dogs, made it all that only Canada can be. Thanks for sharing it with me. Loving you all. Happy Canada Day!