My Canadian Road So Far: June 2019 Pt. I
Welp, I got on down to the federal building the day I picked up the rental car.
Dead end. They don't have any immigration services there and so they are not trained to answer any of my questions.
She pointed me to the website, saying that it was very straight forward with the application. I flinched, but she was so nice that I didn't have the heart to disagree. And what would be the point, if she couldn't help me anyhow?
So I guess it's back to the drawing board. Maybe I was just on the wrong page? I don't know. Gonna find out. I gotta dig into that dirt.
Speaking of dirt, got the garden bed all set up at the house. Rows of yellow onion, golden potatoes, fennel, green beans, red and golden beets. In another section of the garden is parsley and green onions. And they have lots of oregano growing wild, lovely to have around.
***
With the rental car, we headed out to the hot springs.
I love being in the water so much, I light up and become very playful. Swimming, floating, walking on the cave floor while pretending to be an Axolotl. I laughed and giggled quite a bit and Dusky would later tell me that everyone would look and smile when I laughed my loudest.
We saw an Eagle too, and it wasn't just soaring, it did a cool maneuver. Not quite a roll, I'm not sure how to describe it.
After a yummy dinner of veggie burger and chicken wings at a hotel restaurant, we went to visit Dusky's dad. The birthday jar of honey from Dusky was well received. We listened to classic rock and drank tea or beer as Dusky's dad told us stories, showed us his motorcycle and so on.
I also buried my nose in the asthma section of one of his remedy books for awhile. It would mean a great deal to me if I could get myself to take better care of myself and be less reliant on the inhalers.
The next day was our trip up north, which was a little rough on both of us at the start. Because we had crammed too much into the previous day, we did not do well planning for being on the road.
Regardless, the two of us still managed, with Yerba Mates and CBD easing our travels. We listened to metal most of the way up, from Municipal Waste to Arch Enemy to Hatebreed to Anthrax. Also a long block of Red Fang.
We saw some absolutely gorgeous country. The mountains and rivers and lakes and marshes all made me smile.
Along the way we saw quite a few Ground Squirrels and Magpies, but thankfully no one ran or flew out in front of us.
We arrived safely at the Air BNB, greeted by one of our hosts. It was good to see her again, hard to believe it has been two years since my last visit.
The next day we went to the one-stop shop containing games, movies, comic books, graphic novels, other books, collectibles, posters and more. I was tempted to get the large collection of Tank Girl, but in the end I had to go with my heart and bought a new Deadpool graphic novel. Dusky went for the "I Want To Believe" poster from Mulder's office in the X-Files.
We also stopped in at a place that advertised locally created gifts. Again, I pretty much wanted everything. But I settled on a cloth place mat whose image reminded me of my dear departed Dog; Seacow and a greeting card with a Lynx on it.
After the shopping spree, we returned to our lodgings to make turkey bacon on pretzel bread sandwiches. Super delicious when combined with cheddar and lettuce.
Then I took Dusky for a drive up the long road that goes past the river and up to the intricate network of bike trails. We went for a walk in the light rain until we came upon some Bear dung. We both looked at each other for maybe three seconds and simultaneously did an about-face.
Don't get me wrong I would have loved to have seen a Bear again. But something in me feels that it is important that the animal comes to me, rather than me looking for the animal.
Plus we were ill-prepared for an encounter should the Bear be feeling something other than curious. No Bear mace or Bear Bangers, only a moderately sized walking stick.
We took our time on the way back to the car, though I kept a vigilant eye out, even as I took some pictures of Dred Panda Roberts and Delores Delorian here:
On the way back to town, we stopped at a place I'd gone to on my initial trip to Canada. There we took some more photos and I played my drum while saying my prayers.
https://instagram.com/p/Byar07wBd8d
Dandelion filter:
That night we made dinner and ended up watching The Hitman's Bodyguard. It was well rounded movie, with equal parts action and humor. As well as, who knew, a love story that ends with a happy anniversary. Poifect.
The next morning I was happy when our other host stopped by to check in with us and say goodbye. And he brought the puppers! I was totally hoping that Dusky would get to meet those lovely canines.
After making sure all the lights were off, the messes were cleaned and we had gathered all our things, we headed south on the alternate route. We stopped at a couple cool places in our travels.
The first was a Wolf Center. As wound our way along the back roads off the highway, a Pine Marten appeared boldly at the edge of the road.
In a delighted and high pitched voice I exclaimed, "Marten!"
This startled Dusky a bit, but he was stoked on the Marten too, remarking that it was a rare sight and one he'd only seen when working up north.
I was surprised that the Pine Marten only scampered off as the car came within a few feet of it.
As we paid the entrance fee at the center, the guide said we had good timing. Some of the Wolves had just woken up from a nap and had been singing. I made a well-received donation and we proceeded out into the yard.
Scrappy Dave was still napping, but Flora and Murphy were out and about. Shortly after the guide started the talk, Flora began howling. It was an awesome sound, and she got the others going too. They sang and sang and I could not help but join in as I filmed the clip:
Click to viewThe guide informed us that Wolves have as many reasons to howl as we have to talk, and they are never certain of why the Wolves are howling. She did however mention that there is a group of wild Wolves who will come near to the Centre and it sometimes sets off the resident pack.
She also said that Wolves have a way of howling that makes it sound like they are more than one. This can sometimes save lone Wolves from being accosted by a group.
Murphy is the one with the intense blue eyes and the other two are of Flora.
I cried a little when the guide came to the part of the lecture that covers B.C's current culling policy, which is a heartless and misguided practice.
Two minutes of crying is better than three hours. I was crushed after the first time I heard the talk, in 2017. Still feeling affected, but getting stronger I suppose.
On the way out, I of course bought a few postcards before we got back on the road again.
It had been raining on and off, but as we went over the pass it began to snow! For about a minute I was on high alert eyes wide going, "shit, shit, shit" in my head. Being in a 4 cylinder rental car without winter tires was not a comfort.
However, the snowfall was light and I quickly realized that there were other cars close to our size and they were not prepared for snow either.
So I was able to calm down and enjoy the brief sight of a summer-winter wonderland; white powder dusting the deep green trees.
We listened a variety of things as we continued our travels. Perhaps the most notable for that chunk of time was Los Lobos and The Ducktales Movie OST. I love listening to movie soundtracks on long drives, it makes the journey feel epic.
After we stopped for gas Dusky remarked that had we had to listen to some Wolf Brigade. I grinned both because I love Wolf Brigade (and Wolfpack) and because I liked knowing that the Wolves were still on his mind.
As we neared our destination of Dusky's sister's house, we were listening to Devin Townsend.
And that's when we saw it. A field of Dinosaurs and other large creatures that I had passed two years ago, but hadn't stopped at.
Often times I get on the road for a lengthy amount of time and have a hard time stopping for anything but gas. I just want to keep going.
This time I had Dusky with me to encourage me to stop, saying we weren't in a hurry and that I clearly wanted to go very badly.
So we turned around at the next point of ease and went to explore this mysterious chunk of land.
We went inside first, to see if there was any admission. Surprisingly, there was not. It was a store with an awesome field of creatures.
"The Way You Do The Things You Do" was coming through the speakers as we entered the store and I immediately began spinning and dancing around.
I laughed gleefully when I saw this, just before they sang "You know you could have been some honey."
I was so excited by everything and was very, very close to buying a little stuffed Ogopogo keychain. Sooo friggin cute. I remarked to Dusky that it must be how people feel when they come into my place of occupation back in the states for the first time. Except more so, because Dinosaurs!
For the record, the following is me being conservative with all the creature photos we took:
https://instagram.com/p/BylF6y9hxyZ
It was great, Dusky remarked it was the happiest he'd seen me in weeks. I did indeed feel lit up - I love the fantastic. It briefly transforms me into a ball of joy, the likes of which could be compared to childhood happiness.
In fact, I got so wrapped up in the various statues that I forgot to check out the Goats, with their pulley system and food buckets.
I simply had to buy something, to support the place.
Though I was responsibly bearing in mind that my budget for the month was already dwindling and I was doing my best to A.) Not acquire many more possessions and B.) Not go nuts buying birthday presents like I usually do.
I was so surprised that they didn't have any postcards, which would have been my go-to. (I later messaged them about it and they thanked me for the idea, saying they might even hold a contest. Hehe.)
One of the ladies offered us a sample of wine gummies. She gave me the mango one and it was goddamn delicious. We ended up buying a mixed bag for Dusky's mom.
After I'd had my fill of fun photos, we hopped back on the highway and eventually ended up at Dusky's sister's place.
She was very hospitable, buying ought us Mexican style dinner and offering up her bed for us to sleep in. We watched an odd movie about a haunted bank vault and an episode of Tuca and Bertie.
I had been curious about the latter, since the show has hints of Bojack . But like so many others, I hadn't yet gotten around to it.
I liked the episode enough to watch more. I'm digging the more chaotic format of the presentation and feel curious about the characters. Although some of the music makes me want to puncture my ear drums, which could be a barrier to further enjoyment.
We slept pretty well and that morning we had nice chats with Dusky's sister before she took off for work. I felt close to her.
She was kind enough to let us hang out and make breakfast instead of having to take off right when she left for work. The lack of rushing was much appreciated.
This allowed me to notice the calendar on her wall too, which I felt was particularly encouraging and applicable at this time:
Dusky's sister also did us a solid by mentioning that there was a Wallaby farm in a town we had passed on the way down. So we back tracked a bit and after a little further direction from a local we arrived at our destination.
And cuteness abounded, behold!
https://instagram.com/p/BytcvLMhw_Y
The animals all looked to be in good health and most of them seemed calm if not happy. The Wallabies especially gave off a carefree vibe. A great deal of them were lounging about in the open and some of them even standing up, giving the appearance of posing for photos. The Kangaroos were much more active and bouncy.
I did appreciate that the hours are fairly short and that the animals had multiple areas to escape to if they became overwhelmed, such as this roped off western setup:
https://instagram.com/p/ByeHsbyBFnV
In addition to Wallabies, there were also some beautiful Chickens:
Wallaroos:
Emus:
https://instagram.com/p/Byg0ZpRh-Xi
Capybaras:
https://instagram.com/p/BynnI5ahcKm
Patagonian Cavies:
Sugar Gliders:
Peacocks:
And Lil Sebastian:
The drive home was beautiful and ultimately uneventful. The only trouble was being the in the little 4 cylinder vehicle, because I'd pass some people on a down hill and then wonder why they were passing me again on the incline. Ah yes, no horse power. But a minor snag.
Among others, we listened to Foo Fighters, Garbage, Garden of Shadows and Smashing Pumpkins as we drove.
Right on the highway I saw a "for sale" sign for a decent sized property. I felt excited when I saw it was zoned for business and residence. Not sure why I felt excited when I absolutely do not have the money to buy it and honestly can't fathom ever having it. Just possibilities flaring up in my brain I guess.
I have my ideas for a business, and I have been pondering whether the business would benefit more from a remote setting or being downtown.
Ideally I'd like to have a yard similar to the Log Barn place mentioned earlier. Fantastic things to draw people in, for them to take photos with. Free promotion right? And, as I mentioned, post cards.
But the winters here are real, and a more remote setting would put quite the damper on income.
I've got to write up my business plan and take it to that community place down town to get some advice and feedback.
***
Another life lesson learned: Don't ever leave your ice chest on a hard wood floor for an extended period of time. There's this thing call condensation. It warps wood.
Got an unfortunate message from our hosts up north, saying that there was water damage on the floor.
I was not happy about this news for multiple reasons, but resolved to take responsibility even if it stings.
What am I saying, "if" ? Of course it will sting.
Contractors are not cheap. I'm guessing between materials and labor it will cost no less than 2,000. Maybe more if this is something they want to do right away, which would mean losing summer customers and maybe they're gonna want compensation for that. Hopefully I'm overestimating, but I really have no clue.
Either way it's a lot of money, especially for someone who makes what I do and especially since I won't have any income until October.
Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll only have to replace half the floor. Fingers crossed.
***
As I was clearing some saplings away from our friends' garage today I started wondering once more, how much I would owe our hosts from the road trip.
I still felt that I wanted to know how much it would be and get it over with so I could deal with it; get it out of the way.
But the wondering came with no anxiety this time. And that in turn made me wonder.
Because there was a time, and a time not very long ago, when this situation would have caused me unyielding anxiety.
Not to say that the news didn't cause me anxiety. It was prominent in my mind for a couple days, to the point that I dreamed about it.
I was tense. I was feeling guilty for making a mess in a place that I love and trouble people I like a great deal. I was frustrated with myself for making a stupid mistake and not paying more attention when I cleaned the water up. I was unhappy that it'll be a bummer chunk out of my savings.
All the same, my reaction was mild in comparison to how it would have been in years past. And again, now I wonder what it is that has caused such a change.
I'm sure it's a matter of many factors, but I wish I could know how much of my success is attributed to each them.
Sometimes I wish I could make a pie chart:
32% having legitimate time with my partner
28% of now getting regular exercise and being outdoors
20% a steady regiment of CBD
15% the new regiment of multiple strain of probiotics enhancing my gut flora
5% testing my mettle away from home
Or some such combination, that I could lay out in plain sight.
Anyhow, despite the hard work in the heat we had a fantastic day. We both find it immensely satisfying to do physical labor and to stand back at the end of the day and see the progress made.
After we finished our work, we had a snack and Dusky joined our friends in having a beer. We discussed and laughed over a variety of things before they asked us if we'd be interested in house sitting.
Being provided with food, gardening and hanging out on that gorgeous deck looking out at that gorgeous view? Yes please. Super stoked for that when August rolls around.
On the way up and part of the way back, we listened to Killswitch Engage's album Alive Or Just Breathing. I was delighted and felt so close to Dusky when we both agreed that it holds up very well even after all this time. Such a solid blend of heavy and melodic. There are not a great deal of albums that I can listen to the whole way through, but I fucking love that album.
We also agreed that Killswitch with Howard is good in it's own way, but Jesse is the perfect fit.
While singing along to some of "Rise Up" I recalled when I learned that Jesse is Christian. I'd had no idea when I started listening to them, although once I learned that fact, I could totally hear it in the lyrics. However, they remain subtle and accessible to anyone.
The next day I returned to the valley, this time volunteering at a community art faire. I wasn't sure about how it would go. It was a large chunk of time and I'd never really done that kind of thing before.
But even though I felt awkward here and there, it was a very good day.
The heat was blazing, so I was pretty happy that the majority of my time was spent indoors. I only went out for a few minutes every hour or so to be sure people we putting recyclables y basura where they belonged.
Inside I was offering raffle tickets and letting people know the set up, where the bathrooms were, taking donations, etc.
I missed some of my friends singing in the choir in the morning, but saw some others in the band, later in the day:
As a reward for my time, I was given a free drink and my name in the raffle for a prize. I ended up with a beautiful bracelet, but as I explained to my friend I had to be honest - I would never wear it.
I like to be symmetrical in my adornments. Even when I get tattooed, I immediately start planning the one that will go across from it, to balance me out.
On my breaks, I got my face painted, met a Bear-like Dog, bought a doodle of Deadpool and watched Lori make one of her glass pieces.
https://instagram.com/p/By1OcqYhmmZ
When the day was done I headed for a restaurant I had been meaning to try for a couple years now. But I didn't realize they only serve breakfast and lunch and consequently it was closed.
So I continued on to town and decided to eat somewhere that I normally wouldn't get to. After peeking at a menu, I decided to try a Thai place.
The server was very kind and pretty and complimented my Wolfpack backpack. After I ordered, I kept looking down at the bracelet I'd gotten for volunteering and decided it was a good time for a random act of kindness.
So after I'd eaten what I could of my meal - it was too spicy for me to get all of it down - I left her the bracelet on top of a monetary tip.
With the bracelet I left her a little note, with some words I once wrote to the closest I'll ever get to having a niece.
"Never forget that you are powerful and as long as you use your power for good, you will be beautiful."
In my head I meant beautiful inside and out, but realized that may not be implied, so added, "Inside and out." I feel that is one I will be sharing with a lot of folks, from now on.
As I left, I wondered what her reaction would be. Puzzled, surprised, happy, dismissive, weirded out? Not all acts of kindness are well received after all. Plus, she may not be a Deadpool fan.
I took my leftovers on a walk to the main street in downtown, on the look out for a homeless person who might accept a meal. I spotted a group of them and as I was waiting for a light to change, I knew who I would offer the Thai food to. There was a man sitting on the curb who called out to a lady across the street, "Hey! Smile! You're beautiful!"
I smiled and the light changed. I said hello as I walked up on him.
"Hello Butterfly."
I asked if he would like some food. He smiled and said something like, "I can't say no." As I handed him the container he asked me if I'd cooked it. I said no, and pointed back the way I'd come.
He thanked me and gently took my hand and kissed it, calling me Butterfly Angel. I smiled and headed back to the car. I was passing the bus station when he called out, "I love you Butterfly Angel!" I turned and through up the peace sign, wondering what the people staring at me were thinking.
As I walked further up the street, I suddenly remembered that I had my face painted. I wondered then if the man had called me Butterfly because of my California Sister tattoo, which had been visible at the time, or because of the paint. A Bat could be mistaken for a Butterfly I suppose.
