June 13 - between Black Diamond, AB and Nanton, AB - staring at open fields

I could see why
they were environmentalists
and nature worshippers:
The majesty of the mountains
and ferocity of the rivers
could not be ignored.
Nature was a force there.

I can see why
these are god-lovers
and clear thinkers:
The beautiful broadness
and empty simplicity
causes one to stare out,
pondering the meaning of things.
God helps fill the spaces here.

June 7 - Field, BC

not the beauty of the mountains
not the quiet of the town
not the vibrant cafe
not the wonderful smells and tastes

the kindness of the people
will bring me back to Field
in heart-beat

May 25 - Manning Park - Mule Deer Campsite

The mountain pass that scared me
that had me worrying
that I'd be weak
turned out to be hard
yet feel easy

We reached Allison Pass
all of a sudden
I was shocked and elated

Two long climbs -
Hope Slide and Allison Pass -
chopped up into managable increments
and one last push
to the rhythm of "I's the Bay that Builds the Boat"
brought me to Derek pointing at the sign:
Allison Pass - 1341m

So I can climb a mountain on a bike.

Earlier this year, I climbed a mountain on snow shoes.
I am doing things I haven't before
and it satisfies.

On top of the mountain climbing
we made good time
despite my chain getting stuck twice
my gear changer getting bent and stripped
so that the second climb
was spent in my second-best gear
testing my strength

I now know what Derek and others have said
why almost anyone could do this.

We are less crazy than we are driven,
tired of what's lazy, and looking to be proven.

May 20-23 - Victoria to Hope, BC

distant now is the race in the rain
fast to keep warm
giddiness our shield

distant is lost and separated
lack of trust, intuition
will to ask the stranger for direction
love for the helpfulness
(and wonder - is it really Canadian
this big city friendliness?)

distant is the rush
to get there, to get ready
to get on stage, to get out quickly
the whirl
yet time to absorb
Sara's kin to my creativity - her soul-love strong in her singing
Kyle's heart poured out, never with enough attention
Derek's skill, dexterity, and the way people stare at it
time to observe and perform
and feel joy at so many old and new friends
well met again
so little time for them

even my "day off" was busy
until the wind at our backs
blew us out of Vancouver
a mere four hours to Mission
another four to Hope
(good luck, that)

present is my body tired and sore
and the taunt of these mountains
up at every angle