Mr T is my guardian angel

So I'm back at HQ (Sidney, BC with Liz and Frank), and no one is waiting for the computer and I'm not paying for the internet connection, so I promise that this time I will pay more attention to my typing and try not to make too many errors. I think Didgeman considers it sport to interpret some of the flying message I send him and deciphering possible meanings from letters close on the keyboard and so-on. Well, at least it's entertaining?

So, it turns out that the girls who were possibly going to come out and visit me are definitely not going to make it for different yet compelling reasons, so I am going to have to sort myself out! It would have been really fun to have either or both these ladies visit and make an adventure out of it, but I think in the end it's better this way, so I can do my thing and get back home in good time. We will figure out something later in one way or another. I ran into my old boss from my (few) government days before I left and she gave me the impression that there may be more contract work available to me when I return, and I should at least give her a call. This time the job would be with Environment Canada and the job..well, I kind of forget the job but it may be to do with energy use?? I don't know, whoops for paying attention! Anyways, it might be a good thing both money-wise and contract-wise, seeing that I expect to be out on the road again in the Spring to go to Australia for the best event ever. Anyays, I'll have to see what options are available to me. I'm thinking I might see if I can get something closer to the field I want to explore, or and this really appeals to me, if I could work 4 days a week. Then I could make some money, but still volunteer and have some fun exploring career paths. It may be asking too much, especially considering I don't even have the glimmer of the possiblity of an actual job at this moment, but I'm mulling...

Didgeman officially has a new (used) car on the road! It's good news because the savings from fuel economy alone are really incredible, and will contribute greatly to the Australia fund he's got going on. It's also very cool because by association I also have access to a car (right, honey ? ;) and so I, too will be learning how to handle a 5-speed. I'm excited because I've wanted that skill for quite a while now and I finally will have a chance to sort it out. Wave if you see it, which, you'll probably pick it out, it'll be the jade grean VW Golf with all kinds of stuff glued to the dash. And fuzzy dice. And a furry steering wheel cover. And a crocheted blanket in the back. Did I mention this is my boyfriend's car? Because it is, and I pity the fool who has anything to say about the 'Mr. T' Bobblehead by the driver...which, after I've had a minute to think about it is actually pretty cool. Of all the celebrities you could think of guiding you on a stormy night, wouldn't you want Mr. T? Because NOBODY messes with the T! Now, enough of that jibba jabba, and let's get on with it ;-)

Wow, so. This trip. The western leg is going to be less extensive than I had originally imagined,and really, so is the whole trip. It's totally fine, because I'm doing everything I want to do, and more things that I didn't even KNOW I wanted to do! Canada is a big frigging country, and I'll tell you there is a lot to see and do, and it's all different depending on the season, who you are with and why you go. I'm a little sad that the territories and the prairies wil for the most part have to be bypassed for now, but I'm consoling myself with the idea that I'll likely hit Jasper and Banff, and Curchill, Manitoba, and that this really is just round one of more trips to come. There is just so much land to cover that it really is up to the individual how much they do. I gave up on the guilt of missing out a long time ago in favour of doing what I can now knowing there is no way on this earth I could see it all in one shot or even 68 shots. It's kind of exciting because that means that there are zillions of trips in the making with friends and family and lovers (well, THE lover) and alone and the possibilities are enormous and fabulous. And it's all technically home. Beautiful.

Canada is a magnificent country. It's physical beauty and bounty is amazing and wonderful in a really deep touching way. Travelling about and meeting people and seeing this place as we do is such a privilege and so touching. It's also equally frustrating, because there is so much going on that's bad too, in terms of environment loss, political issues and inequality all over the place. It's a tempered balance and it's rewarding to dip your hands into both pots. Your resert holiday is one thing, but moving around and asking questions and getting mad and feeling joy where you are is something entirely different. Not that I've spent my time frustrated, but it's interesting to note that people are struggling everywhere I went on this trip, in one way or another and though the problems are diverse, the idea of the struggle in general is common. There is always a push and a pull and give and flux and it's someting beautiful to see, in its own way.

I sometimes feel like a rubber band when I'm in a place for a while. I'm doing the same things, having fun and learning and working and getting by just fine, but not really shaking things up in terns of going out and hiking or camping. That lasts a while then I do something, anything like head out for a weekend camp, or do this trip, or something and that's the snap of the band and I feel like I'm home and I'm happy and how can I live without this for so long? What is it that stops me from leaving on weekend trips and challenging myself outdoors like I do when job hunting or making some new food or something? I'm always so happy that I did it. Well, as usual, when I get back I want to stay active and keep using my tent and learn to winter camp and camp in the fall and hike the hills. Who's with me?

Thanks for popping by, I know this was a long one. Did you make it to the end?? Superb. Later gators..
xoxo