Cows, Bunnies and Carburetors, Oh My!

This was a thrilling day. I once again outsmarted Google Maps with my superior intelligence and outstanding wit, but alas, my understanding is Google is not always smarter than a fifth grader therefore, neither am I. I did discover however that Google does not account for road closures, construction detours and road name changes. My eyes do.

Entering Blaine Washington from the Canadian border at 3 mph, I was amazed at how many awe inspiring things have been missed each time I have crossed the border at 60 mph. There were so many things to see, and being an amateur photographer, after taking 30+ pictures in the first hour, I thought perhaps I should limit myself or I would never get to Tijuana.

I also decided on the first day, to drive the next days route because the first walk had me going 4 miles out of the way unnecessarily. So far Google has misdirected me three times, and I missed my street once. Since I have always had this innate built in compass which has yet to fail me, (a trait which I do not believe any of my children have inherited) I have decided to follow my own instincts, even the dangerous ones. So my schedule listed on the website has been changed just a bit.

So far the days have been fun, for the most part beautiful; a bit dangerous at times, and absolutely unforgettable.

Having the Cascade Mountains to the east of me has been as breathtaking a view as my own Mt. Hood. The Hood is so striking that 19 years later I am still in awe each time I see it, but the Cascades are something that is heart stopping for miles up on miles, beginning with Mt. Baker, to Glacier Peak to the Crystal Mountains.

While walking along enjoying the view on Old Hwy 99 in Sylvania, WA I came across a most unusual sight. One which excited me almost as much, simply because it was so out of place against this spectacular backdrop. A row of carburetors sitting on posts. Silly I know, but it was just so unusual I had to take a picture. (See above)

In another part of the days walk, I came across a very narrow bridge. It was two way and the white line I was following only gave 6 inches between me and certain death. Well maybe not death but certainly broken bones. At one point, there were two over sized pick ups that were coming from opposite direction. I held my breath and turned sideways trying to squeeze my deluxe edition sized body into a six inch space. DREAM ON!!! I always wanted a smaller derriere, but this was not quite the way I wanted to get rid of it.

With baited breath, as I was waiting for my demise or the trucks to pass, whichever happened first, I glanced down and there sitting at my feet was a quivering bunny. He was just as scared as I was and I fancy did not want to die alone. The trucks passed, we both took a deep breath and continued on our way. I turned to look back, wishing in my moment of terror that I had remembered my camera. Oh well. As I looked, there in the middle of the bridge sat the bunny and I may have been hallucinating, but I do believe he waved an ear at me.

Several miles later, I came across a herd of cows. There must have been close to 500 of them scattered about on the 50+ acre ranch. There was a huddle of bovine, surrounding a pick up truck. Many that were in the back 40 were running at a full gallop towards the pick up. It was feeding time and no one wanted to miss out. I continued on this very rural road and came across a solitary cow. She stood there watching the others but did not budge. As I stood still watching her, I noticed beneath a nearby bush the tail end of a much smaller version of this dairy queen. She turned and saw that I was watching her. She came close to the fence and although I had nothing to offer her, she allowed me to pet her for a second, and after snapping a picture, Bessie went merrily back to her calf.

Now these two things may not seem so exciting to you, but to this city girl it was the most amazing thing. I pet a cow that wasn't in a petting zoo; I rescued a bunny; came close to great physical impairment and came a cross a cemetery of car parts, all within two hours time. Gee what will I do tomorrow I wonder?

Oh Canada

The rest area we had chosen to stop at was serene, beautiful and dark. No lights shining in our van window, surrounded by the monumental pines that are so well known in the Pacific Northwest. Albeit the traffic was only one hundred or so yards away, it was muffled by these viridian behemoth beauties and all we heard was the lovely night aria of the frogs and crickets nearby.

It was a peaceful sleep considering it was in a reclining but yet somewhat upright position of the front seat. Truth be told we were exhausted and slept through morning to be awakened at dawn by the sound of a torrential downpour. I would have preferred sun, but when I saw the lacy veil of rain breaking through the boughs, I could not help but think what a wondrous day this would be. And so the adventures begins.

I have loved Canada since I was a child. My parents took us through the cobble stoned streets of Quebec, the excitement of Montreal and to the rural wonders of Nova Scotia and now that I love on the west coast, I have had the pleasure of discovering Vancouver, Victoria and Mayne Island.
I discovered these treasures quite by accident when I sent away for a brochure on an Inn called Oceanwood in Maine, USA. What I got was a brochure from Oceanwood in Mayne Island British Columbia. It was the best mistake I had ever made and go back as often as I can to enjoy its delightful owner Jonathan, beautiful grounds, breathtaking views and the most scrumptious meals with freshly picked herbs and vegetables from the owners garden.

Springtime is a sight to behold. Lilacs and dogwoods beckoning a welcome to the dawn of the new season and the highway's surrounded by emerald lushness that lead to the bustle of the metropolitan Vancouver, where the excitement of a big city is not as overwhelming as some but still as fun filled as the Big Apple, or Windy City.

The night life is the same as every big city. There are night clubs, dance halls, even strip joints all open til the wee hours of the morning. You can enjoy Irish music, Disco dancing, hip hop, rap and even the big bands. Then you take a stroll with someone you love and walk hand in hand among the fountains and parks. You take in the sights and there amongst the wonders of the big city you will find a night life you never knew existed.

The homeless are not as prominent as in Portland, Seattle and L.A. but they are there. you need to look a little closer, but beneath the interurban waterfall you see a small tent city. It will be gone by morning, but for now, they can sleep where the cascading water drowns out the noise of the city. Under the fragrance of the lilac, comes the odor of one who has not showered in a week, maybe more. The stench of alcohol permeates the bouquet of spring in the park where your children played just that afternoon.

Homelessness is not only in America. It is around the world. Whether caused by a natural disaster, recession or even drugs and alcohol, as a world united, we can fight the battle together to prevent further homelessness and to help those who currently have no home. This calamity may in fact happen to anyone of us. No one is immune. To find out how you can help, please click here: http://www.change-for-life.org/

Special thanks to Courtney at H & M Video. Your hospitality was commendable and I wish you well in all your endeavors.