oh canada
Every other year or so Celine and I meet up for an adventure. Last time, she came to Holland and we filled our days with herring and poetry walks and Belgian beer and songwriting. Friendship with this girl feeds me.
And so two days after I sunburned my legs kayaking in the San Francisco Bay, I was pulling on long underwear and strapping my feet into snowshoes.
A few hours up the trail, we sank into the edge of a snow-covered lake and ate smoked oysters from a tin. And tried our hilarious best to dampen the raucousness of our laughter in case the snow caked on the side of the cliff decided to have a go at us.
Pristine means Kananaskis in April.
The Man was one bottle of maple whiskey richer on my return home, and I was six days of Celine richer. Few can riff on a banjo, wear an 80’s blazer, or make me feel so comfortable in my own skin quite so well as she.
Had they been contemporaries, I’m convinced she would be J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis’ gal pal too. Her belief in the kind and thoughtful gesture, and her love of literature and philosophy.
And tobacco, of course.
Cute. Val, you were “on” the Bay in the kayak, not “in” the Bay. Sematics, I guess. Beautiful photos. And fun to experience your trip to Canada and a great friendship.
Love, Poppi
At some point in the future, flush with your latest royalties, you and the Man should check in at Chateau Lake Louise or Post Hotel Lake Louise, near the Kananaskis. The occasional hedonistic ritual is good for the soul — or if not, at least you would know by experience. If you cannot write in the lobby of either hotel, then you cannot write. But since you can….
What a talented ,adventuresome, creative and in every way wonderful granddaugther. I am happy for you – for great friends and the amazing experiences that enrich your life.
Anticipating with much delight the joy of seeing you before too long. Much love, Grandma
I didn’t realize you got a picture of the deer too–just chilling in the middle of the road to prove that their crossing sign was in earnest :) That was such a lovely visit with you! I was hiking in the mountains again today. Amazing how much warmer it is a few weeks later… Now I’m recovering by soaking in Star Trek on the coach.
*couch (spelling, what a nuisance)
These photos take my breath away — so much still, white, beautiful snow. And frolicking deer — unbelievable! The way you describe the holiday has reminded me how much we all need that trip outside our reality, with the friend that re-awakens our love in life and ourselves, on like, a weekly basis. Or at least as often as possible! Wish I could meet this talented lady — any gal pal of Tolkein and Lewis is a pal of mine :)
So good to hear of your continuing adventures on the road! Keep them up!
xoxo
great post!
this canadian girl loves your photos.
be sure to check out my blog for more northern goodness. :-)
~ e ~ @helloscarlettblog.com