Kathleen Edwards and ferries (the boat kind)

If you have not heard Kathleen Edwards, you should pause reading this for a second, and press play on this little gem. Let's backpedal a little bit here. I discovered her first record "Failer" in 2002 or early 2003, and since then, it has been the soundtrack to every emotion that I have ever felt. I have been lost in her songs on cold winter nights walking down freshly snow covered streets in Armstrong, at the top of breathtaking Alpine passes, running through old growth forests, and countless driving adventures - singing at the top of my lungs with my amazing partner. Being deeply connected to songs, and also sharing that connection with others can be the most powerful of emotions. I have many favorite artists, but her songs really get me. I have tried to see her live in concert many times over the years, and unexpected circumstances have somehow prevented this from happening. I have even had the tickets in my hands. Finally I got the chance to see her perform at the Squamish music fest, but I had a job interview far away… early the next morning. In the end, the songs called me. I took the ferry over from Vancouver Island to Squamish, stood and sang mesmerized for an hour, and then quickly caught the ferry back, arriving home at a decent 8:30pm. A quick blast for sure, but worth every minute. If I could write songs one hundredth as good as her, I'd die happy. Perhaps I will post some if I can ever get these new songs on tape. But that is a whole different blog. Later homies

Summah Heat

Ladies and germs, I hope the last few days of summer heat have treated you well. Ever had a dream where Martha Stewart was a zombie, and was chasing you with a delicious tray of Bavarian cream cupcakes? No? Well I have, and let me tell you, it puts a person in a real pickle... To run, or go back and ask her for the recipe, because they look absolutely delectable. I really never should have watched "The Walking Dead." And before you get your hate on for Martha, try cooking her recipes - her legion of genetically cloned super elf-chefs come up with just wonderful flavor combinations. Alright, lets get on with it. The weekend descended upon us, and my traveling crew left the crib feeling a little Jazzy. Sooo, we threw on some classic Ella Fitzgerald to start the day off. That lasted exactly until the caffeine kicked in, and she was promptly ejected in favor of the infectious and talented Am Taxi. Somewhat disheveled, yet footloose and fancy free, we went to the mountains. Mt. Washington to be exact, and this popular Island destination was really something else. There is an almost paradoxical contrast between the overly welcoming Banff-like boardwalks, and the alpine mountain ranges reminiscent of the Monashees. Along its trails, you will see severely out of breath "hikers" conveniently and fashionably decorated in the latest Arcteryx and MEC costumes, reminiscing unnecessarily loud about the latest "Epic" hike they did. However, you will also find your fair share of inspirational figures. Like the group of seniors in their 70's and 80's that are loving every minute of the scenery and the burn. To me, that is what it's all about. Mountain air shared among close friends and partners, it simply can't get much better than that. The scenery here was gorgeous, but I am used to walking through sub-alpine meadows and hoping the grizzly that is watching (or at the very least smelling) does what most grizzleys do - devour non-humans. But remarkably, the feared Ursus horribilus has somehow not established itself on the island as the apex predator that many regions in BC know it as. Regardless, a beautiful hike with a ridiculous canyon view ensued. From low tide to alpine passes, this place keeps amazing me.