June 20

The last few days off the grid feel like they passed by in a haze. A paddle on the river was my highlight. Connecting with my brother and his family was a rewarding experience. Living in his chaos was difficult and gave me a desire to do something to help. I know that nothing can help a person in chaos except themselves. He spoke of cleaning, organizing, and creating a better space for his family. I understand that sometimes we can get overwhelmed and simply shut down. I also understand that his salvation lies within himself and his family; his love for them strong enough to get them through anything. My love for them is strong enough to step back and let them discover their own journey.

My brother and I connected with our father and his wife for lunch in Nelson. It was good to see them; awkward as well. The first thing they told me is they were practicing social distancing. I respect that and have done my best to adhere to the physical distance guidelines, particularly around strangers. With family it is harder. Don and Lois joined us for a nice lunch on a patio and we sat apart, doing our best to be together. I yearned for the connection of a hug, in resignation I knew I would have to wait for that moment sometime in the future.

Luke and I returned to his haven in the Slocan Valley. His anxiety was apparent when he was in the city. He was visibly relaxed when we left and stopped on the way home to share a view and enjoy a beer. Our view was of the spectacular power of the water emptying through the sluice gates of the Cora Linn dam.

The Kootenay River system has seven dams that were constructed over the past hundred years. A treaty was signed between Canada and the USA, an agreement on the maintenance of the dams and the water levels that they control. Power has been produced along this valley since 1898 and continues to this day.

Above the dam was an Osprey nest. The nest was home to a couple of the magnificent raptors that inhabit parts of BC and Washington State. The nest was also home to a couple of little chicks guarded closely by their momma. Mom was not impressed by the proximity of our presence. We stood overlooking her home and she made us aware of her feeling by squawking loudly, calling her mate, and warning us away. We nervously scanned the sky leery of the possibility of a dive bomb by the other Osprey. Awed by the natural beauty of the ancient bird we took a quick video and carried on back to my brother’s home.

As I sit writing I am able to reflect on my days off the grid and in the Kootenays. Many people in that part of BC have chosen to escape there, to free themselves of the culture of consumption that rules our modern world. A part of me yearns for the simplicity of the life they live.