June 16

Three months ago they closed Big White Ski Resort. Three months of lockdown, time has flown slowly by and the world has changed. Our lives and the way we live them may never be the same again. March 16, 2020 will be a day that will live on in many of our minds. It was the last time I had skis on my feet and freedom in my heart. It has been ninety-two days of living with Covid19, living in a state of restrictions, of fear.

I look back at that time and realize that we had no idea what was coming. No idea of the economic and social destruction that would be wrought by a microscopic nemesis. No idea of the benefits that shutting down would provide us. As we re-open our society and economy there is still fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of the second wave, fear of technology, and fear of the changes yet to come. With that fear we also have hope. Hope for a better world to re-emerge.

I saw my friend from Big White today and reconnected after three months. We were going to meet in England for Canada Day. We all had plans that will no longer come to fruition, trips and concerts, visits with family that will not happen this year. Will they happen next year? How long will this go on? There are still many more questions than answers. The world will go on and the virus seems to be under control in BC. In other parts of the world, there are still people dying, people suffering. Big White has carried on in its little bubble.

Many young Australians stayed at the mountain, hunkered down in the security, and living on our Canadian generosity. Will there be enough of them to staff the hill next winter? Will they be able to re-open and will Canadians come to work as well? Big White was to open for summer next weekend, Mother Nature kyboshed that with a vengeful snowstorm last weekend. I hope that they can open in the winter when the time comes.

I met my friend at their place in Christina Lake on my journey to Nelson. We walked together in connection and reflection. Our trips cancelled, our lives paused, we enjoyed the walk, the talk and the connection by the lake. The beauty of the evening sky over the calm waters of Christina Lake left us both with a feeling of calm connection with the world around us. We celebrated our good fortune to be where we are. Lucky that, so far, this insidious virus has left our province in relative peace.

I enjoyed the drive and the time for reflection that it brings. I traveled from my home to go to work in the Kootenays this week. I will be staying with my brother; off the grid. My brother has a simpler life, no internet, no cell phone. It will be good to get back to nature to get away from Facebook and from technology. My streak of journal entries may end but I will carry on in some way and be back again.