Cal's Journal

It was time to return to Big White today. I needed to fix my wall that was damaged, I needed to finish painting. Rob was finally freed up to help and we drove to my place in the mountains. I wasn’t sure what to expect. We packed all Rob’s tools. We stopped at Rona and grabbed some drywall and supplies. We then proceeded to make the one hour journey from Kelowna to Big White. Rob rode in the truck with Read more…

Two months seem like another era, a different chapter in life. I have started a new chapter. Pandemic or Panic? It has subsided and we have adapted. I am being guided to a new future; one I may not have found. Writing has always been a passion for me. I just never had the time, or so I thought. Two months ago I wrote my first journal entry. I have written one every day since. Recording these moments in history Read more…

When I was a young man Friday meant something. It meant where was the party? It meant where were we camping? It meant something more than just another day that ends in a Y. Now it began with the question of why? Why does my back hurt so much? I know why. It doesn’t make it any easier. I hate to complain so I don’t usually tell anyone how much pain I am in. I suffer in silence like so Read more…

I went into Ktown today and it was clear that people are no longer staying at home. Traffic has returned to near-normal levels. I do miss that part of the lockdown. Going for lunch is something I am grateful for as we return to a new normal. I think that many people have given up on the virus and have dismissed the imminent threat. I tend to agree. Based on the government numbers in the interior health region there have Read more…

Sunshine cracked through the blinds and tickled my eyelids. I woke up again to the same story once more. A new normal, a new day. Captain Rob came over again and we organized our safe work plan for physical distancing. We have a written plan now and are prepared to offer boat rides for up to six people. Our website has traffic and it looks better than it has in a long time. It is nice to see that we Read more…

Today was a road trip day. I attended a morning meeting on Zoom. It worked but is not the same as face to face connection. My meeting wrapped up, I loaded up and drove to Kamloops. The Coquihala connector is an easy drive over the mountains when the weather is good. Except for one torrential downpour, the weather was very cooperative. I love driving, it gives me time to think, to reflect. These days it gives me time to create. Read more…

Two months ago they closed Big White. Two long and strange months ago it shut down in a matter of forty-five minutes. It came as a shock even though we should have seen it coming. Like a tidal wave the first influx of the coronavirus burned a path through our lives. With a rush, a panic, they were closing ski hills and reducing tables in bars. That first week of ‘social distancing’ and self-isolation is still as surreal now, remembering Read more…

Sunday morning again, I think its nine now, but who’s counting? We had a pancake breakfast on a rainy morning. It started out very pleasantly. Then I turned on my computer and the tragic news was everywhere. A Snowbird had crashed! The RCAF CT-114 Tutor took off from the Kamloops airport this morning. Moments later it crashed into a house and erupted in flames. Lately the only thing that can drive Covid19 from the headlines is more tragedy. First a Read more…

It’s the May long weekend. The strangest May long that I remember. Usually I am very busy right now. People are traveling and there are big parties in the bush. This year it’s a bit different. Sleep was elusive again. We woke up before six am. I snuggled in with my wife and our cat and tried to return to a restful slumber. After dozing in and out of consciousness I gave up and rolled out of bed. It was Read more…