I’m a busy little beaver, as the Canadian saying goes. Winter’s pretty much staked its claim on these parts with the first of the Northern winds blowing through this town this eve, and my bedroom’s far too cold for a girl who’s about to crawl under the covers, so I’ve been creating some diversions.
I’ve had a good few days. Got out for a great hike on the North Shore on the weekend for the first time in a year or more. (For the North Shore, that is.) If you don’t know Vancouver, then you’re probably not aware that, to the north of town, all of 15 minutes away, is a world-class range of mountains, home to arguably some of the best and most famous mountain biking in the world and terrain that kills more than a few outdoor enthusiasts each year, regardless of the season.
This photo is one of the bunch I took this past weekend, from Lynn Valley in North Van. The park is scattered with signs, memorials, and markings all making it plain that people die in that pretty park river every year or two. (My favourite heart-breaking spot has an adult-sized bench overlooking a cliff above the river, and just a few feet behind it, a small half-bench, each dedicated to fallen victims — the large one to an uncle who died trying to rescue his niece, and the small one to the niece, who perished regardless. Breaks my heart every time, and I’m compelled to take a moment to reflect on the unpredictable nature of existence… and be grateful for the time I’m alive.)
Here, though, it seems deceptively calm. Apt, then, I thought for this popular Lao Tzu quote I chose to embed in the photo.
My brain’s quickly shutting down, so I’ll take my leave and leave you instead with this image. Have a great day. Time for a hot soak before a cold bed.
One Comment
Wow, pretty!
I long to go back to Vancouver…
Next year.
For SURE