I have to say, for a couple days I was a little unsatisfied that I lived in a town so far away from civilization. The last trip in to Vancouver, and then my trip in to Duncan and Nanaimo, actually made me think that I would like to live somewhere a little more populated. See for a while I couldn't stand living in Van. I got claustrophobic and ached for somewhere with hardly any people and open air and ocean. But my last couple trips made me realize that I could adapt to living in a town or even Vancouver fairly easily. Doesn't mean I'd like it. Just that I could do it with some measure of success.
But then I went kayaking this morning. I didn't want to get up, but when I finally dragged myself out of bed and when we finally got onto the water (at 9 am - I was up and kayaking by 9 am on a Saturday) I realized that I am very lucky to live here.
Being on the open water like that, just gliding along in the quiet of the morning, paddling between the islands and exploring beaches, watching the marine life - it was pretty breathtaking. I felt really connected to nature. I said to Drew, "I think I was born to live here." It helped that it was an incredible day (I actually got sunburned, it was that nice out) and that the water was calm and that I was with awesome people. But even just being that physically close to the water, breathing the salt air - it was fantastic. It fed my soul. It was so much nicer than just zooming along on a motorized boat. I actually got to take in my surroundings, work with the water, just think only about the islands and the water and the little fish swimming in great clouds below my kayak. And getting out to explore some of the islands, seeing the interesting shells and stopping at the tidal pools to watch crabs fight and shellfish feed - it just takes life to a whole other level. I got to lay on a sandy beach with blue ocean stretching out in front of me. I got to dig my feet into warm sand in the shallow water, chase tiny bullheads, and hop along boulders and driftwood bleached white from the sun. I got to find beautiful shells and stones and discover the tiny pearls that mussels make.
And then tonight, after having an afternoon nap, we went out and had a fire on the beach. And we got to see phosphorescence! That's the first time this year I've gotten to see it. So beautiful.
And I think what made it extra nice is that I got to do that with people I like and care about. And there was no agenda, no time frame, just taking life a little slower, having time to breathe and be us.
