Saturday 21 December 2013

Tuesday, December 17th, 2013

Surprised and Stranded

Jackass Mountain, British Columbia

It took us by surprise.  Peter and I were coasting along on Highway 1 which from the town of Hope runs parallel to the Fraser River, a vein of beautiful mountainous water, when an officer nabbed us.  According to him we were over the speed limit by 50 KM.

“No way,” we thought.  Peter tried to argue the figures, but the officer had his routine down for this stretch of the highway which is notorious for motorists call a speed trap.  Knowing well the sudden downslope after leaving a tunnel through a mountain, a driver is practically helpless but to gain some speed.  Peter was handed a $368 ticket apart from receiving the news of a 7 day impoundment on the vehicle we were driving.  A tow truck was called by the officer and within minutes our vehicle was hauled to the nearby town, Boston Bar.  To unimpound it after this period costs at least another $200.  We ended up being stranded for hours in the town until someone from the village Saranagati came to our rescue.  That leeway time of waiting, however, did permit Peter and I to explore this town which was formerly a trail during the old pioneer gold rush.  I had trekked through this area two times before, but never throughout the town which is mostly populated by indigenous folks.

If you are ever grounded somewhere like we were, then you make the best of that time.  Avoid groping and meet nature.  We ventured by this vibrant river, the Fraser, explored its banks somewhat.  With its trails and its fur and spruce trees, the aroma of their green needles sends you to heaven, while the wobbly nature of stones and the soft sands under the feet remind you of both the uncertainties and welcoming side of life.

Our ride finally arrived.  Gosh Thakur, my French Canadian friend, came in time to help us reach our evening engagement – kirtan with the youth.  It’s a Tuesday night regular event in the peaceful valley called Venables, an area the devotees of Krishna refer to as Saranagati, the place of ultimate surrender.  By the warm stove of crackling fire wood, young voices chanted “Hare Krishna”, ‘twas nice.

Speaking of names, please take note of the place where our vehicle was towed from, Jackass Mountain.  One thing is, always avoid speeding and this is an unlikely warning for pedestrians though.  Walkers could never be ticketed for speeding.  It’s always the safest mode of transport.

May the Source be with you!

10 KM

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