Thursday, June 12th, 2014

Christina Lake, British Columbia

It Was Decided


It was decided that we would take a bold step before he left our party for home, Michael eluded to a secret trail.  Now called the Santa Rosa Route, it was formerly the bus route through this stretch of southern British Columbia.  It is a 65 km section of dirt road and a serious switch-backing trail.  There are only a few families who live in the valley on this trail.  Instead of the regular highway, we vie for this quiet trail, now impassable, unless you have a four wheel drive.  No problem for hikers, though.

We met James at his rustic home at the base of the valley.  He treated Karuna, Daruka and I some refreshments.  Ice cold peach juice!  He also treated us to his personality.  He told us that he never leaves his place.  We believed him.  He lives like a hermit.  When he first saw me, he said he met me before through television.  He’s seen The Longest Road documentary where I’m featured.  “That was you, wasn’t it?”

We really liked James.  He’s a firm believer in Sasquatch.  He also refers to himself as a natural body builder, no steroids.  He’s been married to the same gal for many years and they raised three kids and home schooled them.  He attributes some of his physical strength to bear meat consumption.  During our short visit, he took to smoking pot.  Before he lit up, he asked, “You don’t mind?  I do it for medical reasons due to a serious accident I was in.”  He also showed us some bear scars on his chest.  

“Think nothing of it,” we said in regards to the marijuana.  I consider we made a good friend in him.  It turns out, he has a cousin who’s a Hare Krishna monk.

From James’s dwelling, Karuna and I continued on this practically abandoned peopleless trail, climbing gradually to a 16,060 metre summit, sipping water from natural springs along the way and hearing discourses from our guru, Srila Prabhupada, on Karuna’s small speaker box.  What an atmosphere.  Here in the most beautiful part of the world with mountains all around you, and you’re hearing transcendental messages, the most significant of which was the statement, “Death is artificial.”  There is some strong implication here.  Perhaps you would like to think about that statement. 

May the Source be with you!

46 KM