Keremeos, British Columbia
The Road Gives
The road always offers provisions. In the last few days of walking, Karuna and I have been harvesting a number of natural growing goodies along the way just by the highway. We have been at plucking the Saskatoon berries, taking in amaranth - grains that ancient Greece indulged in, and also wild mustard leaves grabbed in generous clumps. I also witnessed lambs’quarters, a lovely substitute for spinach. These are all delectable items to add to our camp cooking.
Speaking of camping, the three of us (Daruka included) had the real trial of a time contending with high winds overnight, yet the weight of three men trying to be at peace in slumber, kept our tent in position.
Something that brought a different spin to our outdoor experience was being present at a tanning. Lynn, a native woman from the area, invited us to the bush by the river where I was asked to give a talk on parenting. Not having played the role as parent in this life (I'm a life-long celibate and monk for two thirds of my life), I at least qualify having witnessed my own parents being responsible and mature in this department.
In any event I delivered a lesson and thoughts on what it means to be a good mum or dad, while the group there had stretched deer skins and were treating them for moccasin-wear. It was a pleasure being in the company of these sweet members of the First Nations. Daruka had arranged a second trip to the Similkameen school to share my pilgrimage experiences with a new group of students.
Now Keremeos being situated in a fruit-belt area, gave me the opportunity to meet guys in the fruit-farming occupation. Handshakes worked for a local young farmer and pranams (palms together), addressing "Namaste/Hare Krishna" was natural when meeting a Sikh on his tractor. When opportunities arose I also shook hands with clusters of cherries off their branches, seeing them in such abundance.
I want to give a special thanks to Steve of the town's 'Review' newspaper. His questions for the upcoming issue were penetrating and insightful.
May the Source be with you!
36 KM
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