Rossland, British Columbia
Relentless Highway
“The highway is relentless here,” said Larry, a resident from the city of Trail. Karuna and I spent the major portion of the day seeking alternatives to the Crowsnest Pass – Highway 3B which runs through Trail. Larry, whose house we stumbled upon after being pleasantly surprised by his OM insignia at the end of his driveway, made his remark about the road and his experience. If he were a motorist, you’d find the drive through this town a grinding ordeal as the road snakes along and climbs a mountain. And the speed of traffic? I was reminded of the lyrics by that old Sonny and Cher song, “The cars keep a movin’ faster all the time.”
The alternative routes we took to circumvent the mad highway were:
1) The neglected Wagon Road 800 (The old gold rush trail).
2) The suburban street zigzagging which people call switch-backing.
3) The very informal half baked trail along a steep slope that angles into the Columbia River
Other highlights of the day:
1) Daruka, Our support driver, purchased a 21 speed mountain bike in mint condition for $40 to be used in our pedestrian service.
2) A flyer circulating in the town of Salmo was promotion for two presentations at the SVYCC for mantra meditation and a Tales From Trails at the Salmo Library.
3) Our experience walking through Trail, BC, convinced us that this city take a more serious look at its name and provide the necessary.
Here’s how the flyer for Salmo reads:
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to meet THE WALKING MONK
The people! The wildlife! The beauty! The oddities!
Always engaging and enthusiastic, this jolly swami gives talks and takes questions about his insightful and often breathtaking adventures across our great nation as he shares his ‘Tails From Trails’, and a bonus mantra mediation.
May the Source be with you!
27 KM
B L O G S P O T
Friday, 13 June 2014
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Tuesday, June 10th, 2014
Fruitvale, British Columbia
For Personal Growth?
“Would you like a ride?” asked the young guy with the pickup truck.
“No, thanks, I’m walking.”
“Is it for personal growth?” he asked.
“You betcha!” I said, and gave an abbreviated version of my usual spiel. Then he went about his way.
I passed by a gas station, and the proprietor, a Punjabi man, saw me and asked that I come inside. He was startled to see a man in Indian sadhu garb. He brought me to his back room where he’s designed an altar of Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, and other luminaries sacred to the Sikh tradition. It was, and always is, a delight to meet someone from India.
Where time and space allowed for deeper penetration of discussion was, believe it or not, with students of the Salmo Secondary School. We all entered the gymnasium – teachers, students and all, and began to speak. They were very attentive. I tried to convey the physical and spiritual benefits of walking. It’s all adventure. I even mentioned to them how on very rare occasions motorists attempt to seduce or proposition me. That kind of surprised the students.
From the high school, the plan was that all the students would go on foot several blocks for more presentation. So young and older kids converged to hear about the value of pilgrimage.
Finally, our last stop was at a short drive to Ymir, a village of 350 population. Where on short notice, to our astonishment, people did turn up at the community hall, particularly for our mantra meditation. The voice projection from these people was phenomenal.
From the dawn of the day, when I did marvel at the sight of two grizzly bears, to the confident singers at Ymir village, I would say that the day was super.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
For Personal Growth?
“Would you like a ride?” asked the young guy with the pickup truck.
“No, thanks, I’m walking.”
“Is it for personal growth?” he asked.
“You betcha!” I said, and gave an abbreviated version of my usual spiel. Then he went about his way.
I passed by a gas station, and the proprietor, a Punjabi man, saw me and asked that I come inside. He was startled to see a man in Indian sadhu garb. He brought me to his back room where he’s designed an altar of Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, and other luminaries sacred to the Sikh tradition. It was, and always is, a delight to meet someone from India.
Where time and space allowed for deeper penetration of discussion was, believe it or not, with students of the Salmo Secondary School. We all entered the gymnasium – teachers, students and all, and began to speak. They were very attentive. I tried to convey the physical and spiritual benefits of walking. It’s all adventure. I even mentioned to them how on very rare occasions motorists attempt to seduce or proposition me. That kind of surprised the students.
From the high school, the plan was that all the students would go on foot several blocks for more presentation. So young and older kids converged to hear about the value of pilgrimage.
Finally, our last stop was at a short drive to Ymir, a village of 350 population. Where on short notice, to our astonishment, people did turn up at the community hall, particularly for our mantra meditation. The voice projection from these people was phenomenal.
From the dawn of the day, when I did marvel at the sight of two grizzly bears, to the confident singers at Ymir village, I would say that the day was super.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Monday, June 9th, 2014
Salmo, British Columbia
Downward
From the summit of the Kootenays, Karuna and I began our descent. The experience of the downward trend is quite different. Now, we flowed with the water which is a snow-thawed river called Lost Creek. We also saw no buildings as on our ascent, because this is apparently Crown Land. The leg muscles used for reaching the valley at the bottom are also different than the muscles used for the upward climb. And instead of hitting cool breezes as we gained elevation levels yesterday, today we entered more warmth. Now, finally we saw at the base of the Kootenay Summit Pass, our first house. It was a change from seeing trees, mountains and gushing waters for two days with no human habitat.
Daruka took us back over the summit by car after our reaching the mountain’s base. It’s actually a bit hard on the engine. Happy duty called for an engagement at the Creston Yoga Centre where we delivered Tails From Trails, and then mantra meditation. I love the questions that came forth, addressing the hurdles of ego, temptations and so on. I believe that these people in the heart aspire to be righteous and to be clean inwardly. When someone asked in the group if I’m enlightened, I could honestly respond that it’s a work in progress and that it’s a long road.
Two more beautiful things transpired in Creston. There was an interview with a local FM station, and most important was meeting Lorne again from ‘The Advance’ paper. He remembers me from 2006 and interviewed me once again. Also, something needs to be said about the moose and the bear that were curious about the walking monk and his companion, Karuna. No interviews came from them, they were just inquisitive.
May the Source be with you!
33 KM
Downward
From the summit of the Kootenays, Karuna and I began our descent. The experience of the downward trend is quite different. Now, we flowed with the water which is a snow-thawed river called Lost Creek. We also saw no buildings as on our ascent, because this is apparently Crown Land. The leg muscles used for reaching the valley at the bottom are also different than the muscles used for the upward climb. And instead of hitting cool breezes as we gained elevation levels yesterday, today we entered more warmth. Now, finally we saw at the base of the Kootenay Summit Pass, our first house. It was a change from seeing trees, mountains and gushing waters for two days with no human habitat.
Daruka took us back over the summit by car after our reaching the mountain’s base. It’s actually a bit hard on the engine. Happy duty called for an engagement at the Creston Yoga Centre where we delivered Tails From Trails, and then mantra meditation. I love the questions that came forth, addressing the hurdles of ego, temptations and so on. I believe that these people in the heart aspire to be righteous and to be clean inwardly. When someone asked in the group if I’m enlightened, I could honestly respond that it’s a work in progress and that it’s a long road.
Two more beautiful things transpired in Creston. There was an interview with a local FM station, and most important was meeting Lorne again from ‘The Advance’ paper. He remembers me from 2006 and interviewed me once again. Also, something needs to be said about the moose and the bear that were curious about the walking monk and his companion, Karuna. No interviews came from them, they were just inquisitive.
May the Source be with you!
33 KM
Sunday, June 8th, 2014
Kootenay Summit, British Columbia
Reach The Top
It was a very gradual climb to the tallest mountain in the Kootenay range. 17,074 metres is what my legs ascended. Not a big deal. It was gorgeous at the top with snow all about. It resembles how I picture Siva’s abode – serene, fresh, clean.
At that summit, cyclists, motorists, and the very rare walker, were sharing travelling stories. There, to our surprise, we also met a fellow from Kilarney, Manitoba, whom we had the good fortune to meet last summer when I trekked through. Small world at the top of the world.
It was a third time that a gentleman saw me walking and he decided to stop and offer me his award winning cherry juice product. That was the tastiest nectar you’ll ever have. He and others took the trouble to stop their vehicle, turn around on this hazardous climbing road, to offer drink and food.
Speaking of food, restaurateurs, Vijeta and Ariya are running a successful eating place at Baker Street in Nelson. After reaching the top of the Kootenay Summit, our team of four, including Billie the parrot, drove off to Nelson and the Jagannatha Puri Express restaurant for a tour of the place, followed by a program I conducted at the residence of the couple. Friends came, and for some of them it was a first in experiencing a “Krishna thing” according to one person.
In my talk I emphasized some universal principles such as, we are not these bodies, we are spirits. For the spirit there is no beginning and no end. And finally, as humans, we have the obligation to seek liberation and to terminate bondage.
To our hosts, Vijeta and Ariya, thank you so much. Your hospitality reached the top.
May the Source be with you!
29 KM
Reach The Top
It was a very gradual climb to the tallest mountain in the Kootenay range. 17,074 metres is what my legs ascended. Not a big deal. It was gorgeous at the top with snow all about. It resembles how I picture Siva’s abode – serene, fresh, clean.
At that summit, cyclists, motorists, and the very rare walker, were sharing travelling stories. There, to our surprise, we also met a fellow from Kilarney, Manitoba, whom we had the good fortune to meet last summer when I trekked through. Small world at the top of the world.
It was a third time that a gentleman saw me walking and he decided to stop and offer me his award winning cherry juice product. That was the tastiest nectar you’ll ever have. He and others took the trouble to stop their vehicle, turn around on this hazardous climbing road, to offer drink and food.
Speaking of food, restaurateurs, Vijeta and Ariya are running a successful eating place at Baker Street in Nelson. After reaching the top of the Kootenay Summit, our team of four, including Billie the parrot, drove off to Nelson and the Jagannatha Puri Express restaurant for a tour of the place, followed by a program I conducted at the residence of the couple. Friends came, and for some of them it was a first in experiencing a “Krishna thing” according to one person.
In my talk I emphasized some universal principles such as, we are not these bodies, we are spirits. For the spirit there is no beginning and no end. And finally, as humans, we have the obligation to seek liberation and to terminate bondage.
To our hosts, Vijeta and Ariya, thank you so much. Your hospitality reached the top.
May the Source be with you!
29 KM
Monday, 9 June 2014
Saturday, June 7th, 2014
Creston, British Columbia
Persevere
There’s no doubt that there is struggle in the matter of walking, even in this almost perfect climate, and in clean mountain air. I’m not much worried about grizzly encounters, but I’m cautious. People have been nice, and I have rare to find any redneck dynamic. Not even a remark of bigotry. I enjoy the trekking, partially because of the austere side of it. You do get your aches and pains for sure. The mind may try to agitate. That struggle is good.
Here is what I get out of it, perseverance.
Todd is a customs officer at a place on the border called Kingsgate. He saw me when I was just about ready to enter the town Erickson. He pulled over while on his way to work, “Just curious to know why you’re walking. After my graduation I trekked from the coast to Creston, where I lived. I found in the course of my walking I discovered many things about myself. I did this walk solo.”
I commended him for his task and agreed that it’s something more people should do. “You give yourself time to reflect on past, present and future. It becomes a spiritual experience.”
Amongst the other people I met today, a Jehovah’s Witness woman emerged from a vehicle at a major juncture along the road. Her driver drove some distance to turn around. When I first saw her, I was judging by her high heels that she wasn’t prepared to do any serious walking. She came to me and made it clear that she’s a member of Jehovah. She came with the journal, ‘The Watch Tower’ in hand. I was willing to accept the literature only on the basis that she would accept my card with the maha mantra. I was also of the conviction that if we were going to converse on the basis of my religion/my religion, and how ‘mine’ is the only approach, no!
We managed to keep everything light and leaving each other on the note, “God bless”. We stayed on common ground. I didn’t even have to persevere.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
Persevere
There’s no doubt that there is struggle in the matter of walking, even in this almost perfect climate, and in clean mountain air. I’m not much worried about grizzly encounters, but I’m cautious. People have been nice, and I have rare to find any redneck dynamic. Not even a remark of bigotry. I enjoy the trekking, partially because of the austere side of it. You do get your aches and pains for sure. The mind may try to agitate. That struggle is good.
Here is what I get out of it, perseverance.
Todd is a customs officer at a place on the border called Kingsgate. He saw me when I was just about ready to enter the town Erickson. He pulled over while on his way to work, “Just curious to know why you’re walking. After my graduation I trekked from the coast to Creston, where I lived. I found in the course of my walking I discovered many things about myself. I did this walk solo.”
I commended him for his task and agreed that it’s something more people should do. “You give yourself time to reflect on past, present and future. It becomes a spiritual experience.”
Amongst the other people I met today, a Jehovah’s Witness woman emerged from a vehicle at a major juncture along the road. Her driver drove some distance to turn around. When I first saw her, I was judging by her high heels that she wasn’t prepared to do any serious walking. She came to me and made it clear that she’s a member of Jehovah. She came with the journal, ‘The Watch Tower’ in hand. I was willing to accept the literature only on the basis that she would accept my card with the maha mantra. I was also of the conviction that if we were going to converse on the basis of my religion/my religion, and how ‘mine’ is the only approach, no!
We managed to keep everything light and leaving each other on the note, “God bless”. We stayed on common ground. I didn’t even have to persevere.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
Friday, June 6th, 2014
Kitchener, British Columbia
Trimming Down
In the first hour I may have two or three layers on to address morning chill. Before long, comes off the hoodie. The next hour, comes off my t-shirt underneath my traditional kurta (devotional shirt). Even my safety vest I strip off due to there being enough sunlight by now. In the third hour, I’m likely removing my socks. By now, there’s nothing much left to peel off.
The road brings with it warmth and coolness. Asphalt appears to be a conductor of heat from the sun. Although I can’t complain, temperatures remain below 22 degrees Celsius.
Coolness arrives from the motorists who are on a passionate run to get to wherever. Apart from the occasional happy honker, everyone else seems to be flying on the fuel of the greedy go. No time to pay heed to a pedestrian. I generally look for alternative wayside roads that angle along to meet the highway. There, we find peace. I did detour once, only to find myself at a cul-de-sac, a dead end. A kind Mexican woman didn’t mind that I traversed her pasture land where I came upon the field’s corner. My intent was to meet the highway again. Luckily the barbed wire on the fence didn’t entangle or rip my dhoti. Remember, I’m as stripped down to as meagre as I’ll be after leaving Daruka with the extra burdensome clothing. Finally, a quiet road lead me to the village of Kitchener, and to a juncture of the Crowsnest Pass.
One other thing seems to be missing these days. Yes, of course, it’s Michael. Michael is making the slow journey back to home, Toronto. His allotted time with us has expired. So, we’re down to three guys and one drama queen (Billie Jean, the parrot) and one crammed vehicle.
We had a great swim in Vasa Lake, which relaxed muscles, and then took off for a visit to the Adi Vajra Shanehasalen asram. Our connection with this community allowed us to make mutual relations.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
Trimming Down
In the first hour I may have two or three layers on to address morning chill. Before long, comes off the hoodie. The next hour, comes off my t-shirt underneath my traditional kurta (devotional shirt). Even my safety vest I strip off due to there being enough sunlight by now. In the third hour, I’m likely removing my socks. By now, there’s nothing much left to peel off.
The road brings with it warmth and coolness. Asphalt appears to be a conductor of heat from the sun. Although I can’t complain, temperatures remain below 22 degrees Celsius.
Coolness arrives from the motorists who are on a passionate run to get to wherever. Apart from the occasional happy honker, everyone else seems to be flying on the fuel of the greedy go. No time to pay heed to a pedestrian. I generally look for alternative wayside roads that angle along to meet the highway. There, we find peace. I did detour once, only to find myself at a cul-de-sac, a dead end. A kind Mexican woman didn’t mind that I traversed her pasture land where I came upon the field’s corner. My intent was to meet the highway again. Luckily the barbed wire on the fence didn’t entangle or rip my dhoti. Remember, I’m as stripped down to as meagre as I’ll be after leaving Daruka with the extra burdensome clothing. Finally, a quiet road lead me to the village of Kitchener, and to a juncture of the Crowsnest Pass.
One other thing seems to be missing these days. Yes, of course, it’s Michael. Michael is making the slow journey back to home, Toronto. His allotted time with us has expired. So, we’re down to three guys and one drama queen (Billie Jean, the parrot) and one crammed vehicle.
We had a great swim in Vasa Lake, which relaxed muscles, and then took off for a visit to the Adi Vajra Shanehasalen asram. Our connection with this community allowed us to make mutual relations.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
Thursday, June 5th, 2014
Yahk, British Columbia
Baby Crow
There is life in death with the emergence of the soul, even when an entity apparently bites the dust. From the nest of a crow fell this baby bird, and somehow landed on the edge of the highway. Funny, when you consider the name of this road way – the Crowsnest Pass. I looked at the little buzzard, not a sign of life was in it, so where did the atma go? The answer lies in karma, which is often times too complex to make some order or shape out of it. As the body lay there rather featherless and practically balding, we can imagine that its soul is in flight.
On his way to work, Patrick saw me, pulled over and came out of his truck to offer pranams. Under his safety vest was a dark sweat shirt with an adorable insignia of Ganesh printed on it. He’d been to Tibet like many westerners have been doing as of late. Instead of the Himalayas, he obtained a little flavour of Tibet right here in the Rockies, only I’m not a Buddhist monk. I may not even qualify as an austere monk necessarily. What did make a difference for Patrick and me was the spiritual exchange that we had so early in the morning.
Others came to see me on the highway. The neighbourliness of motorists is like prana (life force), but on the road you get both life and death. Many signs of death are apparent on the highway such as the lifeless baby crow and the numerous crucifixes erected to demarcate automobile mishaps. There’s a lot of vitality on this road because of the recurring appearance of the Moyie River and historically Dewdley blazed the trail here during gold rush days.
May the Source be with you!
40 KM
Baby Crow
There is life in death with the emergence of the soul, even when an entity apparently bites the dust. From the nest of a crow fell this baby bird, and somehow landed on the edge of the highway. Funny, when you consider the name of this road way – the Crowsnest Pass. I looked at the little buzzard, not a sign of life was in it, so where did the atma go? The answer lies in karma, which is often times too complex to make some order or shape out of it. As the body lay there rather featherless and practically balding, we can imagine that its soul is in flight.
On his way to work, Patrick saw me, pulled over and came out of his truck to offer pranams. Under his safety vest was a dark sweat shirt with an adorable insignia of Ganesh printed on it. He’d been to Tibet like many westerners have been doing as of late. Instead of the Himalayas, he obtained a little flavour of Tibet right here in the Rockies, only I’m not a Buddhist monk. I may not even qualify as an austere monk necessarily. What did make a difference for Patrick and me was the spiritual exchange that we had so early in the morning.
Others came to see me on the highway. The neighbourliness of motorists is like prana (life force), but on the road you get both life and death. Many signs of death are apparent on the highway such as the lifeless baby crow and the numerous crucifixes erected to demarcate automobile mishaps. There’s a lot of vitality on this road because of the recurring appearance of the Moyie River and historically Dewdley blazed the trail here during gold rush days.
May the Source be with you!
40 KM
Wednesday, June 4th, 2014
Cranbrook, British Columbia
I Stepped On
I stepped on what appeared to be a trail at Cranbook’s west end. I was wrong. A sign posted on this narrow cleared space near this swampy body of water, was a natural maternity habitat for local turtles. An elderly man was raking the ground, readying it for turtle nesting.
I apologized to the man when I discovered my mistake. “Oh, that’s alright, you didn’t know,” he replied forgivingly.
Whenever there is an opportunity to trek somewhere parallel to a super busy highway, I jump for it. Karuna, my walking partner for this morning, and I, spotted the Trans Canada Trail while walking during the morning rush hour. We dashed for that trail and enjoyed the shade and tranquility it offered. When it is inevitable that we stick to the main road, then we accept it as a practice in austerity. The traffic is particularly busy through Cranbrook, a juncture that leads to Vancouver, Calgary, and the States.
Being where the motorists frequent is always the most challenging, but I did meet nice samaritans today. I had stopped by at a house asking for a possibly alternative parallel road. The owner of the home informed me that there wasn’t any. Somehow or other he was intrigued when I told him about the nationwide walk, because a half hour later, he and his wife pulled over and presented a bag full of goodies.
“Now, if there’s anything in this bag, you can’t eat, you can just take it out right now.” So I looked inside and I pulled out the can of tuna and the package of beef jerky, and then went on to enjoy the fruit with thanks. Not much later, a woman who had heard there’s a monk in town, drove out to the shoulder of the road where I continued to amble along. Intrigued, she offered a donation and a smile. Both were precious.
I have one lament about these days, we don’t seem to be having success in school engagements in either Alberta or BC like we experienced in the prairies and north western Ontario. Even yoga societies appeared too busy for our presentation. Either that, or it’s too short notice. So be it. We are spending time with Paul and Sara and their friends who have come to visit. Paul is 83 and he makes a mean rhubarb apple pie. Due to our presence there, Paul and Sara’s company is enjoying vegetarian cuisine which we consecrate to make it prasadam.
I thank Arnie from the Daily Townsman for coming to do an interview.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
I Stepped On
I stepped on what appeared to be a trail at Cranbook’s west end. I was wrong. A sign posted on this narrow cleared space near this swampy body of water, was a natural maternity habitat for local turtles. An elderly man was raking the ground, readying it for turtle nesting.
I apologized to the man when I discovered my mistake. “Oh, that’s alright, you didn’t know,” he replied forgivingly.
Whenever there is an opportunity to trek somewhere parallel to a super busy highway, I jump for it. Karuna, my walking partner for this morning, and I, spotted the Trans Canada Trail while walking during the morning rush hour. We dashed for that trail and enjoyed the shade and tranquility it offered. When it is inevitable that we stick to the main road, then we accept it as a practice in austerity. The traffic is particularly busy through Cranbrook, a juncture that leads to Vancouver, Calgary, and the States.
Being where the motorists frequent is always the most challenging, but I did meet nice samaritans today. I had stopped by at a house asking for a possibly alternative parallel road. The owner of the home informed me that there wasn’t any. Somehow or other he was intrigued when I told him about the nationwide walk, because a half hour later, he and his wife pulled over and presented a bag full of goodies.
“Now, if there’s anything in this bag, you can’t eat, you can just take it out right now.” So I looked inside and I pulled out the can of tuna and the package of beef jerky, and then went on to enjoy the fruit with thanks. Not much later, a woman who had heard there’s a monk in town, drove out to the shoulder of the road where I continued to amble along. Intrigued, she offered a donation and a smile. Both were precious.
I have one lament about these days, we don’t seem to be having success in school engagements in either Alberta or BC like we experienced in the prairies and north western Ontario. Even yoga societies appeared too busy for our presentation. Either that, or it’s too short notice. So be it. We are spending time with Paul and Sara and their friends who have come to visit. Paul is 83 and he makes a mean rhubarb apple pie. Due to our presence there, Paul and Sara’s company is enjoying vegetarian cuisine which we consecrate to make it prasadam.
I thank Arnie from the Daily Townsman for coming to do an interview.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
Friday, 6 June 2014
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014
Fort Steele, British Columbia
Of the Day
Images of the day.
· Loons on the lake at Norbury
· Ravens encircle the sky while I attempt napping on a gravel mound.
· Lumber trucks haul just that – lumber.
· Pickup trucks whiz by.
· Coal miners speed to work. So do those to the trout hatcheries.
· Nice to me were the road construction crew on the Wardner Steele Road.
· Beef cattle graze, a calf is milking.
· Deer stare at me from behind a bush.
· Fir, pine, spruce, cottonwood trees stand proudly.
· The alternative route is peaceful, a change.
· An old man stopped, wondered what I was about. He grabbed for his teeth so he could talk.
· Two bikers, Jake and Sigrid, stopped too. Theirs was a journey, a journey towards looking. Maybe they will find. Happy to meet them.
· Today was a treat right to the last minute.
· Legs and feet – sore.
· The road was more steep than usual.
· More angles work more muscles.
· A swim at Norbury Lake. Awesome and great.
· Relaxing with Karuna’s massage. Much needed, much.
· Many mantras I say today on top of everything else.
Thank you, Paul and Sarah, for putting us up for the night.
May the Source be with you!
36 KM
Of the Day
Images of the day.
· Loons on the lake at Norbury
· Ravens encircle the sky while I attempt napping on a gravel mound.
· Lumber trucks haul just that – lumber.
· Pickup trucks whiz by.
· Coal miners speed to work. So do those to the trout hatcheries.
· Nice to me were the road construction crew on the Wardner Steele Road.
· Beef cattle graze, a calf is milking.
· Deer stare at me from behind a bush.
· Fir, pine, spruce, cottonwood trees stand proudly.
· The alternative route is peaceful, a change.
· An old man stopped, wondered what I was about. He grabbed for his teeth so he could talk.
· Two bikers, Jake and Sigrid, stopped too. Theirs was a journey, a journey towards looking. Maybe they will find. Happy to meet them.
· Today was a treat right to the last minute.
· Legs and feet – sore.
· The road was more steep than usual.
· More angles work more muscles.
· A swim at Norbury Lake. Awesome and great.
· Relaxing with Karuna’s massage. Much needed, much.
· Many mantras I say today on top of everything else.
Thank you, Paul and Sarah, for putting us up for the night.
May the Source be with you!
36 KM
Monday, June 2nd, 2014
Jaffray, British Columbia
Pulling Over
A man pulled over as I was walking on the Crowsnest Pass. He just came from his nightshift work and asked, “Can I give you a ride?”
Quite routine, as far as my reply is concerned, but with some heart, I mentioned that I can’t accept a lift because my project doesn’t call for that. I handed him my card with my name and short bio. On the reverse side is the fully spelled out maha mantra beginning with “Hare Krishna”. I qualified my role as a monastic person with a portfolio as a walker, a pilgrim, and how I wanted to see more people take care of their physical and spiritual selves.
The man wanted to know where I stay at night, and I let him know that I tent-it-out with a small support team. He was compelled to reach into his pocket and pull out a twenty dollar donation. This, I very much appreciated, and let him know that putting energy into this healing-the-heart while-hurting-the-heels is a worthy project.
It was a rather brief exchange and wonderful. This kind soul took the opportunity to be of service to others.
In the afternoon I met another man who pulled over, but it was obvious from his questions and gestures that his intentions were not very sattvic or clean. I relayed to Michael the story and Michael who had also trekked the country mentioned that he had also met those types while on the journey.
In a more compassionate moment, I managed to pull out a thought in wishing the man well after the incident, and I hoped that he would seek the opportunity for higher tastes in life, namely, the spiritual component. I chose to reflect on the image that I saw between the exchanges of the two pulling-over people. I had watched a herd of elk cross the river in the valley. That was awesome, God’s mercy. It left me sleeping with good thoughts.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
Pulling Over
A man pulled over as I was walking on the Crowsnest Pass. He just came from his nightshift work and asked, “Can I give you a ride?”
Quite routine, as far as my reply is concerned, but with some heart, I mentioned that I can’t accept a lift because my project doesn’t call for that. I handed him my card with my name and short bio. On the reverse side is the fully spelled out maha mantra beginning with “Hare Krishna”. I qualified my role as a monastic person with a portfolio as a walker, a pilgrim, and how I wanted to see more people take care of their physical and spiritual selves.
The man wanted to know where I stay at night, and I let him know that I tent-it-out with a small support team. He was compelled to reach into his pocket and pull out a twenty dollar donation. This, I very much appreciated, and let him know that putting energy into this healing-the-heart while-hurting-the-heels is a worthy project.
It was a rather brief exchange and wonderful. This kind soul took the opportunity to be of service to others.
In the afternoon I met another man who pulled over, but it was obvious from his questions and gestures that his intentions were not very sattvic or clean. I relayed to Michael the story and Michael who had also trekked the country mentioned that he had also met those types while on the journey.
In a more compassionate moment, I managed to pull out a thought in wishing the man well after the incident, and I hoped that he would seek the opportunity for higher tastes in life, namely, the spiritual component. I chose to reflect on the image that I saw between the exchanges of the two pulling-over people. I had watched a herd of elk cross the river in the valley. That was awesome, God’s mercy. It left me sleeping with good thoughts.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
Sunday, June 1st, 2014
Fernie, British Columbia
35 Krishna Marks
It was our second night for outdoor camping, courtesy of Theresa. Her front yard made a perfect base for the afternoon and evening. She shared with us the various visitors at her property. They include, deer, elk, cougar, and grizzly bears, just to name the big ones. One night, she found that her chicken pen was almost completely cleared out by a couple of hungry grizzlies. I guess you could say that certain types of drop in entities are not always welcome. For our comfort, opening up her home to four grown men, is nothing short of kind, and it’s this kindness that always makes a long travel most pleasant.
Michael has been taking a lot of footage on his camera for an upcoming documentary he plans which is meant for promoting walking as meditation. A lot of the shooting is taking place along the Elk River. Having a river by your side as a walker is like having a cheerleader to prod you on. And when you have a camera man along with you, it’s double cheers. We may not have the Ganges here, but in Canada we have plenty of clean streams that energize all that are in close proximity to it. I happen to be the blessed recipient who’s trailing along the Elk River.
And being exposed to the road, whether on or off camera, brings the attention of many weekenders who are returning home for a new week’s routine. One couple I know from Calgary, Aurelius and Callie, spotted me and pulled over to join in the last phase of the trek today. It’s great to have companions like the river and people. This couple is excellent at preparing tinctures, but the one Aurelius gave me, all packaged perfectly, good for hair, skin and teeth, is a tincture made from the plant horsetail. Here again is a gesture of kindness, or if we could use the term, good social intercourse.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
35 Krishna Marks
It was our second night for outdoor camping, courtesy of Theresa. Her front yard made a perfect base for the afternoon and evening. She shared with us the various visitors at her property. They include, deer, elk, cougar, and grizzly bears, just to name the big ones. One night, she found that her chicken pen was almost completely cleared out by a couple of hungry grizzlies. I guess you could say that certain types of drop in entities are not always welcome. For our comfort, opening up her home to four grown men, is nothing short of kind, and it’s this kindness that always makes a long travel most pleasant.
Michael has been taking a lot of footage on his camera for an upcoming documentary he plans which is meant for promoting walking as meditation. A lot of the shooting is taking place along the Elk River. Having a river by your side as a walker is like having a cheerleader to prod you on. And when you have a camera man along with you, it’s double cheers. We may not have the Ganges here, but in Canada we have plenty of clean streams that energize all that are in close proximity to it. I happen to be the blessed recipient who’s trailing along the Elk River.
And being exposed to the road, whether on or off camera, brings the attention of many weekenders who are returning home for a new week’s routine. One couple I know from Calgary, Aurelius and Callie, spotted me and pulled over to join in the last phase of the trek today. It’s great to have companions like the river and people. This couple is excellent at preparing tinctures, but the one Aurelius gave me, all packaged perfectly, good for hair, skin and teeth, is a tincture made from the plant horsetail. Here again is a gesture of kindness, or if we could use the term, good social intercourse.
May the Source be with you!
35 KM
Monday, 2 June 2014
Saturday, May 31st, 2014
Fernie, British Columbia
Miles and Milestones
After a hearty campout next to gorgeous waterfalls nestled in the mountains, Karuna Sindhu and I emerged from our tent at 3 AM. In the second tent and automobile slept Michael and Daruka who both deserved the extra mileage of slumber. In the pitch black of the evening, Karuna and I made our way along on what in broad daylight is viewed as a pure emerald lake. We then crossed a creek that feeds that magical lake. Only our mini flashlight guided us through a mountain trail and to Crowsnest Pass going westward.
The stars were multiple sparkles in the sky, and trees discharged their special perfumes as the sun started peeking.
We then hit a milestone – the Alberta/British Columbia border. That’s 9 down and 1 to go, provincially. It became a moment of victory I shared with Karuna.
At one point, I ventured on foot alone while Karuna joined Daruka in order to take to camping kitchen duties. I came to a town called Sparwood, and entered the tourist visitors’ centre. While there I was informed that Clara Hughes, Canadian Olympic winner for speed cycling and speed skating, had been in the facility earlier that day. This unique athlete, I realized, I met on the road two days earlier. She was accompanied by two other cyclists near Lundbreck and was having a break when I appeared on the prairie shoulder of the road. Positioned to reconvene their riding, she saw me, and raised her arm for a high five, and then shouted aloud, “Hey!” She was all smiles, I didn’t know who she was at the time, but when Michael showed me her picture via the iPhone, sure enough, that was her. It was another milestone. I do hope she succeeds in her dreams.
May the Source be with you!
37 KM
Miles and Milestones
After a hearty campout next to gorgeous waterfalls nestled in the mountains, Karuna Sindhu and I emerged from our tent at 3 AM. In the second tent and automobile slept Michael and Daruka who both deserved the extra mileage of slumber. In the pitch black of the evening, Karuna and I made our way along on what in broad daylight is viewed as a pure emerald lake. We then crossed a creek that feeds that magical lake. Only our mini flashlight guided us through a mountain trail and to Crowsnest Pass going westward.
The stars were multiple sparkles in the sky, and trees discharged their special perfumes as the sun started peeking.
We then hit a milestone – the Alberta/British Columbia border. That’s 9 down and 1 to go, provincially. It became a moment of victory I shared with Karuna.
At one point, I ventured on foot alone while Karuna joined Daruka in order to take to camping kitchen duties. I came to a town called Sparwood, and entered the tourist visitors’ centre. While there I was informed that Clara Hughes, Canadian Olympic winner for speed cycling and speed skating, had been in the facility earlier that day. This unique athlete, I realized, I met on the road two days earlier. She was accompanied by two other cyclists near Lundbreck and was having a break when I appeared on the prairie shoulder of the road. Positioned to reconvene their riding, she saw me, and raised her arm for a high five, and then shouted aloud, “Hey!” She was all smiles, I didn’t know who she was at the time, but when Michael showed me her picture via the iPhone, sure enough, that was her. It was another milestone. I do hope she succeeds in her dreams.
May the Source be with you!
37 KM
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