Slowing Down

Dear Friends,

I am writing to you from Vancouver where we have officially made it two weeks into our trip. I have felt a sense of accomplishment these days knowing we've made it this far.

We’ve had many conversations with store clerks, servers and bartenders about how we’ve driven from Toronto to here, and their reaction has been endlessly amusing. When we tell them that we’re actually on route to Argentina it’s either followed by disbelief or deep concern.

We’ve been able to stay multiple nights in most places this week. It’s been the perfect amount of time to rest, put our feet up and reset between each leg. At the end of each stay I'm eager to hit the road again to see what new things we will discover.  

We've been fortunate to spend lots of quality time with both friends and family. I last left off writing to you that we were heading into the Rockies where Alex and I drove through yet another snow storm. We missed the worst parts of it but drove through some freezing rain and blistering snow leaving for some pretty hazardous conditions. The closer we got to our destination it felt like it was getting worse. We passed blocked off roads lined with fire trucks and cars sandwiched end to end, or even stuck in ditches.

I said to Alex that this final stretch might be the worst of it, but we ventured forward and to our delight and relief, the sun came out and due to the storm rainbow spheres circled the sky; It felt like a (much needed) good omen.

We safely drove through the powder covered mountain roads and appreciated what we had just made it through.

When we arrived in the Albertan Highlands we were overwhelmed by the quiet and the deep sense of calm that followed. We finally felt like we could take a deep breath.

The air is clean and crisp and we could feel our city lungs cleansing.

Standing amongst the pine trees in the snow, the world went still. The serenity felt like an opportunity, like I was given permission to be.

It is hard not to see the benefits of nature for your mental health and your wellbeing when we’re enveloped in the obvious results. Coming from the city the contrast is stark.

According to an article published by Health Line “urban living gives our brains a workout, which alters how we cope with stress.”

When we are in a city we’re surrounded by noise, scents and visual stimuli which put our nervous system into a faint, but constant state of fight or flight.

According to an article written in the National Geographic titled “We Are Wired To Be Outside” it states, “the frontal lobe, the part of our brain that’s hyper engaged in modern life, deactivates a little when you are outside.”

Research suggests that “time in nature– as long as people feel safe– is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety and improve mood.”

Modernization has shifted us indoors and online, and further away from our natural environment. We are often looking for solutions to ease our stressful lives, but the solutions lie in our roots.

When I was living in a city I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing out on something crucial, but being here, it has become crystal clear what it was.

We enjoyed the peace of the mountains for two blissful evenings, while continuing into the Kootenays of BC. The blizzard from the night before had left us with fluffy fresh powder for skiing. With a clear sky ahead and a supportive hand from friends, we took full advantage of it. We enjoyed some pitchers in the lodge after a long day on the slopes, a soak in a hot tub followed by a hearty homemade dinner with some lovely company. Can life really get any better?

Alex and I will be going through long stretches where it will just be the two of us, so I've been intentionally appreciating the moments we do have with the people we love.

Each time we leave these visits it is bittersweet, but I'm reminded how blessed we’ve been to reconnect with old friends who we know we'll see again.

The next day we left for Nelson, and drove through breathtaking landscapes along the winding highways of the Kootenays. We passed through quaint small towns and felt inspired by our surroundings.

Furthering west we descended from the high altitude of the Rockies to the depths of the Kootenays and drove what felt like forever, downhill. Nearing the base of the region, we were halted for snow clearance up ahead. Although we were late to our next stop, sitting on the edge of the ridge, in the dark of the night, we gazed up into the open sky and gawked at the endless sea of shining stars. Half an hour went by in not but a moment and we were back on the road again in no time.

After a cozy night in Nelson with hot soup and sound advice, we moved onward to Lumby. A small town outside of Vernon BC where we stayed on a beautiful homestead and enjoyed some simple living with some furry, some feathery, and some fantastic friends.

Lastly, but certainly not leastly, we drove to Vancouver. Although Alex and I have been hesitant to return to big cities after our detox, we have been lucky to have some awesome tour guides.

We are always so grateful for the hospitality of our peers and the experiences we have with them on our short but meaningful visits.

Tomorrow we head out to Powell River and we cannot wait to smell the salty stench of the Pacific Ocean.

We’ll then take a ferry to Vancouver Island for about a week before heading onto America as we inch our way closer and closer to the sun.

Thankyou to everyone who has reached out with positive feedback, and again for all those who have expressed interest thus far.

Your engagement is meaningful to me.