There is nothing worse for me than a new horizon. Because inevitably, I will want to see what is beyond it.
I am not sure when I developed this compulsion. I could be that when I was a kid my dad took us on long nature walks (forced nature walks on some occasions).
Now whenever I discover somewhere new I will continue walking and it soon takes a great amount of willpower for me to stop and turn around.
It was a problem for me recently when I endeavored down what was supposed to be a short walk along the Stocking Lake Trail. There is going to be a lot of work going on there soon to accommodate the new pipeline so I wanted to get an idea of the area for context. At least that is the excuse I’m giving for being out of the office on gorgeous summer day.
I remember hiking being a lot easier when I was a lot younger. I could bound up rocky hills with such grace it would put a mountain goat to shame. Now … well let’s say I’m more aware of the force of gravity. Loose rocks and earth shifted and gave way as, in some spots, I struggled for footing.
In any case, it is still beautiful country and I’m hoping to get back there at a time I don’t have to force myself to turnaround.
After a recent talk with local carver John Marston, I was inspired to start woodcarving. Man, what a tough hobby. On my first project I buried a chisel in my left palm and removed a section of middle finger. I am pleased to announce I completed something that resembles a small canoe for my dad in time for Father’s Day. Just don’t count on it to be sea-worthy, in fact it’s probably better to keep it away from any water. I know there are lots of carvers out there, so if anyone has tips on how to make things that resemble other things, I’d love to hear them.
Speaking of woodworking, I recently had the pleasure to visit Brad Brawner at LSS to talk to him about his construction class.
It is impressive to see. I wish I had a class like this when I was in school since some of the students walk out of the class with real, life-long skills as Mr. Brawner puts it. But more so it teaches students respect.
Even more refreshing than the class is the teacher himself. Mr. Brawner’s passion and dedication to the students was easy to read and infectious. Teachers like Mr. Brawner are the type responsible for turning students into community-minded citizens and we are lucky to have him. And I’m not just saying that because he’s a way better woodcarver than me. Seriously.
Some quick notes. The Chemainus Chamber of Commerce has set up an accommodation room for people looking to stay in Chemainus. Before you grab your sleeping bag and start knocking on the door, it is just a room with information on where to stay.
The Tribal Journey is set to get underway on July 18. The trip in Russell Robinson’s huge dugout canoe to Washington State will be a sight to see. We have a story on the excursion, but could not fit it in this week. However, the Robinsons are fundraising, looking for people to make the seven-day canoe trip and will be holding rides for the public, so I wanted to mention something this week. For more information, please call Lisa Robinson at 250-245-2152.
