I was imagining the extreme colors and dramatic shift the landscape undergoes in between summer and winter. This along with the fear of missing the mushroom harvest got us back on the road. Our plan was to hot spring hop, couch surf, kitchen hop, stay close to fishing, forage, take epic photos, explore and stay warm as we headed into colder shorter days. All of this is good and fine; however, at the core of this adventure was a search for home.

We crossed state lines and international borders; approximately 3300 miles of the western coast of North America we traversed before heading east to cross the Canadian Rockies in the middle of winter. I would like to say thank you to the many people and places that hosted us. Also, a word about the “state” of this region of the world: development in the name of progress, expansion and natural habitats being threatened are a common theme in each of the three countries that make up the west coast of North America. I can not help but think that it would be wise for us to make a dramatic shift from this habit of exploitation with no limits, but I am not here to rant.

“But it ain’t all doom and gloom out there” Yasiin Bey a.k.a. Mos Def. The reality is that there are habitats flourishing with life and  mother nature continues to exhibit beauty at each nook and cranny. There are individuals and communities that are living a life with purpose, simplicity and health.

Against what people recommended, we headed into the north as winter set in. Days became cold and short quickly. My dream to see Alaska and the Yukon were put aside for some logic around what we were really prepared for. However, an opportunity to cross the great mountains of Canada was too tempting to pass.  Four wheel drive, tow truck rides, exploding bottles of apple cider vinegar, icicles forming though condensation in our bed; these are just the tip of the iceberg. People come from all over the world to visit the beauty that is within these mountains, and for good reason. Certainly, visiting at this time of year presents formidable challenges; however, the reward for those willing to endure the cold and slippery roads is great. Here is to the Canadian Rockies!

I have a new theory; if you spend enough time on reservations, you and your vehicle change. For example, the Challenger ( our truck/home) is now started with  an allen wrench.  I leave smelling like smoke from sage and grateful for perspective. To all my relations…