The tangible sense of restlessness...and the calm that it brings.

The "calming", but restless waters of Skookumchuck Narrows.

Skookumchuck Narrows, just over on the mainland, links the land-locked Sechelt Inlet with Jervis Inlet and the Salish Sea. Although we've paddled on either side of the Narrows, we've never kayaked where and when the water is running - and believe me, we never will. Ever. There are few places in the world where tidal rapids run this fast -  the water moves in excess of 16 knots (30 kph)! When the tides change, billions of gallons of water move through the narrow channel. As some will know, folks do paddle there in sea kayaks, when it's raging, and it looks awesome.

Camping in nearby Egmont and paddling mainly in Prince of Wales Reach, we would leave our kayaks safely strapped to the roof racks and hike out to Skookumchuck on the 4 km trail, to watch the restless water boil and swirl past us. It was exhilarating, stirring...and yet calming, all at the same time. I've been thinking about that recently - the calming influence of restlessness.

Children who are restless are frequently admonished to "calm down". When adults are restless, they are advised to "chill". Folks who are seen to be "restless souls" are told to "relax" or be more grateful for what they have and where they are in life.

I am, for the most part, a relatively calm individual. I've learned, over the years, that very little is gained from being agitated and angst-filled - except distress. That's bad stress. I also feel, however, a sense of restlessness, even a mild sense of urgency. And I don't think that's such a bad thing.

The restlessness I feel is not agitation. It's not thanklessness or ingratitude for what is - it's a yearning. It's a hunger to live life as fully as is possible - and not at some future time that may never come, but now. We all know, but sometimes forget, that life is short. For some, it is so tragically short. Life can, as they say, "turn on a dime" - and it often does. And yet all too often, we defer life. We postpone "living" until the kids are grown up, or until we get the "perfect" job, or until the mortgage is paid off, or until we're retired, or until whatever proverbial "ducks" we may choose are in a row. I have an overwhelming feeling that's a big mistake.

About to "exercise" restlessness - the calm to come. (Degnen Bay, Gabriola)

We've only got this very moment. My partner in life has always felt that same restlessness. The times when we have traded security and comfort for the uncertainties of a new direction or a new adventure have ultimately been deeply enriching and personally rewarding. And I think we've still been able to do some good for others. Of course, there were lots of anxious moments and some second thoughts. But...we've never regretted those times in life when we've "thrown all caution to the wind".

As we approach another time of potential vulnerability and fewer safety nets, of less certainty and greater risk, there is, at its very foundation, a tangible sense of restlessness. Strangely, it is calming.

Duncan.

When you're 60 "something"...you can do birthdays differently.

Event # 2: On the "mountain" and Tzouhalem's arbutus trees.

Today was one of those important family days - Joan's birthday. I usually plan something special for occasions such as this. As some will remember, on our last anniversary, I treated Joan to some romantic dining at a marvellous spot on the shores of neighbouring Salt Spring Island. The fact that we had to paddle our kayaks to get there and that the only item on my carefully planned "menu" was home made pea soup, appeared to be somewhat amusing to some readers. Seriously folks, I thought the whole thing was a pretty classy idea.

Anyway, once again, I thought long and hard about what might be fun for today's birthday celebration. So what to do? Well, I have this theory that when you're over 60, one of the best ways to celebrate a birthday is to do something that provides indisputable evidence that you're still as "alive" as you were the previous year. I therefore suggested to Joan that we should engage in a "birthday triathlon" to mark this special day.

Here's the idea: we would complete three self-propelled events, as quickly as possible - there were, after all, some work-related tasks to address today as well. Successful completion of all events would then determine that the additional year (since the last birthday) had not resulted in any significant physical deterioration - although some will probably feel that there are other "issues" to address. Haha! Joan, always a good sport about these things, felt that this would be a suitable way to celebrate her birthday. (Of course, the price would be right too. No expensive restaurant meals to take the fun out of a good birthday event!)

We agreed that the three self-propelled events would include the following: a 60 minute early morning workout at the gym; followed by a 5.5 kilometre trail "run" (with walking breaks - it's steep!) on nearby Mt. Tzouhalem; and finally, a 12 kilometre sea kayak circuit from Maple Bay to Salt Spring Island and back via Erskine and Grave Points. We would then be able to address a couple of parish commitments before the "birthday supper" - the logistics of which, to be honest, I hadn't thought much about.

Event # 3: "This is the last event, isn't it?"

To make a long story short - all three self-propelled events and the work-related tasks were accomplished. As for enjoying a special birthday supper? Well, not so much. We were both way too tired for anything more than some, yep, you guessed it - home made pea soup. It'll be an early night.

But it was fun. :)

Duncan.