All that really matters...

A very small degree of hope 

is sufficient to cause the birth of love. 

- Stendhal

A rainbow...a symbol of hope.

 Life is so precious...and we all continue to struggle to understand how we can one day be free from acts of violence in the world. Both peace and deep compassion, in the hearts of all people everywhere, remain so illusive. But we must never give up...ever.

Words are not enough and tears are not enough...only brave and generous love is sufficient. It's all that really matters.

May our "small degrees of hope" join together to create the better world for which we yearn - for all children, everywhere.

And may we have courage.

Back in the kayak cockpit...with warm hands.

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me 
that happiness was the key to life. 

When I went to school, 
they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. 

I wrote down ‘happy’. 

They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, 

and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

- John Lennon

Low winter sun on Mount Maxwell on Saltspring Island...
where we don't often see snow!

Today was the day to paddle after our long hiatus, but waking up to our first Vancouver Island snowfall, it looked like "winter". No matter, it was high time to get to know the narrow boats again after an absence from the cockpits for well over two months. (Note: on the next trip back to Scotland, we take the dry suits!)

There was a slight problem, however, with the planned early morning launch. Along with the snow, there was a gale warning and it was, indeed, blowing hard from the north-west. The good news? The winds were forecast to move to the west, putting us in the lee, and then lighten in the early afternoon.

This was also the first opportunity to put on the NRS "Maverick" Titanium paddling gloves we had acquired on an outdoor equipment "pilgrimage" to REI (in Seattle) way back last August. Nothing had worked very well over the years so we had requested the advice of fellow bloggers - and there had been a lot of excellent suggestions.

NRS Maverick Gloves.

One that came up several times was this particular glove. We can report that we both found the "Maverick" lived up to all the positive reviews. At a paddling air temperature of around 3 degrees C late this afternoon, hands were adequately warm and completely dry - finally! We may try a pair of very thin polypropylene liners next time to see if we can kick up the "cosy" factor just a notch - this, after all, is Vancouver Island. We live a rather "sheltered" life when it comes to "cold".

It was great to be back on the water again and we were back at the launch site just in time for the next weather system to blow in.

Heading back into Maple Bay.

60% chance of snow flurries in the forecast for tonight - most of Canada would smile at the amounts, but it's a big deal around here. ;)

Duncan.