Saturday, June 11, 2016

Leaving these bonnie North Sea shores...


Joan, last launch, near the ruins of the harbour at Auchmithie.
Soon we will leave the bonnie North Sea shores of Base Camp 2 to return to Base Camp 1, near the waters of the Salish Sea, off Vancouver Island's east coast. It's been a lovely sojourn here in Scotland. As always, there was some some work, and lots of healthy "dashes" of play. It's a nice balance. 

"Base camp" means home. Pliny the Elder, the Roman philosopher, naturalist, author and military commander, said that "home is where the heart is". We've discovered that the heart can be in more than one place.

In an ideal sense, "home" is where there is love and acceptance. It is a place to both launch and land. It sends you away and welcomes you back. 


As for now, the kayaks have been transported to the mystery-filled, incredibly beautiful Isle of Skye, where we will reunite with them, and live, later in the year. 



On the racks of the KIA KTV and on their way to Skye.
Another locum awaits, with responsibilities spanning three lovely highland villages. It will offer new challenges and opportunities to learn more about the unique history and culture of the "highlands and the islands". As with everywhere we've ever served, there will be lovely people to come to know, people who strive to make the world a better place for all.

In the meantime, it will be good to be back home in Base Camp 1 again, settled amidst the Douglas firs and the arbutus trees, the Cowichan "warmland", and Canadian family and friends.



Waiting at the Glenelg - Skye ferry.

Life can be very much like a ferry, leaving one shore for the next and returning, time after time.


The "Glenachulish", the last turntable ferry in Scotland.
Whatever the weather, the currents, the tides, or the taskings, there is a "home" port on either side.


Of course there's another way of looking at it, according to 17th century Japanese poet, Matsuo Bashō...and it's a very powerful perspective.


“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.” 

The "journey" itself is home. That resonates. I really like that. :)

10 comments:

  1. Duncan and Joan I am really sorry we did not get a chance to paddle together on this visit to Base Camp 2. We did go out to Ailsa Craig last week and I did wonder about contacting you but it was a somewhat challenging crossing, F4 NW about 45 degrees off our starboard bow. It was hard work and we are still recovering. However, it just means there is something to plan and hope for on future visits. I wish you both well until your return. Douglas

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    1. Hi Douglas, sorry we missed you too but we'll be on the west coast next time over in the autumn / winter so we'll hopefully find a window for us all to get together again. Ian has assured us that there are some periods of high pressure...and good paddling. The crossing the Ailsa Craig sounded challenging indeed. We'll build up some endurance on the "other side" this summer. ;) Very best wishes from us both, and see you next time for sure.

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  2. Bon voyage D & J, we'll be in touch once you're back established in VI

    Warm wishes

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    1. Thank you so much, Ian. We'll look forward to seeing you both later in the year. Take good care, happy paddling, and keep those adventures coming! :) Warm wishes to you and LInda.

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  3. What a great base to look forward to coming back to with lots more trips planned already I imagine!
    Cheers
    Sarah

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    1. Hi Sarah, great to hear from you. Yes, I think there will be some excellent paddling possibilities...and maybe even some winter sunshine! ;) Warm wishes to you.

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  4. Hello dear friends!
    How wonderful to hear that you continue to be people of many places, and that you have journeyed back to Canada for a time! We will continue to follow your journey here and will keep you, as always, in our thoughts and prayers. Will be in Stockholm again August 27th to December 17th, 2016, just a wave away from Base Camp 2! Much love, Marti and Stuart

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    1. Hi Marti and Stuart, really great to hear from you. So glad the opportunities in Sweden continue. Perhaps we can improve on a "wave" this autumn...it's not all that far. :) In the meantime, maybe a meet up on Gabriola? Love to you both from us.

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  5. Was speaking with Dave Boone at church and he told me about this blog. What great photos!!! It's terrific to see the two of you in great form.
    -Gloria

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    1. Hi Gloria, great to hear from you, it's been a long time! Glad to have you come by and time for me to get writing again. :) Very best wishes to you and family from us both.

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