Hello All! 

Gretchen here, recently back from a jam-packed adventure-filled jaunt to British Columbia and northern Washington state. 



All over Vancouver and Vancouver Island are these signs: No Idling. It's just one of about a jillion green initiatives they've adopted (and just one of about a jillion reasons that BC stole my heart). And whether conscious or not, we followed the 'No Idling' directive on this trip.

Here's a partial list:
Moseyed up the Vancouver Island coast with a look-see here and a look-see there; sea kayaked with orcas out of the northern outpost of Telegraph Cove; played the bull kelp didgeridoo; chowed down on Nanaimo bars; hugged some very big trees; landed some mighty fine salmon; braved 15 foot swells in a little bitty fishing boat; fell in love with the goofy harbor seals; learned about queen bees and sipped yummy honey wine at a meadery; totem-hunted; beach-combed; poked around the This -n- That Store (which was indeed full of this and that); walked the Victoria waterfront; enjoyed a, well, healthy assortment of scotch varieties in a lovely pub in that same lovely city; chatted up the locals and other explorers at every stop; and ate and ate and ate and ate. And that was just on the Island.

Like many directives, this metaphorical 'No Idling' had its benefits and its drawbacks. Without qualification, I am so grateful to have explored so much of this previously unknown territory and happened upon so many lasting-impression acquaintances. And, there is something in the depth of a place or person that is sometimes tough to embrace when the encounter is so fleeting. Here and gone. There and gone.

So, what have I brought back from this journey? Presence--in two respects.

First, having a limited amount of time with a very full itinerary, I found that the most profound and interesting times existed when I was simply in the moment (like seeing that orca spy-hop and freakin' squealing with delight or having the most amazing breakfast conversation with a fellow traveler) and not thinking at all about the next thing on the itinerary.  How many times do I miss things every day when my mind's already on what's next?

Second, having the presence to stop and choose. At home, I have the gift of time. My stay in Minneapolis isn't limited 5 days, so I can stop and notice what I really do want to spend more time doing and who I want to be spending that time with.

So, as much as I am on board with BC's green initiative, I'm thinkin' that idling has its own distinct value as well.