Riding the rainy windswept heights above Loch Ness, Scotland….

  Yesterday, Saturday, I rode a bus an hour out of the city to the charming Yamaska River straddling town of Ste. Hyacinthe. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm without being too hot. I strode the paths along the gently flowing river, chatted with the locals, explored the bustling compact downtown streets, had lunch and then later enjoyed a coffee with my book on a terrace overlooking the lively Marché Central. As the afternoon drew to a close I sauntered leisurely back to the bus station and climbed aboard the 16:45 for the return trip. 

  I could have driven mind you, I still own a camperized minivan, but I’ve been playing recently with the notion of going vehicle free. 

  All part of an ongoing effort towards simplification you might say. Also, in my tiny infinitesimal way I no longer wish to contribute towards rampaging climate change and the degradation of our Natural World. 

  Peering out of the bus window on route I was struck by how far along a self-endangering road we’ve travelled. The highways and boulevards were busy. On both sides malls, restaurants, gas stations, mechanical shops and car dealerships were filled nearly to capacity. Suburban neighbourhood streets were lined with motor vehicles and apartment blocks seemingly standing out in the middle of nowhere were surrounded chock a block with more. 

  “My gawd,” I thought, “what have we done!?”

  Anyway, this ain’t preaching. You do you. 

  This is about simplification and centredness. About maintaining a level of fitness and strength to continue walking and riding bicycles for as many years as I can. And about giving myself the time to take in the wonder and beauty of our Natural surroundings. 

  The fastest, easiest way is not always the best way….