Chapter 1
Early Years
Each night, we would camp beside a lake or river, where the fishing always seemed to be good. Mom would cook up some grub on the Coleman stoves while Dad set up the big bell tent. After eating, we would sit around the fire for a bit, talking about the day. There is something about a crackling fire, joined by the hiss and snap of the Coleman lantern, that would lull both my twin and me to sleep.
Chapter 2
Paradise
The ocean shores and tidal pools at the boundary of this forest of green were full of a dazzling array of fascinating creatures. I could spend all day looking into these little tidepool gems of wonder. They were like tiny little oceans full of life. Sometimes I would lie at the edge of the forest and the sea, listening to the voices of the animals, trees and rocks for hours. It was a melody of breathtaking beauty. To this young lad, it seemed I had landed in a place of wonder. Some might say I was in paradise.
Chapter 3
Growing Up Coastal
I was introduced to canoeing at an early age, and I was hooked from the first time my paddle hit the water. Canoeing allowed me to travel without the noise others make. There is nothing like silently gliding along in the early light of a fall morning, sunbeams shining through the morning haze. You can sense the haunting pull of all things to nature, and it is very humbling. It is a cosmic experience that can bring balance to your very soul.
Chapter 4
Hobbit Loggers
We were quite small, this lad and I. We were like a couple of hobbit loggers, but we were hired for the job because of our small size. You see, the company had felled trees right into the Elk River, and the Fisheries wanted them removed. They hired us because we were light enough to get out on the logs in the river to set chokers. I was happy to have a job.
Chapter 5
Cowboy Country
That first summer, Roger and I took a canoe trip up the Cariboo River into the Cariboo Mountains. This was a trip I had dreamed of doing for years, and now I was loading the canoe. We planned on going right up to the Cariboo Falls and back again. We figured it was going to take about 15 to 20 days to complete.