17 March 2023 Message from New Mexico

17 March 2023 Message from New Mexico

For all the St. Patrick’s Day fans out there, here’s an alternative to Guiness, or Porterhouse Oyster Stout, or Beamish: this is a glass of Liz’s Osha Mead. This is personally harvested wild osha root from the Hamas Mountains of New Mexico, locally-hived New Mexico honey, and wild-crafted licorice root, fermented 6 months (mas a menos) before recent bottling, and it is beyond delightful. At around 12% , not as harsh as Guiness can be, and not as creamy (via additives or grains) as a Beamish, this mead might be yours for only $250 per 12 ounce bottle…nah, just kidding; this isn’t for sale at any price.

So for those who may be interested, yes, I am still in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I am currently in the market for a very well- and intelligently-maintained RV, pull-behind preferred but a fifth wheel can work too, hopefully with a master bedroom mirrored closet slider and a living room (music & art studio) slider, at not less than 25 feet.

Since no sweet woman from the USA (including Hawaii), Canada, Switzerland or France has claimed this professional, veteran life partner off waivers, I will return to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where I can drink sweet Pecos Wilderness water, breathe clean high altitude air, avoid most of the EMF body and brain-penetrating waves, and enjoy organic vegetables, truly organic eggs, sheep cheese, and certain other animal products. I will be alone as far as partners go, but not as far as true friends go. There are worse ways in life than being alone, eh?

Love and hugs to all. Robb

note to self: numerologically speaking, 2023 is in fact a 7

February 12, 2022 Update

Well, I am currently still in New Mexico, living in Santa Fe to be more precise. I am looking for a new home, and may well stay in New Mexico. For me, Santa Fe is not affordable. I did sell the RAV, and trusty old Maroonbaru is still doing just fine! Hugs and love to all, Robb.

An Update From Robb In March 2019

I haven’t posted for a long time now.  I’m still in New Mexico, and living in Glorieta at Liz’s, who has been my ex-girlfriend officially since November 2017

So here is a little catch up.  Maybe I should change the name of the blog, but I still wish I could be living up north, especially in British Columbia, should Canada ever decide to let me in permanently.  I guess for now, since I’m living in Northern New Mexico, technically I can still say “Robb Up North,” eh!

Anyway, in July 2018 I purchased a Toyota because I was under the impression that sweet Maroonbaru was dying (thanks to really crappy mechanical work by Mike’s Garage in Santa Fe).  A long story follows, that I will spare you.  I got this 2018 RAV4 XLE AWD in July 2018.  In the photo is the RAV at 1,000 miles, and Maroonbaru (who is just fine thank you very much) at 217,500 miles.  My advice: Get a Subaru (Toyota all wheel drive; my butt!).

Maroonbaru I would not hesitate to load up with a thousand pounds and head off for Canada.  The RAV, well, not so much.  The RAV is for sale for 29,000 USD.  Very, very carefully broken in, a custom paint protective film application by a home-based professional in Santa Fe, and capable enough for most folks, but I’m accustomed to sweet Maroonbaru who is virtually unstoppable.

Well here in the New Mexico Sangre de Cristo Mountains the winter has been absolutely awesome!  We’ve had four snows of at least 16-18 inches, and a dozen snows of 6-10 inches.  Some weather stations have been talking of the END of extreme drought, but they are idiots.  No moisture for a few months and we’ll be right back where we were, except for somewhat recharged wells and aquifers.So in February 2019 I drove the RAV up to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, the first long trip once he reached 3,000 miles.  Of course I still never drove over 70, and mostly the trip was 50 to 65 mph.  Stopped at Echo Ampitheatre (what a white man name) just outside of O’Keefe’s Ghost Ranch, for a few photos.And then there is La Cueva Creek: Last year the creek stopped running in February.  THIS year it didn’t start flowing until February 15.  Just awesome.  I hope it never stops again.  Aho, Mitakuye Oyasin.Well, that’s all I have for now.  Thank you, my wonderful friends and family for being there, and here, for me and with me.  I love you.  And a parting shot from days passed:  Tonquin Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada in December 2017.Tried to get the MP4 of the waves on the shore, but WordPress says no-can-do for security reasons.

Take care, be well, eat well without GMOs or glyphosates, drink clean water without fluoride or chlorine, and be grateful for all you have.  Robb

It is Saturday, and I am aboard the Queen of Alberni, a refurbished 1976 B.C. Ferry, on a 0-50 meter average visibility, deeply foggy 2.25 hour voyage back to Tsawwassen on the mainland for a rental SUV drive back to Vancouver International Airport. It may well be appropriate that the only sun I have seen during my eight day journey was during my three days in Tofino—coming to the Big Island was not about being on vacation.

When I stopped back in at the Palliative Care Unit at Nanaimo General Hospital, Bob let me know Dani was fading and hadn’t been conscious for over 24 hours. Hopefully it was good that, while at Tofino I laid on a rock in Thursday full sun on Tonquin Beach for an hour and listened to the tide coming in, while sending warmth, waves and sea air telepathically to Dani. There were some free falling tears with some of the family, and then I worked on a round jigsaw puzzle with Bob until time for me to go check into my AirBnB and have dinner at my favorite Irish pub down by Brechin Marina. The Guiness Burger and green salad were fine, my half liter of house shiraz was good enough, and I watched curling and hockey from my bar stool. Everybody never even considered I might not be Canadian, eh?

Robb Heckel, from the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, on 9 December 2017

Tofino Time

My blond hair is a bit frizzy from 95% humidity, and while this brief trip to British Columbia is not a happy occasion, I did decide to come North to Tofino and make room for more family down in Nanaimo.  I don’t know when I might get back to Tofino again; or Nanaimo.  Time changes everything.

Tofino remains, of course, one of the most beautiful spots on Earth, and here my soul is fed like few other places.  Tofino is not the same, though, without my trusty old Maroonbaru, and passing by Stephanie’s old apartment now that she has returned to France; and with tourist season long gone the restaurants are mostly closed and the town is quiet and peaceful.

Time changes everything.  We are born, we learn and grow, we age and we die, to make room for more family.  All the while, beauty is around us, birds still sing, rivers continue to flow, and tide comes in and goes out.  I am blessed with life and vision, a good heart and clear soul, and the spirit to enjoy all that I can while I can.  Blessings to you, too.

Robb Heckel, from Tofino, British Columbia, on 6 December 2017

Tofino Sunrise Best smile I can produce today without faking it.

Here in Aspen, Colorado, to give a self-publishing workshop today, 23 September, 2017, and thought I would share some photographs from the gorgeous John Denver Sanctuary in Downtown Aspen.

Beneath It All: A Novel…update on the hardcover version

July 8, 2017

Hey everyone!  This may (not) be the last post here on the blog regarding the novel. Please get a copy and give the book a review on Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

Beneath It All: A Novel by Robb Heckel: Romantic Adventure in Aspen and Santa Fe.

The novel has been updated with some minor editing changes, and a change in the author photograph as well as the addition at the very back of a photo of yours truly near Bamfield, British Columbia.

Robb at the Pacific, Rocky Creek, Oregon.

Love and hugs, as always,

Robb

 

Beneath It All is Released!

Beneath It All has been released and is available in paperback and eBook on Amazon. Please do get a copy and hopefully give it a good review! I really look forward to your comments and reviews!!!!

I plan to do book signings at least in Aspen, Santa Fe, and Manitou Springs. More on that when I know more! Bring your copy and get it signed! I can also sign books and ship them to you, though what it most critical right now is sales and reviews on Amazon.

This has been a journey, that’s for sure. When I first announced the novel in February, I thought it was ready to go. Well, after a dozen digital proofs and four print proofs, I think I have corrected all of the little things I saw that needed to be fixed. Some people have told me, “You may never get it perfect!”

Well, I intend to keep trying! If you see something I need to correct, please do let me know.

And I hope you enjoy the story of Matt and Wynne, in Aspen and Santa Fe, learning about one another. I enjoyed writing the story!

p.s.  The hardcover edition and the paperback, both printed by IngramSpark, will be coming out I hope in the next month or so, distributed by Ingram Lightning Source. Ingram says that it may be 30 days or more before Beneath It All will be in Ingram’s catalog for libraries, bookstores and more. So for now, Amazon is the only online source.

p.p.s.  Click on the cover below to go to Amazon!

Last Day in Tofino

The Road to Vancouver Island, Day Thirteen

Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, 23 November 2016

Small Commercial Marina & Seaplane Dock

Feeling a little sadness today, I spent three hours just hanging out at the marine service dock here in Tofino. Tomorrow I am scheduled to return to Nanaimo, and then go Friday to Sydney, B.C. to get on the ferry to Anacortes, Washington. 

Nice, clean powerboat.

Very fine tug and a really sweet aluminum power/sailboat

So I just hung out on the dock from around 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. or so, watching boats come in for fuel, listening to the water, being in the crisp sea air, and feeling my soul at home. 

Those are three pretty nice boats there. The very sweet tug went out to work on moving the platforms you can see in the distance. I especially like the aluminum power/sailboat. 

I’m hoping for a miracle so Liz and I can live here part of the year and in New Mexico part of the year. If destiny is with me, my novel will sell well and someone will want movie rights, eh? I’m still trying to use GIMP to make the ebook cover; quite a task given it contains three photo images and the final cover cannot be over 2Mb. Those of you familiar with digital photography will understand: how to reduce 25 Mb of images to under 2Mb and still retain quality. Well, I still am on the road, so a reprieve exists until I return home. That return, weather permitting, is coming up beginning tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day in the USA.

Sunny Monday in Tofino!

The Road to Vancouver Island, Day Eleven

Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, 21 November 2016

From the Ice House Dock Looking Northwest to First Street Dock

As you might expect the weather here on the west coast of Vancouver Island has been mostly cloudy and wet. This morning was a different look for sure!

Taking advantage of the early morning sunshine, I donned my waterproof shoes and headed for the First Street Dock and a walk around the harbour. Following breakfast at The Common Loaf, I headed uphill. Tonquin Park includes some of the few public trails leading to the water, and off to Tonquin Beach I trekked on a morning chillier than any yet—clear skies will do that. After several hours, clouds were building sufficiently that it seemed wise to head back into town. Enjoy some sights from beautiful Tofino, Canada!

First Street Dock

Tofino Marina: It’s a Working Man’s Marina!

Toward Ahousaht

Private Cove on the West Side of Tofino

Tonquin Beach

This beach gets its name from the early 18th century fur trading ship the Tonquin. The ship was built in New York in 1807 and was sailed around the tip of South America. It reached its destination of the mouth of the Columbia River with the purpose of setting up a fur trading post. This was the beginning of present day Astoria. After unloading its cargo the Tonquin set sail under the control of its captain Jonathan Thorn for Clayoquot Sound. Upon its arrival they began trading with the Nuh-Chah-Nulth for pelts. During these interactions Capt Thorn made a grave error by insulting a Tla-o-qui-aht chief, Nuukmiis by throwing some otter pelts at his head. The chief and a large number of warriors returned to the ship under the guise of continued trading and proceeded to attack the crew. Many were killed in the initial battle before a small number of the crew managed to repel the attack. These survivors tried to escape in a canoe but were killed on a beach nearby. One wounded sailor remained onboard and booby trapped the ship’s load of gunpowder. When a large number of natives returned to the ship to plunder its cargo the sailor lit the fuse and exploded the Tonquin with all onboard. Many were killed and the Tonquin was blown apart and set ablaze. Source: Tofino Time, Tofino Time Magazine, November 2010.

Stump on the Tonquin Trail.

Cedar Bridge. When the tide is in, waves crash underneath.

Sea kayakers heading for the rocks at low tide…hope they’re locals!

At high tide these rocks are almost completely submerged.

Last view as the clouds continue to build.

J’aime Tofino de Tout Mon Coeur!

The Road to Vancouver Island, Day Nine

Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, 19 November 2016

At First Street Dock, Tofino, British Columbia

J’aime Tofino de tout mon coeur!

Perhaps my French is not perfect, but the sentiment is the same in any language; I love Tofino with all my heart. 

It has been a year and a half since I last stood here on First Street Dock, listening to Pacific waves of Clayoquot Sound. How do I describe the feeling I have here? Here by the ocean, outside of tourist season, and well into rain season, grass is deep, dark green and will very rarely go brown, unless summertime is particularly dry. Cedars are tall, although like nearly all of Canada the old growth is long gone. Here in Tofino, the town with the least snowfall anywhere in Canada, palm trees will grow side by side with those cedars. 

The water, the clean sea air and the green, those are what bring me peace in my soul, melt any frantic emotions I may feel, and bring my being to oneness with the Creator. 

J’aime Tofino de tout mon coeur.

Across Clayoquot Sound from First Street Dock.

The Road to Vancouver Island, Day Seven

The Road to Vancouver Island, Day Seven

Nanaimo, British Columbia, 17 November 2016

Departure Bay, Nanaimo, BC. I wish I could bring home all the logs on the shores of British Columbia, to build a 45,000 square foot mansion! 

While sitting in Tim Horton’s this morning, waiting for Canadian Tire to change the oil in Maroonbaru, I reflected a bit on the number of comments I have received since arriving in Canada only two short days ago. The comments may not surprise you.

Most often people have a mildly shocked look on their face, or concerned eyes under furrowed brows as they ask, “Who did you vote for in the election?” 

Many, if not all, relax a little bit as I respond, “Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate.” 

Conversation then usually turns to how so many Canadians are in disbelief that America has elected as its Commander in Chief a man that most of Canada simply cannot relate to or understand. While most thought Harper was bad, and voted for Trudeau who it seems has encountered problems similar to those Obama faced when he took office, they are concerned about what happens next as Donald Trump takes the reins. I have no answers for them.

When I express my dismay that it is close to impossible for me, an older American, to immigrate to this neighbor to the north of the USA, some, but not all, express sympathy. Though natural born Canadians likely have never lived under oppression (with the exception of First Nations citizens) I suspect they have seen and met so many immigrants to Canada from around the world who have been suppressed and oppressed that empathy is within reach. And as well, such empathy, or at least sympathy, is the nature of the vast majority of Canadians I know or have met. 

There are, of course, comments not related to the recent election of Donald Trump. Those comments mostly are in the form of a question: “What brings you here this time of year?” After all, even here in coastal British Columbia, as the automotive manager at Canadian Tire explained, “It’s tire season.” Snow rated tires and/or chains are required in BC October 1 through May 1. What brings me here this time of year? The same beautiful paradise that draws me here any time of year. 

Meanwhile, cloudy and moisture-laden skies here on the Big Island feel like home to me, like Mom prompting me to take a bath and wash off the dust. Yet soon enough, to the dust I must return.

In the meantime—tomorrow I’m off to Tofino!

Pipers Lagoon, Nanaimo, BC. The tide is rushing out!

Me with Hammond Bay, Nanaimo, BC in the background.

The Road to Vancouver Island, Day Five

The Road to Vancouver Island, Day What?

Tuesday, 15 November 2016

Yay! I’m on the ferry to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.

Horseshoe Bay Marina, West Vancouver, BC. Canada

Let’s see, my only post so far was Friday so this is day Five. What happened to days Two through Four, you ask? Well, let me explain. There was a lot of driving without breaks to write a post and add a photograph or two.

The second day I drove about 750 miles from Pagosa Springs, Colorado to Burley, Idaho—nearly half the distance of the entire trip from New Mexico to Vancouver, British Columbia. That’s over 1200 kilometers for the mile-challenged international folks among you readers. A lot of miles, I’ll say that much. About 300,000 kilometers of that trip was through Salt Lake City, Utah; correct that to read from Provo to past Ogden. Okay 300,000 is a slight exaggeration, but only in real distance. That stretch of god-forsaken driving involves a minimum, I believe, of around 140 miles of 3 to 5 lane, 85 miles per hour speed to stay alive while driving amongst insane urban drivers. I made it through, but was so stressed I continued going until 11:00 at night to get as far away from the madness as possible.

Earlier that day, Saturday, I did stop in Moab, Utah, for a bite to eat at a favorite little café, and attempted a late afternoon photo just after leaving Moab. It didn’t turn out well because I didn’t use the flash. I wanted you all to see the full range of colors. What I got was a lot of shadow. Here’s the shot anyway.

Not at all a good photograph of Maraoonbaru and me on the way north from Moab.

Anyway, I gratefully accepted a beautiful suite—the only room still available—at Fairfield Inn & Suites in Burley, Idaho, after about eleven hours behind the wheel. I slept in a bit next morning.

Day Three was then spent driving through largely uneventful Idaho and Eastern Oregon, without many photo opportunities. I was also making up time for having slept in back there at Burley. I got a cheap room in a motel, probably the best in town, in Umatilla, Oregon, at the border with Washington. The following morning, after following a suggestion from Liz, I took a little side trip along the Columbia River on my way into Oregon.

Columbia River along Oregon SR 730

Columbia River along Oregon SR 730

After my little jaunt that morning of Day Four, I drove through Oregon and Washington on Interstates 82 and 90 to get to Bellingham by dark. I really, really wanted to get a photo of Mount Stuart for Tim and Lisa (my brother and sister-in-law) because I think it looks like a big enough challenge for those two technical mountaineering types. Alas, the only possible shot was through massive power lines at a rest stop, or pulling over on the no-shoulder interstate highway. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Stuart

Also at Liz’s always valuable prompting, I pulled off I-90 going into Seattle to take a couple little state roads. It felt so very refreshing to slow down to 50 miles per hour, and take in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. People often ask me why I would ever want to move here to the Northwest: it rains all time, is gray and dark, and so on. Well, have a look and judge for yourself, eh?

The Sisters from Washington SR 9

Lake Whatcom, Washington, Southernmost Shore

Those two photos are of The Sisters and Lake Whatcom, sort of on Washington SR 9.

It was very fun to have dinner with Liz’s Aunt Diana and Uncle Bob in Bellingham. They recently moved to a townhouse on the golf course at Lake Whatcom. Sounds might fine to me.

After stopping at the border to complete the last couple of hoops to receive my NEXUS pass, I headed immediately into West Vancouver to a Royal Bank of Canada branch to get some Banque du Canada notes before heading to Horseshoe Bay in time for the 3:00 ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. I’m a happy, if tired, traveler, eh?

Strait of Georgia from the Queen of Oak Harbor, BC Ferries

Snow on the Mountains, Strait of Georgia

Anyway, the ferry is now about 10 minutes from Nanaimo, so I must sign off and prepare to depart.

Happy Trails, my friends, from the west coast of Canada!

The Road to Vancouver Island

The Road to Vancouver Island

Day One, Friday, November 11, 2016.

Leaving La Cueva without my sweet Liz at my side was sad, although she has much to do in my absence and without me as a distraction, and I feel the strong need to get back to British Columbia, back to the sea, if even for only a week or so. So off I go.

This first leg today was a short leg, a brief three hour or so drive by Abiquiu, Echo Canyon, and Chama, New Mexico, and into Pagosa Springs. A couple of hours in 107 degree hot water, and my tired body came out red as a lobster and feeling softer, rejuvenated, and happy.

 

In Hot Water at Pagosa Hot Springs

That happiness was furthered by an excellent home-style Mexican dinner at a restaurant named Tequila’s in downtown Pagosa. Liz’s made-from-scratch blue corn tortillas are beyond compare, so I avoided soft tacos and instead ordered pollo enchiladas con molé, and a silver coin margarita. The enchiladas were fresh, the molé was a delicious red sauce with just enough chocolate, the corn chips were homemade and with just enough sweetness to truly compliment a fresh homemade salsa. The silver coin was Patron Silver with Cointreau and fresh squeezed lime juice. Muy, muy rico.

 

Agave Harvest: Hand Painted Table at Tequila’s in Pagosa Springs. All the tables furniture are hand made and hand painted.

So on Saturday I hit the road and point Maroonbaru toward Utah and Moab, after a comforting start for this journey, and a phone kiss from Liz. Life is good, eh?

Where in the World is Robb?

I know, I know, it’s been forever since I’ve posted here on Robb Up North. Well, it’s been since January 2016 anyway. There are reasons for that. And the reasons do not include because I don’t love you, eh?

The road sign photo is from Bowen Island, where Liz and I spent five nights with her parents in June. You might need to be boater to get the sign. A couple more photos will come further down in this post.

So, back to reasons for not posting: Busy, busy, busy, and not traveling at all. Liz and I remain here in La Cueva, working on Rancho Relaxo. We have a new metal roof on the cabin. We have a new roof on the section where we will build a new bedroom, hopefully over the winter.

Also over the winter we hope to finish most of the interior of the rebuilt Cat House. This used to be a dilapidated shed filled with pack rat poop and belongings of a former owner from over 20 years ago. The rebuilt structure will include a covered space to protect the Bobcat 753, a porch deck, a 16×12 guest room, and someday a half bath. Heat will be solar water on the roof into a heated floor.

The project has been extremely difficult from the beginning. A three or four month project has now taken over 1 1/2 years, is twice over the budget, and not even halfway finished…the friend Liz had working on it has been relieved of duty as of the first part of June. Maybe Charlie Hall will come spend a month with us, eh?

Like I said, busy, busy, busy.

Liz has completed rock work in the vegetable garden. We just harvested about 500 heads of garlic, and have been enjoying zucchini, yellow crook neck, snap peas, cucumber, kale, chard and collard greens all summer. We’ll have delicata, hubbard, mayan gold and pumpkin squashes for winter, along with native blue corn. Awesome.

From the rockwork in May/June to the garden at August 7; the arroyo in the middle catches runoff from the property. We had a big rain two days ago that filled the garden bottom and even went out the overflow at the far north end. It was necessary to raise and support a full double row of the blue corn and part of another.

It’s good to be the boss, eh?

Our only traveling this year has been to Bowen Island, British Columbia, to visit Liz’s parents in their newly built home.

That’s about it for the Robb Report. I’ll try to post more often, eh?

Love to all from Robb and Liz.

Liz’s Birthday, October 24 2015.

2016…A Good Year

I wish all my friends, family and loved ones, old, new, and those yet to be discovered, the Happiest 2016 with health and prosperity in abundance and joy.

It’s been a good year, a fine vintage good for drinking now or storing in the wine cellar for years to come. Liz and I traveled through British Columbia for the month of June, and got to visit her parents Gerry and Barbara Hand Clow on Bowen Island.

We’ve been fortunate to enjoy great concerts, too, in 2016: Big Head Todd and the Monsters in Santa Fe, Bella Fleck and Abigail Washburn in Albuquerque, Lucinda Williams in Albuquerque, Nahko & Medicine for the People in Boulder, Neil Young at Red Rocks, Joe Bonamassa at Red Rocks (thank you again Joseph Spencer), Grace Potter in Santa Fe, and the Dandy Warhols in Santa Fe. We get to bring in the new year in Taos with Elephant Revival.

Tonight, on the eve of 2016, I sip a very nice anejo tequilla and think of all my friends too numerous to list across the USA and Canada. My best to Claire and Steph in France. I love all of you in Colorado: Cheryl (who has come to visit twice! Yay!), Becky and Michael, Charlie and family, Mike Nelson, my brother Tim and his wife Lisa, Jonava and Raven and family, Jo and the boys, JoAnne, Sharon and the twins with their growing families, Patti and Joe and Ian and Colin and Natalie, along with all the Dooher family who are as dear to me as can be, and Cindy and family over in Crestone. I pray for the health and happiness of my niece Shannon and her family in Wyoming. I send hugs and love to Larry and Marilyn in Summerland B.C., Kevin and Yvonne in Nelson B.C., Mike and Shannon in Langley, B.C., Dani on Vancouver Island, Sean and Mina and the kids in Nanaimo, Theo in Nanaimo, and in my heart and soul I always feel the Pacific crashing against black rocks in my beloved Tofino.

Liz and I are checking into a piece of land in Port Townsend, Washington; a prime spot over a lagoon looking out to Puget Sound in a quiet section of the north part of town. We still are working on projects here in La Cueva, near Glorieta, New Mexico.

More Than A Few Tons Still to Move

Rock work continues in the vegetable garden to accomplish major water catchment. Liz has other large berming and water catchment projects to be completed as we can get them done. Construction continues on the casita: A sunny south facing sweet space that will house our musical instruments and provide guests a private space to visit. Liz’s studio across La Cueva Creek is her sanctuary, and my writing space as well. Barbara, Liz’s mom and an author who has written more than ten books , loves my novel and is gently prodding me to get it published…and to keep on writing.

We look forward to seeing as many of you all as we possibly can in 2016. We may not get to Canada again until November-December, and who knows where life will lead us in the new year to come. My love to you all, always.

Love, love, love to you, one and all. You are in my heart and warm my spirit.

Time

 

Time

La Cueva, New Mexico

13 July 2015

Love and Light, Harmony and Nature. Cooking carne asada with parsnips, garlic and snow peas from the garden, and a bit of fine goat cheese added for fun, sipping Prosecco Vino Frizzante that Liz brought back from British Columbia, composing this post in my mind.

Yes, the blog has been delayed in its writing. We returned reluctantly and also with generous domestic responsibilities from Canada and the Northwest on July 1. Images and musings on those travels shall be here soon. Ferries, islands, magical old growth Sitka groves, sea smells and the infinite sounds of waves will be passed on as best I can. In the meantime….

The ferry ride from Sidney, British Columbia to Anacortes, Washington is gorgeous so to escape brilliant description. That’s why there will likely be an entire blog post just for that trip. Awesome.

Liz and Lucha at Avatar Grove, Port Renfrew, B.C.

Larry, Marilyn, and Liz. Vineyard in Summerland, B.C.

On the road to Bamfield, accessible only by air, water or logging road.

Mike and Shannon Bowyer. Doohers eh?

Liz and Aunt Diana

 

Listening to Dark Side of the Moon after a hot day with a suitable siesta, we luxuriate, do Liz and I, and pray that Love and Light, Harmony and Nature, are felt and embraced by all that is, and all of you.

 Mitakuye Oyasin

 Robb Heckel

Bowen Island, British Columbia

BOWEN ISLAND

 

Howe Sound Toward Bowen Island

16 June 2015

The Home of Gerry and Barbara Clow, Bowen Island, British Columbia

 

Liz and I are covering the entire couch, listening to that sweet Canadian, Sarah McLachlan, sing love songs from the album Shine On, while luxuriating in a last lovely evening with Liz’s parents, Gerry and Barbara. I’ve always enjoyed Sarah’s music, but tonight is especially comfortable, warm and tender, just like the Clows.

 

View from the Deck

View from the Deck

The Clow’s House on the Left

Outside the glass windows lining the south and east sides of the home is the sea, or more specifically Howe Sound. Sea air is so very healing for me, physically, emotionally and spiritually, and the three days we’ve been here on Bowen Island have rejuvenated all of me. Tomorrow Liz and I will have breakfast in Snug Cove with her parents and then drive onto the ferry back to Horseshoe Bay, over on the Vancouver mainland. Then we board another ferry headed north for the Sunshine Coast.

 

Robb Thru the Window Working on the Blog

Barbara in the Shade, Gerry and Liz

The Four of Us

We’ll explore the west coast of British Columbia and camp on Crown land all the way up to Powell River, where we’ll ferry over to Campbell River on Vancouver Island. On the Island we plan to head north for a while then come back south to cross over to my soul’s home, Tofino, for a couple of days before heading to Nanaimo to see Dani Dooher, and Sean Dooher and his family.

 From there, well, we’ll just see how it goes.

 Peace, love and hugs from the Traveling Robble and the Traveling Lizzle.

 

 

 

Back in Canada

BACK IN CANADA

Being back in Canada is like being on drugs. Well, okay, I’m no expert on being on drugs, but I am approaching qualified expert witness status on being in Canada. So why is Canada like drugs?

 

15 June 2015

Pass Valley, Nelson, British Columbia

The sense of peace here north of the 49th parallel is unparalleled in my not so humble opinion. There are many reasons for this peaceful, easy feeling (acknowledgments to The Eagles) and I will attempt to not bore you with several.

The police, who seem almost constantly in American news in 2014 and 2015 for some not very favorable reasons, are in Canada largely around to protect and serve, not to catch and fry. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police for the most part are not seen unless there is a very serious matter to which they are called: The response is fast and professional. Local police, such as in Vancouver or Victoria, are a bit more watchful but not out to send every person to jail for something—or anything they can find. I was stopped in Canada only once, in Victoria two years ago on a Sunday morning as I was headed to the Tsawwassen Ferry to head back to the States. It was early in the morning and Maroonbaru was stuffed to the ceiling. The Victoria officers were just making sure the stuffing was not from someone’s home or business. Following my brief explanation that I had been traveling for months, they kindly let me go on my way.  I didn’t even miss my ferry.

Another reason for the sense of peace here in Canada is the gentle pace of life, and of driving. Most highways observe speed limits of 80 km/hour (about 50 mph) or maybe 100 km/hour (about 62 mph). And most of the time distances between vehicles are many car lengths, not a few feet, especially at highway speeds. Relaxed, take your time driving reflects the take your time lifestyle most Canadians enjoy.

A third reason is, of course, especially here in British Columbia, the prolific water resources, and resultant humidity and lushly verdant landscapes. Okay, I said something earlier about trying to not bore you…. 

Chief Mountain, Glacier National Park/Waterton Lakes Provincial Park

After proceeding gently and easily through the Port of Chief Mountain border crossing, Liz, Lucha and I stopped at a familiar rest area in Alberta, just below the crossing. Many of you perhaps recognize the spot from a photo taken two years ago with Maroonbaru. This trip of course we are in Liz’s White Buffalo. 

White Buffalo, Alberta, Lucha’s Butt and My Guitar Case.

We climbed over Kootenay Pass and landed at Liz’s friends’ place outside Nelson, British Columbia. I haven’t laughed so much in a very long time. What a wonderful couple and a fine piece of B.C. life. Kevin is a sculptor and Yvonne a painter. Wish we could have stayed longer.

Kevin and Yvonne’s Place in the Kootenay Mountains Outside Nelson, BC

 

Then it was on to Summerland, B.C. for us to visit Larry and Marilyn Norman. They are doing fine, I’m happy to report, and Larry’s sister Beth was there visiting also. We stopped in at the vineyard where Larry claims he toils, but we saw little toil and a lot of vines. Wish we could have stayed longer.

 

The next day we drove into the megatropolis that is Vancouver and the surrounding area to stay a night with Mike and Shannon Bowyer, who as many of you know are part of the Dooher clan. Ah, the Doohers! If only everyone on Earth were like the Doohers there would be peace, hugs, and more vineyards, breweries, and distilleries! Thank you, as always, Mike and Shannon. Wish we could have stayed longer.

Mike, Shannon, and Lucha is done with portrait posing eh!

On Saturday, we drove through Vancouver to make our way to Horseshoe Bay to hop on a ferry over to Bowen Island where Liz’s parents live. Next up: Bowen Island.

Glacier National Park

Last year I got there after it closed. This year I arrived before it opened. Some year maybe I’ll get to go over the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Liz, Lucha and Me in Glacier National Park

14 June 2015

I know many of you simply love Moab, Utah. There are no photos in this post for two reasons: 1) It was raining, and 2) I don’t really find Utah all that appealing and you, dear reader, are subject to my whims. But remember, I love you. Even if you do like Utah.

After a rainy stop in a stealth camping spot south of Moab, Liz, Lucha and I decided to head for Glacier National Park so we could cross into Canada via the sweet little Port of Chief Mountain.

We got a few shots here and there, and camped in Fish River Campground before heading for Alberta the next day.

Next blog: Pass Creek, British Columbia with metalworker and sculpture maker Kevin and his wife Yvonne.

 

Glacier National Park panorama

 

McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park

Robb Heckel and Liz Clow, Glacier National Park

McDonald Lake, Glacier National Park

 

Liz Squeezed by a Tree

Au Revoir, until tomorrow or the next day eh!!!

Peace, love and hugs from the Traveling Robble and the Ever-Sweet Lizzle.

Robb and Liz Head for Canada

ROBB & LIZ HEAD FOR CANADA

 

 

2 June 2015

La Cueva, Santa Fe County, New Mexico, USA

 

Contents of this post:

1. Introduction
2. Getting Ready for Canada
3. Catching Up on La Cueva Activity

 

1. Introduction

 Spring here at the farthest southern end of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains has been a joy. Following a dry few weeks in February and March, these mountains have been blessed by frequent snows and rains. Liz and I have been working the ranch/farm hard for the last two months, getting everything ready for our June 3 departure.

CANADA bound, baby! Yep, Liz and I are headed back up north in June, eh! The plan so far is Moab one night, then to Gold Bug Hot Springs in Idaho, before crossing the border into our beloved Canada. We head to Nelson (where Liz lived for 8 years) in the Kootenay Mountains of British Columbia to visit a few of Liz’s longtime friends.

Then we’ll head for Summerland to see Larry and Marilyn Norman before visiting Shannon and Mike Bowyer in Langley. Then on to see Liz’s parents! 

We’ll ferry from Horseshoe Bay (see http://wp.me/p3SlAk-6f) to Bowen Island in the Strait of Georgia. After a few days there with Liz’s folks, we’re heading to Vancouver Island, otherwise known as Heaven on Earth for a week or two of camping and exploring. 

Expect some awesome photography!

 

2. Getting Ready for Canada

Liz built a really nice bed frame for the pickup bed. Check it out! 

Liz Making the Camping Bed for the Pickup

 

 

3. Catching Up on La Cueva Activity

Springtime here at the farthest southern end of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains has been a joy. Following a dry few weeks in February and March, these mountains have been blessed by frequent snows and rains. La Cueva creek still flows well and Liz and I have had little need for irrigation other than inside the hoophouse.

 

Planting is nearly done in the permaculture vegetable garden, and we’ve installed new drip irrigation in the hoophouse, the courtyard garden beds, and veggie garden.

 

 

A half-dozen friends and neighbors graced us for a work party Sunday, May 24 to share with us a few hours of their precious and delightful being: The result is about sixty feet of rock wall. A community, especially among friends, is an awesome beauty and power.

 

Liz and I are really looking forward to our time in Canada, and to sharing our journey with you all!

Peace, love and hugs, Robb

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet is Life

Sweet is Life

Mid-January 2015 snowfall at Rancho Relaxo

Snowfall here in the Pecos Mountains, near Glorieta, New Mexico, is so precious and such a blessing for desert lands and all its inhabitants…and for my soul. Gratitude fills this human form as I sip Sugar Plum Spice tea, breathe deep today’s silently still, moist winter air, and write a few words while relaxing in Liz’s cabin where carne adovada in the crock pot and juniper and piñon in the woodstove tease the senses, and rootsy-folk songs by Tim O’Gray from “Sticky as Tobacco” bring chuckles to a warm heart and meditative spirit. Icing on this New Mexico dream cake is my favorite German dark chocolate melting on my tongue. It’s been a while since I’ve posted on the RobbUpNorth blog.

Liz and me under the singing deer head at Cowgirl on the Eve of Robb’s Birthday…alternatively known as Christmas Eve 2014…before heading to Canyon Road in Santa Fe for the farolita walk.

There are decently quaint reasons for my recently obvious absence from writing. Firstly, I’m not traveling, so new vistas and experiences to share with you are substantially less frequent. Secondly, living here at Rancho Relaxo with Liz Clow is so sweet, tender, and comforting that perhaps I’ve become a happy homebody, content in a hot bubble bath of remote country living. Thirdly, enough to do exists here on the rancho that days are full with smiles and laughter and constructing and creating and walking in forests. None of this means you are not in my head and heart, my dear friends and relations…you are always. I have come to know and be love like never before in my brief life, and that is what I shine forth into the Universe and out to each and every one of you.

Peace, love, and hugs to all from the Not-Quite-So-Traveling Robble.

15 January 2015

Pecos Mountains near Glorieta, New Mexico, USA

Upcoming: Boulder and Manitou Springs in March, British Columbia in June! And more in-between eh!

Anamnesis

Anamnesis

Have you been blessed by the heavenly smell of wet cedar and spruce, waterlogged fern and moss, and sponge-soft forest-fall deep with age and peace? Those are the memories rising from my spirit on this rainy early December day in the Pecos Mountains of New Mexico. 

Fading evening light outside the cabin camouflages rain falling from dense, low clouds laden with Pacific moisture. Standing on the porch I inhale deeply, taking in soft dampness of sea air, diluted by its passage across the deserts of Arizona, California or maybe Utah and Nevada, and I long for the West Coast, for the salty skin and swollen hair I knew there. 

Hidden away behind blue eyes are tears of longing for British Columbia, Vancouver Island, and the coastal stretches of Washington, Oregon and California. It was rain like this that fell when and where I was again born on that isolated little beach in Ahousaht, and while I walked Tofino, and as I lived for that too short month in Nanaimo. My DNA remains somewhere up there in the Strait of Georgia, while my soul reaches for sea and cedars through these dimensions that narrow our perceptions to where we stand at any moment, and my heart weaves its way through the fibers of chaos cloth into the infinite.

Peace, love and hugs, 

Robb Heckel

Pathway to Schooner Cove, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. 8 November 2013.

4 December 2014

La Cueva, New Mexico, USA

Pecos Mountains, New Mexico

La Cueva Creek

Glorieta, Pecos Mountains, Santa Fe County, New Mexico, USA

Light evening shower here on La Cueva Creek, Glorieta, New Mexico

1 October 2014

Trained professional: Do not attempt this at home. Well, actually, please do….

The Not-So-Traveling Robble savors organic California wine on the porch while a white autumn sun sets silently amidst moisture laden cumulus, winking its way behind a Pecos mountain ridge across the crease carved by La Cueva Creek. Delicious aroma from the oven wafts through a wide open kitchen door.

Four hours that chuck roast has been slowly stewing at 300 degrees, and it’s fall-apart tender—I know because I turned it over about 34 minutes ago. First, I browned it in broth from a roast organic chicken Liz prepared for Sunday dinner with neighbors Josh and Taylor, with a bit of bacon fat added, and caramelized onions from the garden here at Liz Clow’s beautiful mountain valley, 16 miles north of Santa Fe. Then that lean roast was placed in a covered glass roasting pan, into caramelized onions, carrots, and zucchini brought barely to a boil in more chicken broth. Can you smell it?

After dinner, I have a lavender bath waiting.

I just might stay the winter.

Peace, love, joy, and hugs to you all.

Harvesting Sonora White wheat.

Jack’s Creek, Pecos National Wilderness Area

Toward Chimayo from New Mexico Highway 518

Truchas, New Mexico

Acequia, Truchas, New Mexico

Acequia, Truchas, New Mexico

Taos Mountain from New Mexico 518

Liz’s Cabin, rock wall in progress

Liz’s Cabin, near Glorieta, New Mexico

The Tiny House: My abode here at Liz’s. Hoping I can get the kayak into the Pecos River….

Permaculture garden at Liz’s. The corn is special: black popping corn! Pumpkins, kombucha and hopi squashes, with a few prickly yellow crooknecks. There’s also cucumbers, tobacco, fava beans, four kinds of potatoes, and more. The rock wall/terrace is in progress. There will be a hot tub up top. Really nice what she’s doing here along La Cueva Creek in the Pecos mountains eh!

The Bobcat and hoophouse, that is about 10 feet wide and 35 feet long. It’s now housing chard, lettuce, kale and about a dozen prolific tomato plants. We just planted more lettuce, spinach and other greens for fall harvesting.

A Last Day By the Pacific

A Last Day by the Pacific

Santa Cruz, California

Saturday, 23 August 2014

The Pacific Ocean has clearly spoken. Robb has listened, learned, and received healing. Today is my last day beside the Pacific. Tomorrow morning, when I walk one more time by the water, will be overcast as is very often the case here near the beaches.

Nearly eleven months ago, as I rounded a cedar-lined curve on Highway 99 West in British Columbia, headed for Squamish, my eyes, nose, mind and soul were elated at first sight of the Pacific. That was October 3, 2013. I remained at the side of that fair sister for almost seven weeks, and Spirit and I cried when I had to leave B.C. From Canada I drove alongside Puget Sound through Seattle, and finally stayed two nights in Olympia, Washington, at the very southern tip of the Sound before driving inland back to Colorado.

Less than a year later, it is now late August 2014, and here and there from Vancouver Island all the way down south to Santa Cruz, California, a few leaves were beginning to fall onto the highways. After a little more than seven weeks once again living beside the healing magnificence of the Pacific Ocean…tomorrow I again will drive inland back to Colorado.

I will remain in Colorado, life appearing as it does right now, for a year of work, prayer, and planning. The Pacific Ocean has spoken. Robb is destined to return to this water, and to Vancouver Island…to Tofino.

I am so very grateful to my Dooher family ties, and to all the wonderful people I have met on this leg of my journeys in the north. Special thanks go to Rusty Sharp, Shannon and Mike Bowyer, Dani Dooher, Sean Dooher (and Mina, Zook, and Maya), Theo Massop, Kit Walker, Nancy Jackson, Lynn, and Dallas Cline.

Tomorrow morning, Sunday, I will walk a few hundred yards to the Pacific Ocean, and say, “A la prochaine, de tout mon cœur.” Already tears swell my eyes.

 

Santa Cruz, California

Sand Castle on Santa Cruz Beach. (approx. 36 inches long)

Santa Cruz feels good to me. I’ve learned to feel places more than ever before, and to trust my intuition more than ever before. After spending two days here in Monterey Bay, I can say this is a place where I could live.

California Beach Volleyball Association regional tournament

California Beach Volleyball Association regional tournament

Tour Train

Tour Train

Santa Cruz Beach Amusement Park

Sailboats and Lighthouse, Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, California

A few hours before sunset, sailboats begin to enter the bay to anchor for the night.

Santa Cruz, California

I’m going to miss Santa Cruz. I will miss northern Highway 1. I will miss the Oregon coast. I will miss the Washington coast. I will dearly miss the Pacific Ocean. I will even more dearly miss Vancouver Island, British Columbia. My soul aches to go home to Tofino.

Blessings and love to you all,

The Traveling Robble

California Coast

California Coastline

There are major differences between the California coastline and that of Oregon and Washington. Firstly, the coast down here in the south is dry; not that Oregon and Washington weren’t dry, too. There is obviously less rainfall than in years past everywhere I go, including Canada and Vancouver Island. But California is really dry. And there is another major difference to the south: traffic.

Traffic in California, almost as soon as one crosses the state border, is far more intense and vehicles are more numerous. In Washington, I felt more as though I might still be in Canada: Drivers were considerate, stayed within speed limits, and life seemed easy, even on Interstate 5. In Oregon, there were many drivers who seemed impatient and in a hurry, and some were downright rude. California, on the other hand, is mostly about speed and “me first.” Sorry for such a generalization, because it’s not true of everyone, but still….

Some sights along the way:

Port Orford, California

North from Port Orford, California

South from Port Orford, California

I stayed on the inland freeway that is Highway 101 until it was possible to cut west on Highway 1. The road through the mountains down to the coast is almost treacherously curvy, requiring mostly 20 MPH speeds for about 30 miles, even in the Maroonbaru Ferrari. When one finally reaches the coast, the views are spectacular, and from where Highway 1 begins until Fort Bragg, there are very, very few travelers, and very, very few residences. This is coastal California at the best I have seen it: pristine, quiet, unspoiled.

Looking north at the beginning of Highway 1.

South from the beginning of Highway 1.

Sea sculpture north of Westport, California.

Westport Hotel: Closed

Westport, California, has a population of under 300. Because this end of Highway 1 is so remote, few businesses are surviving there these days. What a beautiful, graceful, peaceful place!

Downtown Westport.

This beautiful old house is for sale in Westport at $460,000. It sits on over 11 acres, has a barn, numerous outbuildings, detached two car garage, and beachfront suitable for a boathouse and dock. Very nice. There is not quite enough meadow for a short runway for the Cessna 440A.

 

Views of the coast immediately adjacent to the house pictured above.

Sea kayaks in Westport.

Westport, California.

Westport, California.

From Westport, it’s another winding 40 or 50 miles to Fort Bragg, a coastal town of about 25,000 people that has two community colleges. Following are a few photos from between Westport and Fort Bragg.

 

The trip from Fort Bragg was an accident. Intending to follow Highway 1 all the way into San Francisco, I found myself on Highway 128 and traveling through wine country. I suspect many readers are wondering, “Robb was in northern California and there are no photos of redwoods?”

Obligatory redwood shot. Of note, the redwoods here are as large and tall as most of the sitka spruce and cedar on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, but almost all the old growth here has been…harvested.

Well, that’s it for Highway 1. Last night I stayed at Half Moon Bay, south of the Bay Area by about 40 miles. I wanted to stay there just because of several songs through the years that have been written about, or in, Half Moon Bay. All right, one more Highway 1 photo…coastal farmland between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. Compare this one with the coastal farmland photo (second photo in the post) from Washington state back in the Washington and Oregon Coast blog.

After a couple of nights here in Santa Cruz, it will be time for me to head for Colorado…maybe through Yosemite National Park: We shall see.

And you know what? I have to say, California girls (of all ages) are the friendliest I’ve been blessed to experience so far as I can remember.

Blessings as always to you all,

The Traveling Robble

Santa Cruz, California

21 August 2014

Washington and Oregon Pacific Coast

Washington and Oregon Pacific Coastline

19 August 2014

North Bend/Coos Bay, Oregon

 

Camping by the ocean is good for the soul. Lullabies to fall asleep, that’s what crashing Pacific Ocean waves are, at least for me. Sea air to breathe throughout the night seems to rejuvenate my lungs and oxygenate my brain cells with dream-inducing powers. Camping does make typing journal entries a bit more difficult.

Last night and tonight I have enjoyed beds in motels by the water. Also, I have had a chance to check through some of the hundred or so photographs I’ve taken to share with you all some of the sights that comprise some of the many blessings along my journey. This journey has been shorter than originally planned.

As you know from this journal, my intention was to be in British Columbia, on Vancouver Island, for two months. The organic farm volunteering idea was a very good one, though Medicine Farm and I were not a good fit. The Island, though, and I do remain a good fit, that is ever more secure in my heart and soul. The journey from Canada down the Pacific Coast also has been a good fit.

Samish Bay, Larabe State Park, Washington

Mt. Baker from across coastal farmland near Chilicum, Washington

The Exquisite Cap Sante Marina at Anacortes, Washington

Lighthouse on Whidbey Island from the ferry to Port Townsend

Northern Olympic Range across Admiralty Inlet, Washington

Northwestern Washington, the San Juan Islands, the Strait of San Juan de Fuca, and Puget Sound resonate inside me still.

The week I spent as a guest of Katherine Walker in Port Townsend, on the Olympic Peninsula was a gift of grace that soothed my spirit. It finally rained for a couple of days in PT and across much of the Northwest, for the first time since I entered Canada way back in July. The delicious fragrances that are released in the NW after a rain are absolutely to live for!

Approaching the ferry dock in Port Townsend, Olympic Peninsula, Washington.

Looking north up Hood Canal from Potlatch, Washington

Pacific Ocean from the campground in Ocean Shores, Washington

Spit at Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores, Washington. The spit is one of the only truly safe places to avoid very dangerous currents in the Pacific.

My path down Hood Canal provided green glory and soft edges to help ease the sadness at not stating in Canada longer. The Pacific Coast has likewise been a soul journey offering memories for a lifetime.

Self portrait at Rocky Creek State Park, Oregon

Westport, Washington marina

Commercial Slips, Westport Marina, Westport, Washington

“No Canada” image on a vessel named Sea Haven, at Westport Marina, Washington. Never in my travels through Canada, from Quebec or Ontario, or anywhere in British Columbia, have I visited a marina with a similar anti-America sentiment. I’m embarrassed by this vessel. I wish this vessel’s owner, captain, and crew, and anyone with feelings similar to that expressed symbolically on this “Sea Haven” to know that at any time the vessel is in distress in any way, Canadians will be there to assist to the point of giving their own lives. Just sayin’….

Good humor.

Low Tide near Raymond, Washington. A good rake and shovel, and you have a clam fest!

Northport, Washington.

Beach at my campground in Ilwaco, Washington. Here was the first time I had been back in sea water since Nanaimo! The currents were very dangerous though!!!!

The bay at Ilwaco, Washington

Ilwaco, Washington is one of the prettiest places I’ve visited. It’s not Tofino, but I could live here!

Ilwaco, Washington

Ilwaco, Washington. I especially like the Nauti-Lady.

Astoria, Oregon. Folks, that’s not the Pacific Ocean. That’s the Columbia River!!!!

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria, Oregon

Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon

Near Cannon Beach, Oregon

Watching for debris from the Japan tsunami.

Neahkahnie Pass, Oregon

Neahkahnie Valley, Oregon

Rocky Creek State Park, Oregon. This one is easy to miss as one drives by on Highway 101 because there is almost no clue that this beauty is over a hilltop. Look at those waves!

I spent over an hour just watching and listening to waves crashing here at an Oregon Park simply called Rocky Creek. Most definitely I did not want to leave, and when I did, I felt like I had meditated for hours.

Rocky Creek State Park looking south

Rocky Creek State Park, Oregon. Creek outlet.

Looking straight down at Rocky Creek outlet, about 80 feet below.

 

A brief attempt at researching how water, such as streams or ocean waves, so positively affects one’s emotions turned up mostly advertisements from those wanting to sell emotional healing through water preparations or healing baths. I’m here to say that I believe that naturally moving water is definitely an emotional healing tool. It feels to me that the movement of water, through waves or tumbling over rocks in a river or creek, reaches into my deep unconscious and releases trauma, worry, and long-held mental programming. Sitting beside rivers, next to waterfalls, and by waves, moves me so deeply and surely, both consciously and unconsciously I am certain, that I am a better person for being with water whenever it is possible. Try it; you may find you benefit too!

Tomorrow I depart Coos Bay for points south. Most likely I’ll camp somewhere on the Northern California coastline before driving on past San Francisco to the Santa Cruz and Monterey regions, before turning east…and back to Colorado for a time. Join me please!

Much love to you all always,

The Traveling Robble

Out of Canada and on to?

13 August 2014

Port Townsend, Washington

Port Townsend, Olympic Peninsula, Washington, USA

Port Townsend, Olympic Peninsula

On Leaving Vancouver Island…Another Time

Where do you feel embraced? Are there places you have been that hold you up and support your soul? Hopefully, you are there right now eh! So far in this journey The Traveling Robble is on, it is Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and especially Tofino and the west coast that have embraced me like no other place on earth I have experienced.

Previous posts, from Fall 2013, here on RobbUpNorth have relayed to you in picture and written word Vancouver Island and Tofino, and my unexpected rebirth on a tiny beach at the Canada First Nations Reserve of Ahousaht. The trip to Canada and Vancouver Island this time provided a variety of opportunities to feel embraced by new family and old trees.

After the passing of Colonel Mike Dooher, patriarch of the family that has accepted me as though I am one of their own, I was honored to be able to support the Doohers during all the rites of passage: tears of grief, laughter of life, and toasts in honor of the Colonel.

Colonel Michael J. Dooher, RCAF

The Colonel

The Colonel and I saluted each other nearly every morning for six months as I was privileged to be a guest in his home. What a fine memorial service was held to remember Mike, with a Royal Canadian Air Force rite complete with bagpipe and a twenty-one gun salute, and tributes from family and friends. The family embraces me still, in Langley, BC, and on Vancouver Island, or in Colorado or Ottawa, and I know anywhere there is a Dooher I have a home for a night or two at least. What a blessing for a Colorado boy from a sad background and a family with no love to give: A blessing, and an honor.

So when the time came, back I headed in the trusty Maroonbaru, to Tofino, where the west coast of the Island still feels like home to me like no place I have ever been or experienced. I needed to return to determine if I was just pie-eyed or overly romanticizing my time there a year ago: Those seemed a remote possibility, given my aforementioned rebirth there, yet I wanted affirmation. Affirmation I got.

Tofino, Vancouver Island

MacKenzie Beach, Tofino, British Columbia

The sea water of Tofino, and Nanaimo too, baptizes my body and spirit every time I wade in. The waves call my name, and sing me to sleep. The ancient cedars and spruces fill my lungs with sweet green perfumes, and the people who dwell there smile and welcome me. May it be so everywhere I go, and may I do the same for all who look into my eyes.

Now, though, it seems I will return to Colorado for a while…maybe a year. Traveling has informed me that I must accomplish some writing, and publish a few Ebooks about self-help, and personal care and feeding of body and soul. There are some workshops I am to design and build in order to be of service to those wanting to discover ways to take care of themselves and their loved ones. And I may be able to travel to Hawaii for a few months or more.

Hawaii is one of two places that the astrocartographer Scott Wolfram determined will provide home, partnership, and prosperity. Since Canada seemingly is difficult for me to gain entry, my soul’s home in Tofino apparently must wait for a time before I can arrive on a more permanent basis. Last year, each time I left Canada, tears flowed without measure.

Vancouver Island Farewell from the ferry to Tsawwassen

This time, my departure held more a certainty of my love for Tofino, and Vancouver Island’s reciprocal love for me. For now, that is enough. More adventures and more service to my fellow beings and planet are ahead. I joyfully anticipate the journey, wherever I am.

Peace, love, and hugs,

The Traveling Robble

 

Nanaimo Redux

Victoria, British Columbia

August 7, 2014

On Vancouver Island for the last day, I opted to take time to post on the blog. Tonight I’ll take the Swartz ferry to Tsawsassen to spend a night with Shannon and Mike before going for a job interview.

Point Roberts Marina. I did not get the job, or even a shot at giving it a try for a week or so.

You heard it right! Friday I visit with Jackie at Point Roberts Marina. The marina is in need of a maintenance manager and I just might be the guy eh!

The time after leaving Medicine Farm I spent on MacKenzie Beach in Tofino.

MacKenzie Beach morning.

MacKenzie Beach at dusk. Tofino, British Columbia.

The view from my tent at MacKenzie Beach, Tofino, BC.

Then it was on to Nanaimo, where Sean Dooher let me stay his 22 foot motor home while Patti, Joe, Ian, Colin and Natalie came to visit! What fun…I love the entire Dooher family. What a kind, loving, embracing family.

Ian, Colin and Sean at Nanaimo River, British Columbia.

Natalie, Maya, Colin, Sean, Ian, and Zook at Pipers Lagoon, Nanaimo, BC.

Nanaimo River, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Nanaimo River, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Zook, Ian, Sean and Patti at Pipers Lagoon, Nanaimo, BC.

Natalie monkeying around at Pipers Lagoon.

Ian, Natalie, Maya and Colin at Pipers Lagoon.

A quiet time for Joe at Pipers Lagoon.

Joe, Sean, Ian, Colin and me at Sean’s in Nanaimo with the Strait of Georgia behind us.

We shall see what happens from here. The opportunity to work at the marina is exciting for sure, and I am so looking forward to meeting Jackie and seeing whether I can truly provide what she needs. What a blessing it will be to have work on the water at the Strait of Georgia! Photos to come eh!        [Edit: I did not get the job. In fact, I didn’t even get a chance to give it a try for a week or so. I’m disappointed, and also know that something better is in store for me!]

Hugs and blessing to you all. A la prochaine from the Traveling Robble.

The Shack Not Taken

Tofino, British Columbia

28 July 2014

It wasn’t a good fit. I thought about it all night long, getting only about three or four hours sleep, camping in the back of Maroonbaru. I just couldn’t make myself stay with the hundreds of mosquitos in the cabin/shack Dougie Brooker made available for me at Medicine Farm, outside Port Albion.

Not that I dislike mosquitos. Well, yes, yes I do dislike the bloodsucking little vampire insects. What I know for sure is that something just didn’t feel right for me at Medicine Farm. I thought it over, prayed about it, and asked for guidance. The guidance was, if it doesn’t feel right, follow your heart. On my way out, Doug had a few things to say to me; some that confirmed my decision and some that were pearls of interpersonal and life path wisdom: Either way I am grateful to have met Doug and visited his farm. Who knows, after a week or so in a tent maybe I’ll head back there if he’ll still welcome me. For now, I’m back in Tofino, in my tent at Mackenzie Beach.

It’s been yet another life lesson for The Traveling Robble. Is it as true for you as it seems to be for me…that life lessons tend to increase as we grow older and wiser? Better to learn now than not at all, in my not so humble opinion. I’m a better person for my experience at Medicine Farm, and more strong in my confidence and convictions. ‘Nuff said.

Peace and love to all that is, ever was, and ever will be.

Medicine Farm

The cabin for me at Medicine Farm

A Rough Road In

And A Rough Road Out

From Nanaimo to Tofino

 

Canada Coast Guard Dock, Tofino, 27 July 2014

Tofino, British Columbia

Sunday evening, 27 July 2014

After a comfortable, family-welcoming week staying with Dani Dooher in Nanaimo, today was time to head north to the west coast of Vancouver Island. It started feeling a little bit like home again once I turned west in Port Alberni. We’ll see how much like home this coast may be.

I’ll meet Dougie Brooker of Medicine Farm in Long Beach in about an hour, and follow him into First Nations Reserve land near Port Albion and Mussel Beach Campground for the first glimpse at my home for five or six weeks. No electricity or running water. How will the Traveling Robble write? Pen and notebook when the computer isn’t charged, although we should be in for two weeks of mostly full sun to power the field solar setup Harry George made for me.

Stay tuned in to the blog…I’m not posting on Fakebook anymore. I’ll let you know how it goes as I can…when I go into Eucluelet or Tofino and have wireless access. Those in the know can text me eh!

A few photos for you from Nanaimo and Tofino. Enjoy. Next post: The Road to Medicine Farm. After that: Life on Medicine Farm.

Peace, love and hugs, The Traveling Robble

Departure Bay, Nanaimo, 26 July 2014

A Great Saturday for Boating, Brechin Ramp, Nanaimo, 26 July 2014

Nanaimo Harbor, 26 July 2014

Inner Harbor, Downtown Nanaimo, 26 July 2014

And then…Tofino, baby!!!!

Government Dock, Tofino, 27 July 2014

Tacofino, Tofino, 27 July 2014

The Queen of Oak Bay

The Queen of Oak Bay

20 July 2014

 

Selfie on the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island

I feel some nervousness about it, I have to admit. A cool, mostly cloudy day with occasional feminine rain greets me on this Sunday in mid July. With much gratitude I say to Mike and Shannon Bowyer, “Au revoir et bonne continuation.” After a two and a half hour wait I drive onto the Queen of Oak Bay. Across the Strait of Georgia is Vancouver Island, and more of my adoptee Dooher family, and Medicine Farm on the West Coast. It’s the farm I’m a little nervous about.

 

With no electricity and no running water, this Colorado city boy is due for an adventure for sure. My sweet friend Jo in Manitou Springs texted me today, “Courage. Not the absence…of fear or despair…but the strength to conquer them.”

 

Words for me to hold close in the coming days and months eh! Merci Jo!

 

Enjoy the brief photo essay from the ferry ride to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. Excuse the selfie…I don’t care for them, yet I think some folks might still want to have a look at what condition my condition is in.

 

Hugs and blessing to you all, always.

 

The Traveling Robble

Mainland Canada, West Vancouver

A Tough Weekend in Vancouver?

Bald Eagle Presentation with Sockeye Salmon, courtesy of Parks Canada

Canadians Will Understand….

Back in Canada Again

Robb at 5,280

On the deck at Rusty’s boathouse, Turkey Creek, Montana. 16 July 2014

17 July 2014, Castlegar, British Columbia

Kootenay Pass Summit

5,280. Not Denver, Colorado, rather the summit of Kootenay Pass at about 1,730 meters. In honor of how very sweet it is to be back in Canada, all three albums by The Tragically Hip in my collection were blasting, modestly, on Maroonbaru’s stereo. It was all I could do to keep myself from stopping for a premature oil change at Canadian Tire in Castlegar, where I am spent the night.

Castlegar, B.C. with haze from 63 fires burning in British Columbia.

 

At the boathouse.

Yesterday was an effortless and welcomingly cordial border crossing at Porthill, north of Sandpoint, Idaho, after a great visit with Rusty Sharp and a full night of poignant dreams in his screened-in boat house on the Clark Fork Reservoir off Highway 200 in Central Montana. Two nights before I was blessed to stay with my niece Shannon Hicks in Casper, Wyoming. Why didn’t I remember to get a photo of Shannon, my great nieces Amber and Crystal, and three great great nieces? Next time….

Me and Rusty

 

Thursday morning I continue west, to stop in at Shannon and Michael’s in Langley, meet with Bonnie Nish in Vancouver, and ferry over to Vancouver Island to see Dani Dooher, and then Sean Dooher and family. Then it’s off to Medicine Farm in Port Albion.

 

My new home.

The plan is to document my time there at Dougie’s organic vegetable farm, being turned permaculture, and to start a couple of important writing projects as well to develop a couple of workshops. Many photographs and much (more poetic) writing to come, from the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Please keep an eye on Robbupnorth.

 

Tomorrow’s travel music? The Boomers, Jonny Lang, Blue Rodeo, Joe Satriani, Diana Krall, and maybe a little Joni Mitchell and Neil Young just for fun. That iPod Classic I picked up in Colorado Springs before I left is turning into a very good friend…joining the ranks of other very good friends who have been texting and calling The Traveling Robble.

 

Blessings and love to you all, now and always.

On Soon Returning to Vancouver Island

On Returning to Vancouver Island

 

When was the last time you jumped off a high cliff? Could you see bottom? Could you tell what was down there, way down below? Or did you just look to the sky, and trust your landing? And then fall upwards!

 

Yes, falling upward! That’s what this departure from Colorado is for me. It’s a really big cliff this time, higher than ever before. So my eyes and my spirit are looking upward, because this is not a fall—it’s a flight, wings catching air and soaring into the sky, toward a universe unfolding, a soul journey into fresh spaces and uncharted faces.

 

I hope you’ll occasionally travel along with me. My friends, acquaintances, loved ones, and relations, this journey will be documented on robbupnorth.wordpress.com only. I’ll not be posting my travels on Facebook. Please visit the blog and sign up to be notified by email of posts. It’s safe to say there will be photography and poetry and prose, and insights into the soul and spirit of yours truly through the coming times. I’d love if you would visit, and comment on the blog, and I’d love to hear from you in all the ways we all communicate.

 

I’ll miss you all, and I love you all always.

 

Robb Heckel

Crestone, Colorado

July 3, 2014

Rain at Dusk Across the Upper San Luis Valley

Crestone, Colorado April 2014

Felt good to get back on the road again, into the mountains, where you remember your name, away from a metropolis’ pain.

West face of Pikes Peak, Colorado. I was born and grew up on the other side of this mountain, where high plains meet the Rocky Mountain foothills.

After a tumultuous two and a half months back in my hometown of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, time was nigh to take a break. This has been a decision-time complicated perhaps to a degree larger than I care to admit by astrological influences of retrograde Mars and Saturn, especially as these planets and others are configured in my natal chart. Of course other planets are wacko right now as well, and those of you who follow astrology probably already know these things. Back to decision time….

Do I stay in the USA, or do I go? Without permanent residence in Canada, the traversing back and forth seems tedious. Of course, I do want to remain open to Spirit, to being guided on my true path, and to continuing to grow my abilities to recognize guidance, and interpret signs sent by power outside my mind….  And I am expected up north on Medicine Farm, near Port Albion, Vancouver Island.

In the USA I can earn income…not so in Canada. Well, as I’ve mentioned in these blog pages some months ago, in Canada I can busk, and present workshops or seminars of up to five days in length (well now, that is not so trivial eh!) At Medicine Farm I am to volunteer in helping to create permaculture and to raise organic produce for the Van Isle West Coast, from Ucluelet to Tofino, my spirit’s home. So it is that being in Colorado Springs has been challenging, and thus I needed respite.

It was a quiet, restful, and friend-filled break from frenetic Colorado Springs. Crestone, Colorado is down to only two restaurants now and a coffee shop or two, and still is a lovely and peaceful little town, next door to Great Sand Dunes National Park, and three hot springs. Accommodations were graciously provided by one of my dearest, and longest-known friends ever, Cindy Tate, with whom I am rebuilding the AppliedHolistics.com website to provide online, telephone, and Skype consultations. Still, for me, no decision…I hope you enjoy this photo essay.

Crestone…up this busy highway another 2500 meters.

For my friends above the 49th parallel, here are visuals explaining why I still love Colorado, too! Winter down here was not exactly Hawaii, but then it also wasn’t Quebec eh!

Trout Creek Pass, Chaffee County, Colorado April 2014

Antero Reservoir (10 meters low), South Park, Colorado

Yes, this is the actual South Park…Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick notwithstanding. 🙂

In South Park, Colorado April 2014

South Park, Colorado April 2014

Self portrait from Wilkerson Pass, with the Collegiate Peaks in the background.

Wilkerson Pass self portrait: tipping my cap to the Colorado Rocky Mountains eh!

My trustworthy, warmly comfortable, fuel efficient, gallant steed Maroonbaru. He has handled virtually everything and every place into which I’ve ridden him; another great friend with whom I am blessed.

Maroonbaru the best traveling friend I have.

Keywords: Crestone, Colorado, the Collegiate Peaks Range of the Continental Divide USA, April 2014

 

 

Traveling in Spirit

March 6, 2014.

Dense, but not thick, humid clouds hang so unusually motionless at about two kilometers above ground: What an incredible night here in Upper Skyway, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, as I listen to Sow Your Gold, by Mari Boine, and compose this rare (these days) entry into Robb Up North.

So much happens in one’s life, when only we slow our pace enough to take time to witness and love what it is that is, when we harmonize with collective flow, universal harmony, or however one chooses to describe these few intimate moments…moments that perhaps we all move toward making constant, continuous presence in our precious, sacred, loving, and beautiful time in these human forms.

Not my best technical photography, but you get the idea, eh!

Mitakuye Oyasin from the Traveling Robble, traveling while standing still.

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

February 1, 2014

The Traveling Robble has not done as much traveling in December 2013 and January 2014, as in the preceding half year. Here it is, February 1, 2014, and I find myself again in Colorado Springs.

And again, like back in November of last year, it is the gracious hospitality of the family Dooher that has provided a comfortable, compassionate haven for me to rest and prepare for the next places in my journey. More on that in a few paragraphs.

Santa Fé did not work out as a winter respite. I met a few really good people, and danced with some lovely, sexy women on Christmas Eve, the night before my birthday. Most of you have seen photography from the Canyon Avenue farolita walk, also on said Christmas Eve, here on the blog. Following my abrupt departure from the New Mexico state capitol, Spirit guided me to miss the turn toward Taos at Espanola, taking me instead through Chama Valley on my way out of New Mexico. It was a fortuitous side trip, renewing my appreciation for immense New Mexico beauty that is to be felt deep in one’s soul.

I drove over the snowpacked Cumbres Pass toward Salida, Colorado to stay four warm, friendship-filled days with the heartwarming Dallas Cline. How does one describe the relief, the renewal of hope and trust, and a reassuring camaraderie that heals wounds? All I can say is the world is blessed to have Dallas Clines, and Doohers, Cheryl Conklins, and Kozmo Bates, and those who are willing and able to provide safe refuge to those in need. May I learn from them and come to be able to do the same….

Now I lick a few wounds and repair my body and soul in Colorado Springs, as the Chinese New Year, and a blue New Moon transpire in the heavens. The Year of the Horse, a year of power and succor towards one’s most dear goals for the highest good of all, as well as a New Moon to bless our initiation of new personal life directions, these are the movements in the Heavens that coincide with my sojourn in Colorado. Soon, I will head once again north, back to Vancouver Island.

Admittedly, snow and cold have coincided with my arrival in Colorado Springs, and have indelibly enlightened my appreciation of, indeed my soul-felt kinship with, islands and oceans.

Tonight, rather than go out into 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18C for my friends to the north), I have opted to stay in and play my own music; or, more appropriately, continue to learn to play and sing music—practice that will be of great benefit when, once again an Islander, I will WWOOF on an organic farm with no electricity. There will be time to play guitar and sing, and to write, to provide personal service alongside my old friend Cindy Tate on our forthcoming Internet ventures, and to design and build permaculture at Medicine Farm with Doug Brooker while planting and weeding and harvesting, in the sea salt air of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

As always, you are most cordially invited to join me on the voyage, through written words and photographic images, and through the shared vibrations of our collective unconscious. Phone me if you like, I’ll be here for you.

Love and hugs,

The Traveling Robble

 

Canoncito at Apache Canyon

In the kitchen at Tuwanasaapi, having a Santa Fe Pale Ale while preparing Sunday dinner.

Cañoncito at Apache Canyon, New Mexico, USA. December 29, 2013.

As I prepare a dinner of leftover pork roast from Christmas Day and my own birthday, with fresh, sautéed organic vegetables, here in Santa Fé, it seems that I miss my friends and family more than usual on this cold, dry Winter night.

After experiencing beautiful art throughout Santa Fé, dancing to local music, and ingesting fine New Mexican cuisine, I still long for the Northwest…for the warm people, comforting culture and new friends I met there, and for the green and wet that I have come to know and love.

Yes, radiation from Fukushima is affecting the West Coast of North America, and likely South America, too. It is suspected in some realms that we the people of the world are not being told the whole truth, and that things will get much worse. I pray that is not the case, and I pray for healing for the natural world and beauty that I have come to embrace in my soul. I pray for miracles, to stop the radiation that it is claimed still leaks from the Fukushima nuclear disaster site, for its containment and dissipation by the powers of love and joy, and for these disasters to never happen again as the nations and people of the planet learn to live sustainably and without further harm to our environment; to that air, water, and food we breathe, drink and eat.

On Earth, we have much work to do.

Aho, Mitakuye Oyasin.

My charges seem comfortable with my care two weeks in, with a week to go….

Christmas In Santa Fe, New Mexico

Canyon Road art galleries are lined with farolitas.

Christmas Eve in Santa  Fé, New Mexico.

Many thousands of people stroll the streets of downtown Santa Fé to celebrate Christmas Eve. There are carolers and musicians, and flocks of people singing favorite Christmas songs with children and grandchildren as they enjoy the lights and decorations of the season. But most, I suspect, are here to enjoy the farolitas.

Some galleries are open for business.

Caroling along with a horn band under a streetlight, Canyon Road.

Farolitas are a tradition said to have been brought to the Americas by the Spanish, who transformed the Chinese tradition of lighted paper displays into their own history. Farolitas, also known (controversially) as luminarias, are small paper bags weighted with sand that have candles placed inside.

Sculpture garden with no less than four small fires to warm people.

Santa Fé has a grand tradition of Christmas Eve farolitas. Streets and homes are lined with these gorgeous displays, spectacular in form and texture as they outline the smooth, rounded, undulating architecture of New Mexico. I hope these photographs provide you, dear reader, with a feeling of Christmas Eve in Santa Fé .

Festivities are winding down as midnight approaches.

 

A view of the Plaza…farolita candles have all burned down. Festivities begin here at the Plaza, and perhaps it is fitting that this little photo essay ends at the Plaza!

Season’s Greeting to all from the Travelling Robble.

Chapter 2.1: Back in the USA and in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Maroonbaru in the Tuwanasaapi snow, December 23, 2013.

Snow and cold here in Glorieta Pass.

My time here 10 miles north of Santa Fe has been challenging in many ways. The meditative presence in and of Now, that I have come to know as a part of my spirit, that joyous and comforting state of mind and soul since my rebirth at Ahousaht, has required maintenance…an alteration from being, simply, what is. Frenetic energies bounce all ’round me, and it occurs to me that collective unconscious must exist in concentrated qualities reflecting the geography in which one finds oneself.

I surely miss the calm and considerate automobile driving culture I enjoyed in Canada. Here in New Mexico, back here in the USA, many motorists won’t let another in, or seem to compete for parking places or position on the highway. There seems maybe a focus on material self, on an imperative to assert oneself’s interests perhaps without regard to cooperative harmony and peace. The peaceful way is so much more joyful, and enables one to express bountiful love….

On my tongue is slowly melting some Vivani 85% dark chocolate, interspersed with generous sips of organic red blended wine, after my dinner of chuck roast with celery, yellow onion, and butternut squash with sliced garlic. The slightly sweet, just barely noticeably bitter cocoa butter spreads seductively, covering my taste buds, coating my tongue with a rich, thick, velvet carpet of sensation. I’m headed into Santa Fe.

It’s the eve of my birthday, and I need to dance….

Happy Holidays to you all, and of course to All That Is.

Peace, love, hugs, and joy,

The Travelling Robble

Robb Up North: Chapter Two…Back in the USA

Tuwanasaapi Dragon

 

Tuwanasaapi, Lower Cañoncito at Apache Cañon, Santa Fé, New Mexico, USA

December 14, 2013. Around 2:30 p.m.

The Traveling Robble decided to not drive through New Mexico blood red mud into Santa Fé, even though this weekend afternoon was the opening of Renaissance to Goya: Prints and Drawings from Spain, a collection of 132 works from the British Museum in London that has shown only in Madrid; Sydney, Australia; and here in Santa Fé. Rather, I remained here at Tuwanasaapi, the beautiful Land of Enchantment property that Bernard Ewell calls home. I stayed to feel this place, listen to it and let it support me if it will.

During the afternoon sun, on a nearly fifty degree Fahrenheit day with no clouds, I spent time in the casita that may become my base for a little while—how long is for Spirit to tell. I played my guitar into the cañon from the casita…to no one and to every thing. I can write, and sing, and play music here, and enjoy some time to be Now.

Won’t try to tell you how,

Just be here now.

 

Peace, love and hugs,

Robb

Casita on the right. P.S.: the Avanti is for sale.

A Final Entry…Or Not

The Final Days

With a heart so sad and a spirit so glad, I complete the writing of this, the 52nd and final entry in Robb Up North, Travels in the North Country: July 30, 2013 until…I’m done.

Well—I am not done. Unless a miracle partner appears in the States, or elsewhere, with whom I find home, I will return to British Columbia, to either Tofino or Mt. Currie. So, here is witness and journal of my final days in Canada, for now…redundant, that, but emphasis is an artistic imperative at certain times. This is, without question, among those times.

After BC Ferrying back to the mainland in the journey comprising my most recent blog writing, I headed for Pemberton and Mt. Currie for a last British Columbia spiritual journey. I spent two nights there, and walked on the Lil’Wat First Nations Reserve, prayed by the Birkenshead River, and talked to the old ones, kissed the ground, and gathered soil—for Sharon—and for myself.

Mt. Currie and the Birkenshead River, north of Pemberton on Highway 99.

Mt Currie from north of Pemberton

Only four images from the Lil’Wat Reserve, Mt. Currie. And these only with complete resepct for the privacy and personal spirit of all First Nations. Mitakuye Oyasin.

Pemberton Train/Bus Station

One last view of Mt. Currie from Pemberton on my way out of the village.

The Pemberton area feels good to me, and I could make a home there, and yet it remains Vancouver Island and the sea that calls my soul. Taking my time, savoring the last hours and minutes in my beloved Canada, on the way back south into Vancouver, towards the USA border…an important ceremony opportunity presented itself: no surprise, that.

Ceremony at The Strait of Georgia

Having meant to leave my hair in the Strait by dropping it from the ferry from Vancouver Island, which act I forgot, and which act of forgetfulness of course was totally overseen by Spirit, I found myself at Porteau Provincial Marine Park on the way back to Vancouver…and the USA border. There off the pier at Porteau I performed ceremony, giving seven inches of my blond hair to the Strait of Georgia. You see, in the Dakota Sioux Red Road way, while in Nanaimo, I cut my hair because I am mourning—for having to leave my home.

 

My tears flowed like the Birkenshead while I prayed on the pier here at Porteau, and dropped my DNA into the Strait of Georgia. I watched that blonde bundle surf atop wind-driven waves, making its way out into the Strait, until I lost sight. Not only will my spirit remain in British Columbia, my prayers and my hair remain there too.

Somewhere about 150 meters in the center of this photograph, my mourning hair rides the waves of the Pacific in British Columbia. Spirit promised me that my DNA shall remain in B.C. I cry while writing this, and know my spirit will be in Canada. There, is my home.

These four months in Canada, and the week going to and being at Fort Peck Indian Reservation, has been a time for me to face deepest and oldest fears, to feel and give away unbounded joy, to shed tears of sorrow and pain along with those of joy, happiness, and recognition of the spirit I truly am, have always been, and always will be.

I cannot say what life will bring to me now. What I can say is that I have experienced healing, unlike any before, at the soul level, where that infinite part of me joins with ego and day to day living. These things I have honestly documented in the pages of this blog. Now the blog ends. But not the journey.

My blessings and love to you all, always, and forever.

The Traveling Robble

 

This entry was begun in Pemberton, British Columbia and completed at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs,Chaffee County, Colorado, November 18 through November 26, 2013. Entire blog and photographic content by Robb Heckel, 2013. No reproduction without express permission.

On Leaving Vancouver Island

Leaving Vancouver Island

What do you want to read, my friends, about The Traveling Robble as I departed Vancouver Island? So much has already been documented in these pages; my love of Canada, my passion about Van Isle, my love of Tofino that I know is a home, the Ahousaht First Nations Reserve where I was reborn; the fertile, wet, fragrant and verdant lands I have traveled and felt—and that have felt and embraced me. What more can I tell you, eh? Well, here are a few very personal words I hope to share with you.

Sunday morning, November 17, 2013, was not as hard for me as I had expected it to be. Perhaps I was resigned to the reality that time had come for me to go. Not because I wanted to leave, but because the Affordable Care Act in the USA has effected the early termination of my health care—that was originally good through March 2014—and now requires me to go back to Colorado (for a short while only) to deal with changing times, or face fines. Only in America….

So I left the Big Island. Yes there were definitely tears. This is the closest place to home I think I ever have felt. The RobbUpNorth blog has an entry about home, and place, so maybe you have read those thoughts already. I won’t repeat them in this post. And so many times in the last few weeks I have written how hard, how sad, it is for me to leave Van Isle, and in a few too-short days, Canada.

I think that’s why this Sunday morning was not so sad as I had anticipated. But then, I have changed. I have heard it said many times from many sources that people don’t really change, eh? Well, yes, yes we do. Perhaps we need to want that change.

Me, have I wanted to change? You betcha’, baby. I have wanted to grow my happiness and joy. I have done that, and am doing it daily from now forward. I have wanted to determine more purpose for my life, more ways to serve Spirit and my fellow community—all of you, and so many more. Those gifts have come to me. My prayers have been answered, as have the prayers thought, said and sung on my behalf by others, in inipi ceremonies in Colorado and Montana, in homes and in the hearts and minds of so many beloved friends and relations. These gifts, these miracles, have come to me.

I am blessed, and I am so inexpressibly thankful for the renewal of my spirit, for the connection with Spirit that has been so graciously offered, and respectfully accepted. I am grateful, I am humbled, and I am inspired. With joy I move forward.

Peace, love, and blessing to you all. All my relations.

Robb

Leaving Vancouver Island: A Chronological Photoessay of a 45-Minute Ferry Ride Away From a Place of Miracles

Swartz Bay, Vancouver Island

Farewell for now, my Isle

Smiles and tears

Such beauty, eh?

Watch those rocks!

Thousands of islands covered with cedar

Places to call home

Vancouver Island now far away, from sight but from not my heart and soul

Robb Heckel

November 17, 2013

Published on RobbUpNorth.WordPress.com November 23, 2013

The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia

Images of The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The Empress was built between 1904 and 1908 by Canadian Pacific Hotels, and was a terminus for Canadian Pacific ocean liners. The chateau style hotel has hallways lined with photographs of royalty, movie stars, and prominent people from around the world.

 

Robb Heckel, November 2013

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Dancing to the Sky

Images of Victoria, British Columbia

A city full of cosmopolitan cars and people, built upon nineteenth century British culture and tradition, Victoria, British Columbia, is like a scaled-down metropolis offering nearly anything you might want or desire, in a fine porcelain teacup manner. Eh?

From James Bay

From James Bay (enlargement)

The Empress Hotel

British Columbia Parliament

 

Private Barristers’ Building on Wharf Street

The Union Club of British Columbia and The Empress

The Maritime Museum of British Columbia

Images of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

October 13 and November 16, 2013

Robb Heckel

On Leaving Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

On the ferry to Tsawwassen from Swartz Bay, near Victoria, Vancouver Island, I may be smiling, because that is where my soul is these days: smiling. But my heart is breaking. That is Vancouver Island behind me, and here I am leaving Van Isle for the mainland.

As I write this I’m in Pemberton, and spent most of today in Mt. Currie, at the Lil’Wat reserve.

Tomorrow I go back into the USA. I’ll be visiting Colorado for a short while before heading to Santa Fe. I look forward to seeing my sweet friends, and love the idea of meeting more of you, everywhere that you are!

Love and blessings to you all.

The Travelling Robble
18 November 2013
Pemberton, British Columbia, Canada

Place, Place, Place

Place, Place, Place

There is a colloquialism that goes something like, “Wherever you go, there you are.” The concept I recall usually being expressed by that statement is that you’re still whomever you really are, no matter where you go. Perhaps an emphasis therein is how one cannot leave one’s troubles, internal or otherwise, behind just by going somewhere else. That is not the whole truth.

In selling my beloved Sleeping Bear Oasis, and traveling to and across Canada, I feel confident stating that I have never sought to leave my troubles, or who I am, behind. I am now homeless: That is challenge enough to add to the sum total of who and what I have become in my years on Earth this time around.

To my recollection I have never claimed to be perfect. Rather, I have owned my faults and imperfections and have strived all my days to become a better man, a genuine person, a trusted friend, and an honest lover. In my journey since leaving my home, I have come to know that the progress I have earned on all those traits is substantial indeed. No, I still am not perfect. Yes, I am happy, indeed joyful, to be the person I have become, and the spirit into whom I continue to grow. Also, I know now that “place” is truly an important piece of who I am.

Place is as much a part of my being, and perhaps as much a part of my soul, as the education I have learned, the experience I have lived, and the wisdom I have gained. Someone I used to know, who stopped returning my communications for reasons unknown, told me more than once when I was first thinking of selling my wonderful house on the hill looking over the valley into Manitou Springs, that “home” was incredibly important: Home was something that I should fight to keep. I agree with her now, more than ever. After all, like she was then and may still be, I am now homeless. My beautiful house back in Colorado in what seems today like years ago—even though it has only been less than four months since I left it forever—was not the place for me. Place is more important than a house. One’s place, I am coming to understand so very deeply, is where one’s soul knows itself best. Home is where my place is.

The truth is, I now posit, that when we can find our “place,” that home where our soul knows and joins with all that is, then it does become possible to leave our troubles behind. In that place that resonates with our being, with our cellular bonds, and harmonizes with our soul, then our spirit becomes unbound by past or future and is free to be here now. There, there is home; there is place. I have now been blessed to feel place. I know it in Tofino. I recognize I’ve known it before, in other geographic locations I have lived or visited, even in my dreams. I feel place around me now nearly everywhere I go. I know it in my heart, too, and agree with those who will argue that we need no geographic location to be one with all that is, to accept oneness, to allow our divine spirit unrestricted freedom to be….

And so it is that my travels here in Canada have come to an end, for now at least. Canada itself has been the place for me. I have felt at home here more often than anywhere else I have been in my lifetime. Back in August I posted a photograph or two of a place for me, on the Ottawa River. There were spots across Southern Ontario where I felt rapture pulling me out of Maroonbaru. British Columbia, though, and the Rockies of Alberta, holds my soul like a tigress nurtures her newborn cub. Ahousaht is my birthplace.

Now that I have truly known love, now that I have ecstatically and certainly experienced place resonating with my Being, I look forward to where life, and Spirit, will lead me.

As surely as I breathe, I know that certain places, and certain people, resonate with my soul: There is a Place where I belong. I pray I live long enough to find myself at home, in and with my place. I pray the Canadian Immigration Council allows me to come home, and yet I trust Spirit to guide me to my place, regardless what and who is that outcome.

Peace, love, hugs, and blessings to you all, my dear friends.

Robb Heckel

Nanaimo and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

12-16 November 2013

Leaving Tofino…and too soon, Canada

Leaving Tofino

Robb Heckel, November 13, 2013

Leaving Tofino was among the hardest things I’ve done in my time on Earth. But then, if you’ve been reading along with this blog since its inception back in July, you know I’ve done a lot of leaving people, places, and things I love in 2013. None of this is familiar to my heart. There is one person in particular that I wish I had not left…I didn’t know, didn’t realize, didn’t understand: I was consumed internally and emotionally by selling my home, giving away all my lifetime accumulations, and embarking on a new life with no known bearings to guide me. You were there for me and I didn’t see…. I wish I could do that over, my dear. But, back to the present, eh? That is all we have, after all, and I have learned to cherish it…never too late, eh?

The trip from Tofino back to Nanaimo, British Columbia, was challenging. My soul was still in Tofino. It’s back with me now, but a part of me will remain in Tofino forever. I’ll be writing about that in a few days, because my time, for now, in British Columbia, and Canada, is fast, very fast, drawing to a close.

Here are some photographic recordings of the West Coast of Vancouver Island, from Tofino to Ucluelet. What a paradise. I don’t care what the people of the coast tell me about the winter storms. Bring ‘em on, eh?

Beach Home, North Chesterman Beach, Tofino, British Columbia

Chesterman Beach Rocky Surf, Tofino, British Columbia

Chesterman Beach Lighthouse, Tofino, British Columbia

Beginners’ Surf, Chesterman Beach, Tofino, British Columbia

Waiting for Bigger Waves, Chesterman Beach, Tofino, British Columbia

Sweeping the Pedestrian/Bike Path, Tofino, British Columbia. Comment by Robb Heckel, photographer: Many people detest paying taxes. I am not among them. This worker has a family, a mortgage, health insurance, a pension, and pays taxes. We’re all in this together, eh?

Chesterman Beach Waves and Wind, Tofino, British Columbia

Spruce and Cedar Grove, Tofino, British Columbia

The Road to Radar Hill, Tofino, British Columbia

Black Rocks of the West Coast, near Ucluelet, British Columbia

Browns Beach, near Ucluelet, British Columbia

Thank you all for joining me on this journey. I hope these images stir your spirit as much as they do mine. Blessing to everyone from The Traveling Robble.

An explanatory note: Cheryl used to call me Robble, for Robb the Turtle, when I took so long on a task…”Moving like a herd of Robbles,” she would say. And I love it still….

 

Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

The Five Days You Meet in Heaven

Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Probably everyone has her own idea of heaven. I’d like to share with you, cherished reader, a few thoughts on heaven, and not simultaneously step on yours. So, let’s establish some common sand to squeeze between our toes as we walk, eh?

Wiktionary suggests one definition of heaven as “…the paradise of the afterlife in certain religions, considered to be the home of the god or gods of those religions, and often the home, or one of various possible homes, of souls of deceased people,” and also offers another idea: “A blissful place or experience.”

So, let’s stroll back up the beach to Tofino…well, back to most of Canada as this land has resonated in my soul and spirit, but especially, for me—Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Here, in ever-present effervescent forests of cedar and spruce, perfumed with pungent and sweet conifer scents laced with decay, moss, fern, and sea, certainly walk the spirits of ancestors who loved and lived this perfect place: Few might have desired to leave. Their presence is healing, soothing, reassuring, and sometimes, gently foreboding. Hundred-foot trees are so thick on the thousands of islands tiny and large that one needs often to weave and wiggle to visit the souls that play and sing there. We danced together atop jet black rock formations covered with crazing by the kiln of nature, protectors of shores, welcoming wave after wave.

I walked with ancestors at Ahousaht. They conveyed to me chagrin about a lack of care and love for the land by their descendants, yet were only love and healing. Embraced and held like never before in my life, I know now what it would have been to grow up loved and cherished—a gift I now can pass on from my own experience, rather than pretend or make up what I previously could only imagine. For nearly two hours just outside Ahousaht, I was alone on a beach with those old souls, listening to tales told by the sea through waves crashing, tumbling, or easily rolling onto a sandy shore littered with hundred foot long logs, perfectly smoothed by countless journeys across these Pacific waters. All the while, two bald eagles perched in the dead branches atop one of the tallest trees along that shoreline, gently observed the never-ending present moment.

So it was that I turned a two-day visit into five nights, in a place I never want to leave; a place where I know I could serve as beautifully, soulfully, and infinitely as I was being served by all that is.

Tofino: I have known love in heaven.

Robb Heckel

November 6-7, 2013 recount of a life journey taken October 28-November 2

800 Year Old Cedar Giving Me a Hug

 

Images of Tofino

Ooooooh Tofino. There are few places I have been in my walk on this planet that I have felt at home, felt at peace, felt nurtured, felt loved, felt supported. This post, and these photographs, describe one of those healing places.

Kennedy Lake, the largest fresh water lake on the Big Island, is closer to Ucluelet than Port Alberni on Highway 4 into Tofino.

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

On arriving in Tofino, I headed immediately for the harbor.

Government Dock, Tofino

After checking into Duffin Cove Resort, I followed the advice of the wonderful General Manager, Shannon Henson, and found Tacofino. Awesome and affordable soft tacos…I had fish tacos, with fresh catch from Clayoquot Sound here in Tofino.

Tacofino, Tofino, B.C.

Early the next morning, October 29, 2013, I left my room on the water and headed out to explore.

Self portrait, Duffin Cove

Tofino

Following are images from the week in Tofino. I didn’t take my camera, or cell phone, or anything other than myself in rain gear to Ahousaht. As you know, many First Nations people want no photography taken…as it turned out, when I got permission to be on the Reserve, photographs would likely have been no problem. Here are plenty of gorgeous images for you from Tofino….

Fish Processing Plant

For Charlie Hall….

Schooner Cove at Low Tide

Schooner Cove. At high tide these rocks are underwater.

Schooner Cove. Tide has just gone out…it can happen in a hurry.

Sitka Spruce Roots. This tree was probably 150 feet tall.

Another Sitka Spruce.

800 Year Old Native Cedar

B.C. tax dollars and Park fees at work. This pathway extends for over a kilometer. Absolutely awesome.

Sitka Arch, Schooner Cove

Long Beach as the Sun Breaks Through

Long Beach Waves…no surfers today

Downtown Tofino

Over the Children’s Resource Center, funded with B.C. tax dollars. I know many in the USA who hate taxes…I’m not one of them. Waste is not good, but doing good for one and all is part of a citizen’s responsibility as I see it, and as Canada sees it. Just sayin’….

Must be a hundred pairs of shoes up there, eh?

Tofino, plain and simple…simply awesome!

Tofino, what more can I say?

Peace, love and hugs to each and every one of you, from the Traveling Robble.

Summerland, B.C. to Vancouver

Your traveling author has begun catch-up on posts that were due many weeks or days ago. This post, recording the trip from Summerland to Vancouver, is finally written and added by Robb Heckel, who has been very, very busy having more fun than a ton….

Circle Route, Highway 99, British Columbia

Traveled October 2-3, 2013

On a spectacular, early October, two day journey from Summerland, British Columbia, to Vancouver, it was my extreme pleasure to travel on a portion of one of B.C.’s Circle Routes. There are, officially, nine of these designated scenic routes that stretch all the way to the Yukon. I did not venture that far north.

Those of you who know me well may be surprised that I did not take Circle Route 1, the Hot Springs Circle. In my not-so-humble defence [not a spelling error…I am in B.C., eh?] may I please humbly submit that it would likely expend a lifetime merely to explore Vancouver Island alone, which is in fact approximately one-twenty-fifth of British Columbia. That said, rest easy my beloved friends, knowing I will take the Hot Springs Route as well, most likely in late Spring 2014. But, I digress, eh? Say it isn’t so….

After reluctantly taking leave from the Lake Okanagan home of Larry and Marilyn Norman in Summerland, I traversed the dreaded Connector, British Columbia Highway 97C, from Summerland, or actually closer to Peachland, over to Merritt, British Columbia. Fog was dense most of the drive, with wet snow producing perfectly ideal hydroplaning conditions. No problem for my trusty, loaded with gear-n-stuff, twenty-year-old all wheel drive buddy, Maroonbaru. The highest point on the Connector is Pennask Summit, at 1728 meters. That’s 5760 feet above sea level for the metric-challenged amongst you. Though the fog and snow provided few photo opportunities, I promise that in the next few pages, you will be exposed to many fantastic views of a mere, tiny portion of the incredible beauty that is all of British Columbia, Canada.

Through snow and rain, I drove on from Merritt to Spences Bridge, where skies were clearing and temperatures were around 10C.

Thompson River, Spences Bridge, British Columbia

From Spences Bridge Maroonbaru and I pointed southwest to Lytton.

Fraser River, North of Lytton, B.C.

The Fraser River route took us northwest to Lillooet, where we turned southwest again onto Highway 99 toward Vancouver, and covered less than a 200 kilometer portion of the 1,440 kilometer Circle Route 4: Coast Cariboo.

Highway 99, Looking back to Lillooet

Seton Lake Provincial Park

Seton Lake

The Lillooet River conjoins the Green River, and creates Lillooet Lake.

Lillooet River

Lillooet Lake

Lillooet Lake is at Mount Currie, which is about 10 clicks north of Pemberton, on the way to Whistler. I did visit Whistler for a little while, but, much like Banff before it, ski resort towns hold little appeal for The Traveling Robble. Pemberton and Mount Currie, on the other hand, will be a focus of a very special RobbUpNorth entry come December….

After deciding to push on toward Squamish to spend the night, I found the Tantalus Park Viewpoint.

Tantalus Park, near dusk

Tantalus Park, also near dusk, eh?

Following a night spent in the shabbiest motel I didn’t enjoy even the tiniest little bit during my entire travels, and maybe ever (not a reflection on Squamish, but rather a poor decision by a very tired Robb, who did not follow his own Humble Travel Thought Number One back on September 18, and pressed on rather than enjoy Mt. Currie and Pemberton), I arose before sunrise to head back to Tantalus for a few morning sun shots.

Tantalus Park at Sunrise, with foggy bottom (the park’s, not mine….;-)

Tantalus Park at Sunrise

Upon noticing a sign for Shannon Falls Provincial Park, I made a u-turn, quite a distance down the highway as u-turns are generally frowned upon, and ticketed, here in Canada. This photograph is for my niece Shannon, back in Wyoming, USA.

Shannon Falls, Shannon Falls Provincial Park

And then, ‘Bu and I headed south, down the last short stretch of highway into Vancouver, British Columbia: the next chapter of RobbUpNorth.

Notes:

hellobc.com official British Columbia road map, and a darn good one I say:

http://www.hellobc.com/getmedia/0de8a359-2d38-4200-bc5e-5bb5ee763c41/maps-british-columbia.aspx

Entirely unnecessary addendum: This piece was written while I was wearing red boxer shorts, with CANADA emblazoned in white on the bum and a big white maple leaf on the front, a colorful and comfortable memento from Waterton Lakes Provincial Park…sorry, no photo op…this is a family site, after all.