On the Road Again (Canada Book Tour)
I’d finally finished recording and editing the audiobook and now I had a day to pack for my two month long road trip to British Columbia for a book tour and to see family. Half of that last day was spent at my desk catching up on all the bills and paperwork I’d been postponing in order to focus on recording. Finally, at 3 pm on June 1st, I could actually start packing. And I was all done by 7:30 pm. Yay, and I was able to get seven boxes, ninety books, in that little car on top of my usual cargo of presents, clothes, crotcheting, art supplies and food stores.
After checking in with my neighbor who looks after the kitty while I’m away, I drove away at 8:15 am on Monday, June 2nd . This would be the seventh time I’ve driven the 1500 miles from San Diego to Nelson. This year would have a different route north as I wanted to stop at Laytonville north of San Francisco on the 101, a bit out of my way, but definitely a scenic route.
I love driving. It is time to just drive, no audio book files to fuss about, no blogs to write or social media to attempt. No emails or phone calls. And the little car, Free Girl, is a joy. She had new Michelin Sport tires and was happy to be on the highway again, free to fly!
There is only one hotel in Laytonville, a tiny, Budget Inn from the sixties, but I was glad to stop around 9 pm and climb into a bed, over 600 miles from home.
I visited friends the next morning and started north again around noon. I had forgotten how gorgeous that stretch of road is. There are cliffs and ocean views and rolling green hills and three different sections of driving through the majestic giant redwoods. It’s a windy narrow highway that takes concentration to drive, but I definitely had the right car.
Stopping in Eureka for lunch, I somehow lost my Maui Jim sunglasses. Sadly, retracing my steps didn’t find them but carried on without them, north to Grants Pass for the night. There was a small lodge on the river on the south side of town that had one room left, with a river view. I was ecstatic to snuggle up in the cosy white robe after enjoying a swim in the pool.
Day three was a spectacular drive along the Columbia River Gorge with only light traffic once I got through Portland. Just a straight even freeway, hour after hour. Usually audiobooks keep me company over the miles, but this time, after so many details to tend to over the last months, my mind welcomed the simple silence and occasional chill music.
After a deep sleep in North Spokane, I headed north again through Pend Oreille County in Washington to the border at Nelway. The Canadian Customs Agent welcomed me home, asked the usual questions, and waved me on through.
My brother’s ranch is on the other side of the border. Both he and my sister-in-law were working so I missed my welcome home visit with them. Stopping in Salmo instead, at the Dragonfly Café, I had the most amazing panini at a table shared with strangers who became friends in the time it took to eat a meal.
And my book tour began in earnest! I spoke with my table mates about Grit & Grace and handed out postcards for my upcoming booksigning event at Otter Books in Nelson. I also put up posters in the restaurant and on the Salmo community bulletin board. Regenerated after my few days off, it was exhilarating to talk with folks about the book.
I took my time driving through the mountains thirty miles to Nelson, my hometown. It's pretty to look at and there is a vibration that takes me over as I wind my way down into town and the breathtaking view of the lake. It’s protected, safe, and tucked away; the Shangri La of the Kootenays.
Miraculously, I found a parking place in a busy downtown. Walking the block up to Otter Books, I met Jessi, the event coordinator and dropped off promotional materials that I had printed for her. She was delightful and fun to meet along with her colleagues who will be there on the 21st for the signing.
An hour later, I was on the road again, driving twenty more miles along the lake road out to Queen’s Bay and the cottage my grandfather built in the 1950s, the cottage where I have spent almost every summer of my life. A haven and respite for my soul.
And now I’m here for another precious summer, thank you!
