Canadian culture is largely a driving culture. One of the reasons for this, I have reasoned, is that
Canada is just so large. There are opportunities that entrepreneurial types see as a means of supplementing our drive to drive and one is the availability and variety of listening devices. Gord bought me a Faux Pod a few years ago, which worked well until I plugged it into a higher than normal electrical output adapter and blew the poor thing into a smoking frenzy. What I own now is no longer faux but the real deal (or so says Mr. Apple). I downloaded a couple of Regent College MP3’s for my road-listening pleasure and am enjoying the experience immensely.
The title of the first is: Pilgrimage by Maxine Hancock, which is fitting, I thought, for a road trip like ours. Ms. Hancock wrote her PhD thesis on the marginal notes of Bunyan’s classic, Pilgrim’s Progress so you can imagine her penchant for detail and nuance. Yesterday she commented on Bunyan’s introductory poem and pointed out that he is not a high writing poet like Spence or Milton but rather a fable-type writer. His poetry style is more of a “jog trot to market”. I just loved that line and thought it fit so well with our little venture. (she credited Shakespeare and so will I)
We are travelling “jog trot to market” style in our VW Eurovan*; slow and go, slow and go. We are travelling with the people and at ground level. Our journey does feel like a pilgrimage of sorts as there is definitely a spiritual component to the experience. Living outdoors, connecting with other travelers, learning more of our history all serve to open our eyes ever wider in awe of our God who created and established this amazing country we are so blessed to call home.
Lake Superior at Agawa Provincial Park
*Gord has renamed our Eurovan “Stella” as he had trouble with Vanna – could be her squarish figure or maybe her age, not sure.
FYI, Jane is still along but suffers from what appears to be a form of dementia. When she does have her bearings, she truly shines.
Sad to hear Jane’s dimentia prevents her from living up to the high standard you set for her.
Dad must love all his women travelling companions. Perhaps if you get Jane some medication or feed her some apricots, it will jog her calculations to a more accurate bend.
Jane did so well today. She was at her best and we were so thankful to have her along. Dad tried to change Jane to “Lee”, an Aussie man, but I protesteth much and he had to agree.