The damp air soothes my lungs, and the sweet smell of the rain-soaked greens pleases my senses. Our daily ritual of running the dike, greeting fellow dog lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers is something I have thoroughly come to embrace.
It is a ritual shared equally by my canine partners, which at the sight of me lacing up the runners, begin their ecstatic impatient dance in circles.
This experience is still relatively new for us and each day is a gift. Moving to Squamish came to fruition in July. Within a month of making the bold commitment, our small family of four, two dogs and a trailer loaded with our items left our hometown of over 18 years, Fort St John. We have welcomed a new perspective on life! Coming to Squamish was a decision to leave the hustle and bustle gas industry to live a more balanced, spiritual and healthy family lifestyle. It was a decision to broaden our family’s opportunities and values. And to simplify.
The dream of a seascape background, white-capped mountains and the idea of an outdoor playground led us to Squamish. We are in ultimate heaven here. Our days are filled enjoying this playground. Even six months since we arrived, it still feels like a little bit of a holiday.
It has come to my attention some of the differences from northern life to living down here. I smile at the uniqueness that “Squampton” life brings.
In the north, living in the country, cleaning up after your canine friend is not something that was on our to-do list. Somehow, the dogs learned to do their “business” in the forest where no foot shall stomp. You let them out the door, and into the starry night, they took the glorious opportunity to adventure, bark at the squirrels, and do whatever else it is they found the need to do until they froze their arsses off and scratched back at the door to come in.
At first, in Squamish the idea of patiently waiting for my little mini Aussie to finish his business — which usually is on a busy street or smack dab in the middle of a trail — was embarrassing. With my little green eco-friendly poo bag in hand, I reach for the steaming treat. My fingers make contact with the hot, mushy mess — ugh. Quickly, closing my eyes, it takes all my courage, and bravery to complete the wrapping of my hand over the doggy-do, to tie the darn bag as fast as possible before my nose catches wind of what the hell we just willingly did!
Yes, this is something that is learned I tell ya.
It is a fine art, and now I can gladly say that it is something that I just “do,” hehe!
Moving here from up North, we knew that it rains here in Squamish — a lot. I have to say, honestly, that it hasn’t been a hindrance. A few things we have
learned in our short time here is our dry, -30° winter clothing was not required. That would have shed a few pounds from our trailer, had we known that when we set off for Squamish.
It has been a real treat to not live in a place where it takes 10 minutes to bundle and layer your outerwear just to get to your vehicle. In the north, the air hurts your face and burns your lungs, so you take quick short inhales.
Squamish, we love, and I mean love, the winter here!
In December, we enjoyed a day up in the Highlands hitting the infamous Half Nelson trail, and it was December. We were in shorts!
Yes, we had to brag about this to our northern friends.
With sunny days few and far between, this has not dampened our spirits. When there is a break in the rain, we grab the boots and dogs and head outdoors. It is fantastic that in Squamish when you need the snow, you just hop on the Sea to Sky Gondola, and snowshoe in the white sugar, or take a drive up to the beautiful Whistler and walk the streets like a local. There is no shortage of winter here, but it is friendly!
