"Wet rocks and fallen logs weren’t in the way. They were only themselves, doing what they do. Being suboptimal for human activity was no fault of the wild. It suddenly became very clear to me that there was nothing to take issue with." This is livin', man.
The ending left me emotional, wanting to reach out and give you a masculine hug. The short kind but the one you know means more than a long one ever could. To a life well lived, to both you and your Opa <3
Your narrative is stunning, and so are the photos, but now I'm confused. From past posts I recall you were born in Cypress but now live in Maine. Here you state you grew up in Canada. Where does Germany come in? You do get around.
I can see why you're confused—you must be thinking of someone else. My story's a little more linear: born in Germany, moved to Canada when I was six, and moved back to Germany in 2022. Thank you, as always, for reading.
Christian, this is stunning writing, and I really want to go spend a week hiking now. I have to tell you that I almost gasped when you said you never got your citizenship. I'm sure you've already thought of all the ways you could get it, and I assume your parents have it, but it makes me realize I hate borders so much. You grew up here. This is supposed to be your country.
We spent a few hours picnicing by Dow's Lake in Ottawa this weekend and it was so soothing and relaxing. And we were in the city but we were in nature too... I do need to do more of it. Even if I can't completely disconnect every time.
Do it! Spend a week hiking! I don't wanna repeat myself but...it just resets everything. The citizenship thing was basically a matter of Germany not allowing for dual citizenship when I lived in Canada, and I didn't want to give up my EU passport. Now that Germany allows it, I don't live in Canada, and therefore am not eligible for Canadian citizenship. My parents got theirs about six years ago. So there's always a path back...
Always appreciate your thoughtful comments. Thank you.
What an absolutely beautiful telling of a beautiful story. Your words do it justice. I love how you wrote about how it would have been hard not to have constant gratitude. That is how I feel every time I take a backpacking trip. Thank you, this piece has definitely reached me in a time when I needed it.
McUrbanism of our everyday lives!
Awesome read, marvellous images. Makes me want to get out into the wild!
Do it brother! Thanks for reading ❤️🔥
"Wet rocks and fallen logs weren’t in the way. They were only themselves, doing what they do. Being suboptimal for human activity was no fault of the wild. It suddenly became very clear to me that there was nothing to take issue with." This is livin', man.
The ending left me emotional, wanting to reach out and give you a masculine hug. The short kind but the one you know means more than a long one ever could. To a life well lived, to both you and your Opa <3
Thanks for the kind words 💕 Hug received and reciprocated.
The piece feels so alive, just as you did on the hike - the best kind of writing.
What beautiful photos and what an absolutely gorgeous essay. Thank you.
Thank you, Betsy! Much appreciated.
Your narrative is stunning, and so are the photos, but now I'm confused. From past posts I recall you were born in Cypress but now live in Maine. Here you state you grew up in Canada. Where does Germany come in? You do get around.
I can see why you're confused—you must be thinking of someone else. My story's a little more linear: born in Germany, moved to Canada when I was six, and moved back to Germany in 2022. Thank you, as always, for reading.
Realized I might have done this after I posted my comment. Sorry.
Thanks for taking us along your hike. Nostalgic + new at once.
Say hi to Zach from me <3
Phoenix! So nice to see your name here. Thank you for reading. Zach's been notified.
Christian, this is stunning writing, and I really want to go spend a week hiking now. I have to tell you that I almost gasped when you said you never got your citizenship. I'm sure you've already thought of all the ways you could get it, and I assume your parents have it, but it makes me realize I hate borders so much. You grew up here. This is supposed to be your country.
We spent a few hours picnicing by Dow's Lake in Ottawa this weekend and it was so soothing and relaxing. And we were in the city but we were in nature too... I do need to do more of it. Even if I can't completely disconnect every time.
Do it! Spend a week hiking! I don't wanna repeat myself but...it just resets everything. The citizenship thing was basically a matter of Germany not allowing for dual citizenship when I lived in Canada, and I didn't want to give up my EU passport. Now that Germany allows it, I don't live in Canada, and therefore am not eligible for Canadian citizenship. My parents got theirs about six years ago. So there's always a path back...
Always appreciate your thoughtful comments. Thank you.
What an absolutely beautiful telling of a beautiful story. Your words do it justice. I love how you wrote about how it would have been hard not to have constant gratitude. That is how I feel every time I take a backpacking trip. Thank you, this piece has definitely reached me in a time when I needed it.
And a beautiful comment. Hope your next backpacking trip is already on the horizon. Thanks for reading.
This makes me long for nature so much. 💌
Love this. I am currently feeling a type of travel Fernweh and this post scratched that itch somewhat. Hope you had a good trip.
Glad to hear it man! Thank you, as always, for reading 💚