By The Staiger Consulting Group

“There’s something about the window seats. A place where you get lost in the realms of thoughts. “

-Rawat.sn

I love my Canadian friends, and I have missed the opportunity to visit them and their beautiful country over the last 18 months! August 9, 2021 was the day the Canadian border opened to air travel. So as soon as possible, I booked my flight for August 24. The trip came with a few extra hurdles, including COVID-19 testing in the US prior to my flight and again in Canada upon my reentry into the states. There was also an expensive and non-refundable ticket, as well as many moving and uncertain pieces. Nevertheless, I was anticipating an off-the-grid kayaking retreat with great friends in the Northwest Islands off the coast of Vancouver, British Columbia. I packed my passport, vaccination card, and my COVID-19 negative test results, and away I went – carrying all my gear on my back! I have never, ever done anything like this. 

If the last 18 months have taught me anything, it is to live your life now, try something new, take risks, and enjoy the ride! After travelling via commercial air travel to Vancouver, the real adventure began. I found my way to the local airport, home of a seaplane runway and the small aircraft that would take me to my next, remote destination. I had a few hours to spare, so I found a local eatery called “The Flying Beaver,” sat outside, and simply watched the seaplanes come and go every few minutes. I was in awe and felt like I had been transported to another world. At that moment, I could have turned around, come home, and called the trip a success! 

For the next leg of my adventure, I found myself in a small prop plane. As we ascended above the water, over majestic islands, with picturesque mountains surrounding us as the sun was beginning to set, I couldn’t help but get a little choked up at the beauty around me. I was so grateful to be able to discover this part of the world from this little airplane. I felt so close to nature and all its beauty. I was exhilarated for the adventures I’d already encountered and excited for what lay ahead. That breathtaking view and feeling in that moment washed away any trepidation. The next leg of the trip was on a water taxi to the remote location where I spent a week with friends exploring waters, wildlife, and nature from a kayak. 

Cheers to all of you adventure seekers out there. I hope the past 18 months have sparked a sense of exploration in you like it did in me and when you get the chance, say yes - hop aboard and explore! 

Wishing you clear skies ahead.

Stacy & Mike Krumwiede