We have been so incredibly lucky with our hosts, but not with the weather. We have been cycling in torrential, nonstop rain for the past two days, yet we’ve been welcomed with open doors, tasty meals and comfy sleeping arrangements.
Our Warm Showers hosts for the first night cooked us dinner, which we ate by candle-light (for mood enhancement and energy conservation). They were very interested to talk about our project. We ended up talking for hours.
Daniel (far left) is studying geography and economics, and renting a room in Gary’s house. Gary (far right) is a carpenter, an engaging storyteller, and an amazing cook. Don’t be fooled by the enormous axe, he’s a really nice guy.
One of the first things that came up in our conversation is the issue of salmon habitat conservation. Both Gary and Daniel advocate for preservation of salmon habitat. Gary’s philosophy is that if there are regulations that you believe aren’t right, it’s important to stir up the sh*t, even if the results are not immediately visible.
No late-night conversation is complete without musings on happiness. We discussed how consumerism promises happiness but does not deliver, and how the abudance of stuff takes the humanity away from human interactions. Gary told a story about meeting Annie Leonard at a conference; he said she was a really inpirational person. In case you haven’t seen her video, The Story of Stuff, here it is:
TOUR de SUSTAINABILITY 
Cool Dude! Sounds like you’re off to an epic start. I hope it dries up soon and you have nice cool, but dry, weather for riding! I’ve done San Diego to Flagstaff and it’s nothing but sun and hot… of course my bike has a motor.
PS. I saw this article and thought of green drivers; http://www.wheels.ca/columns/article/807714 just watch for bikers 😉 They tend to be less friendly than sustainable folks!
PSS. Why are sustainable people so nice?
Hope we cross paths soon Anya.
Sustainable people are so nice because they care, buddy!
PS that link doesn’t work, but we will watch out for those not friendly biker people for sure. Maybe we’ll come across a friendly one after all 😉
Anya & Maria,
I was amazed by the Story of stuff. I remember the first time you have shared this information with me. Thank you for bringing this issue into consciousnesses.
And way to go for the adventure you ladies have entered in.
Looking forward reading, hearing and watching more of the things you are encountering on your way.
warm hugs
Yasmine.
Yasmine,
We will do our best to keep amazing. Keep following.
The amazing team.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your site provided us with valuable information to work on.
You’ve done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.