As some of my friends and family might have suspected, Pavan, Tyler and I all woke up “a little rickety” (as my friend Juergen likes to say). 😆

When my friend Moselle called me to catch up (which unfortunately was interrupted by my phone showing “SOS” and no-wife signal on the Coquihalla) her first words were “you sound tired”. Ahhh … I love that you’re the consummate honest friend, Moselle.

But … like most events in life that come with a little extra wine “it was worth it”.

After morning coffee and more catch up, I headed out on my way. Next stop – Kelowna, BC.

On the road, I finished listening to Jane’s memoir (where me, Julie, Moselle and Christy all got a shout out cameo appearance!!). Today’s drive included more silence with the radio off. A more reflective drive and an opportunity to listen to what my heart was saying. It was easy to do because the drive was beautiful and the internet was not available. But I was so moved by Jane’s story, I needed a bit of time to simply be in the world.

Traffic was terrible leaving Seattle but one thing I love about going through smaller border crossings into Canada are the roads that take you there. They are through farm land and small towns, and I try to imagine what people do in these small towns. Actually, I know that answer having grown up in a small town myself 800 miles from “the big city”. I respect the simple life. But when I was growing up in High Level, I didn’t know the world was bigger than that town, or had so many opportunities. Today is different … yet these small communities still exist (and hopefully thrive). As I get older, I’m more inclined to find places that slow things down versus speed things up. So driving on these backroads and entering a small border crossing, well it suits me just fine.

I’m always grateful when the border patrol says “Welcome Home” and hands me back my Passport. I want to scream “Wahoooooo!” but don’t because those border patrol people are very serious and I don’t want them to change their mind. But inside I’m smiling! BIG TIME!!

The Coquihalla Highway is beautiful but let me tell you something … there is not one Starbucks along the way! There were barely any turn-offs. I don’t know if I saw ANY. And I was looking. Thankfully I was distracted by view until I finally hit the Visitor Center just outside of West Kelowna. I could get out and snap a few photos of the breathtaking landscape.

Before I went to my friend Janice’s, I looked up “wineries nearby” and said “Add Stop“. Hair of the dog?! Ha ha .. Actually I just wanted to sit with my thoughts and reflect on things a little bit before heading to see my friend.

Matthew and Janice are “early to bed and early to rise” which suited me perfectly and gave me time to craft my Day 3 blog, write my gratitudes, do a little reading, and get a good night’s sleep.

Janice – thank you for the delicious spread of locally sourced food and yummy wine. Fun to think back to 2014 when we first met in Kelowna. I love how our lives have criss crossed and weaved together effortlessly over the decade. I feel blessed to have forged a friendship with you over the years.

We didn’t take a picture tonight (I’ll be sure to get one tomorrow!) but funny enough … I pulled up this photo from my very first #SoloRoadTrip … the date on this photo is July 26, 2019. How crazy is that!

Of course we don’t look a day older today then we did back then!

And just to show that I’m no fashionista and maybe need to spend more time updating my wardrobe … I’m actually wearing the exact same outfit that I did that day 5 years ago! AND … as I was dressing this morning, I had a little spidey sense that it might be the case. Same thing when I heard myself say “you should double check that the address in your phone is indeed where Janice stills lives”. Ha! Well, I gave the woman a little scare and a smile since she opened the door and saw someone standing there with a bottle of wine and suitcase in hand!

And this photo was the start of something for both of us. You, a new business. And me, my Women’s Leadership Unconference. God I love making cool memories.