Get the heck out of Dodge

First dip into the Snye. Its was minus 25 C.

The time I spent in Fort McMurray was a little over 2 years. When it came time to leave, I only paused for a moment to think of the few good things that came from that place of isolation. Primarily, I met Nadine, who I was to marry several years later. I had some great times with Robin as well. We both found, at least for a moment, a family bond that I had trouble establishing with other members of my immediate family. We understood each other. But the time came for our paths to part.

I did meet a friend who I keep in touch with, although not nearly as much as I would like. Ben. He has traveled more than most. The eternal bachelor. Ben is originally from Sussex England. Remind me to tell you the story of the jacket. He's a great man with more stories than I will ever have.

I organized a polar bear dip in town to raise money for the heart and stroke foundation. Yes, that's me. I was in the best shape of my life and full of spring in my step. It's good to be crazy from time to time. You'll need these memories when you're old and grey and full of sleep.

I also jumped out of an airplane on a whim. A fellow I worked with talked me into skydiving. What a rush. To be perfectly honest, I was scared senseless, but the adrenaline rush I had after I regained my senses was indescribable. Flying through clouds with a 360 degree view was so amazing. Definitely one for the books.

Born free, as free as the wind blows.

I haven't been back since the police escort out of town and I doubt I shall ever return. I hear all sorts of mentions in the media about that place. All sorts of opinions from people who have never even set foot north of Peace River; environmentalists and oil workers alike. I'm of the mind set, that if you are going to have an opinion on something, you should at least make an attempt to be educated. It's connected by asphalt. Go there, see for your own eyes what is happening in your own back yard before you stand on your soap box and preach. You'll have the respect of many, including mine.

Moving on. I met Nadine at the mall in downtown Ft. Mac. She was working at a retail outlet. I remember walking in to her store simply out of chance and then had to find a reason to return. Repeatedly. We went on a few dates. Had a few laughs and then one summer, she told me she was leaving town. Moving to Edmonton to manage the outlet at the West Edmonton Mall (at the time, the largest mall in north america). Lucky for her, I owned a truck. Guess who asked for help. I loaded up the back of my pickup  and a small Uhaul trailer with her belongings and headed south.

I had a sport bike for a time. A Kawasaki EX500. I rode that bike like I stole it between the two cities. I remember one trip down in September, I left in the evening around 9 pm. The trip was 5 hours by car and 3.5 by bike. On this particular trip I arrived in the wee hours at Nadine's apartment. She had given me a key by that time and I let myself in. I figured she was sleeping. I was so cold and so very tired. I quietly walked into her bedroom and left the lights off. For a moment in the darkness of her room, I thought it looked like there were two people in the bed. Funny thing was, I was so tired, and so cold. I didn't care. I took off my clothes and slipped into bed with her, half expecting for there to be three people sharing a double bed. turns out she liked to pile her pillows next to her while she slept. I wasn't awake long enough to ask.

It wasn't long after, that I followed suit and moved to Edmonton. I originally wanted to find my own place, however the quickness of my found employment and the required nature of needing a place to sleep inevitably placed my residence with Nadine. She'd probably tell you a different story, but this is my blog, you'll have to ask her to get the other version.

October 16 2001

Now as I was young
and easy under the apple boughs
About the lilting house
and happy as the grass was green,
The night above the dingle starry,
Time let me hail and climb
Golden in the heydays of his eyes. - Fern Hill

I have returned to plumbing and am employed by Star Mechanical
here in Edmonton. I started around a week ago at a starting wage
of 14 an hour. Ah how the mighty have fallen. I was making so much
more months ago. I suppose this is for the best. I work with a younger
fellow named Brad. Good natured with poor people skills.

Nadine is feeling better after a long bout with a cold. I think that her 
present employer will be the death of her, She works too hard. We have
been playing with the idea of moving to Calgary next year. Put some
more distance between us and Fort Mac.

I called everyone in my family including my Mother. I have not said a
word to her in a very long time. She mentioned that I should try to get 
in touch with my Brother. I wonder if he thinks of me.

Until tomorrow.

Well, it's late and I really should get to bed.

Sleep well. I'll hopefully see you tomorrow.

Brevis ipsa vita est sed malis fit longior.