Almost Heaven

Today I drove across West Virginia. I believe West Virginia may be the best evidence we have for the existence of God. I can never wind my way through its mountains without being in awe.

I'm on my way to Canada, to join my brother Glen's sailing team. There is a regatta coming up in Wiarton, Ontario and apparently Glen's team lost its bosun with late notice.

I made an appointment at the border, uploaded my vaccination info into the government apps, got a COVID test (my fourth since the pandemic began), and lit out for Georgian Bay.

I've wanted to crew in a sailing race for years. Not sure why, exactly. It's just a badge I would like to collect for some reason. But I've never made the cut. I've always assumed I was too fat, too slow, too inexperienced to make the team.

I'm not saying these guys strip the fire extinguishers off their boats in order to cut weight, but I am saying they like to win. I've never raced with them--but I have sailed with them (which means I've played cards with them), which means I know how they play. It will be an honor to take a spot on their crew.

Tomorrow I leave the enchantment of West Virginia to cross Pennsylvania and New York.

I hope to enter Canada over the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie--fingers crossed that my COVID results arrive on time...