Queen of the North

Today I received some distressing news. The BC Ferries vessel, Queen of the North sank this morning. The ship ran a ground, approximately 100 kms away from Prince Rupert along the inside passage near Hartley Bay. Details surrounding this disaster will emerge over the next few weeks. Initial, they were reporting minor injuries and that all crew and passengers accounted for. Hours later they are still unsure about the fate of two workers.

My thoughts are with the families, crew and passengers of all aboard the vessel this morning. Living in the north the QPN and the inside passage route from PR to Port Hardy is close to all of us in some way. We travel it, our friends and family work on board. It will be a day many will not forget.

s.

The Next 12 Months

Planning, Planning, Planning. It seems like things are starting to fall into place for the next 12 months. On tap, is at least one more ski hill show, possibly a stint on BC Ferries, a gig at the Crest and the Rotary Fish dinner. Plus a slew of coffeeshop shows on Vancouver and Queen Charlotte Island. Then shows across Canada throughout the summer. And hopefully a trip to England, Germany and Austria for the Fall and Christmas. It's been a rewarding organizing all of these shows.

I am in Seattle at the moment. Did I say that in my last entry? I am sitting in a Bookstore/ Community Centre/ Food Court that is jam packed with people, smells and interesting things to look. There is a 'Spring Flower Fair' going on and there are little kids running around and crawling under the tables. It's a energizing place to work.

I mentioned in an earlier blog that my van needed to go in for repairs. Not too much damage. My back emergency brake was seized causing the wheel to lock and I had a caliper on the front right that needed to be changed as well. It's all fixed and driving smoothly!

Off to work.

s.

I am a Bad Blogger

My current location is somewhere in the Interior BC. I am heading to Vancouver tomorrow and then on to Seattle later in the week. I have scheduled myself some much required planning time. I am anticipating, that with proper utilization, this down time will propel me into another 6-month tour, that will take me through to the end of the summer. I am aiming for cross Canada.

I have been a horrible journal writer as of late. Mostly due to shows in the vicinity of family, therefore my free time has been prioritized differently. It has been rewarding to my soul!

Recapping, the past month has been fruitful, with well attended shows, solid CD sales and remarkable support from audiences.

This morning I drove away from Sun Peaks Ski Resort after a two night apres ski booking. The snow conditions were fabulous and showed the sign that spring is just around the corner.

I will write a more inspired entry tomorrow. Words are eluding me tonight.

night s.

Prince George, Williams Lake and Regina

This morning I will be hopping a plane to do a couple of shows in Regina. Unfortunately, before that happens I have to get to the Canadian Tire. Last night 'Big Red' decided it needed a piggy-back to the garage. My back tire will not spin...lets hope it's only a seized brake. All in all it could not have been better timing. At least now it can be repaired while I am away and will not interfere with show schedules.

Since returning to Toronto I have played Prince George at Cafe Voltaire and in Williams Lake at the Gecko Tree. I have pics and will post them in a day or two. Lots of cd's sold and superb attendance at the shows. It feels empowering to be doing a solo show again. Just me and my guitar!

Yesterday, prior to the van fiasco, I decided that I will be returning to Toronto for more shows starting May 20th. I am hoping for a full 3 weeks this time. Wow...then it will be festival season. I guess I need to start planning my summer cross Canada tour.

How time flys.