My Sense of Awe and the Holy Trinity
Just returned from a wonderful vacation on the San Juan Islands in Washington State.
They are located in the northwest corner of the United States between the USA and Canada and include six islands all accesible by ferry. I have been fortunate in my life to travel to a lot of amazing places but the San Juan Islands were definitely one of the most beautiful spots I have ever been in my life.
Sparked by new vegan spirit, I decided last minute that I wanted to challenge myself and go camping alone over the fourth of July.
Since I have never been camping, I choose the Lakedale Resort in Friday Harbor. It is actually called “glamping” (glamorous and camping) because they provide the tent you sleep in. It also includes a comfy bed. OK – don't make fun of me but it was my first time camping by myself and my goal was to get close to nature and not be afraid of camping outside alone. I am happy to say – mission accomplished.
My biggest concern ended up being my diet of course.
I shopped at a supermarket before I reached the ferry and filled a cooler with vegan staples – soy milk, vegetable broth, granola, wheat bread, tofu, veggies and fruit. I also bought a small frying pan with a cover to cook and steam my meals over the fire pit.
I liked having a cooler in my car filled with vegan food. I may try that here. As it turns out, cooking vegan in the wilderness was simple and delicious especially with the holy trinity of spices – chopped serrano pepper, chopped ginger and chopped garlic.
Marinate the spices with the tofu for five minutes. Throw the tofu and spices in the frying pan with your favorite vegetables – fry and add a little vegetable broth (or rice vinegar) and steam until cooked. Voila' done and yummy!
Also, the island was very vegan friendly with more than a half dozen restaurants all offering vegan alternatives including the the Doctor's Office, Maloulas, Pabilitos, Golden Triangle, Backdoor Kitchen and Vinnie's for vegan pizza. I highly recommend visiting this island and staying at the Lakedale Resort. In addition to “glamping” they have rooms in a beautiful lodge on the lake or log cabins and of course bring your own tent camping sites. Great place for kids! The staff are wonderful and very helpful and there is a resident vegan on staff (Kim). If you like the outdoors – this is your place.
Spending that much time alone got me thinking about my life and my choice to become vegan. The most important thing that has happened to me in the last 73 days is that I now have a higher state of consciousness – as if all walls have fallen down and I am in a constant sense of awe. It is a wonderful feeling and I don't want to lose it. Now that my consciousness has become more aware – I feel shock and horror that I have been killing and eating other life everyday for my own pleasure. I can't imagine going back. Wish me luck.
GLAMPING
Beautiful furnishings. Good luck, Nancy! I'll tell you, once it's in your head….I went grocery shopping this weekend and couldn't buy anything that had a face…not even the eggs the chickens laid…I could see their caged faces in my mind. I did go back for them 2 days later, and yogurt may be hardest for me to give up, but it's there, in my consciousness, and I haven't eaten meat, chicken, or fish for over a week, now. I just can't order it.
congratulations Susan – funny you mentioned eggs – my nephew cracked an egg for his son yesterday and it had blood and ….. He said it was a sign to go vegan. Good luck – I am rooting for u and me