There is a story in every face, and what I love most is discovering that story and sharing it.
My story began 20 years ago when my husband and I left Vancouver and followed a mountainous highway called the Sea-to-Sky. What started as a quick Saturday jaunt through Rusty Bucket to test our new mountain bikes, lead to weekends on Mashiter Trail, the Alice Lake Loop, Rob's Trail and the many veins of the famous Test of Metal.
When I wasn’t biking in Squamish on weekends, weekdays were spent planning the next trip to Squamish to either camp Paradise Valley along Elaho river or to hike the vast trails of Four Lakes, Alice Lake, Brohm Lake and the endless maze that is the Squamish River Estuary.
Fast-forward 13 years and I signed on the dotted line of our first mortgage and proudly named downtown Squamish home. Born and raised in the small town of Peterborough, Ont., it truly felt like I was coming home. That outdoor mountain air just seeped into my soul and didn’t let go.
My Squamish is a colourful bouquet of friends and faces I’ve yet to meet. From musicians whose albums I blast in the car, to blossoming artists whose pictures adorn my walls. I’ve met children through joy, teens through talent, newlyweds, parents o’ plenty, including fur-parents and their pets. Then there are the doctors, dentists, environmentalists, activists, politicians, pastors, athletes, writers, photographers, business owners, beauticians, teachers, homeless and First Nation seniors, to list a few that round out the bouquet.
These days I spend more weekends hiking, kayaking and camping rather than biking. Often I can be found bird watching in the Estuary and scoping out new photography opportunities at Nexen Beach, Ring Creek and along the Cheekye River. Each spot holds memories of those I voyaged with and each photograph represents a fresh new reason to love Squamish.
I work in Vancouver every day and many ask how I manage the commute. My reply is always the same: “With a smile." There is no greater feeling than the tension dripping from my shoulders as I approach the Sea-to-Sky and witness our majestic Howe Sound and Tantalus Range, pass the wonder that is The Stawamus Chief and walk in my front door. It’s simple, it’s tangible and it’s all mine.
I have only just begun to scratch the surface of Squamish. The Sea to Sky Gondola opens May 16, 2014, 2 days before my husband’s birthday. Can’t wait to discover new trails, new views and, hand in hand, celebrate the magnificence that is our hometown. It’s all right there at our fingertips.
— Anne Bright
