My Twisted Writer Brain…

Writer Off Grid–What You Can Learn When You Take a Break

Faye Arcand

With the Covid-19 lockdown and subsequent isolation I started to go stir-crazy. My big trips to the grocery store just weren’t cutting it for me. I needed a change of scenery but really where do you go in the middle of a pandemic?

Hmm… we live in Western Canada so we could go to Vancouver where there’s lots of family but we’re trying to keep our contact bubble small. We just wanted to get outta Dodge, so to speak, and not go visiting.

We’re only about an hour north of the US border, so our next clear go-to would normally be the USA–We love to toodle down to the States to poke around in antique stores and local points of interest.

We have family in Washington and Nebraska and friends spread out across the country but alas due to Covid 19 the border is closed…yup locked up tight–no coming or going.

Soooo…..

Let’s go camping. Yeah, that’s it.

The decision was made. Insurance put onto the motor home and all packed up –let’s go. We had no idea if any campsites were even open but thought we’d wing it and have an adventure.

And we did! We grabbed our Tim’s and hit the road. Piper got a little close to the muffins but they were saved in the end. xoxo We went about three hours north to beautiful Mabel Lake. Stunningly green, lush–so fresh and beautiful.https://mabellake.com/resort/

My Camping Socks! You have to have warm toes, right?
Well, we arrived. Such good subjects staying so still and silent.

Doesn’t this look like a nice place to spend a couple of days. Nearby there’s a golf course which hubby went to a couple of times. I finished reading a writer friend’s full manuscript and half a YA novel. There’s something to be said about not having the internet. It’s tough and I wouldn’t want to do it for too long but for four days its okay. (Hubby wants you to know he had a couple of great golf games…the swing is still there. whoop whoop!)

  • Oh so good....
    Oh so good….
  • Neccesities! Hand sanitizer and Bug Spray. Both ESSENTIAL!
    Neccesities! Hand sanitizer and Bug Spray. Both ESSENTIAL!
  • Oh the beautiful spring flowers. So beautiful
    Oh the beautiful spring flowers. So beautiful
  • Social distancing at the dock of Mabel Lake.
    Social distancing at the dock of Mabel Lake.
  • Would you want a cabin off grid?
    Would you want a cabin off grid?
Checking things out and getting set to relax.

The one thing that really strikes me as I walk around the area is the green…The area is so rich with every shade of green and then complimented with so many lush plants, trees, and flowers. It reminded me of Vancouver Island–Ucluelet and Tofino areas–very distinctly different but the shared green and natural states are exquisite. https://www.tofinohiking.com

  • I wonder who these people were?
    I wonder who these people were?
  • What happened? Use this a short story prompt...
    What happened? Use this a short story prompt…
A great hike through the rain forest. So fresh and bug filled…lol. Still gorgeous though.

Being out in nature was what I needed. The fresh air and the running from the mosquitos! Eek–lol! It was magical. The thing I needed to focus on was the reset of energy for myself and my writing. Being home so long and cooped up really takes its toll. I’ve still been writing but the challenge to produce quality writing has been difficult in these distracting times.

What do you think of the bench? I looked at it for a long time. Who were Jeff and Jack fast? Were they brothers? lovers? Did they drown? Did they grow old together? And then there’s the memorial cross to Steve Graham–hmm he must’ve really liked the area. Just makes me wonder what their stories are… Of course as a writer the imagination can really take off.

She really does believe she can drive–seriously.

We’re back home. Refreshed and in love with a new area of the province.

I know not everyone has a motorhome to jump into to take off for a couple of days but recharging your batteries and getting some fresh perspective on life can be as simple as going to the park or taking a walk. A change in scenery, for me, is essential in keeping my head clear, inspiration flowing, and a touch of sanity still present.

I hope you find your Mabel Lake.

Published by Faye Arcand

I am a writer and author... A mom, wife, auntie, friend... I am me.

10 thoughts on “Writer Off Grid–What You Can Learn When You Take a Break”

  2. Loved, loved, loved this. Thanks for sharing. I’m inspired to follow your footsteps. Nancy

    Reply

  3. Really enjoyed this post. Will have to get my change of scene vicariously. We don’t have a motor home and with COVID19 spiking in Arizona, won’t take a chance on renting a cabin in the White Mountains (~5 hours from Tucson). Can’t even take a day trip up the mountain here in Tucson. On fire. Big time. Horrendous.
    Envy your location. Been to Vancouver twice. Could live in Stanley Park. Glad you were able to recharge.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Lynn! Yes, vicariously works too. I’ll channel some of the warmth from Arizona up to B.C. where it’s still chilly. lol. So sorry about the darn covid 19 spikes. That sucks. I don’t blame you for staying close to home–and fires to boot! man oh man….Vancouver is beautiful–Stanley Park has been closed to cars now since March. It really is a beautiful area but so is Arizona. I’ve been to Tuscon and smaller towns in the south west. it was our plan to take the motorhome there this fall (oct-nov) and do our first year as snowbirds….it’s not going to happen now sadly.
      Lynn, please stay safe. Thanks so much for commenting. I really appreciate it. xo

      Reply

      1. Thanks so much Lynn! Yes, vicariously works too. I’ll channel some of the warmth from Arizona up to B.C. where it’s still chilly. lol. So sorry about the darn covid 19 spikes. That sucks. I don’t blame you for staying close to home–and fires to boot! man oh man….Vancouver is beautiful–Stanley Park has been closed to cars now since March. It really is a beautiful area but so is Arizona. I’ve been to Tuscon and smaller towns in the south west. it was our plan to take the motorhome there this fall (oct-nov) and do our first year as snowbirds….it’s not going to happen now sadly.
        Lynn, please stay safe. Thanks so much for commenting. I really appreciate it. xo

  4. Oh my! I want to go camping! LOL, with all the rain recently, every time I step outdoors I want to go camping. Was trying to figure out why, with this wet, wet weather, and then realized that the majority of camping I’ve done has ended up being in the rain … especially on Haida Gwaii! I guess the smells of rain, wet soil, green growing things has stirred up good camping memories!

    Reply

    1. Oh Norma! You should really go camping. The rain was welcomed and refreshing. The huge lake that formed outside our door was a bit of a hassle but Michael got good at mopping. lol. I’d so love to go up to the Haida Gwaii and just feel the earth. I can only imagine. One day. xo

      Reply
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