The smoky Rocky’s on the way back to Vancouver, and Frankie waiting at the front door for my sister-in-law to come from work.
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Up Among the Embers
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Climbing higher and higher
Riser after blackened riser
Hovering above the forest fire
In the middle of this smoky mire
Here, beside her charred pyre
Listening to her hallelujah choir
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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025
Leaving Jasper and then going for a scenic ride on Whistlers Skytram.
The Skytram
Driving through the Rocky Mountains
The picturesque scenery through the “Rocky’s” was spectacular
Then after 7 hours on the road, we the see the sunset at Salmon Arm, our overnight destination …
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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025
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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025
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Adjustable
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I have sailed far away
Higher than the calm of Corio Bay
And here I shall stay
In my welcoming chalet
Ably adjusted in every way
Come what may
Until my journey’s closing essay
Unfolds through a Canadian mandala
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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025
Bison on the Prairie at Wainwright
Canadian Army Base, Wainwright
Wainwright Pump Jack
The iconic “Trestle”, straddles the “Battle River”
Barbecue dinner, overlooking “Lake Clear”
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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025
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Fallen Ancestors
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Above
I saw time drift across the sky
Below
I heard a grey waterlogged tree cry
“Is this the graveyard where my
fallen ancestors have been left to die”
There
“Against the sea wall’s merciless granite crown
surrounded by cold water crashing around
Please
“Take my hand, guide me down
so I can cover them with my green nightgown
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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025
Featured Image: Ivor in front of the iconic Hatley Castle (1908)
Cousin Penny and her husband Dave
Pea Hen and a duck on the pond
Above and below images are from the rose garden
The fernery garden
The Japanese garden and pond
Above; The Italian garden area
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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2nd 2025
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Between Today’s Isobars
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Silently the bell rings
Quietly the birds sing
Secretly I hear the forest hum
Discretely I count up the sum
The number of stars
Between today’s isobars
And out beyond Mars
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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025
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Home Away From Home
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On an island under the northern stars
Among the giant evergreen cedars
Within my personal astrodome
Feeling at ease in my home away from home
I am on top of the world
Uncurling my ancient bones, yet unfurled
Giving my weary soul another joyful whirl
In a land covered by forests and berries
Living a dream on an island with magical fairies
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Ivor Steven (c) September 2025
Today, cousin Lynn and I went to the lovely seaside town, Sidney
My cousin with the ‘Statue’ outside Tanner’s Books
The Sidney waterfront
Apartments overlooking the sea and the cafe on the pier
Statues at the waterfront, and me and Mungo
My purchases at Tanner’s Books
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Ivor Steven (c) August 2025
First day was a rest and recover one and get to meet my my cousins and their doggies
Furry cousins, Archie, Mungo, and Kelly, with cousin in law, Robin and his veggie garden.
The view from the veranda deck, where I am writing this article.
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Ivor Steven (c) August 2025
