Adventure in my life seems to follow a feast and famine cycle – I’m either living in a tent for months on end or sequestered in an office typing out a book. Last week I experienced the mental equivalent of the adventure feast: ideaCity. It’s billed as ‘Canada’s premiere meeting of the minds’ and its theme song, accompanied by a folksy tune and sung karaoke style, says it best: “IdeaCity is a place, where ideas come face to face.”
It’s a little like being back in school, except all the teachers are interesting and the parties are better. We spent 3 days listening to 50 speakers cover a range of topics from astronomy to religion to human rights to adventure. Robert Kennedy Jr. gave us hope for a greener future as he talked about countries that have profited from decarbonization and Obama’s plans to move America down a similar path. Rob Stewart, the producer of the documentary Sharkwater, told us how witnessing illegal shark fishing in the Galapagos sparked his journey to protect the maligned fish. The physician Richard MacDonald talked about fighting for dignified death, and how his peers, fellow octogenarians, are on trial for manslaughter after being arrested in a sting operation by a heavily armed swat team. We even laughed along with Albert Nerenberg, the laughologist who developed the Laughercize – an exercise where everyone laughs themselves to better health.
Colin wasn’t the only adventurer speaking and it was great to finally meet Ray Zahab, a name that may ring a bell with you because he and his team were our featured expedition in January. Ray and two friends sped to the South Pole in 33 days, shattering the previous speed record by 7 days.
It is the kind of event that makes you want to change the world and brings to mind Margaret Mead; “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
But I went away with more than inspiration; I won the raffle and took home a telescope. I’m one of those people who’s never won a thing, not even $10 on a 649 ticket, and so it took a while to get over the shock. It’s the kind of telescope that makes all astronomers, from hardcore to amateur, salivate. When we were rowing across the Atlantic, I spent a lot of time staring at the sky and wishing I knew more about the constellations, and now it appears that ‘my wish upon a falling star’ has come true. And it’s thanks to the Khan Scope Centre and Dr. Jaymie Mathews, UBC professor and mission scientist, who by the way redefined my opinion of rocket scientist when he delivered his talk, more aptly described as a stand-up comedy routine, wearing a spacesuit.
So now that I’m back home, I feel like I should do more, make a difference, change the world. I haven’t quite figured out how I’m going to do that, but I’m going to start by looking at the heavens.
Tags: Dr. Jaymie Mathews · ideaCity · Ray Zahab · Richard MacDonald · Rob Stewart · Robert Kennedy Jr7 Comments
Hello Julie and Colin,
I just finished reading Julie’s book, “Rowboat in a Hurricane,” and watching your movie, “Beyond the Horizon,” and I really enjoyed them both! You two are an amazing couple. Thank you for sharing your inspirational adventure and big hearts with readers and viewers like me.
All the best,
Kristin Jones
Great article. I’d love to learn more about decarbonization.
When is Canada’s independance day? WC
We follow your adventures all the time. At 86 and 88, and still very active, we have to live the wilder adventures through you folks’ Keep it up we love what you do and the way you tell us about it online.
Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you’re up to. Bill and Barb
Hi Julie and Colin,
We attended your presentation on your circumnavigation trip in Kamloops over a year ago. We are wondering if you are going to bring your most recent Rowed show to the interior.
Purchased your book “Beyond the Horizon” and look forward to reading it and visualizing your trip having seen your film presentation previously.
Have a great summer,
Bruce Nelson
Hello you lovebirds!
It has been quite a while since I have sent you a message. Perks of growing ancient perhaps.
Right now my focus is on the adventures of Roz Savage and Sarah Outen. Much more enchanting than even the Indian Ocean Race.
As mentioned once upon a time, I have done much of what you are doing today… alone and with no public communication or support. As a result, I enjoy immensely (vicariously) the adventures and shenanigans you kids immerse yourselves into; first Colin, then the both of you since the join-up in Russia.
And am anticipating the laughs and insights of your pending adventure at Desolation Sound.
Julie, for about 15 years I have been addicted to the website http://www.space.com, and NASA TV since it became available. The physical adventures here on Earth are tangible, but the potential of those in Space are unlimited. The glut of information via space.com could give you a plethora of information and experiments you may be interested in exploring. A very good link through that, for you, could be those regarding Astronomy.
Anywho,, Have a fantastic holiday, saturate your blog with info, and don’t forget the pix.
In faith and confidence, Achates
congratulations on making your way into the Saskatchewan Theatres. I was excited to see the dates in both Regina and Saskatoon! Even though I have moved to BC, i must say my heart is still in SK as this is where i have had most of my greatest outdoor adventures (don’t laugh its true) I am now going to email all my friends and family with these dates so they can enjoy your film
i am excited for the new book and hopefully the film will be in Prince George too
jenn
Colin & Julie,
My girlfriend, Lisanne, and I are big fans of your adventures and we can’t get enough of the books, dvd, and blog.
You are both an inspiration which helped to spark our own adventure as we are currently thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.
The trip has been quite an experience so far. We arrived in Vermont a few days ago after hiking 1,600 miles northbound. Less than 600 to go (New Hampshire and Maine)! Lisanne is doing well despite an ingrown toenail. I am feeling okay even though I have lost about 12 lbs. The legs are stronger than ever! The weather has been a challenge, but we are still in one piece. We hope to make it to Mount Katahdin, Maine by mid August.
We talk a lot while hiking, and recently, the topic of “Which three people in the world would we like to have dinner with?” came up. We both thought that the two of you would join us along with Wayne Gretzky! Just thought you should know that!
Have a great vacation! Take care.
Your East Coast Canadian Friends,
Shawn & Lisanne
(Fredericton, New Brunswick)