Surrounded by hills.

The light rain and on-coming thunder has washed away the ashes from the nearby forest fires. In the sky, the smoke is clearing. 

Three days into my stay here at Salmon Arm, I realized that we are surrounded by mountains. 

It's quite beautiful, actually. All around, low-profile mountains act as guardians around this quiet, private lake-side town. The bay at the edge of the Shuswap lake is quiet, and the water usually still. 

Looking out, the horizon meets more mountains, forming a doorway in the water, preserving the privacy of this intimate community, and reminds me of being in a quiet little fishing village in rural China. 

But in town, the charming, tidy downtown reminds you that you are still at the heart of civilization. The small shops that lined Lakeshore drive carries productions that actually generates an interest from the passerby. The classic movie theatre carries small-town flare with hollywood-made entertainment. Tonight, I enjoyed a quiet meal of Beef Don and Salmon Roll in a neat Japanese restaurant with Vancouver-quality dishes. 

And best of all, coming here with my car makes all the difference between feeling like stranded in a foreign place versus feeling completely at home in a new environment. The car is my sanctuary, my nest. Climbing inside, I am reminded that I am not here alone, but with the luxury of a trusted sidekick that can carry me wherever I want with ease and excitement. 

It's a comforting reminder of a home away from home. My object of familiarity when everything else is new.