Canada Day 2022

In this year's tribute post to our fine country, please join me in wondering -

WHAT IS A COUNTRY?

In this annual Canada Day post, I've included photos that I took in particular places, many while aboard VIA Rail. These photos could have been taken 'anywhere' in Canada - chosen because they're ubiquitous. They're representative of the Canadian landscape. After all, when astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield orbited the Earth, he saw no borders, no people. Democracies teeter today on the brink of rampant nationalism, threatening to undo everything that's been sacrificed throughout their history. Trust in institutions has been devastated. Yet the land remains, not knowing that Canadians still face struggles and triumphs in their daily lives.

WHAT IS A CANADIAN?

We speak different languages, different dialects and have diverse cultural backgrounds. So what binds us together? When we roll out of our racks in the morning, we see the same sunrise, over a panoply of foregrounds: prairies, woodlands, tundra or communities. Above us, only sky.

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY?

Almost unwittingly, Canadians form communities. A family, a city, a neighbourhood, or online ones spanning great distances. Sometimes, cliques and clubs. Communities were meant to bring people in, clubs to keep people out. The weather drives us inside, so we long to get back out whe we can. As part of our culture, we sit on stoops or steps, on porches and galleries. On rooftops and on blankets. 

WHAT IS CULTURE?

Our culture reflects our surroundings. We speak, sing, act and dance in different traditions that are recognizable to ourselves and if we're fortunate, others. Take a look at a roll of fresh sod and you'll see a monoculture. Look at my front lawn and you'll see a true culture: clover, bluegrass, dandelions, ground ivy and even grass here and there. I've grown a cellulose-based Canadian collaboration spread out for all to see and to experience.

WHAT IS COLLABORATION?

At its heart, we strive to build a country that's more than each individual ever could. At the end of the day, we each flop into bed preparing to face the next, or stay awake just a little longer to burn the midnight oil. To the north, the sun never sets and neither does our dedication to make a better day, a better country, a better life.

Happy Canada Day to all Trackside Treasure readers!*

-Eric

*(and Fourth of July to our American Trackside Treasure readers)

(Photos in this post, from top: Moraine Lake - deer; Valemount - lupines; Melville - sunrise; Chauvin - town; Watrous - sky; Nakina - forest; Jasper - river.)