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I agree with Rick, this is a stunner. It makes me so happy to know that you and Tommy were actually out in the woods when this went live. This piece is magic.

As I mentioned to you, this makes me want to get back out camping as soon as possible. You've really captured here what being in the woods does for a person. I sure hope this trip was a great, restorative one. Here's hoping you post a follow-up! 🌲

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Thanks so much for your kinds words, Rob. And thanks again for editing this piece twice before it went live... it was nowhere near this published version before your input. Makes me so happy to hear this inspires you to get back into the woods. It's a wonderful experience, and an increasingly necessary one to stay sane in the modern world. I had a lot of fun writing it so hearing that it touched you means a lot to me.

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For me this is one of your best pieces I've read Jack. Just beautiful. "Our nervous systems, groggily waking up from a thousand years dormant, warily realize that this is where they were born." That sentence so artfully describes the feeling of being in the forest, and your words come from roots that are deep enough to reach me, even here next to the billboards.

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May 12·edited May 12Author

Rick, thank you. That means so much to me coming from you. Knowing how much this connected is really special and broadens the scope of what I may write about in the future... a constant evolution. I appreciate you. And luckily for you, in Vancouver, you are never too far from the forest... a bus or bike ride away from one of Canada's most beautiful landscapes.

P.S. Sorry I haven't been able to attend Saturday story calls. Midday Saturday is tough timing for me as most weekends I have something going on by noon. I do hope to attend in the future.

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Yes, we're incredibly blessed with access to the natural world here. You'll have to visit us one day.

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I would love to. I went back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022 but haven't returned since... feels long overdue already.

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...so cool to see what a great relationship you have with your family...enjoy the woods brother...it's where we are meant to be...

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Thanks Fis, I appreciate you brother. Always brings me a smile to see your name pop up in my notifications. Sorry I haven't been able to attend the gym sessions lately... life has been a whirlwind. Once I land somewhere I hope I can find the time to rejoin. Those calls bring me so much energy.

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...you are welcome anytime good man....appreciating your awesome adventures...keep the whirl winding!...

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May 9Liked by Jack Dixon

Beautifully written, Jack. Evocative to both the mind and the soul. I can hear the silence of the forest, smell the musty air, feel the connections to nature. Escaping back to who you are and where you are from is a glorious experience.

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Thanks Dad. You put it beautifully. Appreciate you reading and leaving your thoughts here, as always. It is indeed a wonderful experience.

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Jack. Thanks for taking me camping with you and Tommy.

This is the truth: “Maybe I’m here not for what this place offers but for all it doesn’t. No opinions or reception or email.”

Congrats to your sister and mom too!

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Thanks, James. The wild might be as rich for what it takes away as for what it offers. Very proud of them... two huge accomplishments! Appreciate you showing up in the comments here, it always means so much to me.

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