Smithers

I had an appointment this morning.  Meet a reporter in Smithers for a photo –op.  It was a great start to the day but does set a particular tone in the morning that is different than if you are just travelling.  While I was talking to the reporter, a lady overhearing our conversation shared her own mental health story and reminisced about friends who had not received proper treatment when they needed it and now were no longer here.  It is a bittersweet story, very sad that lives have been lost but so hopeful for the future – that we know so much more about mental health today than even a few years ago.  So many people learn to manage their illness and as this topic is discussed more, the knowledge will be shared and fewer lives will be destroyed.

 

The reporter recommended a local pizzeria/bistro (Chatters) which had just started serving breakfast so I went there for some awesome food.  Met a wonderful couple at the next table and talked about what a great place Smithers was to live, so many recreational opportunities, beautiful mountains, friendly people – all true.  We talked about the trip and mental health (funny how that topic keeps popping up) and then it was time for the road.