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Our journey started in West Vancouver at the Horseshoe Ferry terminal. Ferry number one, a three hour trip over to Nanaimo in Vancouver Island. I stood outside braving the cold, blistering wind for a chance to see some whales breaking the water line. No such luck, but we arrive in Nanaimo - a quaint city. The next day, we continue on, a two hour drive up the East end of the island. Trees and small towns on one side, and beautiful muted blue ocean on the other. I couldn’t resist pulling over at least one to take in a breath of fresh air and watch civilization fall away behind me. We reach Campbell River, the site of ferry number two, and we park our car in the bottom decks once again, and make our way to the open-aired top. I am still on the look-out for ocean life. And then it hit me. Breathe. Inhale, exhale slow. “Wow.” I took two steps forward and turned around. I was surrounded by water. The ferry trudged along. Take it all in, I told myself. I was surrounded by raw nature. The sun was low in the sky, a light yellow glow dancing off the ocean water. Was it possible that this overlooked commute could be so beautiful? Small islands scattered around us with tress and jagged rocks. Visibly otherwise untouched. I couldn’t believe I had the privilege of being surrounded by such majestic scenery. I was so overwhelmed with beauty that as we sat in the car to make the next leg of the journey, a wave of gratitude came over me. “Thank you for brining me here.” Ferry number three: on to Cortes Island. Once again, top deck. Sun setting with a darker yellow glow, the wind settled, and the ocean surrounding us. Less islands, this time. “Look over there!” a local called out, jarring me out of my trance. Whales, breaking for air. Breathe. Inhale, exhale slow. I couldn’t imagine making this trip would be so inspiring, beautiful, and filled with gratitude. Each part of the journey took us deeper into nature. As all the layers fell away, so did the expectations of who I needed to be and what I needed to do. And here comes the best part. I overhear that there are these algae, with what I call magical properties. I know that I have a new goal on this trip and once we get to our Airbnb, I set about finding a way to see this phenomena. Apparently, up in this untouched area of ocean there are bioluminescent algae, that, with motion activation will glow a white-blue hue. I knew I had to see this. With the rain bustling on, I request a space on an already full night kayak trip, that may not even run because of the rain. With a stroke of luck, not only is it a-go, but a space opens up for me. We drive down to a small bay protected from the elements. As we set up, it’s cold and wet, but all I can really feel is this overflow of excitement to see the world light up around me. I have no idea what to expect, but I know it’ll be magical. As the light sets, we paddle out into the bay. Next thing I know our instructor is telling us to come close to where there’s seaweed. With the flow of seaweed, it’s easier to see the sparks of light. The light has faded to darkness and we’re paddling around the bay, surrounded by the white-blue hue glow of algae. The rain drops dance on the ocean top, causing the algae to spark as it hits. If you can imagine what it would be to be a water goddess dancing in a glitter lava lamp - that’s what I felt like. Absolute bliss. Surrounding by the magic of nature, it felt like we paddling amongst the stars. As I played with the fleeting specs of flight, I barely noticed the cold of the water and the wind. How could one of natures simplest creatures show us something so spectacular. How can we ever let that go?