Karen Rugg

Actually, no. But there's an island named for him up north of Vancouver. There's one named "Hernando," too. Neither part of the great explorer was there. But that doesn't matter to the unusual, entirely non-mainstream residents of this island reachable by ferry or floatplane.

I just got back from a six-day escape there at my sister's cabin on Cortes Island.  People go to amazing places to do amazing things. Like sound healing and body work. There are cool people there, eking out a living in a small place with high prices.

My nephew was at a camp called Power of Hope while we were there. Interesting premise.

 Beautiful scenery. Clear air. People with accents.

But now I'm back in my crazy real world, soaking up TiVo'd episodes of Doctor Who and Stargate Atlantis and The Closer and the Tour de France. And catching up on email and mail-mail. And chatting with friends.

It's amazing how many different ways there are to be in this world.

It's nice to be back exploring in my own backyard.