Shannon Ireland

Hi there. I'm a little Vancouver Islander who's barely been off the island until 2008. A friend of mine moved to the mainland and has given me the mental strength to venture away from the security of my home island.

So far, my accomplishments have been driving onto the ferry (woo), charting unknown territories (cities, parks, lakes), and getting lost of course.

The first major time I got lost I was driving back to the ferry and was consumed in my thoughts. I missed every one of the turn offs and ended up going over a bridge. (Another first for me as this was the biggest bridge I'd ever seen, yet driven over).

I immediately turned into a gas station to ask for directions. I didn't even know what town/city I was in. The cashier didn't know how to get to the ferries from where we were (Coquitlam) which I found totally stupid.

I found a man who, after having a very hard time reading my map, gave me directions that I couldn't understand.

I ended up sitting in my car with my puppy crying and scared. I was almost out of gas, down to my last ten bucks and it was getting dark, which meant I might miss the final sailing if I didn't get on the road fast.

My man phoned to find me nearly hysterical and lost. "I don't know where I am". He tried to calm me down by professing his love and telling me how strong I was to even go off the island and that I coud do this too. But I HAD to start driving!!

After about a half hour, he talked me into getting moving and that's what I did.

I remembered a little of what the first man told me so I followed that until I was lost again, pulled into a gas station and found an angel.

A nice business man who drew me a map, helped me dry my tears and gave me clear directions. I'll never forget him.

I made the last ferry and made it home.

That trip gave me the insight on myself that I AM strong and I CAN travel. It's always been a dream of mine.

So, the adventures began... with the help of GPS.