Spent the afternoon at a café very similar in feel to the bakery in the film Stranger Than Fiction. It is helmed by a young woman who seemed intent on catering to everyone with the same respect and love, focusing on quality, nourishing, REAL food. The thrift store in the back implied a simple ambiance, but the wireless internet signal was strong and free. If you are in Kamloops, visit Ruth’s Café.

After purchasing a lovely tablecloth to add to my merch display and some persuasively cheap books, we left the coffee shop and headed over to Vernon. We stopped in at the Komasket music festival, checked out the tipis which were to shelter us that evening and met some really really fantastic people (Hello Ryan, Rennae, Sam, Katie, Rio, Laurie, Jason, Ashley, J, Saul, Devaki, + + +). Then we drove into town to play.

Our evening at the Talkin’ Donkey in Vernon began quietly. I was concerned because the show was to start in less than half an hour and the place was empty. Thank goodness I had made the mistake of entering the wrong showtime in my tour binder. In this instance I fought the sand in the hourglass and won! An hour and a half later I began my first set and sang to another fine bunch of folks.

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The Extreme Toffee Coffee Donkaccino!

I’m always a little jealous of, and intimidated by, big groups of friends. I’m amazed that a true intimacy can be shared by such a large number of people. Nathan, Tyler and their entire crew made it look so easy, made me think it might be time to leave the hermitage once I return to Winnipeg. Imagine going out every single night of the week! Unfathomable…

Back at Komasket, we finally found the tipi that was set up just for us. The handpainted sign designating our residence was invisible by the light of the moon and I had forgotten the LED light on the keychain in my bag. Luckily Saul came to our rescue and showed us the way.

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My tipi had special powers: it was only visible during daylight!
(Check out the ‘C’ in Cat. It comes complete with ears and tail!)

I tried my hardest to appreciate the experience of sleeping under the stars. I had the luxuries of a mattress beneath me and real sheets and blankets on top, but the chill crept in nonetheless and a fear for my vocal chords contaminated what could have otherwise been a really special night. Oddly, despite my numb toes and clenched voice box, I think I had the best sleep I’d yet had on tour.