Through the Mountains to the Merritt Walk of Stars

June 9, 2009

I feel like such a globetrotter!  I’ve been from one side of the continent to the other in the past several weeks, but definitely the highlight of my travels was last weekend’s visit to Merritt, B.C. to perform at the 6th Annual Merritt Walk of Stars Gala.

The views in B.C. are absolutely breathtaking – an experience that was completely lost on me the last time I visited the west coast because I was 12 years old and had my nose buried in book #7 of the Anne of Green Gables series.  But this time, I soaked in every second of it…the misty mountains and deep blue ocean views of Vancouver during my flight’s arrival…the breathtakingly stunning drive through the snow-capped peaks and rushing rivers of the coastal mountains (even though we got stuck in a 2-hour traffic jam when an 18-wheeler flipped over on the highway in Chilliwack, I would have sat there for another 2 hours just to take in the view)…and finally the rolling green pine-covered hills of Merritt.

And what a party the folks up there throw.  It really is a small town with a big heart, and they LOVE their country music!  Thanks to a fantastic annual music festival, personalized bronze stars featuring the big names of country music, and a collection of giant murals of legendary musicians’ faces, Merritt has become a central location for country music in Canada, and they welcomed us with open arms.

Not only did I share the stage with Michelle Wright, Aaron Pritchett, Lisa Brokop, Bill Henderson and a host of other talented Canadian artists, I also got to handprint and autograph my very own star for the Walk of Stars, which was a tremendous honour.  So now I can say that no matter where I go, a part of me will always be in beautiful Merritt, B.C.   :)

PREVIOUS JOURNAL ENTRIES