There is a rhythm to being on the road. It has a peaceful, calm and untroubled flavor. Settled, without fear and without guile. Out in the countryside, away from the spinning metropolis, we sing Vivere: “to live“. In the cities we salute L’chaim: “to life“. We read: “Fret not“. And with everyone we clink our cups with: “Cheers“. Even in the winter. Especially in the winter!

There are places where folks keep the main thing as the main thing. Eating and drinking … that’s important! Enjoying other people … that’s big. Enjoy the good of your labors … these make a heart merry!

A simple breakfast … or roasted huckleberry salmon … or ricotta stuffed tomatoes … or endless fish n chips. These make for a merry heart. On the road, in a diner, fancy or simple: have the effrontery to live!

Tortuga has spent the winter on the roadways of Montana, Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia. Minus 14 degree (or -25C) to plus 47 degree (8C) weather, lots of snow, it’s been a sassy winter! Audacious even.

And it’s been delightful … with a couple of AirBnB stops in the mix …

… and plenty of stunning places to stay.

It is winter. Time to be shamelessly bold. Cheeky even. With audacity.