Vilcabamba

Almost 20 years ago, while sitting in my dentist’s waiting room, I happened upon a coffee table book, “The Sacred Earth”, with photographs by Canadian photographer Courtney Milnes. While there were many spectacular images from around the world that captured the mystery and grandeur of sacred places; monolithic rocks, secluded forests, valleys, gardens, caves and ruins of the great cities and monuments of anitquity, I was particularly taken by photographs of a valley in the Andes mountains of Ecuador: Vilcabamba, Valley of Longevity.

 

The text described it as follows: “Vilcabamba, Valley of Longevity. Here, hidden away from the mainstream of the twentieth century, lies a valley of magical powers. Vilcabamba offers not only a haven of renewal, but the ultimate gift of long life. Its inhabitants claim that they live to become the oldest people on the planet. The secret is in the trees. Vilcabamba is the Spanish mispronounciation of Whelcapampa, Valley of the Whelca Tree. This miraculous tree, found only in and around this valley, produces particularly rich oxygen, charging the very atmosphere with health-giving properties. And high on a nearby mountainside is a sacred spring to which pilgrims come from around the globe. The stories of the miracles that have occurred at this spring parallel those during the time of Jesus. Some come to live in Vilcabamba simply to remain healthy, and visitors leave feeling one step closer to attaining immortality.”

 

I bought the book and have often been driven, by a strange attraction, to look up the chapter on Vilcabamba.  My resolve to some day go there, surfaced two days before New Year when I spontaneously booked a flight. Arriving on January 2nd I was not disappointed. One of Vilcabamba’s many attractions is the 146,000 hectare Podocapus National Park, much of it pristine, which encloses a diversity of habitats at altitudes ranging from 950 to 3700 feet, with lush ravines, waterfalls and cloud forests. Not surprisingly, it offers an abundance of 3,000 to 4,000 different plant species, 500 birds and a range of large mammals such as the Mountain Tapir, Giant Armadillo, Ocelot, Specacled Bear and Puma. In addition, ruins and remnants of stone pathways are evidence of the connection to the Inca empire. The fact that this remote corner of Equador was the last refuge of the Incas sustains a legend of buried Inca treasure.

 

Most of my time was spent hiking, biking and horse trekking, all of which I like to think of as Eco tourism. I believe that romance, mysteries and legends contribute valuable elements to our lives and connect us to our creative and spiritual sides so, instead of looking for the Inca treasue, I collected pebbles from the Vilcabamba River that I expected to always connect me to the valley in a tangible way. My intention was to send each of you one of these small pebbles with this letter, for deposit it in your piggy bank, as token of good luck and prosperity, but sadly the suitcase containing the pebbles got “lost” on the return flight. No doubt someone else is being very lucky!

 

You have no doubt noticed that I have been drawn to the Green movement of late, especially since my youngest son, Adrian, stood as a Green Party candidate during the last election. Anticipating that both  Canadian and American Governments will be introducing Greener policies in the not too distant future, we are holding a public information forum at 7 p.m. on Tuesday January 20^th for home owners who might be interested in the possibility of reducing energy bills by modernizing their home heating and cooling systems. The expert presenters will be from “Village Technology”, a company that specializes in renewable energy and the location is Carrot Common on the Danforth. We have sent out an e-mail alert about this event but if you would like more information and how to apply for government grants simply call me 416.461.0204. If you did not receive an email alert it means we don’t have your email address. Please send it. 

 

Returning from my trip to Ecuador with heightened curiosity about the “Sacred Earth” author Courtney Milne, I discovered that, not only does he inspire with his artistic photography, he is also a champion crusader for the environment. His sensitive and insightful texts reveal a person who’s life has been an extraordinary journey. To get an appreciation and taste of the art of this great Canadian photographer simply google under Courtney Milne. I’m sure you will find much to enjoy.

P.S. If you have been happy with our services please don't keep us a secret. The greatest compliment you can pay us is to refer us to your friends, family and co-workers who will receive the same level of service and attention. We will express our appreciation for any referral that results in business by a gift of the book “The Sacred Earth”, a book that makes all other large-format photographic books look pale in comparison.

Comments

[Daher Chade]

Mr. Molder,
it was great to read about your trip!
I really admire you not only for being a great entrepreneur, but specially for the outstanding human being you are! And your family is a reflection of that!
Best Regards,