100 Mile Diet 2nd half

On page 5 James said “I think we should try eating local food for a year”. At the time, it seemed like a daunting task, not only for them as participants but for myself as a reader. Just like before a hike you stand at the bottom of a mountain and gaze up thinking of the struggle and heartache ahead. This second half feels like they’ve almost reached the top and have more confidence and know the route ahead is no further than the route they have just travelled

James and Allyssa at home drinking Bacchus getting ready to preserve their corn seemed to come about so swiftly and new situations/challenges they face are being met with optimism rather than worry. This hundred-mile diet also presents and opportunity that we have lost out on, learning. Allyssa was on the phone to her mother talking about how to best preserve the corn and while they made the mistake waiting a couple hours while sugar broke down into starch, they were eventually able to preserve (although not sure how well it will taste). This transfer of knowledge reminds me of the Secwepemc museum and how we learned that indigenous people had to fight to keep this kind of knowledge alive. One amazing aspect of the 100-mile diet is that it takes ordinary food that we take for granted and makes it seem like a magical delicacy. Through the eyes of Allyssa and James I can begin to imagine how people used to feel when they could procure spices and herbs or tea or even a fresh Orange. An email Allyssa received from Hamish stating fresh ground floor was ready for pickup was met with “I’ve just heard from Hamish Crawford about the possibility of flour… it’s a go! Send in the team” this was such excitement over an ingredient I can drive 5 minutes, and spend ten dollars to procure.

The writing in the second half of this book is like reaching the top of a mountain, the writing styles seems optimistic and hopeful, a second wind. The last sentence in the book best reflects this “the salt is a dazzling white pile, enough to last through another year” hinting to future optimist and hope.

References

Mackinnon J.B. & Smith Alisa (2007). The 100 Mile Diet; A Year of Local Eating. Toronto ON:      Vintage Canada.