I picked up my first rock with purpose in the summer of 1983. I was sitting beside the road in Prince Edward Island on a hitch-hiking journey across Canada when I saw this rock and decided I should keep a memento from each province. I continued to collect sporadically over the years. It became ingrained in me when I hiked the mountain trails around Vancouver, beginning in the early 1990s, bringing a rock home every time.

Crown Mountain, British Columbia

I don’t know where all of the rocks are from, although a few do stand out.

Hot Springs Cove, Vancouver Island

Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Rasafa, Syria

John Street, New York City

The collection continues to grow, maybe around 400 now. More space is needed. I just have to get my partner to agree.