Butterfly World

We wanted to do something different with the children so we decided to take a trip to Butterfly world in Coombs on Vancouver Island. This was a big hit. We saw butterflies on every bush, snapping turtles in the pond, butterflies swarming ripe bananas, and various terrariums with insects and reptiles displayed. There was also an orchid room with a little stream running through it. Afterwards we visited the Coombs market for lunch at their fabulous bakery and bought various condiments, gifts and local produce. This was an easy and enjoyable day trip.

Coming Home

We are heading back from a bit of shopping in Nanaimo. I always love to see the island from the ferry and the gates of home.

A Safe Harbour

Degnen Bay is located at the south end of Gabriola Island with lovely views of Valdez Island and Gabriola Pass. It is very protected deep water moorage with a combination of Government Wharf, private moorage and deep water anchorage. It is very popular with boaters and there is great diving in the pass. I like to take visitors here as it is a very pretty bay.

Blackberries!

August and September are the months for picking blackberries on Gabriola. On a sunny Sunday we armed ourselves with plastic containers and off we went to the south end where the best blackberry bushes are. In a short time we had more than enough berries for a couple of pies plus some for the freezer. Then we treated ourselves to a swim at Drumbeg Beach.

Everyone Loves a Fair

This weekend was The Vancouver Island Exhibition which is always held at Beban Park in Nanaimo. We spent the day looking at the exhibits, enjoying the animals, watching the horse show and playing at the midway.

Ferries

When you live on an island you know about ferries. And when you live on a small island amongst other small islands just off a larger island you see many sizes. BC Ferries has 3 new made in Germany super C-class vessels. These double ended ferries carry 370 vehicles, 1650 passengers and are Vancouver Island's lifeline to the mainland. They have a service speed of 21 knots and are quite beautiful, especially when lit up at night.

Beach Barbecue

We wanted an evening out so we decided to have hotdogs at the beach at Orlebar Point. The dogs were fantastic fresh off the grill at the sea side. We lounged by the fire in the little stove (a nifty little item made out in Errington from a discarded propane tank) and watched the sun go down.

Whalebone Beach

Whalebone beach has always been one of my favorites. When my children were babies we spent many of our summer afternoons playing on this beautiful sandy beach. At low tide there is a large expanse of compact sand with a shallow tidal pool and little crabs under almost evey rock. The access has been greatly improved and at high tide there is a nice white sandy beach to lounge on while the incoming tide laps at your feet and children swing on the looped hanging rope.

A Building School

At the end of Coast Road on Gabriola Island is a collection of timber frames, the skeletons of future homes and residential buildings. This is the location of the Island School of Building Arts. Their web site says they are the only trade school in BC specializing in teaching both log and timber frame construction skills for the owner/builder. They have a number of courses and offer an exciting opportunity to learn construction skills.