Gabriola Property

Good Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:53:00 +0000

It was late on a rainy afternoon as I headed out for my daily walk. I choose a different route than usual and found myself at the Good Earth market garden. I saw that their garden is far ahead of mine with vegetables almost ready to pick and was reminded that the Gabriola Farmers Market opens for its 14th season this weekend. The Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 10-12 and runs until Thanksgiving. It is very popular and offers fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and local crafts.

The Cottage Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:47:00 +0000

On sunday morning I drove out to Gabriola's Orlebar Point. There across from a beautiful stretch of sandstone beach with a fabulous view of the Entrance Island lighthouse is a delightful little plant stand called The Cottage Garden. I found Pat at work in her great selection of bedding plants. We chatted for a while and I bought a pretty bright purple shade plant called Burgundy Coral Bells and some curled leaf parsley.

How Does My Garden Grow

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Fri, 09 May 2008 04:46:00 +0000

With this beautiful balmy weather we are having it is hard to resist the call of the great outdoors and the little voice in my head that says 'go buy plants'. Lucky us, we have the Wild Rose Garden Centre on Gabriola Island. They literally have all our gardening needs - plants, pots, tools, seeds, fencing, soil, fertilizer and great advice - everything a gardener needs! So off I went to buy bedding plants, there was such a good selection that it was hard to choose. Lobelia, alyssum, dahlias, geraniums, everbearing strawberries - the list goes on, but that's enough for now. I rush home and lovingly pop my treasures into pots, these little gems will be decorating my patio with colorful blooms and juicy berries all summer long!

Easy Exploration

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:17:00 +0000

Spring is a wonderful time to explore Vancouver Island. The weather is balmy and you avoid the crowds of summer. Approximately an hour drive up island from the Gabriola ferry is Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. It is adjacent to the Horne Lake Regional Park Campground. To get to the caves you cross a river via a suspension bridge. About a kilometer up the trail are the lower caves that are open to everyone. The upper larger caves are locked and you can only go in on the guided tours. We stuck to the two lower caves which were very interesting and fun to climb around in. We were with friends who camped with us at the lake. The weather was beautiful, the company was great and the experience was memorable - plus, we pretty well had the place to ourselves!

Time Out

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:57:00 +0000

Two girls, cousins, meeting for steamed milk at the Artworks coffee bar after vigorous exercise on their playround.

Snake Fence

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:00:00 +0000

A common sight on the islands is the split rail fence, it is sensible, easy to assemble and has a certain romance about it. The base ingredient is a small diameter cedar log. The tools, an axe and wedge. Split rails are a great way to utilize the small cedar trees that are removed when developing a property or clearing for a garden, the large cedars are better used for custom milled siding, trims, exposed beams and decking. Assembly can be as simple as just stacking, or more sturdy versions are spiked together. Low fences can enchance gardens and define areas, six foot high fences can keep animals in and deer out. Any way you do it they are very attractive and enchance the rural lifestyle we so enjoy!

Horne Lake Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Lured by the prospect of a couple of sunny days and a break in our work schedule my husband and I headed to Horne Lake, located about an hour north of Nanaimo, for a two day campout. The last time we visited this lake was 25 years ago and it is still the beautiful clear green tinted gem that we remember. The Regional District campground was immaculate with nicely spaced beachfront sites. The adjacent Horne Lake Caves park offers exceptional caving, with or without guides, and the network of logging roads offer miles of hiking opportunity. Best off all are the beaches and crystal clear river swimming holes. I am looking forward to a repeat visit in the heat of the summer, with kids and grandkids in tow!

Daffodil Days

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:36:00 +0000

This exceptional grouping of daffodils is located at the Folklife Village Shopping Center. Every spring there are small patches of yellow at the sides of the road all over Gabriola. The roadside bulbs were planted over a dozen years ago as a result of a community wide initiative, purchased from the cancer society by assorted groups and businesses and planted by volunteers. They are one of the many examples of the community spirit that enriches our lives.

Farming in Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:04:00 +0000

The Hope Center preschool had a field trip today at Paradise Island Farm. The main attraction was the alpacas, dozens of them. The children were each given a cup of sweet feed and allowed to feed the alpacas, chickens and baby goats. Afterwards they went to the farm gift shop and saw how to spin alpaca wool into yarn - beautiful, soft and silky yarn! Each child got to pick a hand made alpaca wool finger puppet for their own. Then back across the street to the school for snacks.

Not Just a Pretty Face

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:03:00 +0000

Sarah and Harley are gentle souls, they live down the road from us on a beautiful 5 acre property and we are thankful to them for the gold mine of fertilizer they provide for our garden. All we need to do is shovel it and with the help of John, our trusty garden tractor we are able to add immeasurable wealth to our little backyard vegetable plot.

On the Shores of Gabriola

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:09:00 +0000

In my line of work I have many opportunities during the course of the week to wander on the sea shore. I show a home, "should we check out the nearest beach?", inevitably the answer is yes. We find the nearest access (there are so many it would be hard to count them all) and for the next 10 minutes I'm on a beach break. Monday it was the beach off Broadview, a lovely little sandy cove where we could hear the barking of the seals. Tuesday it was a little white shell beach in Pilot Bay where the boats tie up to buoys, and a very warm swimming spot in the summer. I love my work, especially the breaks!

A Little Black Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:32:00 +0000

One of my favorite dress shops is The Wooden Hanger on Gabriola Island. There is a wonderful selection of clothes, different from the ones that you see in chain stores. This is a great shop and I find that much of what remains in my wardrobe are pieces that I have bought over the years at this delightful store. The clothes range from casual to dressy, are fashionable, wear well and best of all, comfortable. This time I was looking for a simple dress that could be worn both for work, play or in the evening with a jacket. What better than a little black dress, simple with a little ruffle on the bottom and made out of a washable cotton knit. This one is a keeper!

Shopping Partners

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:10:00 +0000

A town day today for us 3 girls, off to Nanaimo, errands to run, a haircut at a top salon, saw an amazing orchid show, lunch at Saigon Kitchen, and then some shopping. We go into the city 2 or 3 times a month. Nanaimo offers tremendous shopping opportunities. Old Town is walking distance from the ferry and offers boutique and specialty shops, and little eateries. There are numerous shopping malls, costco, home depot, super store and more. A short drive into the country and find farm products of all kinds. We generally come home later than we expect, tired, but satisfied.

Prime Dog Day

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:51:00 +0000

My favorite time of day! My humans are ready to walk. I wait patiently.

It is so enjoyable to be out in the park on this warm sunny day.

It's In the Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:17:00 +0000

Mum and Nana took me to Village Foods today to shop. Nana say it is a wonderful grocery store and I agree. We started in the produce department - so much to choose from, and such pretty colors! Peppers, broccoli, asparagus, carrots and oranges all went into my cart. Next we went to the meat department and I saw bison, local beef, and ground turkey - mum selected local free run chicken breasts. The bakery was next and we got naturally leavened multigrain bread. Then organic eggs and yogurt from the dairy department. And on the way to the checkout we picked up fig bars. I'm looking forward to dinner tonight!

Sunday in the Park

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 03:44:00 +0000

It was another damp day, but warm enough for a light jacket and by afternoon the sun was breaking through the clouds. I headed out for my walk in the mid afternoon and chose the 700 acre park. There are so many trails, both single and double track winding through the woods, that I cover 5 miles with no trouble at all. I pass by two people and a dog. We are so lucky to have these trails.

Coffee Break

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:41:00 +0000

Halfway through the morning and it's time for coffee. We head to Artworks at Folklife Village, fresh brewed for me and latte's for my partners. We share a scone - berry white chocolate, mmm! We relax in the intimate atmosphere of the second story coffee bar. Gabriola offers a number of good locations for meeting over coffee, this is one of our favorites. Renewed we return to work.

Tourists in Our Own Backyard

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:33:00 +0000

I had been working pretty steadily for the past two weeks and felt I needed a couple of days off. The best way for a realtor to have time off is to leave so after discussing this with my husband we decided a camping trip on Vancouver Island would be the most effective use of our time. Just a half hour north from the Gabriola ferry is Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, a beautiful campground and picnic area in old growth forest with a fabulous 2 km sandy beach and numerous little hiking paths. This lovely playground is practically empty at this time of year, very peaceful. We hopped on the 1:20 ferry, drove to Rathtrevor, found a sunny campsite and spent a lovely afternoon soaking up the sun. In the evening we strolled the beach and small trails around the park. The next morning we walked into Parksville for lunch and in the afternoon we drove to the Coombs Market just 15 minutes away and wandered around making small purchases at their marvelous country style store. We bought a small tea pot, some yummy cheese bread, and fresh vegetables. Just another 10 minutes up the road is Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Campground where we camped again in old growth forest, no one else around. We hiked along the river to the impressive upper and lower falls and had another restful evening and leisurely morning, arriving back on Gabriola Island in the early afternoon. This two day excursion was fun and relaxing and a really nice change of pace - all so close to home!

Spring is Sprung

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:10:00 +0000

What a glorious day, a beautiful sunny sunday - spring has finally come!

We worked in the garden, watched the children play, and soaked up some sun. Then a walk in our beautiful 700 acre park and ending with a big family dinner, and the knowledge of more sun on the way - Gabriola truly is paradise!

A Fish Story

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:02:00 +0000

We were drinking coffee this morning when my husband asked "what's for dinner tonight?". Well, I felt like fish and fresh is the only way I like it so I needed to shop.

Gabriola Island offers excellent shopping opportunities and when it comes to seafood my favorite place to visit is Maranatha Fishing and Packing on Coast Road at the south end of the island close to Silva Bay. It is a pleasant 15 minute drive from the north end along tree lined roads and definitely worth the trip. Sylvia is always behind the counter and welcomes us with a smile. They have a good variety of fresh, frozen and smoked seafood - all of it wild and very fresh. They smoke the fish themselves and it is fantastic. Even the kids like to go and insist on a bit of smoked salmon for the ride home.

So I gathered my daughters and grandaughters and off we went.

What's for dinner? Tonight it is fresh wild coho, ling cod and smoked spring salmon. Delicious!

Duty Called Me Back

noreply@blogger.com (Realtor in Paradise) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:39:00 +0000

Every year by December my husband and I are dreaming of blue skies and warm lazy days in an empty desert. Perhaps this is not your definition of paradise but for us it works. We adore the desert and thrive on the quiet and slow pace of life, spending many hours hiking and biking. Some may think that there is nothing in the desert, but that is simply not true. We saw rabbits, coyote, desert squirrels, long horn sheep, lizards, beetles and lots of birds. Even the dryest of deserts have many types of plants and some desert is actually quite lush with palms and small springs.

This year we found that north of the Mexican border only the low desert in California offered the warmth that we so crave without having to drive too far. The coast, the high desert and Arizona were not much warmer than Gabriola Island so we spent 10 weeks exploring Death Valley National Park and the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Both are quite beautiful, sunny, dry and warm with wonderful hiking, fantastic geology and interesting history, plus with all the rain this year (yes, we had a few wet days) there were lots of wild flowers and the cactus were starting bloom.

We would have loved to stay until spring and seen the desert in full bloom but my partners called me back, "the real estate market on Gabriola is starting to heat up and we need your help!"

So I'm back on Gabriola Island and back to work - now we are dreaming of spring, summer and fall in this paradise.