Saanichton Christmas 48/4 weeks

Our warm car photo.

This week we decided to participate in a Saanichton Christmas. It is a fun little holiday gathering that we thought seemed like a good idea. Apparently it begins with a pancake breakfast at St. Ann's church. I say apparently because we opted out of that in order to stay in and eat our own oatmeal pancakes, which are divine. If you leave a comment, I will send you the recipe and you will never view pancakes in the same way.

Fresh Cup Roastery; where the fun begins.

Santa and bewildered child.

Local band playing Christmas music while we all noshed on free coffee and cookies.

Upon arrival at the coffee shop, participants pick up a map for the Christmas tree trail. The fun is walking along the area businesses and trying to find their Christmas Tree. This activity was for the children so Mark and I didn't play along but I was witness to many people gently guiding kids to the true location of the tree. Perhaps they were rewarded with a candy cane. Perhaps just the enthusiastic involvement and attention of adults was prize enough. It would be hard not to share the Christmas spirit in the midst of a community party such as this one. And I would imagine curmudgeons just stayed away.

The horse drawn carriage rides. 

Santa delivery system...

Yikes! The only Grinch allowed.

One day we hope to have a lovely child to take along to this event. Even though it was only the Second Annual, I have no doubt it will become a holiday tradition for many people for years to come. And may I add that the Fresh Cup makes the best Egg Nog Latte that this blogger has ever had?

Pickle's Bluff; John Dean Park 47/5 weeks

Hikers poised at the stairs to the lookout.

This hike has us back at our beloved Pickle's Bluff. It is my favorite hike in this portion of Vancouver Island (so far) and one that I have promised to take visitors to whenever they grace our doorstep.
Even though I know that John Dean park closes for winter I continue to choose to hike there in the off-season. This necessitates walking up the long drive to the parking lot in order to hike the trails. I hope when John Dean opens for spring and summer someone will remind me how much I love this park and I will return so that I can DRIVE there and save my energy for the outstanding trails. Here's to hoping that didn't sound too terribly spoiled and now I will just let the photos of this amazing places speak for themselves.

Hillary headed to the Pickle's Bluff trail.

Marlen looking out over the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

Mark; all business coming back down the park.

The view to James Island and the mainland beyond.

No amount of photography has ever done this lookout any justice; you should just go in person.

Sidney BC Waterfront 46/6 weeks

Sidney BC has one of the most picturesque waterfronts around.

For this outing we chose the Sidney waterfront. We had not visited since the addition of a couple of semi-high rises and wanted to see how the waterfront had changed. There is a footpath that hugs the waterfront and it is popular with residents as well as visitors. On this day we were able to stop into the art center at Tulista Park to view the coming Christmas fare. As with any art centre or gallery in this part of the world, we are constantly amazed at the level of creativity and talent of the native population.

Mark and I at the Art Centre showcasing local artists Christmas offerings. 

The footpath winding through the trees before heading back to the waterfront.

Just the other side of the pier is the old pottery kiln site which exploded leaving the area littered with shards.

Constant visitors to the coast of Sidney.

All in all this was a pretty gloomy and misty day. But it is nice to get out and remember that the world contains such breathtaking beauty that it needn't be enjoyed on sunny days only.

Duncan BC 45/7 weeks

Mark and Hillary at the site of the original Duncan Chinatown now immortalized in an streetside gallery. 

There were a couple of reasons to head to Duncan this weekend. Well, three actually;

1. I love Duncan BC and it is always nice to visit.

2. A new photography exhibit opening to commemorate the Chinatown of the past in Duncan.

3. The second annual First Nations Craft fair of the Cowichan bands.

I had looked for the Chinatown remnants in the past but was never able to find anyone who knew where to  look. Im sure this Chinatown was much like any other; defined by a sense of isolation and intolerance. The racism that forced Asians into a ghetto was gently brushed aside when they had something to offer the population at large such as labor, drugs and gambling.

The Chinatown buildings just prior to demolition.

A photo of Chinese residents in the local parade.

We headed to the Cowichan community centre to attend the First Nations craft fair. I was trying to find wool slippers for the girls. Of course I found them but at a price I was unable to afford times three.  It was worth going to the centre though because of all of the totem poles on display.

Here is Hillary trying to insinuate herself into the design.

Mark at the edge of the Cowichan River, the very same from week number 17. 

Hillary just finishing up her coffee and ready to move on to the next adventure; Superstore
in search of oil cured black olives...

Moodyville 44/8 weeks

Moodyville harbour

I will readily admit that I have secretly wanted to live in Moodyville since I first laid eyes on this sleepy little village. Poised at the water's edge it is the oldest portion of Brentwood Bay, the town near our tiny farm where Mark practices traditional chinese medicine.

Im sure this section of town was named after some founding father with the last name of Moody, but it also could have been named for the emotional changes the Inlet can have on you. Being this close to the water in an area of the world where the environment can shift so quickly from sunny and blue sky to overcast grey and foggy must have an effect of your overall outlook.

How wonderful it would be to see this every morning over coffee.

The waterfront path that winds all the way around the village.

This is the park directly adjacent to the ferry ramp and Brentwood Bay Lodge.

One of the many ways the artistic residents show their colors.

And who wouldn't love a tiny library for fellow book lovers!

Mark and Mowgli poised at the top of a street looking down to the harbour.

There are a couple of empty houses looking out over the water as well as building lots available. Given the age of the village and the fact that its not being developed Im sure that I don't even need to look into it to know that I cant afford a home in this sleepy hamlet. Oh well.  I will just continue to enjoy it as a visitor.