Gabriola

Gabriola Island has a number of adjacent smaller islands and is surrounded by very active waterways - ferries and large cargo ships are plying back and forth along with many small fishing craft.

Locals wade looking for mussels but large quantities require a permit.  Many home sites have 5-10 acres of land around them and although there is some land cleared for paddocks the majority is forest.  It is a very creative and artistic place - potter's, painters, writers and every manner of crafts. There's a strong sense of community- everyone seems to know someone although Joyce says she no longer knows everyone.

We drove to Drumbeg Bay and walked along the water edge. There's no sand but rock platforms attract sunbathers. This area has Garry Oaks only found in this part of the island.  Yellow broom is rife here and an invasive pest which local land carers are working to eradicate.

The waters are generally too cold for swimming but the beach is still popular.

We have been staying with friends of Graeme and Joyce at their beautiful home on the coast. The block is a steep one and the garden flows seamlessly into the nearby forest. Sheila and Jim,  truly incredible hosts, have been inspired by Japanese gardens in the creation of their own garden. The simple lines of Japanese ornaments, considered plantings, pathways and sculptures combine. An authentically constructed tea house is central to the design

The newest addition to the garden is a driftwood sculpture of a bald eagle which regularly soar overhead. Jim and his daughter gathered the driftwood and created this majestic bird who looks over the garden and labyrinth which commemorates Sheila's sister.

This is our last day on the island. Tomorrow we reverse our travel back to Vancouver where we stay for 4 nights.

It has been a memorable stay here with Graeme and Joyce and Marg's other brother David and his wife Kate. As we sit on the verandah of Graeme's house (which he built himself) it is like being in a treehouse nestled in the trees - the only sound the drone of bees in the garden and the occasional harsh call of a crow. Just beautiful!