Goats on the Roof and other fun stuff

August 2, 2010


Old Country Market~Coombs, Vancouver Island


The questions....In 1973, "What if we started a fruit stand beside the highway?"  One year later, "What if we sold hamburgers to travelers en route to the west coast?"  Two years after that, "What if we built a market?"  A market was indeed built and that's how this story began.  And later the question was "What if we put goats on the roof?"

Of course, we had fudge~yum~

...and there you have it....Goats on the Roof

Vancouver Island~Chemainus Gallery of Murals

August 1, 2010

A description of Chemainus (just one of the sights Althea and I visited on our Vancouver Island get-a-way)~~~~~~ Protected by the ocean and mountains Made world famous by our outdoor gallery of murals Made world famous by sinking a Boeing 737 for scuba divers Yet so quaint and quiet you will not want to leave.  Enlightened by our culturally rich history.  Enchanted by our beauty and warmth.  Enthralled by our superb live theatre.  Delighted by our diverse dining options.  Invigorated by our variety of recreational options There is something for everyone.  I borrowed from the Internet, of course.  The writer did not lie.

Althea, of course, had been to Chemainus before.  She told me I would love it and I did.  A most imaginative town, I learned that it had a strong will to survive.  After the announcement in 1982 that the major employer in this one industry town, the mill was going to close the coastal community of Chemainus got busy.

Without waiting to hear if the mill would reopen, residents rallied to hold on to the roots they had established here. They beautified the central core. But more was to come. With the remarkable energy and creative vision of resident and businessman Karl Schutz a group of volunteers, and the committed support of the then mayor Graham Bruce and the municipal council, the Festival of Murals Society was born. The downtown was revitalized and introduced to outdoor art gallery of murals. The first town to do this and indeed Chemainus became an example to the world as to how grow tourism via the art of murals. From just five wall murals and lots of spirit in the summer of 1981, Chemainus has struggled, grown and succeeded in literally putting itself on the map.

I can think of some other towns that could use this kind of creativity.  Now onto see some Goats on a Roof.  Althea is a good tour guide.

Vancouver Island in Pictures~Day 1 & 2

July 30, 2010

Althea and I stole away from Powell River and Brian and TaZzi for three days.  We drove the side kick, and of course took many ferries to Vancouver Island   I had been to Victoria years ago for just a short time.  The Island is so much more than Victoria.  Our first stop was to see friends we know in Baja and as you can see from their faces...it was a surprise to them that we were there.  Jim is a builder and they were putting on the final touches for their new home   Love that yellow!.  We only wanted to stop with our greetings since we were right in their area.  It's a lovely property. 

Jim and Leah

Our next stop was in Victoria to see Althea's 97 year mother.  We had a nice long chat with her and I bought some of her note cards that she still creatively makes and sells.  What a together woman and she still is so sharp. 

After we left her, we met up with Althea's brother and sister-in-law (no pictures) at a local pub.  We then took a short drive to their beautiful home.  It was so nice to meet so much of Althea's family.



yep, they look alike!

 Well rested, after spending the night at a hotel in Victoria, we had breakfast in the lobby of the hotel.  A bit more than a Continental breakfast; I'd say, and it was quite satisfying.  Another ferry later, we arrived at our good friends home, Barb and Jim on Salt Springs Island.  We also met them in Mexico.  They are the best hosts and their home is not only lovely and large, but very happily lived in.

Enter Barb and Jim's property



The grands were visiting and they greeted us.



Althea and Jim



My perfect cup of latte .... brewed by Barb and  better than Starbucks!



Barb at her latte magic maker....









Barb flipping those bison burgers and dogs.



Pat & Barb




Like every fun party, we ended with song and piano playing.
Chop Stix!







Everyone Loves a Parade

July 24, 2010

The Powell River Sea Fair Parade, for almost 50 years,  brings out the entire community for fun in the last weeks of July.  I had a blast riding in the parade with Brian in his vintage 1937 McLaughlin Buick, honking that ooga horn and waving to everyone.  Althea didn't want to go this year so I got to.   Hundreds of people lined the streets for floats, music, dancing, horses, the car show, 

The event took place the entire weekend with a superb pot luck dinner for the car clubs.  I met people from all over BC.

They look pretty dramatic in black and white....that's probably how they looked bay in the day down by the ocean in Powell River.

The End or the Beginning?

July 12, 2010 Where are we going today? To the end of the road.  If you're from, or have traveled the west coast ...US, Canada, Mexico....you have, no doubt, been on Highway 101.  It is one of the world's longest highways.  The Pacific Coastal Highway aka Highway 101 stretches 15,020 Kms (9,312 miles) all the way from Castro on Chile's south coast to end in the tiny hamlet of Lund on BC's Sunshine Coast.  Lund is a beautiful and slow half hour drive along the coast from where I'm nesting in Powell River. And that is where we spent a few hours today.  Lund lies on a secluded harbour backed by the magnificent peaks of the Coast Mountains.  So was it the beginning or the end?  Must be the beginning because look at that sign below that says..Mile Zero.               And this sign says "The Start of...no.....the end of  Highway 101.  Looks like they are confused, too.       We ate at the historic refurbished Lund Hotel built in 1889 by Frederick and Charles Thulin, who named the fishing village after the university city of Lund in Sweden.   ..then..... now...... I only took pictures of the appetizers when they were half gone.  As you can see, the shrimp, the oysters, and the salad were quite appetizing. Chelsea (age 19) was our server.  She is from Alaska.  In October she is ...leaving alone.... and is 'hitching' from the beginning to the end......yes, she is hitching to Chile.  With a backpack.  Now, I wouldn't even do that.  Especially at age 19.  She's very personable and I hope she has a safe trip and a great adventure.  I wish her the best.  I told her if I see her, I will pick her up. Chelsea and the other Gypsy! Today Lund is a major stopover for tourists and vacationers.  In the summer the 800 year-round residents increases substantially. .It was once a port for isolated coastal logging operations, and the last stop in civilization for those heading north          Helicopter Pad.....yes, and an over sized chess set. We strolled the boardwalk around the harbour and watched the constant hustle and bustle of the busy little harbour, and visited the arts and crafts shops.......and took lots of pictures.   This coastline has year-round salmon fishing  and there are many charter boats  in Lund and Powell River, guided by experienced captains experienced in finding the ideal fishing hole. There is the Dinner Rock Campground, located directly on the ocean on a bit of a rough road. The recreation site offers basic facilities and campsites, including walk-in and vehicle sites.  This is where you want to be when a full moon lights up Malaspina Strait and shooting stars rain in the night sky.  I hope I'm here for a full moon.  thanks, friends......