What’s one thing that most people hope for when planning a vacation? Good weather, right? It’s always top priority on my travel wish list. So, as we load onto the BC ferry, bound for Langdale, my spirits literally dampen when pellet-size droplets spill from the swollen skies. “Maybe the Sunshine Coast will live up to its name,” my optimistically-minded husband says, from beneath his protective umbrella. “I’ve heard the odds are pretty good.”

He’s absolutely right. It’s reported that this lush 180 kilometer (110 mi) strip of shoreline, sandwiched between Pacific waves and coastal peaks, receives around 2,400 hours of annual sun. Though it’s a little premature to dig out the sun block, my fingers are crossed.

Our island-studded cruise of Howe Sound is scenic and smooth, and by the time we bridge the forty minute waterway my weather wish comes true. A few meager rays break through the thick grey dome above and brighten the adventuresome route that waits ahead.

While some veer into the seaside town of Gibsons, and home of Molly’s Reach, we take the high road. Gnarled arbutus trees and bushy evergreens frame our peek-a-boo ocean views where kayakers, canoeists and sailors ply protected waterways. Land lovers are lured to the Mother lode of ‘grounded’ adventures; nature walks, hiking trails, picnic pull-ins and campgrounds –everything from rustic backwoods sites to lush parks that are packed with amenities.

We coast through the laid-back community of Robert’s Creek, parallel the promenade that rims Davis Bay and tootle along Sechelt’s main drag. This thriving hub that’s well rooted by Coast Salish heritage is linked by a slender isthmus to BC’s mainland. An inland sea, gouged out by the melting ice age 10,000 years ago, fills the gap in between. Today, this tranquil waterway is rated one of the top 100 dive sites in the world, and the sunken HMCS Chaudiere provides a flourishing reef.

Situated at the southern end of this idyllic inlet is Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, just one of the pleasure stops that dot the shoreline. Tall timbers shade the grassy areas and a sandy beachfront skirts the bay. As well being a drawing card for families, kayakers take to these still waters, floatplanes view them from above, and anchored yachts bob here in regal style.

Although it all looks inviting, we keep on trekking –along Halfmoon Bay, beyond the alluring picnic grounds of Coopers Green Regional Park and past the hidden gem of Secret Cove.

Finally we meander into Pender Harbour, a waterfront enclave that collectively unites the communities of Madeira Park, Garden Bay and Irving’s Landing. Inlets are sculpted into the lush shoreline, lakes are carved into the wooded hillsides and islets dot the aquatic perimeters. It’s not surprising that this stunning seascape has been coined ‘Venice of the North.’ We also discover that it’s one epic playground!

Before expending any energy, we re-fuel at the Copper Sky Café and Gallery, a funky eatery that combines home cooking with artisan treasures. With mile-high sandwiches and scrumptious pastry under our belt, we’re ready for action and Andy Cardiff, owner of Malaspina Water Taxi has plenty of it to dish out. He’s been the skipper of his ocean going cruisers and kayaks since 2005 and it’s easy to see he’s in his glory. “I operate year-round, 24/ 7,” he says with a wide grin. “And to me, this kind of work is playtime.”

We could paddle to the untarnished jewel of Jedediah Island where hiking trails weave through old-growth Douglas Fir or cruise to the distant Chatterbox Falls that tumbles from a forty-five meter precipice. But there’s no need to stray that far. The surrounding region not only offers unspoiled beauty but brims over with natural wonders.

With Andy at the helm, we cruise out of the harbor, passing classy hilltop homes and the hiker’s hangout of Mount Daniel. We check out the craggy Indian Islands where eagles, herons and teary-eyed seals provide non-stop entertainment and sidle up to Fearney Bluffs, a 120 meter (400 ft) deep grotto that thrives with sea life. Pictographs etched on granite rock faces depict an ancient story and Agamemnon Channel frames the omnipresent snow tipped peaks. Our final stop is Robert’s Beach on Nelson Island where remnants of an old log cabin still stand. Embracing the setting is crescent-shaped shoreline that’s strewn with storm-tossed driftwood. As well as a hot spot to explore it’s a perfect place to reflect and relax. And like the rest of this two hour tour, leaves us with a sense of awe.

We both love the great outdoors and though the Sunshine Coast is dotted with places to pitch a tent, when it comes to doing the ‘camp thing’ my husband and I don’t quite jive. He’d be quite content to cuddle in a mummy bag of eiderdown, but my spine goes into spasm after sleeping on a mattress of earthy rough stuff. Thanks to our posh eco-style accommodations along the way, more on my wish list is granted.

Even though it’s just minutes from the grid, Sakinaw Lake Lodge feels blissfully removed from civilization. We’re whisked away by an African Queen-like pontoon boat to the far side of the lake where it snuggles into the forested hillside. Two of the guest sanctuaries cantilever over lapping waves. The main cozy cottage that sleeps three, boasts an all-equipped kitchen and the penthouse tent house depicts glamping to a tee. Chiropractic queen beds, crisp Egyptian cotton duvets, comfy Fretted bathrobes –this is my kind of camping!

The property is a labor of love for Garrett and Liza Gabriel, and Garrett’s mother, Donna. “We each have our preferences and talents,” Liza shares. “Donna has the green gardener’s thumb, Garret is the wine guy and I do most of the cooking.”

Bountiful breakfasts are included with each night’s stay and though a communal barbecue, fridge and cooking facilities are available for other meals, guests often opt for the delicious delights ala Liza. It’s hard to turn down her miso-glazed halibut, wasabi mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus, especially when paired with Garret’s recommended vino. Yes, it sure beats baked beans around the campfire!

And this hideaway also offers lots of ways to help burn off those unwanted calories. Balance on a wakeboard, skim the lake on a boat cruise, trek the trails that lace its seven wooded acres –or feel free to follow our lead. Just sit back and relax in the shadow of Hallowell Mountain and enjoy this slice of serenity.

In addition to seclusion, our next eco retreat, literally offers a taste of Desolation.

Jervis Inlet bisects the upper and lower sections of the Sunshine Coast and BC Ferries bridges them together. Our fifty minute scenic cruise is more like a National Geographic slide show and from front row seats the rolling vistas include quiet inlets, lush finger-like fjords and jagged peaks.

From the ferry drop off point at the divers den of Saltery Bay, Highway 101 continues to pave the way. We pass by a strip of verdant parkland that links the hub of Westview with Powell River’s historic Townsite, bisect the recreation jewel of Powell Lake and slink by the Coast Salish village of Sliammon. It’s tempting to stop and survey each scene, but we’re on a mission for more creature comforts. And we soon find them at the end of the road.

The quaint historical fishing village of Lund, founded by the Thulin brothers in 1889, is also the gateway to Desolation Sound. Along with remnants of the Swedish heritage it oozes lots of charm and allure. A boardwalk flanked by a handful of shops and eateries trails down to the hull-filled marina. Whether it’s waiting for the fresh catch to come in or a tour boat to go out, there’s never a dull moment.

Overlooking this waterfront town from its solo rocky bluff is The Sevilla Island Resort, a posh spot that combines pampering perks with treats from the sea. Owners Ian Hobbs and Donna Kaye roll out the red carpet and in the comfort of their cruiser we’re transported to this dream scene. The thirty five hundred square foot treasure delightfully unites flavours of the West Coast with Santa Fe. Gleaming hemlock floors lead us to our handsomely decorated suite, where a colourful duvet drapes the comfy queen bed and flat screen TV provides late night viewing. Thirsty towels and heat lamps warm up the spa style bathroom, and our private deck offers an awesome sea view. The same vista is framed by the twenty four foot high windows of the main floor great room, a faux finished beauty where we can read, relax, watch TV or listen to music.

In the adjacent dining room mealtime magic happens three times a day. Our palates are pleased after the chef savvy line-up; beautifully executed crab cakes precede Sevilla Island Seafood Boats, Ian’s sensational creation of roasted squash that brims over with scallops, salmon, and prawns. After being paired with fine wine it’s topped off with a decadent dessert. We also discover that the breakfasts are just as grand: melt in your mouth blueberry scones and homemade preserves, followed by hearty entrees –ranging from anything and everything omelets to fluffy French toast. Ian and Donna believe a hearty meal is an important start to the day. And in order to check out the abundant sea life that thrives below the lapping waves, you’ll want to be energized.

“I’ve been diving all over the world,” Ian shares, “And the underwater metropolis in this area beats anything I’ve ever seen.” Whether it’s from behind a snorkel and mask or in the comfort of his ocean-worthy cruiser, Ian promises to make your every eco wish come true. Kayak the neighboring islands where you’ll spot seals, eagles, and sea stars. Bike on Savary Island and picnic on a sandy beach, or hike the Sunshine Coast Trail that stretches all the way to Saltery Bay.

Lund’s Terracentric Coastal Adventures also provides tours above and beneath the deep, and on our final day we venture out on a zodiac, with high hopes of spotting some sea life. The sky looks ominous and dark bulbous clouds threaten rain. Once again my fingers are crossed for a little bit of luck.

We cruise up Thulin passage, a slim waterway that separates the mainland from the Copeland Islands and slow down to take photos of stoic cormorants, blue herons and a family of mergansers. Birdlife is prolific in these parts, as is the beauty. Kingfishers, sandpipers, gulls and other migratory species are spotted around the craggy shorelines, evergreen islets and older growth timber. We agree whole-heartedly with Jacques Cousteau that the scenery is second to none.

Terracentric believes that we’re all connected to our natural environment and our guide Christine Hollmann has a wonderful way of integrating eco-education with the stunning surroundings. While paralleling the mainland, we learn about the First Nations people and explorer Captain Vancouver. In shallow bays she shares the symbiotic relationship between otters, sea urchins and kelp. And when checking out lazy sun-bathing seals we discover the importance of keeping our distance. This act of privacy is a guideline that Christine closely adheres to and though we never invade their personal space, we’re able to get a real good glimpse of the sea life that abounds.

As we’re heading back, we have one last performance –a grand finale off to the distant starboard. Jet black torsos break the still surface, revealing their pure white undercarriages before submerging again. They swim at record speeds, darting back and forth, leaping and cresting in unison, creating a riot of rooster tail spray. Though it’s just a feeding frenzy to these Dall’s Porpoise, it’s a synchronized water ballet to us. And as rays of sun slice through the cloudy overcast sky, another wish is granted. The Sunshine Coast –it’s a destination of eco excellence whatever the weather!

If You Go:

Copper Sky Café and Gallery
12904 Madeira Park Road
Madeira Park, BC
Tel: (604) 883-0096 Gallery (604) 883-0098
Email: copperskygallery@dccnet.com

Malaspina Water Taxi & Tours
Tel: 604-989-BOAT (2628)
Email MalaspinaWaterTaxi@gmail.com

Sakinaw Lake Lodge
Tel: 1-604-989-3242 (888) 341-1720
Email: escape@sakinawlakelodge.com

Sevilla Island Resort
Tel: 604-414-6880
Email: info@sevillaislandresort.ca

Terracentric Coastal adventures ltd.
Tel: (604) 483 7900
info@terracentricadventures.com

Sunshine Coast
www.bigpacific.com/

This week Traveling Tales welcomes the freelance travel writer/photographer team of Jane and Brent Cassie, who live in South Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver B.C..

Photos by Brent Cassie:

1. Roberts Beach
2. Saknaw Lake Lodge
3. Owners of the Lodge
4. Fjords of Jervis Inlet
5. Lund
6. Ian Host & Chef
7. Zodiac in bay
8. Seals on rocks
9. Comorants

Wondering where you’d like to spend your summer vacation this year? Try B.C.’s scenic coastal attractions. Enjoy a leisurely family trip, cuddle up in romantic hideaways with your sweetheart, or explore the highways and by-ways in the company of a good friend.

If you have a week, the B.C. Ferries’ CirclePac excursion is a fun sail ‘n drive trip. Catch a ferry from Tsawwassen (Delta) to Swartz Bay (Victoria) or to Duke Point (Nanaimo). Drive Vancouver Island’s east coast up to Comox, ride the ferry over to Powell River, then take the coastal route to Saltery Bay and sail to Earl’s Cove. Wheel along the Sunshine Coast as you head to Gibsons where the Langdale ferry will bring you back to Horseshoe Bay terminal in West Vancouver.

Glide by islands with holiday homes tucked between evergreen forests, watch triangular-sailed boats flit past, click photos of snow-capped peaks glimmering against the sky, and depending on the season, enjoy the thrill of seeing killer whales making their way through the channels.

A few highlights en route:

• Victoria: B.C.’s capital city is charming. Stroll the waterfront, browse the shops on Government Street. Plan a picnic in Beacon Hill Park. Explore the mysterious Orient on a guided tour through Chinatown. Above all don’t miss this year’s special exhibition at The Royal B.C. Museum: on loan from the British Museum is a collection of 300 rare artefacts spanning 1.5 million years of human history. And, of course, no visit to Victoria is complete without a trip to the world-famous Butchart Gardens in all their summer glory.
• Cowichan Valley: Drive north along the scenic Malahat along Highway 1. The Cowichan Valley is now a major wine producing area on Vancouver Island so be sure to sign up for a wine-sampling tour. Enjoy fresh farm produce at restaurants that pride themselves on using locally grown organic fruit, vegetables and herbs.
• Duncan: Sign up for a tour at the Quw’utsun Cultural Centre. Wilson Jr., a Cowichan Band elder, and accomplished story-teller spins intriguing legends, tales and folklore.
• Enjoy a nostalgia trip through history at the B.C. Forest Museum on Highway 1. Kids of all ages get a kick out of riding the train as it clatters merrily along a narrow gauge line through wooded glades, over wooden trestles and past Somenos Lake. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of their resident brown owl snoozing in the trees. Peek into vintage logging bunkhouses and linger in front of archival photographs in the Museum.
• Chemainus is renowned for its murals – a vast outdoor art gallery with its heritage proudly emblazoned on the walls of its streets, restaurants and commercial buildings. Take in a live performance of the musical Oklahoma! at the elegant Chemainus Theatre.
  
• Nanaimo: Stroll the Waterfront Walkway and pop into the newly renovated Museum where the first Nanaimo Bathtub Race bathtub is on display. The town’s old neighbourhood on Fitzwilliam Street is picture postcard pretty: pedestrian cobbled streets flanked by art stores, curios, crafts, books, and perfumed boutiques. Don’t leave town without munching on a Nanaimo Bar.
• Parksville & Qualicum: Immerse yourself in a sensuous environment of scented oils, thermal wraps and soothing rubs with a spa experience at The Grotto (Tigh Na Mara Resort) and then indulge in a epicurean meal at their Treetops Tapas Restaurant. Expensive but worth every cent.
• Laze under an umbrella on the wide sands at Rathtrevor and Qualicum beaches, where the water in summer is sometimes a balmy 20oC. Bike or hike the Parkway Trailway, try spelunking at Horne Lake Caves (kids will love this) or simply go fishin’.
• Mid Island: If the outdoors is your thing, take in the rugged scenery of Englishmen’s River and Little Qualicum Falls, or do a leisurely stroll through MacMillan Bloedel’s Cathedral Grove. Click your camera at the goats on the roof at Coombs Old Country Market, and buy trinkets or curios at the adjoining funky arts and craft shops
• Don’t miss: The World Parrot Refuge in Coombs with over 700 parrots, cockatoos and mackaws. It’s more than just a huge aviary – it’s a place where orphaned or previously abandoned birds joyously socialize with each other (at the top of their voices!) and adore meeting visitors. A moving and unforgettable experience. [EDITOR’S NOTE: The Parrot Refuge in Coombs closed after its owner passed away.]
  
• Comox: A small town with quiet charm. Explore the town’s heritage on a self-guided walking tour. Best kept secret? The captivating Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park with its rustic lodge, nine acres of flowering shrubs, west coast cedars – and resident deer that love posing for pictures.
• En route. The scenery along the forty-minute B.C. Ferries crossing from Saltery Bay to Earl’s Cove, is sheer West Coast panorama: a backdrop of magnificent snow-peaked mountains, with inlets threading between islands that lie fold upon fold, dark green in the foreground and purple or pale blue silhouettes in the distance. The route winds past fish farms and the occasional rustic cabin half hidden in stands of evergreens.
  
• The Sunshine Coast is an enchantment of dappled forest glades, hiking trails, hidden coves and small communities that fringe the coastline. It is also home to an extraordinary range of handicrafts ranging from blown glass, crystal ornaments, wood carvings, enamel ware, pottery, oil and water colour paintings, woven rugs and shawls, and much more! Follow the Purple Banner signs that indicate that an artist’s studio is open to visitors. A mere sampling: Fibreworks Studio & Gallery (housed in a yurt!) near Madeira Park, Blue Dot Art Studio (south of Sechelt), Cutting Edge Stained Glass (Roberts Creek), Fire & Ash Studio (stoneware/porcelain)

• Gibsons Landing: The town catapulted into fame with the TV Series The Beachcomers, and Molly’s Reach restaurant is still an iconic landmark in Lower Gibsons. Several boutiques and art galleries line Marine Drive (Lower Gibsons) including the curiously named Waltzing Whippet, as well as elegant galleries such as the Spirit of Place and Gift of the Eagle. The town has a cornucopia of trendy little restaurants, among them Smitty’s Oyster House where on a summer evening, residents and visitors alike vie to sit elbow-to-elbow at their 27-ft spruce dockside table, while tucking into fresh oysters, mussels, clams and prawns.

Cindy Buis of Artworks Tours loves nothing better than to introduce visitors to the best of Gibsons Landing in a walking tours; she spins anecdotal tales about historical characters and landmarks and drops by art galleries, studios and museums.

IF YOU GO:

B.C. Ferries have launched their swanky new Super Cs vessels: The Coastal Renaissance The Coastal Inspiration, and The Coastal Celebration. Their CirclePac ticket is priced at an affordable level of just under $200 which includes a car, two passengers and two kids under 11 years and is valid for 30 days. www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/circlepac/

Where to Stay:

Favourite picks In Victoria: Sheer luxury and a stunning view of the harbour is yours at Laurel Point Inn, 680 Montreal Street. An easy walk to downtown Victoria. Their award winning chef presides over The Aura restaurant. www.laurelpoint.com/

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of the city. www.magnoliahotel.com/

Abigails combines old world appeal and comfort in their boutique B&B. www.abigailshotel.com

The Marco Polo, a small but charming boutique B&B is sequestered in the tranquil Rocklands area of Victoria. Their gourmet breakfast menu is fit for royalty.

Also recommended is Spinnakers Gastro-BrewPub and Guest Houses www.spinnakers.com/

Wineries: Merridale Ciderworks at Cobble Hill – self guided tours and La Pommeraie Bistro www.merridalecider.com

Silverside Farm & Winery, Cobble Hill: Try their blueberry, raspberry and blackberry wines. Call ahead 250-743-9149

Glenterra Vineyards, Cobble Hill www.glenterravineyarads.com

Cherry Point Vineyards and Bistro, Cobble Hill www.cherrypointvineyards.com

In Chemainus: Where to Stay:

The Best Western Chemainus Festival Inn offers comfortable suites with kitchen facilities within easy driving distance of the town centre. A hearty Continental breakfast is included in their room rates. www.festivalinn.ca/

About Chemainus:

www.muraltown.com/ There are several restaurants (dine in or take out) in Chemainus with prices to suit every wallet. In Nanaimo:

Attractions:

The Nanaimo Historic Bastion Museum: www.nanaimomuseum.com/bastionpage.htm

The charming old city quarter shopping area: www.oldcityquarter.com/

The newly renovated Nanaimo Museum is the pride of the town: www.nanaimomuseum.ca/index.html

In Parksville/Qualicum

Where to stay:

Two resort hotels you’ll never want to check out of: Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort:

A newly developed resort on 10.2 acres within walking distance of the beach. Luxury two bedroom suites with fully appointed kitchen and dining area, quality linen, kitchen ware and chinaware also boasts an independent one-bedroom suite for friends or family that accompany you. www.sunriseridge.ca/

Tigh Na Mara Resort (almost adjacent to Sunrise Ridge Resort) has a well-deserved reputation for stylish opulence.
www.tigh-na-mara.com/index.htm
The Grotto Spa: www.grottospa.com/
Tree Top Tapas and Grill: www.tigh-na-mara.com/treetop.htm Attractions – Mid Island: Old Country Market (goats on the roof) at Coombs: www.oldcountrymarket.com/
The Amazing World Parrot Refuge: worldparrotrefuge.org/
MacMillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove): www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/macmillan/

Courtenay/Comox

Where to stay:

Old House Village Hotel & Spa bills itself as a luxury boutique hotel, but offers four-star accommodation with average facilities. Their one-bedroom suites include a pull out sofa-bed and a functional kitchen area. Attractions – Courtenay/Comox: See www.discovercomoxvalley.com/culture/heritage-experience.htm
The charming Filberg Lodge estate: www.filberg.com/

The Sunshine Coast:

Where to Stay:

The Painted Boat Resort Spa and Marina in Madeira Park offer visitors suites that are the ultimate in luxury. Every last detail, from the exquisite interior décor to the furnishings and deluxe kitchen facilities, has been chosen to please the eye and delight the heart. Set in tranquil wooded surroundings with spectacular views across the waterfront, this is an idyllic retreat for romantic couples of all ages. www.crmr.com/paintedboat

For a list of B&Bs and cottages and myriads of stellar attractions along the Sunshine Coast:www.bbsunshinecoast.com

Where to eat: Savoury Bite Restaurant & Pub at Beach Gardens Marina, 7-74 Westminster Street, Powell River
Smitty’s Oyster House in Gibsons: www.smittysoysterhouse.com
Pebbles Restaurant, 5454 Trail Avenue, Sechelt (try their signature clam chowder) Sunshine Coast Art Galleries: Copper Sky Gallery, Madeira Park: www.earthlycreatures.ca
Amazon Earth Works, Halfmoon Bay: www.amazonearthworks.com
Blue Dot Studio, Sechelt: www.bluedotartstudio.com
Fibreworks Studio (in a yurt) www.gunboatbaylodge.com/fibreworks.html
Spirit of Place Gallery, Gibsons: www.barryhaynes.com
Westwind Fine Art Gallery, Gibsons: www.westwindgallery.net Interested in a historical tour of Gibsons Landing? Contact Cindy Buis of Artworks Tours & Framing, 441 Marine Drive, Gibsons Landing at 604-886-1250

PHOTOGRAPHS AND CUTLINES:

1. Riding the Ferry en-route to Nanaimo
2. Chemainus Mural
3. Wendy, owner of World Parrot Refuge in Coombs with one of her lodgers
4. Incomparable B.C. West Coast scenery
5. Cutting Edge Stained Glass studio version of Klimpt painting
6. Yvonne Stowell, owner of Fibre Works Studio & Art Gallery, Madeira Park, Sunshine Coast
7. The view framed by my bedroom window at the Painted Boat Resort Spa and Marina.
8. Cindy Buis of Art Works Tours and Framing

Pender Harbour is a great place to visit by boat and we have always enjoyed the pleasant marinas and boating community. At one time we had an unplanned, extended stay as we awaited a part for our disabled boat and decided it was a great place to be “stuck” for awhile. On this occasion we were looking forward to seeing this coastal community from land. We chose our visit during a recent Thanksgiving weekend after having won an overnight stay at The Painted Boat Resort. With threatening clouds overhead, it didn’t appear that my husband and I would have any sunshine though for this trip to the beautiful Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.

After a leisurely forty-five minute drive up the coast from the Langdale Ferry, we easily found the exquisite resort set amongst the towering fir trees. The air smelt fresh from the shower that had just passed through and the incredible quiet made us wonder if we were the only people there.

Our spacious, comfortable, luxury villa overlooked the tranquil marina. We sat on our balcony enjoying a cup of tea and observed a majestic heron as he stood on the dock like a sentinel guarding the flotilla. The clouds floated away leaving a pleasant evening so we took a leisurely stroll around the well landscaped grounds and inhaled the wholesome, coastal mountain air. It took some getting used to the unfamiliar silence and stillness. Barely a ripple on the water, the boats rested for the night under the watchful eye of the heron who seldom changed position. Dinner at The Restaurant at the Painted Boat was exquisite, both in quality and service. A wonderful Thanksgiving treat made even better by the fact that I didn’t have to cook! After a glass of wine by the fireplace and a steep in the huge soaker tub, I slept like a hibernating bear.

The Painted Boat Resort has an infinity edge pool, a hot tub with a fabulous view of the harbour with its many inlets and a luxury spa with a relaxation patio and waterfall. Many hours could be whiled away at this facility watching the various boats come and go and the eagles soar overhead, while enjoying a soothing massage, facial or pedicure. A few children splashed in the pool and, although it looked inviting, I decided it was too cool outside for me to brave and would stick to my soaker tub for water activity.

We woke up to an enchanting misty morning with the shrouded boats barely visible except for their tall masts poking out from the haze. Reading on the deck, sipping tea and feeling well rested, we were in no hurry to leave. We eventually enjoyed a late breakfast at The Copper Sky Gallery and Café in nearby Madeira Park village where I met Cindy, the friendly owner and a talented artist. While my husband enjoyed his fair trade coffee and homemade blackberry muffin, I did some Christmas shopping. Across the street I met Dale, owner of Blue Waters Books, a delightful book store well stocked with local authors and best sellers. Once again, I was made to feel most welcome, had a nice chat and found a few more Christmas gifts for the book lovers on my list, being sure to pick up a book for myself as well.

It was refreshing to spend time in a small community where you are made to feel like special guests instead of intruding strangers. People actually smiled as we passed them on the street. Perhaps that is why it is called the sunshine coast, not so much because of the weather, but more because of the sunny dispositions of the inhabitants.

We discovered there was something for everyone in the surrounding area; numerous fishing charters, hiking trails, boat rentals and golf courses. The area is well known for its community of artists and there were many galleries and studios where you could visit with the artisans, watch them at their craft and possibly come away with a unique memento of your stay. There happened to be a gallery tour the weekend we were visiting, and since I am not much for sporting activities, I made sure to visit a number of places on the list. A handcrafted, copper, heron pin seemed the perfect item for me.

We headed back to the ferry later that afternoon just as the clouds released torrents of rain they had been saving up. We may not have got any sun but the rain kindly held off until we left for home.

The Painted Boat Resort is an ideal spot for those, like myself, who wish to escape the fast pace of the city but don’t enjoy camping. It proved to be a great get-away in a perfect setting. We had a fabulous time and look forward to returning soon to see if that heron is still standing guard.

To learn more about the Painted Boat www.paintedboat.comand the Sunshine Coast www.sunshinecoastcanada.com

About the author:

Darlene Foster
www.darlenefoster.ca