Playing Tourist

'MOON SHELLS' - PHOTOART BY MICKI FINDLAY

I love this island. No matter how many times I explore, I always find something new and wonderful. I have been asked by my relatives on the mainland why we don't move there and save ourselves the ferry expense. I tried that once and was miserable. My heart is here and always will be.

I spent this Wednesday with a dear friend and we just hopped in the car and went wherever the spirit moved us. We found a fantastic art gallery in Union Bay called 'Sea-Change Open Studio'. My friend and I were amazed at the unique and innovative creations we saw there, all hand-fashioned by a very talented husband and wife team. The outside is even amazing with funky chairs fashioned out of driftwood and whimsical and dramatic sculptures made from scavenged beach items and clay. What a treat! This photo of the moon shells was taken there. I hope to post a few more from there in the near future.

So we kept on driving, stopping at anything that tweaked our interest. When we talked about whether we should turn around and come home, we decided we weren't quite ready to so off we travelled right up to Campbell River. I discovered that I love Campbell River and realized that I hadn't even been there before. It's a much larger town than I had thought it would be with ocean views, boats and fishing everywhere you go. Definitely my kind of place.

I do love this island and I plan to stay here for a long, long time.

MEMORIES

Story and Photo by Micki Findlay - 'Herring Season' - (To purchase click here) A2SeaPhotography

What is it about the ocean that beckons us? When I close my eyes and think back to some of my favorite memories, so many involve the ocean. To me there is no aroma so intoxicating as fresh, salty sea air blended with that of a distant campfire. I am instantly transported back to a time when all was perfect with the world in a wonderful place called Gibsons, BC where I had been asked to serve as a volunteer chaplain for Cub Scout Camp.

That was a precious time for me on so many levels. I had prepared all my lessons ahead of time so I could take part in as many camp activities as possible and thereby develop relationships with the boys. I went there to teach some life lessons but they ended up teaching me just as much, if not more. For instance, I learned to cook an entire meal over a campfire in a foil pouch, (gotta love that...no dishes), how to steer a canoe (well, almost), how to build a lean-to in the forest, how to catch a fish (and an old boot!) without a rod or reel, how to take part in homemade boat races down a stream, how to sing a hundred silly camp songs, many of which required me to use every muscle in my body and, most importantly, how to discover the best parts of myself.

During the day I played hard and at night, I slept like a baby. I grew to love each and every boy there as they opened their hearts and lives to me. We learned from each other; lessons that were life-changing and eternal.

So now when I go down to the sea I remember. And smile.

A2SeaCreations.com