My home is on Vancouver Island, which is the largest island on the west coast of the Americas, and about three times larger than the island of Hawaii. Surrounding our island are many many more smaller islands jutting up out of the ocean. It's a boater's paradise as many of the islands are parks.
Portland Island is one of these. Used by the First Nations peoples, it was then settled by Hawaiian workers brought to the United States. When their contracts were finished, they were unable to purchase land in the USA, so came north to Canada. They planted orchards and farms to provide produce for the residents of surrounding islands. Remnants of the orchards continue to produce apples and pears.
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| A smiling rock |
In 1958 Princess Margaret visited British Columbia and the island was given to her. She gave it back a few years later. There was a scheme to build a luxury hotel on the island, but in the end, it became a national park.
Access to the island is by private boat only, no ferry service offered. We, along with two friends, spent a wonderful day hiking on the island's many trails. The scent of the sun-warmed forest floor filled me with delight. We clambered on rocky beaches and peered into tide pools. We looked up, way up through the forest canopy to the blue sky.
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| Arbutus (arbutus mensiesii), native to the Pacific Northwest |
In places the water looked inviting and tropical, but a hand put into the water soon discouraged any thought of a swim. The water temperature is about 9.5 degrees Celsius. Too cold for me!
After our hike we ate lunch on the boat, cold sliced chicken, French potato salad, Greek salad, and Peach Upside Down Cake for dessert. All very delicious with a spectacular view of water, islands, and sky.
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| The mist is the whale exhaling. |
Late afternoon we began our way back. What fun to see a pair of Orca whales surface just in front of our boat. We cut the throttle, as required by law when so close to these creatures, and watched as they surfaced, blew, and sank again.
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| Whales with the town of Sydney in the background. |
When they disappeared, we began our way again, only to have the whales appear in front of us again. They were going the same way as we were, and we enjoyed watching them for about 30 minutes. Such a treat, especially for our friends who rarely get out on the water.
Beautiful photos, and a place to live
ReplyDeleteI am very glad Portland Island is not developed.
It is very good Canada protects Canada.
What a lovely spot to visit! I'm so glad you shared a bit of history along with your delightful photos. I'm off to find a recipe for French potato salad - it sounds delicious - unless you have one you care to share. Wishing you a beautiful day, Lorrie. xo
ReplyDeleteSuch a delight to have a day on an island that is so private, beautiful woodlands and fascinating wildlife too.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! Wow!
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
You were fortunate to be at the right spot at the right time to see the Orcas. It's a good thing no luxury hotel was ever built on that little island. GM
ReplyDeletewhat a treat to see the whales, especially Orcas.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a treat to enjoy the island with friends and to get the surprise visit from the Orcas!
ReplyDeleteMust have been so nice!
ReplyDeleteI’m always very envious of your corner of the world. It sounds like an idyllic day with whales too! B x
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that the island has been safeguarded and turned into a national park. It is always a thrill to see whales - I have witnessed them several times both here and overseas. It is imperative that we keep our seas safe both for its wildlife and our planet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special thing to happen! I love whales!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness it became a national park to be enjoyed by those who can make their way there. Would have been a shame to overdevelop such a beautiful place. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing adventure! Whales are a favorite of mine and hiking on this island would be amazing too.
ReplyDeleteOh, the anonymous is me, Marilyn
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to visit and how wonderful to see the whales!
ReplyDeleteOh Lorrie -- I loved everything about this post. Did not know about Portland Island and the history (how lucky for your country that the original settlers were able to purchase land there; it kind of doesn't seem sometimes like attitudes down here have improved over the years) . I loved knowing you boated there and your hike sounded wonderful! And of course the Orcas -- could there possibly have been a more perfect outing? Thanks for sharing!@!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that there were so many islands around Vancouver Island. Thank you for letting us tag along your boat adventures!
ReplyDeleteYour day looks absolutely fantastic! I love seeing different parts of the country out of my "zone" and this certainly is incredibly beautiful. The whales are a joyful "dessert' to the day!
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting piece of history regarding Portland Island - all new to me.
ReplyDeleteLove your boat trips - you always seem to have such fun and come across interesting landscapes. A visit from passing Orcas must have been awesome that close - I know your friends were so excited.
What an idyllic place!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing photos from your corner of the world.
Hugs and blessings, Lorrie
Wow! Such a beautiful place to visit with the bonus of seeing those orca whales surface to entertain you! It's amazing how many islands there are to explore!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great experience... to be able to watch the whales so exquisitely.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the photos.
Great summer to you all.
How wonderful to see the Orcas.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan