Thar She Blows (again)

More high winds, 70-90KPH, buffeted the Island on Sunday. This time it hit the island square on the coast facing Baynes Sound. This was all well and good until tree branches began bouncing off the front of the house. The glass deck survived, and I think (and hope) this was an unusual occurrence. The roads and yards are full of tree branches and debris and there was lots of evidence of trees that had fallen across some of the roads. As most here own a chainsaw, these are handled quickly... frankly, I'm not sure who would do it if the residents couldn't. All the camping gear, like Coleman stoves and lanterns are being kept close at hand. Some power cable work that was done early last week, apparently didn't take as we have been forewarned that there will be power interruptions over the next week or so. The rains have been torrential at times and our little stream and piddly waterfall have taken on a new look. (see photo) The ferry is currently supplying its own power for the ramp, and even this was on the fritz Monday morning, causing a sailing delay and long lineups.
Speaking of our ferry.... the QUINITSA is scheduled for a major overhaul this winter and will out of service for 4 months. The summer Hornby Island ferry, the Kahloke will take its place. A larger Ferry is used in winter for Hornby, as the seas are too rough in Lambert Channel for the Kahloke .... Which has me wondering, how it will fare should we have another storm similar to the ones we've had over the last week. I also wonder how it will manage to service us as it has a 28 car capacity as opposed to the QUINITSA's 50 car capacity. Denman residents have been asked to avoid using the heavy Hornby use sailings .... should be interesting!

Our first Denman Island Vegan Potluck was on Saturday. Once each month, (except in summer) everyone is invited to bring a vegan dish for a communal dinner and to hear a guest speaker. I thought the meal was surprisingly good. (No, I didn't take the ribs, maybe next time.) The speaker this month was Paul George, a founder of the Canada Wilderness Committee. There was a slide show and an introduction to his new book "BIG TREES, NOT BIG STUMPS" ( and a book signing of course). Kari and I agreed that we'd do this again, with a little more adventure emphasis on the recipe submission.

The Sunday Night Coffee House (or whatever you bring to drink), featured Norman Liota, a classically trained guitarist, that played and sang his stories. I think everyone there was impressed with his amazing skill with the guitar. (Curt would have enjoyed this one) Speaking of which, there is now a link to Curt & Denise's Blog on my link list on the right margin. And click on this link to hear a little of Norman Liota's music.

The bathroom reno is chugging along, with the drywall hung and taped. By the end of the week all the mudding and sanding should be complete with a coat of primer and paint. Sometime this week, I'll have to scout out a new cabinet as the old one could not be saved.