Oh, Deer

The Annual Firefighter's Pancake Breakfast is next Sunday and traditionally a sign is painted on the "graffiti fence" to advertise significant upcoming events on the island. Sometimes these signs are real works of art. This year's sign for the breakfast will tap the talents of Ashley and a friend or two. Saturday, we prepared the canvas.... I'll try to remember to include a picture of the finished product next week.We have little graffiti vandalism on the island.... and when there is, it always seems to be after a music event where tickets have been sold off-island. (subject for a future rant).

Straw Bale House Update: The weather half cooperated this week and we got most of the garage roof completed. There's lots of metal bending involved, (some unintentional while handling the longer sheets.) The 8-12 roof pitch is a challange to walk on and the knots I've learned on the fire dept. have come in handy for tying off a harness. Charlie is by far the most confident roofer and has taken on most of the roof-top work. (The house should be easier with a 6-12 pitch.) Now that we've worked out a system of installation with a crew of three, we'll continue on to the house before going back to install the roof cap and flashings. We can only install the east side of the house as far as the chimney opening as I've been neglectful of having the chimney built beforehand.... but, we did take the time (while it was raining) to "dry fit" the masonry oven core.

While driving by the works yard Friday evening Kari & I noticed a young buck locked behind the fence. I think he thought the situation was reversed as he was quite at ease and feeling quite safe. Monday morning at eight, the gate will be opened, until then he has lots to eat. The young mother deer began to bring their fawns out into the open last week. They are very cute but totally oblivious to people and vehicles. They tend to disobey mom and dart out onto the road. A fatal mistake given the increased tourist traffic that we endure this time of year.

Renewable Energy Denman Island (REDI) has launched their new "Island ride share" website for those looking for a lift to or from the island. Take note those of you who visit us from Victoria and region. I've added a link for future reference on the side bar: Denman Island Links.

There's a protest being organized because of the exorbitant ferry fare increases.... Rock the Boat will take part on July 4th at ferry terminals all over BC's Gulf Islands. I think all Islanders believe that there is a cost to live in paradise, but what's fair?..... The best example I can give is this scenario.... A couple that wants to visit me on Denman and bring their two kids is looking at a $40 bill for an eight minute crossing. The same couple crossing Kootenay Lake to Nelson or Creston, a 35 minute crossing (on a much larger vessel) will cost them $0.00 Also bear in mind that these inland communities are not ferry dependent. they have a road that they can use instead of the ferry crossing. So why the difference? Perhaps it has something to do with the number of voters that live on gulf islands. If the Gulf Islands were a single electoral district.... I beleive things would be quite different. Worth protesting? I think so.