Gabriola Studio Tour 2008 - October 11, 12, & 13

It’s hard to believe that it is coming up to that time of year again, where for the Thanksgiving weekend the island is a buzz as the artisans open their studios to the public.

As you open your homes to family & friends visiting, it is a great opportunity for them to explore all the talent on this island, and with 1/3 of the artisans being new on the tour this year, it is also a great chance for islanders to go and meet their new neighbors!

This year, over the long weekend, 96 local artists will participate - you will see them creating their work, including furniture, oil, water colour, acrylic, and encaustic paintings, mixed media constructions, pottery & so much more…We have found that the artists are happy to answer questions, share techniques, and a few even do demonstrations to highlight their skills. You will have the chance to view and buy work from each artist.

Tour head quarters is at Artworks, the perfect place to pick up your coffee before heading out on the self guided tour. They will also be featuring a variety of the works so that you can pre-plan your trip. If you stop into Artworks make sure to thank Kathy for all her amazing hard work that she does all year long in prepping, not only for the tour, but celebrating and sharing the works of art & the artisans in our community.So, please join us in enjoying the beautiful fall weather while discovering the wealth of talent that lives and works in our community. Admission is free.

Your participation supports local artists, and is a great opportunity to learn more about their work. Studio hours for the weekend are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., there is a great opportunity to meet the artists this year before the tour on Friday October 10 at the Surf Lodge.

See you on the tour!

Avian Apparition

As the sun set & the skies cleared on Friday night, Degnen Bay was alight with flocks of geese lanterns scattered throughout the Bay. Part of the Elements Festivals celebration of nature in performance, this was truly a spectacular performance.

In the week prior, several Gabriola islanders & tourists took opportunity to learn to create the exquisite geese lanterns at the Commons. On Friday night as it turned to dusk the lanterns were lit and the geese were gracefully scattered by canoe throughout the waters of Degnen Bay. Complete silence fell over the crowd that hugged the Gabriola shoreline gathered to hear the soundtrack that echoed from all corners of the bay including instruments to generate a bird like soundscape.

The evening was magical, and the scenery amazing! A kudos to the many volunteers it took to put this event together!

Firefighters Community BBQ a Huge Success!

Thanks to all the people who came out to support the annual firefighters community BBQ. The Kerplunks were a huge attraction for both kids & parents, their stage set against the shores of Gabriola was spectacular.

Our face painters did an amazing job, there were beautiful roses, butterflies, dragons & Sparky the fire dog - everywhere one looked. Our balloon entertainer, had a stream of kids following his every step!

On the grill Tim & team were cooking up hamburgers & hotdogs as dinner approached. We have to send out both HUGE thanks to Surf Lodge for not only helping facsilitate the whole event, but also having all the food donated through North Douglas - which was amazing.

Many of the islands local businesses got together to donate prizes for the silent auction table, and they were bid up & up, some by family members bidding against their significant others!

The dunk tank was a hit! After being nervous all day, I was so happy when my friend (who kept raising the dunk tank anti) showed up with a very overgenerous donation to by me out of the dunk tank, thanks Kazlowski family , I was so excited I must have told everyone there! Wow, am I blessed with good friends! Then when everyone knew, I watched Caroline a fellow firefighter take her spot on the seat, she was such a leading example, that I followed her lead… I had my husband who was nearly first in line, but I was thankful that his aim wasn’t as good as it normally is on the ball field, so I got dunked but by the kids mostly, and hey after the 5th dunking I was wet anyway for the 6th,7th, 8th & so on…

Thanks to the exceptional photography of Matt Simms, GVFD Firefighter, who took the photo I've posted today of me in the dunk tank (post dunking) & all the photos of the days events which can be viewed online through Budda Belly.

The Surf Lodge staff was exceptional… It was definitely the place to be on Sunday - thanks to all those who came out, who helped out, who passed on the word, who donated - this was a great kick off fundraiser for the community Halloween Fireworks put on by the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department!

Friday Night…

A great venue for Friday evenings on Gabriola is the Surf Lodge. With the new menu both tourists & locals alike are attracted to enjoy all the tempting treats. Or enjoy the Friday night summer feature of a Burger & a Beer on the newly licensed front lawn/patio. The gorgeous setting is situated on what neighbours refer to as Gabriola’s magic mile, and encompasses the panoramic ocean views and spectacular summer sunsets.

Tonight after work we headed down there to take in the setting, in honour of a good friend & colleague who passed away. Even though the years pass by, we remember her & think about her often, she was a mentor & an inspiration to many of the lives she touched.

It was great to see so many people out on a Friday night, and everyone coming together to enjoy the company of friends, good food, very friendly staff & this amazing setting!

If your on the island this summer & looking for breathtaking island scenery & delicious menu try the Surf Lodge. With their newly refinished accommodations you may want to book ahead and make a weekend of it!

The Oceans Glittering Phosphorescence

I love watching the different phases of the moon. In the evenings it can be viewed to the east over top of Valdez Island, as the darkness approaches, the light is amazingly reflected off the waters of Gabriola Passage.

On an island where we have one street light we are used to seeing beautiful star filled skies at night, but near the full moon the island is amazingly lit up by the natural light… No where is this more perfect than walking under the full moon on the rural roads or trails. Or on the water, under the moon light kayaking with the lapping of the ocean against the boat or paddle creates movement to show phosphorescence that sparkles in the lingering sunset - it’s one of the most spectacular summertime activities!

If your on the island this weekend, you may want to contact one of the islands kayak rentals either Jims Kayak rentals or Casa Blanca Kayak rentals & guided tours. See you on the water!

Gabriola Firefighters Fireworks Fundraiser

Bring yourself, your friends, company, visitors, family & appetite to the Surf Lodge this Sunday, 20 July 2008 where the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department will hold their annual community BBQ.

Your local Fire Fighters will be serving up hamburgers, hot dogs & soft drinks, on the Surf’s new patio from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. The event features live entertainment of the Kerplunks, there will be face painting for the kids, and a Silent Auction.. There will also be the opportunity to dunk your favourite fire fighter or local island character in the dunk tank. (I’ve agreed that if the bounty is big enough even I’ll climb in the dunk tank - but it’s got to be a nice donation to make me climb in and get wet!)

Tickets for Hamburgers are $10.00 & $3.00 for kids Hot Dogs, with all net proceeds going to the Fire Fighters Fireworks Fund.

The Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department stages the Halloween fireworks display at Twin Beaches Park each year which is an evening for the community.

Gabriola Ferry Cam

Years after an initial thought of having a ferry line up web camera on Gabriola, it’s now a reality. The camera updates every 30 seconds, so one can check online to see how busy the ferry line up is on the island side. It will be nice for residents to check the ferry line up before heading down there.

Thanks to “the Lunch Bunch,” a small group of retired local residents who meet for lunch once a month & wanted to give something back to the island – and found a way to make this happen.

The web cam is located so it takes a shot down Taylor Bay Road, just as it leaves off North Road concentrating on the “cusp” are for making the ferry.

Thanks to all those involved… So if your in the ferry line up, make sure to smile – you never know who may be watching!!!