Island life is unique. It's sort of a blissful suspension from reality--a remote location only accessible by ferry, a cottage on the ocean with hardly a neighbor to be seen, waking with the dawn and sleeping at dusk, long languid hours in the warm waters of a rocky beach collecting oysters, side-stepping starfish and squishing your toes in the seaweed. The mundane tasks of life are dealt with quickly, absent-mindedly and in mere minutes so that hours can be enjoyed in the sunshine.
This week, I "solo-parented it," packing up Gabriel, Abe and this ever-growing belly of mine in our little car and headed for a friend's cottage on Denman Island, just off the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, a mere 6 hour trip (including two ferries) away. But armed with more snacks than can ever be eaten by three beings, and a handful of tricks up my sleeve, we made it! And it was so worth it. Denman Island, particularly my friend's cottage on Denman, has got be nearly my favorite place on earth!
Abe spent the better part of two days roaming the beach around the cottage, dredging up rocks and cavorting with the three other dogs. Meanwhile Gabriel spent many hours hunting for rocks and sticks to throw into the warm shallow tidal pools that form on the slow incline of slate rock and which are warmed by the heat of the sun to the temperature of a warm bath.
These tiny little critters were all over the place and if you stood still a minute, they would skitter over your toes with their little claws. They were like tiny pedicure machines.
I thought Squamish made Abe the happiest dog around, but being on Denman was a whole new level of dog happiness!
Abe's Denman bestie--Babine!!
Ummmm... I was pretty sure these came in white, but apparently not! Pink, orange and purple! Abe got one stuck on the fur of his two front legs and got himself all tangled up and in a tizzy. Those beautiful creatures sure have some sticky power.
We got to explore Denman's little village center which displays work of many of the local artists, of which the island is filled! It's an artist haven, to be sure. And what better inspiration!
My hostess, Dori and I worked together and completed our Masters with each other. Dori, mother of three boys turned adult men, is no stranger to boys and all their active, busy ways. She is a saint! These two took Gabriel and went off adventuring without me and had a splendid time. They are naturals for sure--both of them!! I admit, I felt quite pampered on our little getaway!
Happy days coolness of the ocean air and in the warmth of good friends. Good-bye sweet haven, until we meet again!
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