Entries by Melody Pender
Citizen Scientists of the Southern Gulf Islands
In the Gulf Islands, the sea is a big part of our lives, but what lies underneath the waves is largely unknown. While paddling a kayak and logging GPS coordinates along the east coast of Pender Island, I realized citizen scientists are helping shed light on this mystery. I was part of a dozen volunteers […]
Forest Bathing on Pender Island
With cases surging and lockdowns getting ever stricter, everyone is anxious about Covid-19. There is, however, a surprisingly easy way to relax, to soothe the mind and to forget all those cares, while self-isolating and keeping safe at the same time. Forest bathing, also known as nature therapy or ecotherapy, is the answer. And […]
An Old-Fashioned Apple Bee
It was like being transported back to pioneer days. Apples arrived in boxes and containers, some so heavy they could barely be carried. Under a blue sky on October 31, people — all wearing covid masks — took turns manually cranking the press to make apple juice pour out the bottom. Others peeled and cut apples, […]
Saturna — An Island Lost in a Time Warp
What better place to visit in the middle of a pandemic than Saturna Island? It is like an isle forgotten and with only 370 inhabitants it’s easy to self-isolate. Ferry access is infrequent and many conveniences like banks and Starbucks are completely missing. I explored this island-onto-itself on a sunny summer day on my trusty […]
Scootering around Galiano Island
I’m fighting the Covid blues by exploring each of the southern Gulf Islands on a 49-cc scooter. Last week, I puttered around Galiano Island, reveling in empty roads, great ocean vistas, friendly locals and the amazing natural beauty of this long, narrow isle, all under a blue, sunny sky. After gassing up (only $2.75!!!), I […]
Mayne Island – Jewel of History
Feeling like Easy Rider, I bumped off the Queen of Cumberland at Village Bay, Mayne Island, on my “hog.” OK, it was only a 50cc scooter, but perfect for exploring the 21-sq-km island with its sinuous roads. A short ride led to Felix Jack Park where a carved, cedar Welcome Figure towered, announcing this isle […]
The Fascinating Interface Between Land and Sea
During this covid isolation I’m enjoying spending time in nature. Bays, coves and headlands, that fascinating transition between land and the sea, fascinate me. On Pender and the other southern Gulf Islands, the shores are seldom covered in glistening white sand. Instead, rocky outcrops abound, rows of bleached logs mark the high-tide line and many […]
Wildflowers: Marvels of the Gulf Islands
When skunk cabbages rise in roadside ditches still wet from winter rains, my pulse quickens. The bright yellow flowers appear almost overnight and are like bursts of sunshine signalling that a re-awakening is near. Shortly after, spring sneaks around the corner. I love seeking out quiet nooks adorned by wildflowers. Sometimes I am rewarded by […]
Reconciliation on the Gulf Islands
For centuries, Indigenous peoples have suffered under colonialization. The Truth & Reconciliation Commission report, however, delivered a potent jolt to Canadians. Pender Island and the southern Gulf Islands have listened and provide inspirational examples. Pender initiatives focused on understanding Tsawout First Nation culture and building bridges with them (although the Tsawout no longer live on […]