That may sound strange, but this area supports the fine arts and the local high school has a digital media program. So the grandson was very involved with it during his final year. He and some friends made a very good short (9 minutes) called "Barely." Excellent video and a fine example of the things we are NOT doing with kids in our test-driven, NCLB-trashed schools in the states. First, if I let kids make a video like this in Cottonwood, I'd be burned at the stake by the evangelical community. The storyline was excellent, the editing was seamless, and the photography was superb. The kids took chances and made their point - and supported it - everything we try to get them to do. Very sophisticated in concept and execution. I wish we had more of this at home. We bought a copy of the DVD just to support the efforts being made in this very small community. And, the grandson, Brendan Keddy, is on his way to film school in Vancouver in the fall - with scholarships for it.
Okay, so from there we went up to this little port called Lund (Diane Elrick - use your Minnesota accent for this!) and rented a tandem kayak for the day. We headed out for the Copeland Island Marine Reserve to paddle, view the sea life, and enjoy the gorgeous sunny day. We saw some incredible starfish colours: deep purple and bright orange. Hopefully the pictures Lee took will come out. There are no sandy beaches here, just lots of rocks, so you have to find just the right spot to beach the kayak to go ashore. We found a couple of places, finally finding the perfect place for lunch - in fact, several people before us have set up a couple of fire rings, seats, and someone left oyster shells with candles in them for future use. By the time we returned to Lund, it was almost 4 pm. We sat at Nancy's Bakery and had coffee and sweets before heading back to Powell River.
When we got back, and after showers to get the salt rings off, Jim and Anita joined us on the deck for a glass (or two or three) of Jim's Ice Wine. Very sweet - but very good. Jim says it is made from grapes that are left on the vines until the first frost, then harvested while they are frozen. Very tasty.
After that, we headed back to Kane's - it's become a favorite - for their dinner special: BBQ ribs. Now, our other favorite is a place called the ShingleMill Bistro - we've been there twice for dinner. The first night I left a bag there - the one I keep my books in. Since I had my reading material here, I didn't notice it's absence. However, when we went back last night for dinner, our waitress from the night before came rushing out to our table with my bag in hand. I was astonished. Everyone we have met here is exceptionally nice. Very helpful, very pleasant, want to know if you are enjoying yourself - where you're from - what you think of Powell River and will you come back. We've had a great stay so far. The next two days will be hiking - and whatever else we decide to do. We paddled 12 miles today, so I think we'll take a few days to recoup. I know my arms can feel it - though not as bad as the other day.
Well, it is now 9:15 pm, it is still sunny - but it's a spectacular sunset that Lee is taking pictures of for me to post later. Hope everyone is happy and healthy and staying away from the fires.
Until tomorrow. ds
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