Mayne Island Retreat: getting there....

Our island getaway last weekend began with this pile of gear stacked at the end of our walk waiting for my chauffeur Pam to arrive.

Tool box, Tote of clothes, Tote of fabric, Featherweight, Pfaff, cooler, latte supplies and equipment.

Check!

Our early morning drive across Vancouver and out to the ferry terminal was easy peasy - we arrived an hour early (we were a little excited), so there was plenty of time to grab a coffee and enjoy the sun. By 9:10, our inter-island ferry pulled away from the berth and we were off.

There it is! Our destination in the Southern Gulf Islands of B.C. A little gem called Mayne. Since we were first on the boat, we had a front row seat for the door opening.

I thought I'd show you a few pictures of my favourite west coast trees - the Arbutus. I've shown Arbutus shots here before, but I never tire of them. Their bark is incredible and these ancient beauties thrive against the odds our rocky coastal islands. This giant is the tallest one I think I've ever seen - typically they grow all gnarled or leaned over, but not this fella!

There are areas of the island that have been cleared for farming, but most of it is still rainforest and rocky coastline. There are beautiful patterns to be found in the temperate rainforest, like this lichen twin.

The Gulf Islands are also great for fossil hunting in the layers of ancient sedimentary beds exposed a long the beaches.

The much larger Saltspring Island (close by) is known for it's sheep population, but apparently there is at least one wooly resident on Mayne because we met him on a walk.

While we enjoyed our natural surroundings on a few morning walks, there was no mistaking our purpose. All trails lead back to this: RJ's sewing studio. Where the 6 of us worked away on our various projects (at a very civilized pace, I might add. This was a casual, low-pressure weekend away with easy going friends). Just the way I like it!

Sewing/project photos coming up next......