We had a great week of living off the “fat of the land”…eating fish, clams, oysters, berries and chanterelles. We even sold Hollyhock $54 worth of mushrooms…and then went out to dinner!!
Lots of hiking and canoeing and swimming in the lake, at Smelt Bay and at Hollyhock. I joined the hiking group for two days and really enjoyed talking to the locals. Thanks so much!
R&J Watt June 01, 2007
We had an amazing, wonderful time. The weather was fantastic and we completely fell in love with Cortes.
Claude, Linda, Morgan & BJ Dosdall from Vancouver, BC August 18, 2007
As usual we had a great getaway. Mixed in some much needed repairs to cabin and road with some much more needed relaxing and hanging out time. First night was too cloudy to see any of the meteor shower, second night much better but by that time the shower was less. Weather has been better and better!! And our dinners are always so much more flavourful here—must be the awe-inspiring sunsets.
We knocked down the remains of the ugly old dock as it was close to falling anyways. Replaced it was a rock inukshuk who, at high tide, appears to walk on water.
Parcheesi championship is tonight as we wind down our week. Hard to believe it’s been 4 years since our last visit! And we celebrated anniversary #21!! on Thursday with dinner out.
Doesn’t get much better. (We miss Nina who had to work)
C. Hartley & Ted McCormick October 11, 2004
So quiet and restorative here. We could really leave things behind and absorb the serenity of these surroundings. Went for hikes everyday – wonderful trails. We look forward to returning.
Del, Terrie, Ella & Colt from Portland, OR June 30, 2005
It was a long way to come, up from Portland, but, as usual, definitely worth it! This was Ella’s first visit – she wasn’t too interested in the ocean, the seals or the swimming, but loved playing with the leaves and grass. We were thinking it would be great for her to have Cortes as a childhood memory. We also brought Colt up this year – his first time to the ocean. It’s been great having him here. We swam and Del and Colt went to the Gorge entrance in the canoe and Green Mountain on a hike with Ella. Colt collected crabs and starfish and we swam at the lake and in the Gorge (very quick swim – cold!) It rained today (the 29th), but the sun is out now and the Gorge is completely still. The days go so fast and we can only get out between Ella’s naps and out stay was short but I feel rested and it’s definitely a slower pace than if we stayed in Vancouver. Two seals are coming close to shore, curious about what Colt and Del are doing! Ella’s sleeping and the sun is going down. A perfect way to end the visit.
Wendy & Michelle from Burnaby, BC August 06, 2005
We just spent five glorious weeks up here and it’s still not enough in this glorious paradise island. The time went so quickly. The first 10 days were cloud and then except for 3 days every single day had been hot and sunny – just like we like it. We didn’t do much except relax, eat great food and fine wine, read, swim, gaze and then do it all over again. We went to Manson’s everyday for some exercise and to run our pooch Millie who learnt how to swim. The cabin as always was just perfect for us – so private and yet so safe. Our Cortes days will take us through the winter. Thanks once again for providing us the opportunity to be here once again – it’s one of the year’s highlights
Kim Cramblett from Seattle, WA August 29, 2005
Two days of saltwater swimming; cold-bracing-tantalizing in my own fleshy buoyant skin. With socks and fins I could fly across the surface almost like a skeeter bug darting after Daniel in his paddle boat. August is the last month for oysters to spawn. The first day I snorkled the water was full of spawn. Lots of heads and tails waiting and floating towards some home to host them while they grow. I harvested five oysters and put them over coals. The first gave me a pearl not much bigger than the well lit pupil of my eye. Three more were warm and luscious going down. Cold salty water, hot hot sun, and now alone here the raindrops fall gently while we sleep.
Sherry, Daniel and Misty the dog Dosdall from Vancouver, BC September 03, 2005
Two weeks at the cabin, so much better than the usual one. Wish we could have had more hot sun but this is the changing time of the summer. Enjoyed having Kim with us for 5 days and company of Marlene. Reconnected with Debbie after 25 years who treated us to a huge amount of prawns and took us out in her boat. Cleaned the cabin well and front windows, also did some interior/exterior painting with free paint from the recycling depot. Hiked Green Mountain about 6 times! Other than really missing my cat I’ve been quite content to be here 2 weeks. Daniel has enjoyed also but is ready to go home Sat. Till spring break or maybe next year then.
Annie, Paul Scout & Skidoo from Delta, BC September 10, 2006
Wow! This place is amazing – a piece of paradise – awesome! Sunny and hot on Thurs and Fri. Fri night rain – sounds wild on metal roof. It is Sat morn now and no power for 12 hours - but that’s ok – adds to the experience. The cabin is funky and the view is awesome. Beautiful sunsets and tranquility. The Gorge Harbour Seal is visiting lots! The dogs love the swimming and so do we! Been to Smelt Bay, Hague Lake, Green Mountain Hike, Easter Bluffs Hike, Hollyhock gardens and beach, Squirrel Cove. The swimming at the cabin is awesome! (I’m stuck on that word aren’t I?) Truly a natural, spiritual experience to relax and inhale clean air.
Doug Dosdall from Vancouver, BC September 05, 2006
I lived on Cortes Island, BC, for two years from the ages of 9 to 11. Getting to Cortes is a little bit of a trek – it’s reached from a ferry from Quadra Island which is itself reached from a ferry from Campbell River halfway up Vancouver Island. So three ferries to get there from Vancouver. 800 people lived there year round when we lived there, probably not so many more now but I’m not sure. My family and two other couples bought an amazing piece of property on 60 acres at Gorge Harbour and moved there in 1975 in a flight from the world which appeared to be disintegrating at the time. They were all involved in the “human growth” movement (“hippies” to the rest of us) attracted to the island in part since it was a center of this due to Cold Mountain Centre (now Hollyhock) which is located on the island.It’s been a long time since I’ve been up here. Over ten years I think. Now that I’m here I don’t know why I waited so long! It’s pretty amazing. And actually the relaxed pace of life reminds me a little of Costa Rica. So my boyfriend Mark, his dog Simon and I headed up on labour day weekend. After we left the island, my dad had a cabin built which speaks so strongly of his personality that you can’t help but be reminded of his creativity and spark wherever you turn. After so many years, the island sure has changed but it’s still got a wonderful vibe. In fact, probably more so as the conflict between the new arrivals and the more established, more conservative islanders that I remember from my childhood has largely disappeared. Now everyone shops at the whole foods co-op. And the WiFi access is great here at the Cortes Market so I can tell you what’s up! Check the link for a few photos.
Home
We had a great week of living off the “fat of the land”…eating fish, clams, oysters, berries and chanterelles. We even sold Hollyhock $54 worth of mushrooms…and then went out to dinner!!
Lots of hiking and canoeing and swimming in the lake, at Smelt Bay and at Hollyhock. I joined the hiking group for two days and really enjoyed talking to the locals. Thanks so much!
We had an amazing, wonderful time. The weather was fantastic and we completely fell in love with Cortes.
As usual we had a great getaway. Mixed in some much needed repairs to cabin and road with some much more needed relaxing and hanging out time. First night was too cloudy to see any of the meteor shower, second night much better but by that time the shower was less. Weather has been better and better!! And our dinners are always so much more flavourful here—must be the awe-inspiring sunsets.
We knocked down the remains of the ugly old dock as it was close to falling anyways. Replaced it was a rock inukshuk who, at high tide, appears to walk on water.
Parcheesi championship is tonight as we wind down our week. Hard to believe it’s been 4 years since our last visit! And we celebrated anniversary #21!! on Thursday with dinner out.
Doesn’t get much better. (We miss Nina who had to work)
So quiet and restorative here. We could really leave things behind and absorb the serenity of these surroundings. Went for hikes everyday – wonderful trails. We look forward to returning.
It was a long way to come, up from Portland, but, as usual, definitely worth it! This was Ella’s first visit – she wasn’t too interested in the ocean, the seals or the swimming, but loved playing with the leaves and grass. We were thinking it would be great for her to have Cortes as a childhood memory. We also brought Colt up this year – his first time to the ocean. It’s been great having him here. We swam and Del and Colt went to the Gorge entrance in the canoe and Green Mountain on a hike with Ella. Colt collected crabs and starfish and we swam at the lake and in the Gorge (very quick swim – cold!) It rained today (the 29th), but the sun is out now and the Gorge is completely still. The days go so fast and we can only get out between Ella’s naps and out stay was short but I feel rested and it’s definitely a slower pace than if we stayed in Vancouver. Two seals are coming close to shore, curious about what Colt and Del are doing! Ella’s sleeping and the sun is going down. A perfect way to end the visit.
We just spent five glorious weeks up here and it’s still not enough in this glorious paradise island. The time went so quickly. The first 10 days were cloud and then except for 3 days every single day had been hot and sunny – just like we like it. We didn’t do much except relax, eat great food and fine wine, read, swim, gaze and then do it all over again. We went to Manson’s everyday for some exercise and to run our pooch Millie who learnt how to swim. The cabin as always was just perfect for us – so private and yet so safe. Our Cortes days will take us through the winter. Thanks once again for providing us the opportunity to be here once again – it’s one of the year’s highlights
Two days of saltwater swimming; cold-bracing-tantalizing in my own fleshy buoyant skin. With socks and fins I could fly across the surface almost like a skeeter bug darting after Daniel in his paddle boat. August is the last month for oysters to spawn. The first day I snorkled the water was full of spawn. Lots of heads and tails waiting and floating towards some home to host them while they grow. I harvested five oysters and put them over coals. The first gave me a pearl not much bigger than the well lit pupil of my eye. Three more were warm and luscious going down. Cold salty water, hot hot sun, and now alone here the raindrops fall gently while we sleep.
Two weeks at the cabin, so much better than the usual one. Wish we could have had more hot sun but this is the changing time of the summer. Enjoyed having Kim with us for 5 days and company of Marlene. Reconnected with Debbie after 25 years who treated us to a huge amount of prawns and took us out in her boat. Cleaned the cabin well and front windows, also did some interior/exterior painting with free paint from the recycling depot. Hiked Green Mountain about 6 times! Other than really missing my cat I’ve been quite content to be here 2 weeks. Daniel has enjoyed also but is ready to go home Sat. Till spring break or maybe next year then.
Wow! This place is amazing – a piece of paradise – awesome! Sunny and hot on Thurs and Fri. Fri night rain – sounds wild on metal roof. It is Sat morn now and no power for 12 hours - but that’s ok – adds to the experience. The cabin is funky and the view is awesome. Beautiful sunsets and tranquility. The Gorge Harbour Seal is visiting lots! The dogs love the swimming and so do we! Been to Smelt Bay, Hague Lake, Green Mountain Hike, Easter Bluffs Hike, Hollyhock gardens and beach, Squirrel Cove. The swimming at the cabin is awesome! (I’m stuck on that word aren’t I?) Truly a natural, spiritual experience to relax and inhale clean air.
I lived on Cortes Island, BC, for two years from the ages of 9 to 11. Getting to Cortes is a little bit of a trek – it’s reached from a ferry from Quadra Island which is itself reached from a ferry from Campbell River halfway up Vancouver Island. So three ferries to get there from Vancouver. 800 people lived there year round when we lived there, probably not so many more now but I’m not sure. My family and two other couples bought an amazing piece of property on 60 acres at Gorge Harbour and moved there in 1975 in a flight from the world which appeared to be disintegrating at the time. They were all involved in the “human growth” movement (“hippies” to the rest of us) attracted to the island in part since it was a center of this due to Cold Mountain Centre (now Hollyhock) which is located on the island.It’s been a long time since I’ve been up here. Over ten years I think. Now that I’m here I don’t know why I waited so long! It’s pretty amazing. And actually the relaxed pace of life reminds me a little of Costa Rica. So my boyfriend Mark, his dog Simon and I headed up on labour day weekend. After we left the island, my dad had a cabin built which speaks so strongly of his personality that you can’t help but be reminded of his creativity and spark wherever you turn. After so many years, the island sure has changed but it’s still got a wonderful vibe. In fact, probably more so as the conflict between the new arrivals and the more established, more conservative islanders that I remember from my childhood has largely disappeared. Now everyone shops at the whole foods co-op. And the WiFi access is great here at the Cortes Market so I can tell you what’s up! Check the link for a few photos.