About Cowichan Valley, BC

Chemainus BC, Where History, Inventiveness, the Arts and Lumber Jacks, find a common interest and community.

Chemainus BC, an idyllic community located in the Cowichan Valley, about 45 minutes North East of Victoria BC on Amazing Vancouver Island, went from Native community with a protected bay to a logging and mill town, before a major slow down in the lumber industry almost turned it into a ghost town....

The remaining residents decided that they where not going to give up on their town without a fight, and decided on depicting their history, heritage and culture in the 40+ Murals and Sculptures that we now enjoy.

Today Chemainus is one of the must visit day trip destination near Victoria, with a wonderful walking tour that takes you by the 40+ murals, the amazing town core is a trow back to yester-years, with great shopping, food, surprises around every corner and lovely vista's.

Stay for the day and take in some amazing performances at the beautiful Local Theater, we have and loved every minute of visiting Chemainus BC.

We hope you enjoy our little walking tour video, and if and when you have an opportunity, come visit Chemainus BC soon.

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Cowichan, B.C. - A Beautiful Little Community

Recently, we traveled over to Vancouver Island, to visit my daughter. We decided to stay over at a little community near the school, called Cowichan Bay. This is such a charming place, very west coast, and dare I say, "granola".

How would you like to wake up to this view every morning? This was the view from our hotel room. Stunning. In the morning, we wandered down to the local bakery and cheese shop. It was fun to see all the funky, artsy stores, and to smell the wonderful, freshly brewed coffee, and taste the still warm, home made breads.

If you're ever driving down Vancouver Island, don't forget to stop in at Cowichan, located half way between Nanaimo and Victoria.

I love the driftwood banister on these steps.

Back to School – Bitter Sweet

The leaves are turning, it’s starting to rain, the nights are getting chillier, it’s time for children to return to school.

This year, my daughter decided she wanted to change schools. She had been attending a local high school, here in North Vancouver, but she wanted a change. Her sister, Maddy, attended boarding school at Brentwood College on Vancouver Island, and Dominique wanted to follow in her sister’s footsteps, enrolling in grade 11 at Brentwood.

Brentwood is a wonderful school. When I grew up, it was an all-boys school, and “bad” boys were often sent there to get straightened out. Now Brentwood is 50% girls and boys, and excels in academics, rowing, and the arts. The technology in the school is state of the art. Instead of a black board and chalk, a computer screen graces the front of the classroom, where the instructor will jot down notes, show images and much more.

We took the ferry to the Island, and drove down to Brentwood, located at Mill Bay, half way between Nanaimo and Victoria. After settling Dominique into her new house (yes, much like Harry Potter), we strolled over to the brand new cafeteria. I use the word ‘cafeteria’ loosely, because this eating area looks like it belongs in a five star resort somewhere. The new building is LEED certified, and overlooks the ocean and beautiful vistas.

I’m very sad to see my daughter leave home, but I know she’s excited about her new adventure. We talk most nights, and she’s bubbling over with enthusiasm. There’s a little hole in my heart, as I miss her terribly, but I know this is the right thing to do, and I wish her all the best. I’m looking forward to October, when she comes home for Thanksgiving, and we can get caught up.

I hope you enjoy these images of this delightful school.

RUSSELL FARMERS MARKET CHAMANINUS- BC

 

Yesterday was my birthday (my photo created by Coke for my birthday)and Jane and I took the day off .....well half the day off and drove up island to Chemanius BC, about an hour's drive North of Victoria.

 

 

On the way home we stopped for Fresh Veggies just north of Duncan at Russell Farmers Market so Jane could buy some Fresh Veggie to take home for our dinner.

While Jane was shopping I took the opportunity to take a few photos of the colourful Fruit and Veggie's along with some of the Antique Farm equipment they have on display.

Here is my Photobucket sideshow ...Enjoy