Musings

Summer - art exhibitions abound indoors and out.  For the 22nd year Art off the Fence showcased amazing
art on South Pender Island at the Church of the Good Shepherd.  Along with good food and great music, 
beautiful artwork drew several hundred visitors to the two day show.  
Below: the crowd at the show alongside one of my sold works:

In its 32nd year, The Sooke Fine Arts Show is taking place NOW - the SFAS opened Friday July 27th
and closes Monday August 6th.  The show offers a breathtaking collection of marvellous artwork. 
Below, the display greeting show visitors; beside it my Leaf Filigree.
(For the first time this year visitors were welcome to take pictures).

The art show in Sooke became an excuse for a short motorhome get-away. Eons ago we were resident
in Victoria for many years but had not visited the Sooke potholes. Luckily we arrived early Friday before
the hordes descended.  It's easy to see why this natural attraction draws both camera buffs and thrill-seekers.  

Saturday we drove north from Sooke to China Beach - from there we hiked to Mystic Beach enjoying
what the Japanese call "forest bathing".  Much of the time our eyes were glued to the ground - no trees were chopped in the building of the Juan de Fuca Trail and there are thousands of trip-able roots - roots that keep
the trees standing and are determined to leave hikers prone!  The middle photo depicts a
representative portion of the trail. 

Two challenging kilometres later we arrived at Mystic Beach, fog bank in the background -
worth the hike.  After a lovely lunch respite we traversed the roots back to our car.  Friends had 
recommended a stop at nearby Foggy Mountain Forge - a fascinating experience worth repeating.

Sunday we travelled across island to Crofton.  That afternoon we watched a self-propelled motorized
hang glider, launching himself airborne from the beach.  Yesterday we drove to nearby Cowichan Bay for
lunch - there is a wonderful historical boat museum situated on the wharf (free).  Fun, too, 
to see the colourful float homes at the marina.

We returned home with happy memories and a new idea for containing potted plants!