Pender Islands Connectivity
To the left of the bridge - North Pender Island
To the right of the bridge - South Pender Island
The passage used to be a 'portage' for First Nation canoes and later for settlers hailing from other lands, until this bridge was built a few decades ago.
Bridge clearance, maybe 29 feet at low tide. I would have to chop 15 feet of the mast of my boat to fit underneath.
I enjoyed a pleasant walk from the Marina to the bridge today, and took advantage of the
unique public transport system for the return trip.
I waited at one of the 'car-stops', the official hitch hike pick up spots. This one was conveniently located between the local Health Centre (Canadian for Infirmary and Ambulance Service) and a school. Two cars passed, the third stopped. A local gentleman on his way to the brand new island Recycling Centre...dropping off old cans of paint. ..drove me to the 'Driftwood Centre', the hub of shopping activity for both Islands.
The view from the Marina, towards Saturna Island in the background.
The Marina is undergoing much needed upgrades, after it slipped into a bit of decay...Pub and Cafe are 'done', marina office, showers, washrooms, as well as updated electrical system on the docks are still work in progress.
That means - constructions moorage rates are in effect - fine with me.
On the deck of the Port Browning Marina Pub...definitely a room with a view!
I met a couple of the Island's residents:
One, a mother of three, who's children wrote poetry and essays whilst still at school. I read two impressive samples - and wish, that all children would benefit from home and school teachings to end up with not only such an extensive, but also such well used vocabulary as these youngsters.
The woman just bought herself a 24+ or so Eriksen sailboat, which already shows the results of some tender loving care in terms of well done bright work and paint. She is a strong spirit, having overcome a traumatic and injurious assault in one of Vancouver's Parks (the assailant sat out 7 moths out of his 4 year prison term, and immediately returned to his stalking habits..., go figure) she now enjoys the safe and close community here on Pender Island...a NEW LIFE indeed.
The man who sold her the sailboat, is not only a long-time and avid sailor and racer, but a tree-topper and sculptor in wood and metal. His last work, the skeleton of a raptor created from old pieces of metal (even forks and spoons and crampons) sold for an impressive sum. Deservedly so - the photos of the piece showed a raptor in full run, turning, balanced on one foot, all the bits and pieces of his anatomy rendered lifelike and full of energy - I loved it.
Unfortunately the buyer did not enjoy his prized possession too long - his house burnt down, with the raptor in it - Jurassic Park Pender Island version.
