4. July 2009 - Happy Independence Day, dear neighbours to the south!

Back In Montague, Galiano Island....Weather is glorious again. I picked up a buoy in the harbour, despite the holiday rush on them.
Rowed ashore this morning, and discovered an ad posted on the park's notice board for a private bus service - $ 5 return, hop on and off. I hopped on.
Yvonne runs it, and we remembered each other from last year's un-noticed art tour on the island, where I was her one and only passenger...Now, the word is out.
Her gaily painted bus makes the round of the 'business' end of the island approximately every hour. This morning, she was full - 16 passengers and one fat Boston terrier (pets allowed).
I got off at the Saturday's Farmer's Market, looking at the obligatory fresh herbs and hand-spun/woven somethings, and listening to a young kid playing violin - proceeds go to the Galiano Kid's Music School. Then I hiked down the road, past a blonde mannequin, acting as a direction sign, and roped to a tree, to the 'centre' of the Island - post office, RCMP post, book store, a couple of art galleries, a laundromat, ice cream parlor, and The Grand Central Grill restaurant and pub.
Took the next bus to the grocery store and the 'Flying Black Dog' roadside eatery, and the next one back to the harbour.
All in all, the bus service is a welcome addition to the Montague line up of delights...