‘in character, the ‘two islands, ALMOST 200 islands of all shapes and sizes lic tucked against the southeastern _ shore of Vancouver Island. By Mark Korytowski Contributing Writer Idyllic in landscape, rastic Gulf Islands bask in a mild climate and pastoral sereni- ty. Yet although there are 200 islands, only five have a population exceeding 200. Salt Spring Island, with its 11 lakes and mountain- tops that offer beautiful sea views, is the largest and most populated of ; the islands. It is unique’ in ‘that the native people chose not to settle there. To them the chain of mountains at. the south of the island resembl- -ed.a sleeping divinity and to- avoid waking the sleeper, they lived elsewhere. The’ first settlers, Afro- Americans. who. sought sanctuary. from slavery in the United States, arrived at Vesuvius in 1859. They depended upon agriculture and planted orchards. These produced enough fruit over the years to supply much of B.C. with fresh fruit. At the same time, sheep: were in- “ troduced to the island. Since the agriculture has declined: and Salt Spring Island is now an artist’s. paradise. Painter Robert ‘Bateman, poet Phyllis Webb, singer- songwriter Valdy and ac- tor-director Stuart ‘Margolin are just a few of the promi-. “nent artists who cal! Salt Spring their home. Several art shows are held every summer and local gal- leries are filled with quality items year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts will discover the islands as a perfect playground. Hiking © trails’ criss-cross the islands through woods, pastures, and along beaches. Swimming,. sailing, fishing, tennis and golf are just a few of the activities visitors can enjoy. Development ‘of the park and trail system continues every year and people are welcome to enjoy their stay on Salt Spring Island. ' Pender {sland is. actually North and South Pender, which are _ connected by a narrow canal and joined by a wooden bridge. ’ Pender is a good spot for family outings and picnics. Medicine Beach in Bedwell SALTSPRING ISLAND * 28 MODERN UNITS . * CABLE, COLOUR TV, PHONES * COMPLIMENTARY COFFEE * KITCHENETTES AVAILABLE 1940s, Harbour and Hamilton Beach in Browning Harbour are two of the most favored places for a day of family fun, Goif enthusiasts will find a challenging nine-hole course on Pender and for people who enjoy a game of frisbee, Frisbee Disk Park, located on Magic Lake, is the spot tobe. - Hikers will find beautiful scenery on top of Bald Cone and Mount Norman. Galiano is -one of. the many islands, coves, har- bors, and waterways in the Gulf Island archipelago with a Spanish name, It is an ideal recreation istand with miles of old log- ging trails and country lanes for hiking, .biking, ‘or horseback riding. Visitors can also rent kayaks. and explore — the -island from a ‘different perspective —~ the sea. The visland features a nine-hole , golf. course that golfers will enjoy for the beauty of its island setting. People who enjoy walking will like Bluff Park, with its abundance of wild’ flowers and breathtaking views of the other Gulf Islands. Throughout the island, designated campsites ‘and picnic spots await’ vaca- tioners. .. Mayne Island is a quiet island with a colorful past. During the. Fraser : River/ Cariboo Gold. Rush in the’ mid- 1800s, Vancouver, Island.: miners ‘gathered at _ Miners Bay before making Driftwood Village Resort on beautiful Gailano Island Well furnished, self contained ocean view cottages featuring... —fireplaces - -—gome jacuzzis —garden spa —wild life —- —adult oriented -——off season rates Open year round ~ come & enjoy the quiet beauty of Galiano Island. Driftwood Village Resort Gallano Island 559- 5457 tc A PARK-LIKE SETTING ON THE HILLSIDE ABOVE GANGES HARBOUR * CLEAN, QUIET & FRIENDLY SERVICE * NON-SMOKING ROOMS * ON FULFORD-GANGES RD. © MID-WEEK SPECIALS (NOV:MAR} C-16 - R.R. #2 BITTANCOURT RD. . GANGES, B.C. Ph. (604) 8 537-4145 Fax (604) 537-4323 3 gernesad their way across the Georgia Strait. Today, Miners Bay, with its century-old buildings, is an attraction for photographers. The small population of approximately 800, rolling hits dotted with farms, and peace and: harmony, all combine 10 give visitors a welcome rest period from ° everyday problems, | The island offers a variety of activities, ranging from a visit to art galleries or Stu- dios to hiking up Mount Parke or swimming at Campbell Bay. Saturna Island is the least populated and most’ rémote of these five Gulf Islands. It also has the most untouched landscape. Scenic spots to, visit while on the island’ include East Point Lighthouse and Winter Cove Marine Park, which is accesible by Jand or sea and offers visitors beautiful beaches. for a romantic walk and miles of hiking trails through acres of forests, The main attraction, however, is the annual July . 1 lamb barbecue. All the islands are ac- cessible by ferries from ei- ther Swartz Bay near Vic- toria or Crofton, about 50 kilometres east of Nanaimo, as well as Tsawwassen. 1 We offer seciuced, spacious, Fully equipped icg chalets on 25 acres of meadows and trees. Beautiful ocean & mourtaln views. Group rates and dining facilites for groups of § or more are also avaliable. Open year round , (604) 539-2677 WOMEN’S WEEKENDS Relax and Be Pampered! Your choice of facial, steam Swedon, reflexology, bodywork; sauna, yoga, creativity workshops & RELAXATION June 18-20 September 17-19 ‘October 22-24 November 19-21 May 28-30 Healing the Child Within: — Recovery for Adult Children 15250 Julie Bowden, M.S., M.FC.CE june 11-13 World Dance Workshcp $225 Roberta Meilleur Box 1133, Ganges, BC. VOS 1E0 | (04) 537-2326 ine for a tie brochure ON GARHIOLA ISLAND NEWS Sehote Te Peters ; “BLUE VISTA RESORT MAYNE ISLAND, BC. VON 230 — §39-2463 Accommodation & Cabins with full kitchens & decks, some with fireplaces. Beck House B&B ON SALTSPRING isLAND RESERVATIONS: 1-537-2879 Pack your jeans & your favourite ‘sweatshirt! NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Single or $99 Double On the shore of Gabriola (20 min. ferry from | Nanaimo). Surf Lodge offers Olympic. class sunset watching from our dining room, deck and licenced lounge. Ocean view sooms in the main Lodge and ocean view cabins, some with kitchenettes. FOR RESERVATIONS or INFORMATION PLEASE CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-361-7873 teen . 9 - Gauskeor bake Resort Quality Lakefront Chalets Planning your vacation or just need a break? Come to Cusheon Lake Resort on beautiful . Saltspring Island. Modern Lakefront Log Chalets & Cedar A-frames, swimming, fishing, outdoor hot tub and complementary use of beats. A quality family vacation resort. Write or phone: 557-9629