23 - Sunday, April 15, 1990 - North Shore News Plan a Gulf Islands weekend escape GALIANO ISLAND OFFERS REST, SOLITUDE AND FINE DINING LIVING ON the North Shore is both a pleasure and a torment. In the fragrant springtime, those beautiful ocean vistas we glimpse as we travel along the Upper Levels highway send the blood of adventure racing through our veins and we long to fling ourselves upon the nearest pleasure boat and steer for places unknown. Now, if we’re headed for the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal to great escapes Peggy Trendell-Whittaker Se do just that, thre’s no problem. If, however, +z’re driving ia the opposite direction towards our downtown office, this is where the above-mentioned torment comes into play. I'm here today to encourage you to surrender yourselves to the call of springtime air and plan a weekend adventure soon. | just returned from a trip to Galiano {sland and can assure you that your time and money expenditures are well worth the mental and physical well-being you'll get in return, If you can afford a vacation You can afford a cruise vacation For more details cail 985-7447 (SHIP) 1823 Capilano Rd. PALM SPRINGS Hideaway Just a snort stroll irom down- town shops and restaurants, this small inn wins rave reviews for its spacious, quiet, luxury suites and friendly pooiside atmosphere. Golf. bike, hike, tan. play tennis or unwind in “the jacuzzi and forget the worid. Special 10 day or monthly rates for Canadian visitors. For information and reservations call Sandy (604) 522-8995 or Mary (619) 325-0551. Our weekend started with the 9:25 a.m. Saturday ferry from Tsawwassen to Sturdies Bay, Galiano. Ferry reservations are recommended (669-1211), and if you do reserve you have to be at the terminal 40 minutes prior to sailing. If you can afford more than one evening’s accommodation on the island, it’s even more relaxing to Stretch out your weekend by taking the 12:45 sailing on Friday after- noon. The best time to return is 8:50 p.m. Sunday, or — oh, what decadence — 8:30 Monday morn- ing, which lands you back in Tsawwassen at 9:25 a.m., just in time to start your work week. The most luxurious place to stay on Galiano is the Woodstone Country Inn (539-2022) which was mentioned in this column last fall when it first opened. Room rates range from around $70 to $100. Many of the rooms boast fireplaces, patios, and an- tique furnishings, and all have cosy atmospheres, shiny-fixtured bathrooms and incredibly com- fortable beds. Guests can also enjoy a drink or afternoon tea while reading or playing chess in front of the fire in the communal sitting room. Bin- ocular’: and boots are provided for trampiag about in the surrounding woods. A gourmet breakfast is included in the room cost, and guests may also choose to have dinner there. Last weekend the four-course, set menu ($19.50 per person) included fresh-baked bread, Ibiza rabbit tapas, duck soup with oregano, charbroiled steak -with shiitake mushroom sauce or seafood crepes with Pernod cream sauce and orange cheesecake for dessert. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Unfor- tunately the choice isn’t that easy, as there are a number of other eating establishments on the island that also deserve a visit. The Pink Geranium, owned and operated by Sylvia and Ken Mounsey, is legendary amongst island folk and visitors alike. A delicious meal is served in the cot- tage-lihe atmosphere of their res- taurant, which is located a good 20 minutes’ drive from the south end where the ferry docks. If you have even an inkling that you’d like to experience the pleasures of the ‘‘P.G.,”’ call now to reserve (539-2477). The Mounseys only open on the weekends and may be booked weeks, if not months, in advance. La Berengerie, run by Huegette Benger, offers authentic French cuisine that has never left me disappointed. The rooms above the restaurant, which also boast a French flair, are available for Bed and Breakfasters for about $60. Two rooms share one bath, and one very nice room has a bath of its own. Call 539- 5392 for more information. A visit to Galiano is never com- plete without at least one visit to the Hummingbird Inn Pub, about a five minute drive from Sturdies Bay. The food is good, but even if it weren’t we'd go for the stereotypically folksy pub at- mosphere and friendly people. Every chance we get, we hang around the bar and pretend to be Wed., Thru Sun. Reservations 1-800-663-7337 1-753-2852 momings/evenings SCHOOL DISTRICT 45 WEST VANCOUVER NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING FACILITIES FOR THE FUTURE The West Vancouver School Board is embarking upon a major tong range plan for its facilities, to carry us into the 21st Century. These plans include the up-grading of existing facilities, school closures, the sale of some properties, as well as the re-opening of Eagle Harbour School. The Board of School Trustees is seeking in- put from all members of the community prior to making long-range decisions. You are invited to attend an open School Board Meeting MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1990 WEST VANCOUVER SECONDARY SCHOOL — THEATRE — 1750 Mathers Avenue 7:00 PM Copies of the proposed facilities plan are available at the Schoo! Board office. locals, only to shuffle off sheep- ishly when the last call for the ferry is sounded. Although you might not believe it from listening to me, there’s lots to do on Galiat:o besides eat. Pop into the Dandelion Gallery near the ferry to find out about the various home-based arts and crafts outlets, and travel on a little way to the tourist information booth for various recreational sugges- tions. Bert’s Charters offers fishing excursions year round (539-3181) and Alcala Point Resort is a mecca for scuba divers (539-5720). A few summers ago, a friend and I rented a canoe from Gulf Island Kayaking (539-2442) and paddled up island to the Coon Bay campsite at the north end of Galiano. Seals and sea otters kept us company and the swimming along the way was a welcome break from the hot sun. It was quite an experience — you might want to consider a similar trip with either a canoe or a kayak. I haven't tried horseback riding on the island because I'm not a fan of guided trail rides, but here are two places to call if you are. Amy Scoones (539-5315) will lead groups of two or three up on the bluffs of Mt. Galiano or you can go with the owners of the Bodega Resort (539-2677) farther up the island. Both cost about $15/ person/hour-and-a-half ride. One thing to remember when visiting any of the Gulf Islands, especially in the summertime, is the impact we as tourists have on the quality of life for the year- round residents of the island. We may be good business, but . we’re often a big nuisance as well. Remember this, and use your common-sense etiquette, especially on the road, whether you’re biking or driving. WAS YOUR LAST VACATION REALLY SUCH'A GOOD DEAL? Champagne Vacation on a Soda Pop Budget! 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