Waves of Storms

We're in that season when waves of storms move onshore from the Pacific. Vancouver Island takes out a little of their punch (and precipitation), but the storms are still plenty strong when they reach our floating cabin on Powell Lake in British Columbia. Here are some views of partially clearing skies.

Heading up the lake during the rain isn't a problem. But if the winds are blowing strong the calm surface can be churned up into four foot waves. That's a little scary in our runabout boat.

So on days like that we stay put in our cabin and enjoy a warm fire in our wood stove. -- Margy

Get Coastal BC Stories for Kindle or E-book Reader

Do you have a Kindle or E-book reader?

PowellRiverBooks has just what you need and want at a price you can't beat. Take a look inside these exciting books in Wayne's Coastal BC Stories series. Each book focuses on a special aspect of life where mountains drop into the sea and people have a different sense of purpose.

Up the Lake with stories about hiking, boating, flying and survival off the grid in a floating cabin on Powell Lake. This was the first book in the series and has a variety of stories about the Powell River region. Kindle Introductory Offer for $.99 or E-book for Free

Up the Main focuses on getting into the backcountry by bike, quad and hiking. Come ride along with us on a quad to places like Theodosia Inlet, the head of Powell Lake and on logging roads near and far. Kindle for $5.99 or E-book for $6.99

Up the Winter Trail takes the reader snowshoeing, hiking and biking during the winter months. This would be a good book if you are planning on coming to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Kindle for $5.99 or E-book for $5.99.

Up the Strait cruises the Strait of Georgia to uncrowded and pristine anchorages. Follow our 24' Bayliner Halcyon Days into Desolation Sound, to unique Mittlenatch Island and the Gulf Islands. Kindle for $5.99 or E-book for $6.99

Up the Airway wings you across Canada to show off our beautiful country from up above. Fly along with us in our Piper Arrow, land to camp at remote strips with gorgeous scenery, and meet unique animals like the muskox. Kindle for $5.99 or E-book for $6.99

Farther Up the Lake follows in the footsteps of Wayne's most popular book, Up the Lake. Read about living off the grid in a float cabin, the beauties of Powell Lake and the many different ways you can enjoy the backcountry. Kindle for $5.99 or E-book for $6.99

Farther Up the Main takes you beyond the original Up the Main to explore the glaciers of Mt. Alfred, the remote Theodosia wilderness, a logging road ride to our cabin, and on an impromptu overnight stay waiting for a summer swollen stream to subside. Kindle for $5.99 or E-book for $6.99

Farther Up the Strait takes you on voyages to more remote inlets and anchorages in Desolation Sound and beyond. Did you ever want to put a new engine in your boat? Follow along as our Halcyon Days gets a new lease on life and energy boost. Kindle for $5.99 or E-book for $6.99

Cabin Number 5 follows John as he constructs a float cabin from the water up.  Over the years, when time and money are available, the cabin grows board by board. If you've ever dreamed of living off-the-grid, you'll enjoy Cabin Number 5 (yes, it's the fifth one John's built). Kindle for $5.99 or E-book for $6.99

Off the Grid is the newest book in Coastal BC Stories. We were city-folk when we bought our cabin, but have learned how to generate our own power, use propane for appliances, maintain a kitchen garden, live in harmony with nature, and exchange our hectic lives for a more simple lifestyle. Kindle only for $5.99

All books are available in Kindle and print formats through Amazon. Other e-book readers can find the books available online through Smashwords, Kobo, Sony, Apple, and Barnes and Noble.

Happy e-reading! -- Wayne and Margy

www.PowellRiverBooks.com

Day is Done

When we are in Powell River, we love to be at our cabin, but sometimes we have to go to town to get some business done. Coming home to a view like this does have its compensations.


The sun is pretty far south this time of year, but it makes a warm glow as it dips behind Vancouver Island to the west. This is one reason they call this the Sunshine Coast. Think of us next time you are planning a trip. The scenery is beautiful, the people welcoming, and the possibilities for fun endless. You can obtain more travel information at www.DiscoverPowellRiver.com or check out www.PowellRiverBooks.com. -- Margy

Coastal BC Birds: Snow Geese

 Snow Geese

Where once I saw a kite buggy dance in Garry Point Park in Steveston, BC, now a pond has appeared. And not just any pond, a landing pad and home for lots of Snow Geese looking for a place to get out of the harsh winter weather up north.

In the golden glow of sunset, it looks like they picked the perfect spot.  Some of these geese look like the dark morph variety.

Bet they had a rude awakening the next morning with about 10 centimetres of snow on the ground. Who knows, they just might take flight and continue south to the Skagit Valley in search of a "warmer" winter home. -- Margy

Sunset in Steveston

This week I took a mini-vacation to one of my favourite places, Steveston, BC.  It is a historic fishing village turned into a great getaway, film location (Once Upon a Time and the upcoming Psycho prequel to name a few), place to live, and a fishing village.


Nearby Garry Point Park is a great place for walking, picture taking, and boat watching at the mouth of the mighty Fraser River.

It's also a great place to see spectacular sunsets. -- Margy

Coastal BC Plants: Mushrooms

 Mushrooms

This time of year, mushrooms are big business in Powell River.  Locals and visitors alike comb the forest floors for edible shrooms such as Pine Mushrooms, Chanterelles, and more. Mushroom buyers pop up in town almost as quick as the shrooms themselves.

Up at the cabin we don't see many of the edible versions, but we do have our own fungal displays just the same.  Here's a cluster sprouting from the edge of our on-shore shed.

All the moist weather makes even the wood foundation a healthy growing spot.  I think these are called Mycena fusco-occula.  If you are a shroom expert, maybe you can help out with the identification. Even if they were edible, they don't look substantial enough to bother with. -- Margy

"The Hulks" by John Campbell

They say, "Necessity is the mother of invention."  When the paper mill was founded at the mouth of the Powell River, there was no protected harbour or anchorage. Over the years, a variety of methods were tried to protect the logs and barges needed in the paper making and distribution process.

After World War II, the current solution was implemented.  A series of retired concrete ships and barges were brought in and anchored off shore in a protective arc around the mill.  These ships are lovingly called The Hulks.


Each ship is anchored in place with enough draft and height to break the wind and waves during heavy storms.


You can read more about this unique breakwater in The Hulks: The Breakwater Ships of Powell River by John Campbell available through the Powell River Historical Museum. -- Margy