Victoria

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is surrounded by snow capped mountains and the sea. It is an inspiring place, not only because of its close poximity to nature, but perhaps by the people who have been attracted to live in such a place. Most people I meet here were not born on Vancouver Island so there is very much a pioneer mentality. Most of the characters I have met here are keen to learn new skills for themselves (rather than being interested in others) and seem to be knowledgable about the environment. I'm excited to be constantly learning about how to achieve my goal of self sufficiency.

Tofino: Sun, Sand and ....Snow!

Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island is the Mecca of surfing in Canada and Yes! there was people riding tiny 2 footers with snow on the ground. Massive cedar trees surround the beaches and the many tiny islands. It is also home to the annual oyster festival which had recipes from 11 local restaurants and unlimited guzzling meant we were stuffed by the end. Even got an offer to work on an oyster farm.....2012?

Meet our new baby Walter!

Captain Cider

I now have a job and my one year visa (finally after 4 months!) so am getting pretty settled in Duncan. At Mcbarleys loads of locals bring grapes, apples, pears and various berries. We crush and juice their fruit to make wine, port and lots of cider! also people can order beer from a list of about 30 types. Has been fun to learn how the different processes work and of course the best perk is free booze!

Duncan

Small town, lots of Totem Poles. We are living near Duncan in the Cowichan Valley in the SE part of Vancouver island about an hour north of Victoria.

The dogs

Beau the dachshund and Bella the sheepdog. Jack the lesser haired Pomeranian sometimes visits and unfortunately Dillard died when we were away in Salt Spring Island. He had a good innings making it to 14 with one eye.

The Farm

Red Bell Farm sits on 20 acres: there is house with 4 bedrooms, a workshop, a barn for the hay and animals.