Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Island Rain


View from Crane Point, Mayne Island
29 July, 8:30 PM

It rained today, the first time it has done so since we arrived on the island over a week ago. I awoke late to the sounds of raindrops pittering and pattering on the metal roof, and turned over to see a film of downy grey mist shrouding the Trincomali Channel. A lone, ghost-like fishing boat sculled across its waters.

I got up and decided to shave for the first time since we arrived. Why? No good reason. My scraggle was well within the realms of acceptable island tonsorial fashion, and the itching had stopped days ago. But shave I did.

After a long breakfast (granola, natch) and ablutions, to the "village" for errands with Little Man. At the Post Office we found out that the mail comes in and goes out at six A.M. on a special Canada Post boat that weaves its way around the islands. It's still raining softly as we walk to the Trading Post for local free-range eggs and then to the Gas Station to pick up a litre of engine oil. Dearest Father-in-Law's 1992 Toyota Camry station wagon (a.k.a. The Green Whale) seems to be guzzling through the stuff (oil, not eggs). We have to wait to pay, as the girl tending the station had to run down to the gas dock to fuel up a passing boat.

We stroll to the True Value to stock up on groceries --blueberries, freshly picked salad greens, and a side of salmon to be barbecued tonight-- and finish with a stop at the Bakery next door for fresh bread. Oh, and a Nanaimo Bar, that Little Man and I share at a damp picnic table outside, watching the world go by. It is still raining.

We drive back to the house, and the afternoon unfolds into puzzles, mugs of tea, story reading, games of checkers, and the occasional squabble of siblings who, if asked, would really rather be out beachcombing, bouldering, and being pulled through the water by Daddy in their kayak, Gumdrop. But they did like the stories, checkers, and puzzles.

Evening approaches, and the salmon is grilled, then enjoyed in the company of a visiting hummingbird and squirrel. And the rain finally stops.

And the sun comes out, just for a brief spell, before it starts to set, gloriously.

Rodney DeCroo - Rain Rain (with Sam Parton of the Be Good Tanyas)
Rodney has a new album out in September, but in the meantime buy his stuff here.

11 comments:

ally. said...

sounds gorgeous dearie - soak it up
x

Girl said...

How I love island putzing.

And Nanaimo bars? Delish!

davyh said...

Terrific photo FiL, capturing what was I hope a terrific Moment. I can almost smell the pines and the sea....*sigh*

Greer said...

Ah, reading that made me feel for a minute like I was on vacation. Beautiful photo.

Anonymous said...

sometimes a rainy day puts it all in perspective. a few days ago we had a huge storm and the power went out for hours. i spent more time with my son, who is usually glued to the computer, than i have in a month's time! it was very nice.

Anonymous said...

Lovely prose, my dear. Ms. Knox would be proud of you.

Put on a Sundays record and save a glass of pinot noir for me -I'm on my way to join you on your island paradise (via kayak, natch.)

Mentok said...

Stop, you're making me heartsick with such talk. The thing about those islands is that, if you go there once, part of you never leaves.

(Of course, these days, the same can be said of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba ;-)

Unknown said...

photo of FiL with facial hair please.....

Dirk said...

i'm jealous, mate!

Anonymous said...

Ah the Island.... Just been walking in the Peaks here FiL. Thought of our walks on the Island in the gentle rain...

Rachel said...

Wow... How glorious! :-) You deserve it!