In recognition of my voluntary service with the Bonsor 55+ Society bus committee I was recently honoured to be chosen the lucky recipient of a complimentary bus tour from Joy Brown. Trips with Joy Brown fill up quickly and are generally sold out, but eventually she was able to reserve a seat for me on her 2nd request for a tour of Galiano Island, on Tuesday June 30, 2015. The trip was commissioned by the Recreation Leader at Edmonds and included members from both Edmonds and Cameron Seniors Societies.
The day was perfect for sailing on the Gulf Island ferry from Tsawwassen to Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island. Our first stop was within minutes of the ferry terminal, at Galiano Inn to view the now famous wall mural KUNAMOKST http://www.kunamokstmural.com/.
Next stop was atop The Bluffs, which afforded a spectacular view of Active Pass below and vistas as far as the Olympic Mountains in Washington State.
Lunch was next on the agenda, and we were welcomed to a delicious meal at the beautifully quaint country inn, The Hummingbird.
After lunch some of us took a short walk down to the main road and around the corner to browse some shops including a country island market. Joy explained that our journey would take us to Stone World, at the northern part of the island, and on the way we would visit a couple of the island’s most noted crafters of glassworks and fine pottery.
At Stoneworld we were invited to explore 5 acres of arranged large stones and sensational views. The owner invited us into her studio where she explained how she and her late husband came to create ‘stoneworld’ on this property. On display in the studio were stone carvings created by the late Steve Ocsko, and Barbara’s own artistry of photographs. A most enjoyable, interesting and amazing experience!
The day ended with a relaxing cup of tea and dessert at Montague Harbour, with time for a quick browse at Galiano Island Books before boarding the ferry with the sun at our backs all the way back to Tsawwassen.
It was a happy, and blissfully tired group who showed their appreciation with a big round of applause for our volunteer driver who safely and skillfully manoeuvred the bus on highways, ferries, and country roads over a period which was for him a 14 hour day! Thanks Dave!!
As for our tour guide, I can now attest firsthand why “Joy Brown” trips are so popular with our seniors. In her own words, she likes to get off the beaten track, and you will most certainly see and experience something new and unusual, even when you think you’ve been there, done that! Her planning is meticulous, and she takes special delight in sharing what she knows about the places she has chosen to include in her tour.
June 30, 2015 was my lucky day! Thanks Joy!!
Monica Robidoux
