#143 Mar 2017 Totem Poles and Coastal Villages

Duncan is known as "The City of Totems". This totem pole commemorates the centennial of the incorporation of the city of Duncan.

This totem symbolizes the balance of the sea and sky in British Columbia.

As we walked around downtown there were many totem poles in unexpected nooks and crannies. This one represents family.

This small downtown park portrays the totem poles in front of a wall painted to depict their original location.

Duncan also has a lively music culture that we experienced at the "Duncan Garage Showroom". The venue is full of eclectic collectibles gathered by Longevity John. The seating is a collection of finds from various businesses and homes.

The entertainment is diverse and provides a wide-ranging sample of local and not-so-local performers. Please note the money back guarantee at the bottom of the schedule.

We thoroughly enjoyed the folk music sound of Dave Banning from Nova Scotia.

From Chemainus we took a leisurely drive along the coast. In Maple Bay we watched rowers in the calm water.

 

We explored a peaceful, secluded residential neighbourhood.

The Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve introduced us to an old, rare ecosystem. It is home to more species of plants (694) than any other ecosystem along the BC coast.

The mossy trees have an otherworldly feel.

 

Many of Cowichan Bay’s businesses are on stilts along the waterfront.

Some of the homes are also along the waterfront.

We saw an ocean going ship and a local dry docked boat along the waterfront.

The Wooden Boat Museum is a hidden gem with many examples of historic wooden boats. This Geodesic Airolite Canoe (13 lbs) is designed for backpacking to otherwise inaccessible mountain lakes.

In the history of watercraft it is argued that the Aboriginal canoe is the ultimate expression of both elegance and function. During mild winters men carved canoes unique to each tribal group.

This river otter also appeared curious about the boats.