September 2000

Magical Jedediah. Events have conspired; this journey has been delayed for a year. Has it crossed anyone else’s mind that it had better not be delayed another year? If it has, it remains unspoken.

The 5 hour cruise from Deep Bay has been idyllic. Under serene skies, over calm seas, mainland mountains counter-point to the mountainous heights of the Island, caressed by gentle breezes - it’s an incredibly gorgeous day; I am so thankful for the sharing of adventures with our friends, Marilyn and Michael, aboard the Windwalker.

The Sisters lighthouse seen close up is as interesting as it has seemed from miles away on shore. It’s been directly under the North Star in my view for years, the beacon faithfully marking the jagged dangers for all shipping.

Cruising in amongst the scattered islands to anchor off Jedediah is so incredible. Thankfulness for this beautiful part of the planet we live in washes over me, again.

Anchoring off a small bay at the Northwest corner of Jedediah, we prepare to hike the island. After dingying to shore, we go strolling along primitive trails in old growth forest and abandoned fields watching for the wild goats. A piece of good luck; we do surprise a herd of wild goats who scatter into the woods at our approach.

Reaching the old homestead we encounter the horse that has earned his leisurely retirement here. He is the sole remaining occupant from the family that left here so recently.

Exploring the old homestead buildings and site is fascinating. We can still see the abandoned gardens and orchards; time will erase those soon enough. The old house deck hosts our picnic overlooking Home Bay. The weather is idyllic, sunny warm and calm.

The heights beckon. It’s stiff climb up a goat trail, between trees, over rocks, following the edge of the cliff. Half an hour later, we gain the top, the view is stupendous! Following the curvature of the cliff edge, the path descends a much more gradual slope leading us back to the trail in the deep woods.

That night, we decide to explore the east side of Jedediah via dingy. Time passes and it’s already getting dark. Getting back to the Windwalker is now our mission. It’s dark out here and there are no streetlights. A light from over our shoulders draws our attention to the east horizon.

The full moon rises into view.

How inadequate those words are. The moon is orange and so big and bright it overwhelms the senses. In totally silent awe, we watch, time passes. When we resume the journey back to the mother ship, there is no concern about the dark. We can almost read by the moonlight.

Sheer magic.

Top | Back to Celebrate Life!