Current Entries August 31, 2009. Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands offer splendid opportunities for travel enjoyment as we enter a "shoulder season". September can be every bit as warm as August, and it's still a great time to arrive by private boat, too. The Southern Gulf Islands are in the heart of the best protected boating waters in the world, and September kayaking, or sailing, or power yachting can be wonderful. The beaches and parks can be less crowded, with children back in school. Swimming in the sea and in the lakes remains a joy. Fall Fairs, farmers markets with bounteous local produce/fruit, much of it certified organic, Salt Spring's annual Apple Festival, al fresco dining pleasures still enjoyable at the restaurants and coffee houses...we know Fall eventually melts into Winter, but September is always a gift, in the Islands. Come discover! Looking for real estate? Give me a call! liread33@gmail.com August 30, 2009. Here's a retreat opportunity on special Salt Spring Island, at the tranquil "south end". Appealing cabins (outhouse here) for summer use, year round creek (which divides the property), septic in place for building site of a new home, sea glimpses, close to beach, to hiking/walking trails, and a short stroll to Fulford Village, and to ferry to Victoria. It's a best buy opportunity for recreational use right now, and to build your dream home later. Magical land! August 29, 2009. BBC news reports : China signs deal to sell iPhones Economy shrinks less than thought UN warns over swine flu in birds Single molecule's stunning image Sunspots linked to Pacific rain Apple unleashes Snow Leopard OS Curbs on nuclear scientist lifted Action urged on Iran opposition Dutch sailor girl put under care Majority 'oppose' Megrahi release August 28, 2009. Here's a "mini-farm" property with sweetie 2 bed/ 1.5 bath country cottage home, garage/workshop, fenced veggie garden, fruit trees, very sunny and quiet area. Surrounded by much larger acreages, also with rural/pastoral allure, the illusion is of a much larger parcel! Close to beach, to school, to shopping, to golf, yet in its own serene world. Good tenant would stay, if desired. Truly, a best buy opportunity, on special Salt Spring Island! August 27, 2009. Don't know if it's just a hold-over from the years I was in education (used to teach grades 8 to 12), but I always think that the year "really" starts in September, and this January to December demarcation seems quite artificial, to me. The Fall is a signal for new beginnings, to me. Evening classes offered, symphony and opera seasons, theatre playbills, yoga classe beginner levels (no excuse not to try it!), book club meetings, Fall schedule at the pool, you name it/there's something, and September seems to unleash that creative spark that summer's softer rhythm submerged. It is "back to school" time, though, and in some areas they've already started/in others, it's right after Labour Day (which is "late", this year). Pay attention to crosswalks, to distracted children, and to inattentive motorists...it's suddenly busy again on the streets/sidewalks, after the summer lull. Keep alert, and remember those speed zones. Locally, remember to thank all current members of the Lions Club...they do such good work on the Island, and support so many things. It's their 50th Anniversary on Salt Spring Island! Appreciated! Catch J. Mitchell Gallery's summer show -- runs till Sept. 20th. Talented roster of artists...welcome the new owner, and his manager. A new look to the gallery's displays. Drop by Auntie Pesto's, nearby, to view photographs by Gillean Proctor (from his Botanical series). Tree House Cafe continues the live music, nightly -- tonight, catch Sharon Bailey; on the 28th, it's Julia Beattie; on the 29th enjoy Lisa Maxx; on the 30th it's Billie Woods; Monday the 31st, enjoy Gene Grooms. The popular Open Stage is on the 1st, with Stephanie Rhodes holding down top spot on the 2nd. Always something great at Treehouse! More music at Moby's, with Classic Rock, by Paxton Bachman, from 8 to 11, and jazz with Henry Boudin & Friends on the 30th (7 to 10 p.m.). Enjoy! Drop by ArtSpring, or the Chamber/Tourist outlet, and pick up the brochure of ArtSpring's lineup for their Fall/Winter season...some great events coming to Salt Spring, from September 16 to May 4. Don't miss out! Tomorrow, at Salt Spring Vineyard, their new release, 2008 Pinot Gris & Merlot Rose, takes place...live music on Fridays, too, from 2 to 4 p.m. September 2, the Music & Munch series, at All Saints by the Sea, showcases Black Velvet Band (concerts are free, in this series, and begin at 12:10. Optional lunch, to follow, for $5.50. If you haven't attended this series, start now! A special evening with Valdy and The Usual Suspects at MarketPlace Cafe, in Harbour Centre, on the 30th, at 7 p.m. Enjoy the food and the sounds! Mark your calendars for the annual Terry Fox Run -- Sept. 13th. I saw Terry on his run, in northern Ontario, heading west, just before he had to call off his race across the country. It was both heart-breaking and inspiring, and is not something one ever forgets. Terry Fox 09, for cancer research. Call 1-888-836-9786 for more information. This Sunday, the 30th, there's a half-day Zen meditation retreat, at Ango Retreat, with Peter Levitt. Contact Simon at 250-537-1721 for more details. An opportunity to feed your soul? If you can't dial in the local radio station (107.9 on your fm dial), then catch them over the web at: cfsi-fm.com Have your ideas for programming? Give them a call! Winding down summer/gearing up for Fall...it's a hiatius moment. Tread lightly! August 26, 2009. "One side of a ridge is cold and foggy, The other is hot and dry. Just by choosing where you stand, You alter your destiny." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") August 25, 2009. Looking for a private and sunny acreage, on Southern Vancouver Island, an easy commute to Victoria or to Duncan or to Nanaimo? This custom designed beauty, with a modern design ethic, enjoys almost ten acres -- ocean, mountain and valley vistas, plus lake and hills viewscape, too. Master "wing", guest "wing", media room, open plan living/dining, cook's dream kitchen, many unique features...must be seen! Forest trails, pastoral ambiance, close to all amenities and yet enjoying its own serene world. A best buy opportunity for private acreage with custom home. Call me, for details! August 24, 2009. As we start into the final days of August, we're seeing that very slow upticking of the higher end residential category starting to fill in. We're always a good 3 to 4 months behind Vancouver, and approximately 8 weeks behind the Victoria market. To date, on Salt Spring Island, the majority of sales have been in the "below 700,000" range, with most of them being below 500,000. It's a good sign that places like Florida and San Diego are also reporting a rise in interest/sales in the luxury market, along with Toronto. Ontario is a strong buyer profile for Salt Spring and the Southern Gulf Islands. Albertans are also a buyer profile for us, although if they get out of the Okanagan, and out to the Coast, it usually means they're sailors! I always think we're like the tail of the dog, and the last to experience the head movements experienced first in other areas, whether it's an up or a down trajectory. Thus, heartening news, indeed, to see uplift beginning in the higher end category, in these distant though somehow comparable marketplaces. Perhaps the uptick will also start to fill in for the undeveloped land parcels? To date, there has been little interest in building projects, or in holding properties. More info re market conditions? Call me! Am always quickly available. How may I help you to buy your special Salt Spring or Southern Gulf Islands property? liread33@gmail.com August 23, 2009. "Relaxation Is total peace." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") August 22, 2009. Here's a best buy acreage, ready to build your dream home, on Salt Spring Island! 3 + acres, sunny, with pond, and zoned for main home, separate guest cottage and separate studio. Sunsets from here, and good all day sun exposure...beautiful vistas over Stuart Channel towards Thetis Island. Close to beach accesses (warm ocean swimming in this area), plus to park hiking/walking trails. An excellent holding property for now, and build your dream home later. Call me for more details! August 21, 2009. Tonight is the opening of J. Mitchell Gallery's 2009 Summer Exhibition. The opening reception is from 5 to 8 p.m. Drop by and say hello to the Gallery's new owner and the manager of this great artistic venue. New work from all the outstanding artists will be on display. The Summer Exhibition runs from August 21 to September 20. Enjoy! Since you're in the Village, catch the live music at Treehouse Cafe! Man Cubs play rock and pop classics this evening. Auntie Pesto's restaurant is showcasing the photographic works of Gillean Proctor, from his Botanical series. Don't miss this! Did you know that you can rent (or buy) the DVD of As You Like It, performed beautifully by GISS students? Pick up a copy at Island Star Video! A world music dance party takes place on the 29th at Beaver Point Hall. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show from Salt Spring Books or at the door. More info? www.shanephillip.com The Dharma According to Fifi continues Thursdays to Saturdays, until Sept. 5th. Don't miss this Flying Dreams gem! Ryuzanji Company returns with High Life by Lee MacDougall, at ArtSpring, Sept. 1 and 2, at 8 p.m. Hosted reception at 7 p.m. Did you know that every Wednesday is pasta night, at the Harbour House Hotel? New menu, new chef...check it out! Alfresco dining on the patio, too. Tonight, there's jazz offerings by Ted Hickford and Friends, plus a Crab Dinner Night. Bluesman KC Kelly returns to the stage at Moby's this evening, too. He will be showcasing his new CD! Done the Studio Tour yet? It's a treat to be a tourist in your own home area...don't miss this! Wandered the galleries in the Village? Steffich Fine Art Gallery, Jill Louise Campbell Gallery, J. Mitchell Gallery, Martinus Fine Gems Gallery, ArtSpring Gallery, ArtCraft, plus the artistic expressions showcased at Cafe Talia, Salt Spring Roasting Company, TJ Beans, Auntie Pesto's, Rendezvous Cafe...check it out! We are so lucky to be surrounded by such talent. Lots to do and to see this weekend! Enjoy -- it's still summer! August 20, 2009. Here's a terrific oceanview acreage, with dramatic home, and sunsets forever! Sunny, private, quiet, and close to several lovely beach accesses (warm ocean swimming in this area), plus park hiking/walking trails. Open plan living/dining, cook's kitchen, master bedroom in its own "wing", with ensuite, and also with guest bed/bath. Gas fireplace for cosy evenings. The plus? Separate studiio, perfect for the artist or a home occupation use. A lovely retreat for a couple...ready to just move into and to enjoy! August 19, 2009. Give yourself a treat, and drop by Salt Spring's newest vineyard. A certified organic vineyard, the tasting room enjoys a spacious deck, with valley and mountain vistas, and an inviting lawn with picnic tables (bring your lunch)! A great place to hold an event -- family reunion, wedding reception -- check it out! At the moment, 3 white wines and one rose await your tasting pleasure. Red opportunities to come. Ask for a tour! You will enjoy the "south of France" taste and ambiance. Enjoy! August 18, 2009. "Accomplish your visions. Persevere in your ambitions. Only then can you negate Visions and ambitions." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") August 17, 2009. Salt Spring's cultural scene is bubbling along...don't miss these occasions! "Images From Different Worlds" is showcased at ArtSpring, until the 29th. Works by Eleanor Kobley, Erik Thorn, Gill Horodyski, Miriam Thorn. Also at ArtSpring, in their Open Space, new work by Gail Sibley and Shirlee Lewis is on display. The Salt Spring Fine Art group, which includes: Jill Louise Campbell Fine Art Gallery, Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art, Steffich Fine Art, Martinus Jewelry Studio & Gallery, ArtSpring Island Arts Centre, Stone Fish Gallery, Galleons Lap Atelier-Gallery, and Hastings House Sculpture Trail all offer incredible vistas of artistic vision. Treat yourself to a gallery tour, within the Ganges Core. Enjoy! ArtCraft. at Mahon Hall, which showcases artistic production from the Gulf Islands, annually, is also a part of the fineness available right within Ganges...make sure this is also on your list of places to go/things to see. If you're driving, or on a cycle tour of the Island, be sure and drop in to the various studios -- a studio tour map is available from the tourist info centre in Ganges Village. Painters, sculptors, fabric artists, glassworks, etc -- we are so lucky, here, wtih the artistic talent that calls Salt Spring "home". Be sure to take in the Studio Tour. The Moonstruck Cheese and the Salt Spring Cheese companies, on Beddis Road and on Reynolds Road, respectively, are definitely worth a visit. Same with the Garry Oak Vineyard and the Salt Spring Vineyard, on "Lee's Hill", in the Fulford Valley, and the new vineyard at the corner of Norton and Lower Ganges Roads, across from Summerside. Tastes of the Island! In these closing days of August, remember the al fresco dining opportunities, and catch some rays with the fine food, most offering local and organic fare: Harbour House Hotel, Calvin's Bistro, Bocados Bistro, Salt Spring Inn, Marketplace, Bruce's Kitchen, Pasta Fresca, Auntie Pesto's, Moby's, Seaside Kitchen, Rendezvous Cafe, Cafe Talia, Treehouse Cafe, Rock Salt Cafe...enjoy! And yes, that wonderful live music, nightly, at Treehouse Cafe...such talent, for your pleasure. Have you tuned in to Salt Spring's radio station? 107.9 fm -- it will be totally up and running, by mid-September, with local programming. Meantime, enjoy the music! August 16, 2009. A couple of other "day trips" to ponder, when voyaging from Salt Spring to other Southern Gulf Islands.... Saturna Island is most likely best reached by going from Fulford to Swartz, and connecting to the Outer Gulf Islands ferry. Alternatively, one can take the Long Harbour to Tsswassan ferry and get off at Village Bay on Mayne Island, and then connect with a ferry going to Saturna. It's important to read that B.C. ferry schedule (it's online, too), before visiting Saturna. When there, check out the Saturna Vineyard...it was the first vineyard on the Southern Gulf Islands. Winter Cove is also a very beautiful area, and this is the site of the famous annual Saturna Island lamb roast. This is a destination event for many boaters! The ferry docks at Lyall Harbour, and the floatplane also services the Island from here. To visit Saturna, if not by your own boat, does take some planning as one has to "synch" with the ferry schedule! It's definitely a quieter place, and less "set up" for tourism than some of the other Southern Gulf Island options. Pack a picnic! Beautiful park to explore and a view that is breathtaking...truly, you do "see it all"! In the opposite direction, there's tranquil Thetis Island. Catch the ferry from Vesuvius to Crofton, then drive the lower road to Chemainus Old Town, where the ferry goes to Thetis. There are marinas in Telegraphy Harbour, and floatplanes land here, too. A good idea, though, to take a picnic and to be a little self-sufficient, as, like Saturna, it's less "organized" from a tourist's perspective. Don't miss Pilkey Point (so beautiful). Bring a bathing suit, if it's summer, and enjoy the warm ocean swimming waters in this area. More suggestions for easy day trips, on Gulf Islands or on Vancouver Island? Call me! Ask for "Li's List". liread33@gmail.com August 15, 2009. Here's a super summer/weekender retreat property, on lovely Gossip Island, a very short boat ride from Sturdies Bay and all amenities, on tranquil Galiano Island. This sweetie character cottage home, with its own dock, and excellent sun and privacy, offers that family retreat that is one of the treasures of ownership on a Gulf Island. Whaler's Bay, on Galiano, offers protected moorage -- arrive by ferry, a short drive or even a walk to Whaler's Bay, and you're parking the car, hopping into your boat, and you're home in mere minutes, enjoying total peace and beauty. Call me, for appointments to view this gem. August 14, 2009. Looking for another Gulf Island daytrip option, from Salt Spring Island? Check out Galiano Island -- again, catch either the Long Harbour to Tsswassan ferry, and get off at Sturdies Bay, on Galiano, or, go from Fulford to Swartz Bay, and connect with the Outer Gulf Islands ferry from Swartz to Galiano. Again, it's fun to go one way and to return on the other -- make sure you check the B.C. ferry schedule, online, as the times for the Long Harbour to Tsswassan run change, depending on the day of the week. Places to eat: Atrevida Oceanfront Restaurant (at the Galiano Inn, in Sturdies Bay), the Harbour Grill Restaurant at Montague Harbour (at the marina), the Hummingbird Pub (if you arrive at Montague Marina, by boat, there's a bus to the pub), Woodstone Country Inn (contemporary fine dining), the Sturdies Bay Bakery & Cafe, La Berengerie (authentic French atmosphere), wood fired pizza at the Galiano Inn. There's a Saturday Market from late June to the end of Summer, from 10 to 2 p.m. Studio galleries with signage welcoming you to view, dot the Island. A great bookstore, close to the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay! Places to stay, if you decide to overnight? Bodega Ridge Lodge & Cabins, Driftwood Village, Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa, Woodstone Country Inn. Galiano has preserved large "old growth" park areas, and one can walk the width of the Island, on these preserved spaces. Dionisio Marine Park, at the Porlier Pass end of the Island, is an incredible gem. Don't miss it! Montague Marine Park is a favourite with mariners, gunkholing their way around the Southern Gulf Islands. Parker Island, Wise Island, Gossip Island, lie off Galiano and are short boat hops away. More info? Give me a call! August 13, 2009. Here's a bluff waterfront property on serene Pender Island, in the preferred Trincoma area. On comm. water system, and just steps to a lovely lowbank beach, this gem sits high on the Pender Bluffs, with a stellar view of ocean, islands, mountains (enjoy the Olympics and the lights of Victoria). Sunsets are magical! The Orca whales cavort in the sea below, and the Pender Bluffs are renowned for good salmon fishing. Close to all amenities/services, yet in its own wonderfully "apart" world. A "west coast contemporary" design, and ready to just move into and to enjoy. Definitely a best buy opportunity on North Pender Island. Call me, for appointments to view. August 12, 2009. Still interested in exploring another Southern Gulf Island, as a daytrip from Salt Spring? Pender is right next door! There's a North Pender and a South Pender Island, joined by a bridge. You can catch the ferry from Long Harbour, on Salt Spring, to Tsswassan, Vancouver's ferry terminal, and get off at Otter Bay on Pender Island. Or, go from Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring, to Swartz Bay, Victoria's ferry terminal, and connect with the Outer Islands ferry, and get to Otter Bay that way. Check the B.C. ferry schedule, online, and see if it's possible to go one way and return the other -- makes a nice sea voyage. Pender has a golf course, and there's a restaurant in the clubhouse...try it for lunch! There's also a great bakery in the Driftwood Mall, on Pender, and one can sample their wares, too. The Pub at Port Browning is a traditional island experience, and there's a marina there, too, if you're coming via your own boat. Want to spoil yourself a little? Poet's Cove, at Bedwell Harbour, awaits your pleasure! Arrive by boat, or by car. Great restaurant, here. Investigate the beaches, on Pender. The best ones, sweeping bays and alluring coves, were all kept as "public" access opportunities, by the Pender trustees. All the Gulf Islands are under the jurisdiction of the Islands Trust, with the overall land density control, but each island has specific zoning bylaws, too. The Hope Bay Store, which was rebuilt, and can also be reached via boat (government dock, there, in Navy Channel) or by car, is a fun place to investigate. Southridge Farms Country Store is at Port Washington, where, again, there's a government dock, so you can arrive by boat or by car. Places to eat? Hope Bay Cafe, Islanders Restaurant (now at Port Browning), Memories at the Inn, Pender Island Bakery Cafe, Pistou Grill Casual Bistro (both of these are in the Driftwood Mall), Poets Cove Resort, Port Browning Marina Resort. Enjoy! August 11, 2009. Here's an incredible opportunity on tranquil Mayne Island! One of the ferry-accessed Southern Gulf Islands, half way between Vancouver and Victoria, and with ferry service to both, Mayne enjoys a truly rural ambiance. This valley and ocean view acreage has the plus of a rare zoning that allows for a country inn use. Currently a personal home, there are three separate ensuite bed-sitting rooms, with private decks, one with hot-tub -- could easily be a B and B, or a country inn. Main home offers 3 or 4 bed. Orchard, fenced organic garden, forested area with walking trails, herb garden. Wood floors, windows, expansive living room, country kitchen with dining off, office, verandah style deck and sunny patios. Very private and sunny, and close to the sandy beach at Bennett Bay. Ready to just move into and to enjoy! August 10, 2009. Looking for "another Island" adventure? Check the ferry schedule, and catch either the "red eye" from Long Harbour to Tsswassan, and get off at Village Bay on Mayne Island, or, catch the ferry from Fulford to Swartz, and connect with the Outer Islands ferry that leaves Swartz and services Mayne, that way. To do a "good day trip", you would most likely want to do the "red eye" route, and then return to Long Harbour on Salt Spring, via the return ship -- either around noonish, or wait till the evening return ferry. What to do on Mayne? A highlight would be a visit to the Japanese Memorial Garden there, close to Dinner Bay. Very inspirational and beautiful sojourn, here, and you might want to take a bit of time to wander the garden, and also to sit on a bench and simply ponder. A great place for breakfast, coffee, lunch, afternoon tea is the Sunny Mayne Bakery Cafe...great baking, here, and a "hub" in the Miner's Bay area. A visit to Mayne, in the "season", isn't complete without dropping in for a meal at the Springwater Lodge...overlooks Active Pass, and in fine weather, the deck is the place to be! One of the oldest structures on the Southern Gulf Islands, this is a gem (best fish and chips, anywhere!). Beachcomb and swim at Bennett Bay...kind of like a baby Parksville Beach, and very unusual for a Gulf Island. Take a picnic from the bakery? Rent a kayak or a bike (catch this at the Blue Vista Resort in Bennet Bay area), and meander the Island that way. Drop in at Essential Orientals...organic products from Ocean Meadows Farm here, too. The Mayne Island Glass Foundry is another stop on your visit. A true gem is the Miners Bay Books location...a "real" bookstore! Tree Frog Gallery & Natural Clothing (a softer footprint ethic) shouldn't be missed. Mayne's Fall Fair is held on August 15h -- now there's a reason to visit! The Lions Salmon Barbecue is on Sept. 6th. If you want to do a charter floatplane to Miners Bay, from Ganges Harbour, give Salt Spring Air a call. A fun thing to do, too. Enjoy! August 9, 2009. What an interesting place Salt Spring Island is! So, we have our own flag. We have our own money, designed by artists, backed by Canadian Dollars in the vault of the Credit Union, and legal tender at most retail options/restaurants, on the Island. (The bills are so beautiful, that I suspect some people just "keep them", as artistic renderings). We have an airline that is called Salt Spring Air, and this floatplane service is owned/operated by an Islander. We also now have our own radio station! Our own newspaper, the Driftwood. Mmmm....currency, flag, airline, communications...so, could we secede, and be the country of Salt Spring Island? Maybe be a tax free haven, such as Channel Islands offer? Anything's possible! August 8, 2009. "Imagination, song, the soaring spirit. Separate them to know them as aspects of the whole. Join them to know the mystery of totality." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") August 7, 2009. Here is a super property at Salt Spring's tranquil "south end", in prestigious Reginald Hill. Walk to Fulford Village, to ferry back to Victoria, and to marina. Reginald Hill owners enjoy freehold ownership of their properties, and also own a share in the Hill itself, with hiking/walking trails, and also a share in China Bay, with a lovely sweep of beach. This property offers a "west coast contemporary" design, by architect H. Schubart, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, and who came to Salt Spring, from California, in the mid-60s. The home of Canada's renowned wildlife painter and noted environmentalist, Robert Bateman, this unique property enjoys a Zen/Scandanavian ethic, with sunny (s/sw/w exposures) privacy, and natural state landscaping. So many unique features...has to be seen, to be appreciated. The plus? The adjacent w.f. lot, with Schubart studio in place, is also available. The two together would be a stellar holding, indeed, on special Salt Spring! Call Li for more details, appointments to view. View the information on this unique holding by clicking on photo above. August 6, 2009. Mark your calendars for this year's Eco Tour. The 2009 Salt Spring Eco-Living and Home Tour takes place on August 16th, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $25, and are available at Salt Spring Books, Gecko Green Living and Windsor Plywood. For more information call event coordinator Elizabeth White (250-537-2616). Don't miss this! Check out the progrress of Eric Proffitt's run to bring attention to, and to help in stopping, slavery. Accounts of his journey are at: www.run4therescue.com Not too late to make donations to his cause, either. Check out this week's Driftwood Newspaper for their Green Edition -- so many people out there, with so many good ideas. Conservation is not a choice, it's a necessity. Pegasus Gallery is showcasing Northwest Coast Native Master Works. The show continues through August 14th -- don't miss this! Cappella Romana, Portland's fine vocal ensemble, plays ArtSpring this Sunday, August 9th, at 8 p.m. Enjoy their concert performance of the music of renowned Estonian composer and mystic: Arvo Part. Call ArtSpring's ticket centre for details: 250-537-2102. Live music continues at Treehouse, every evening. Tonight, catch Peter Prince. Tomorrow is the wonderfully talented group Sunyata, and they repeat on Saturday. Sunday, it's award winning Alan Moberg. Enjoy! Don't overlook Diana Dean's show, The Mysterious in the Ordinary, at ArtSpring. There's an opening reception from 4:30 to 6:30, ;concurrent with the reception for Allan Crane and Julia Luccich's Twos and Threes exhibit. Diana Dean's exhibit ends on the 9th -- such a talented painter. Be sure and catch this show. Piaf...Love Conquers All plays ArtSpring, from Aug 5th to 16th -- call the ticket office for dates, times within this period (250-537-2102). If you feel like a trip to Chemainus, to catch their production of Oklahoma, it runs till August 29th -- easy to do this on a Saturday, enjoy their dinner/theatre package, and still return on the last ferry back to Salt Spring. Something a little different! Graeme Wilkinson plays at the Music and Munch series, on July 12th, beginning at 12:10 p.m., at All Saints By the Sea. Take this in! Hats! The Musical! plays two more performances, on Aug. 10 and 17 -- enjoy this gem! Remember Fulford Day, on the 15th, at Drummond Park, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Now here's a retro Salt Spring moment! Enjoy! Horse of a Different Colour opens on the 10th, at the Bateman Gallery at ArtSpring...a multi media exhibit, with a portion of art sales going to the Salt Spring Therapeutic Riding Association. The renowned jazz trio from France, Garcia-Fons Trio, plays on Tuesday, Aug 11th, at 8 p.m., at ArtSpring. Call the ticket centre (250-537-2102) for more information. So many things to do and to see, in the summer mood on Salt Spring Island. Take part! August 5, 2009. Just as I had "forecast", back in the early Spring, the higher end client base is "back". I had thought, when the "low end residential" market became very buoyant, in mid-February, March, into late April, that we would see this activity transfer into the higher end options by late July/into August. That is indeed what is occurring. When the activity began in mid-February, the bulk of the sales were under 400,000. Undeveloped land and higher end opportunities remained "flat", continuing the suppression of activity that was experienced, globally, throughout 2008. However, by late May/into early June, the lack of inventory became evident. The media began to report multiple offer situations in the primary residence/city marketplaces, in the lower end residential (basically, under 700,000). This was based on the fact that there was not a huge choice for a buyer. Unless they "had to" sell, the owners preferred not to be sellers. If they did sell, what would they do with the money? The same question that buyers might be asking -- if cash is going to be the next bubble, and inflation is in the wings, then good hard asset investment is the place to be for any discretionary funds. Thus, one listing, several buyers -- it's the old story of supply/demand. Although multiple offers are very rare in a secondary home marketplace, what we have seen over the past two months is a narrowing of the spread between a list and sale price point, in the low end residential category. A major franchise company was quoted, in their mid-year cross-Canada report, as saying that "the buyer's market is over". They based this on activity in Vancouver and in Toronto, primary residence areas, and were commenting on the "under 700,000" price range. They referred to the lack of inventory as being the main reason. Interesting! Traditionally, in our secondary home/discretionary marketplace, the higher end options usually get showings between late July, all of August, all of September, and into early October. It's simply "when" this client base visits our seasonal area. Sometimes, they will make offers in November, December or even early January, but they "viewed" in this three plus month "window". Thus, we are going into our traditional cycle of showings, in the higher end options, at exactly the time that this buyer profile is considering moving out of cash positions and back into solid hard asset investments. We may see initial offers showing the buyer delivering a further price reduction, at the point of an offer, which was the case in the lower end sales in February/March. As we move closer to the mid-September period, though, we may also see that spread between a list and sale price narrowing, mirroring what has already occurred in the "under 700,000" price range. It will be for the same reason, too -- low inventory, and more than one buyer "around". It still takes time to have that discretionary buyer commit to a purchase. They still like to view all Pacific Northwest Coast options, too, "just to be sure". It still takes two, if not three, visits for them to "decide for" Salt Spring Island or another Southern Gulf Island. That is the characteristic of all secondary home marketplaces -- time is a component of all sales in any discretionary market. The buyer is always in control of the "where" and the "when" of a transaction. Nevertheless, our tradtitional & non-local buyer is back, and in all price ranges now, and this next segment of time (our market seems to break naturally into "quarters", here, with emails/phone calls first, and then follow up physicality at specific times) promises sales in the higher end opportunities. Buoyancy is apparent. More info? Call anytime (liread33@gmail.com). How may I help you to discover your special Island gem? August 4, 2009. Here is a gem of an oceanfront property, on beautiful and prestigious Scott Point! Sunny (s/sw/w exposures -- sunsets from here), and private, this beauty enjoys vistas out Welbury Bay into Ganges Harbour, with a panoramic vista. Low bank w.f., and with a foreshore licence -- build your dock and keep your boat at home! "West Coast Contemporary" design, with spacious living room, vaulted ceiling, stone feature fireplace, dining off, and easy access to oceanside decking (expand those summer living pleasures). Country kitchen, with breakfast area, plus laundry off, and mudroom entry. Bedrooms (master ensuite), bathroom, and loft office complete the main level. Lower garden level offers family room, further bedroom/bathroom, and there is a large studio/workshop space -- an artist or a hobbyist would love this! One could also finish this level as a separate guest/inlaw suite, if desired. The plus? An original cottage, needing some TLC, but would be perfect for guests. Mainly forested, guaranteeing superb privacy, and with easy care landscaping around home. Detached garage. A very soft upgrade would bring this gem back to its former beauty. Worth it! Call today for your appointment to view. August 3, 2009. "Don't go out looking for good deeds to do, But if one comes your way, do not refuse. If you meet someone who is suffering, You must help them." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") August 2, 2009. BBC news reports : Obama sees US economy improving Eurozone jobless at 10-year high Analysis: Microsoft-Yahoo search deal '$10 trillion' credit crunch cost Banking reform 'largely cosmetic' Japan jobless at six-year record Expert puzzled by spot on Venus Images reveal 'lost' Roman city Apple fix to iPhone security flaw Firefox passes billion milestone Report highlights hunger in India Hidden Gobi Desert relics found EU reaches gas deal with Ukraine Confusion over cruise flu claims 'Dire shortage' at UN food agency Graduates to get gap-year money August 1, 2009. Here's a rural gem, in the heart of the beautiful Fulford Valley, and just steps to wonderful Burgoyne Valley Park Preserve, and the ocean. Authentic character cottage/home, lovingly restored and retaining all its charm. 2 bed/1 bath (claw foot tub), open plan living dining, country kitchen, mudroom entry with laundry. Garage, outbuildings (one would make a great studio space -- artist? Home occupation?), historic orchard, spring fed wells, very arable one acre. Surrounded by much larger acreages, with homes built quite apart from boundary lines, this parcel is very private and sunny. Enjoy a true Salt Spring Island retreat!

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