By Maryanna Gabriel
Gabriola Island is nearby, and I thought I would explore. A sign at the terminal said Malcolm Lowry was the only famous Canadian author to consider living on the island. Obviously, they have not heard of me! (Okay. Maybe not that famous.) My final destinatin was the same point of land that he and his wife Margerie had headed for, as they considered accepting a rental many years ago. In the end, their lease in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, was extended and the story "October Ferry To Gabriola" was born. I read Under The Volcano when I was going to university, rather fascinated by what a man in the throes of alcoholism and who had died choking on his own vomit, had come up with.
My first thought as I visited the island was envy. What a nice ferry they had! And a schedule to die for, it being more convenient than Salt Spring's. Go figger, because Salt Spring Island is larger and more populated. My mission of the day was to have fun.
Stopped in Mad Rona's for coffee and wrote awhile, approving of the plants, the spacious wood tables, the sunlight which played with my pen as words crossed the page. So many beautiful parks and beaches, and truly a beautiful island. Lunch out at an ocean side restaurant proved to be fatal. My body paid for it for days. Nevermind. Sometimes it is just good to get out and about.
