“I decided that adventure was the best way to learn…” Lloyd Alexander

Considered one of the top five boating waters in the world, the Gulf Islands of British Columbia (there are over a dozen large and more than 200 small!) are a west coast paradise blending a small taste of the Mediterranean with a uniquely Canadian flavour…and sometimes a step back in time!  If ever you are on the hunt for a unique get away that will make you feel like you actually GOT AWAY, British Columbia’s Gulf Islands are full of adventure for kids.  We explored the islands on a recent “Redfish Kids” boating adventure…and met lots of courageous kids along the way!

Bald eagles perched in the trees above the marina, curious seals and their babies poked their heads up as we went by and orcas could be viewed within a few minutes boat ride. The kids were fully ensconced in the surroundings at Pender Island’s “Poet’s Cove”.

Leaving the serenity of Poet’s, we ventured over to Salt Spring Island to enjoy the Saturday Market where the kids made friends with some Salt Spring “locals”….

and while not particularly chatty… they did prove to be good dance partners.

The Salt Spring Island Market is a treat to the senses ….and an unbeatable place to take the kids! Potters, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, and fine decorative arts collide with farmstead cheeses, organic produce and flowers and non stop music….

Isn’t sheeee loooooovely???….local flowers -beautifully arranged in recycled milk cartons – surrounded this young merchant…could she have been more beautiful?

Salt Spring Island’s beautiful, fresh organic produce would inspire just about anyone to cook.

Monster Lab’s Diane Perry enjoyed the day while shoppers enjoyed her unique designs.

Entreprenuers, musicians, boaters…COURAGEOUS kids come in all forms and you never have to look far to find them……

from aspiring merchants…..

…..to budding musicians – there were Courageous Kids wherever we looked!

A break at the playground was cut short when the kids heard a familiar voice singing in the background and decided to go check it out …

they could hardly believe their good fortune…

when they discovered that beloved local resident, Raffi had stopped by jam with the crowd.

Baby Beluga, You Brush Your Teeth…Banana Phone – Raffi played for a multi generation crowd who knew all the right words…..

had all the right moves (with a few improvisations along the way)…

and all the right props…(will SOMEONE please answer that banana-phone!)

Back at Poet’s Cove we settled in and enjoyed the tranquility and a beautiful sunset…

which provided the perfect backdrop for a “hot tub” at the end of a long day!

….and that my deer- is the tail end of our blog- but don’t be bummed- there are Courageous Kid Adventures around every corner -so bye….but just for now!