Peering between scattered trees, we watched log booms slowly drift by on the Fraser River. From an island that is predominantly farm land, we were able to watch industry and commerce as tugs and ships of various sizes traveled the river.
The picnic spot where we had chosen to lunch gave us a good view of the river and of Surrey beyond, appearing to be undeveloped from where we stood. We knew this was not the case because we had just taken the barge/tug across from that thriving city.
On Barnston Island sheep and horses graze in lush green pastures and snow peaked mountains are a backdrop to this comforting and welcoming scene. Dogs barked lazily in the distance and a cat meandered across the road to welcome us. Plump ripe blackbetties grew abundantly beside the road ready for the picking. Native islanders waved a passing greeting to us as we walked the road beside their farms and children smiled without fear or curiosity.
On Barnston Island one takes a step back in time. Farming is a way of life existing in few other places. Neighbours are neighbours in the truest sense of the word. People care and life is home and it's a place where children can still be children.
Part of the quaint charm, the laid-back feeling and the excitement of a visit to this small island seems to come with the barge/tug mode of travel. On our trip, as we struggled out of our car with stroller and child before walking on, a friendly voice called, "Don't rush, we'll wait for you."
The island, barely three miles square, is perfect for even young children to walk or bicycle around. The crossing can be reached by going east on Highway 1, exiting at 176th Street and traveling north to 104th Avenue and then right a very short distance to the 'ferry', then a five minute trip across Paron's Channel and you've arrived.
A visit to Barnston Island is a great day adventure and hopefully for those on Barnston Island this seemingly idyllic way of life remains.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment