My day trips to Salt Spring Island began because of the pandemic. At that time my hair dresser stopped his weekly trip over to Victoria to accommodate the clients he had left behind after his relocation to the island. When it was safe to get hair cuts again my only option was to go to his Salt Spring studio. It was a very welcome jaunt for many reasons. My hair really needed a cut!! And I was more than ready for a change of scenery after being cooped up in my own neighbourhood.
Now I go to Salt Spring every couple of months. It is easy to take these regular excursions for granted so I decided to treat my trip in October as though I was traveling. I would take photos, stop at interesting sights, try a new restaurant, and I would get curious.
I started by getting out of my car on the half hour ferry ride.
Sailing into Fulford Harbour I was rewarded with a cloud imitating Mount Maxwell. How many other things have I missed on all those other trips by staying in my car?
I stopped at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. I had always said I should do this some day and today was that day. It is its stone mosaic facade that attracts me. Built around 1885, it’s the oldest church on Salt Spring.
My hairdresser is almost on the other side of the island, near Vesuvius, about a twenty minute drive.
I had lunch at a place I hadn’t tried before, Wild Salt Spring Ciderhouse. It was delicious!
I had some time before I needed to catch my ferry home so I poked around Ganges, the small village on the island. I don’t remember seeing this mermaid statue overlooking the harbour before.
Finally, on the road back to Fulford Harbour I stopped at another attractive church. Burgoyne United Church, the oldest Protestant church built on the island in 1887.
I was home in time for dinner. It wasn’t a grand adventure but it was traveling just the same. Taking the time to look at the details, stimulating the senses, and seeing the world through a different perspective. That is what traveling is all about.
Now here it is, your moment of mosaic. A closeup of St. Paul’s stone mosaic facade.
