I took myself away for 4 days to Salt Spring Island before our week at Pender.
I opted to stay close in town and park the car and walk to the shops and galleries.
My room overlooked the harbour.
The Salt Spring Island Inn was a very pleasant surprise.
It was built in 1937 and has been updated over the years...it has 7 rooms.
Three of the rooms have ensuite bathrooms and are advertised as deluxe rooms.
The 4 others share 2 separate bathrooms with showers.
It is very cozy.
The room was quiet and clean and had a TV which I never turned on once!
I purchased the deVol Kitchen Book from a fabulous shop called Rhubarb.
They have the MOST beautiful things in the shop...
they also have a website with some of their items.
I could have spent a fortune in there.
I finished knitting my neck warmer while I was at the Inn.
There is a wonderful cafe on the main floor.
It is popular with the locals and with tourists.
The food was really delicious and even though it was busy,
the service was wonderful. The staff were friendly and animated.
I ate at the cafe every evening and opted for healthy meals.
(No fries or burgers)
Rain did not stop me from getting out and about...
I was out for an early morning walk before the shops opened up
when I spied this bottle on the sidewalk.
There must be a story here...
Pod has some amazing things inside!
European brands, cashmere sweaters scarves and hats.
Beautiful coats, clothes and shawls.
Met up with my friend Ali and she and I perused the shops.
She loves the Rhubarb Shop too so I went back with her again...
I went to 2 of the 3 thrift shops on SSI.
Found a sparkly brooch stamped Butler.
Love the size of the brooch...it makes a statement.
Found a basic tee top by Mododoc at Mouats.
They have a vast selection of clothing and were having a sale.
I found the Golden Amber scent at Mondo...
it is woodsy and I love the fragrance.
Denim skirt also from Mouats.
I haven't had a denim skirt in many many years.
This will be a serious work horse in my wardrobe.
I am already planning what I am going to wear with it...
My crisp white shirt and pearls, tights and Black Chelsea Boots for a start...
Tee tops with my hand knit sweaters and vests.
Met up with Terry, my husband's cousin, who has lived on SSI for many decades.
We had a fun day together!
Terry is an avid walker and has made many trips to walk the Camino and various walks in the UK and Scotland.
She took me on a 5km walk in the Channel Ridge area.
I held my breath when she showed me a road that was so steep it went straight up!
I was VERY intimidated...
Terry was patient with me and said I'll talk and when you need to stop I'll wait.
Well I stopped 3 times to catch my breath but I did make it to the top.
After our walk she showed me wonderful areas of the Island that I had never visited.
For example, I had never been to the Mercantile...
The Woodshed
Glorious colours and a wide variety of veggies.
Beeswax Candles...
Fruits and Funghi
Salt Spring Island Kitchen Co.
They make wonderful and unusual jams, sauces, and vinegars.
Also sell the Salt Spring Island Cheeses and have yummy crackers too.
Tempting tasty samples too :-))
I bought two jars of jam...
Hot Mango and Onion and Thyme
The uber popular Francis Bread Bakery...
Totally loved these lights! They remind me of jellyfish.
Lots of tempting treats...
We had a delicious bowl of chowder at The Oystercatcher in Ganges.
Thank you Terry :-))
Went into Louise Campbell's Gallery...
colourful paintings and silk scarves.
I purchased 3 packages of art cards.
On November 11th there was a parade and a ceremony in the town square.
Many people turned out to watch the horses and Canadian Navy Bands.
After the event was over I grabbed a coffee
then
I checked out of the Inn and went to the bookstore to buy another book to take with me to Pender.
I read this book in a couple of days and have the sequel waiting at home.
I had never been to Pender from SSI before. It was fun to see the different scenery.
Well that about wraps up my holiday away...
Pender Sunset on our last evening...
I must apologize for being so slow at responding to emails!
I don't use my computer much when I am away.
I have laundry to tackle, bread to make, food to buy, and
YES many emails to answer...
Only then will I read some more of Ina's new book!
What a lovely story!
Thank you for staying in touch and reading my blog.
~ Be Well and Be Kind ~
