Monday, July 11, 2011

Saltspring Island








Hello, my friends. How is summer treating you so far? I know that it is luring me away from the computer and enticing me to go outside and play.

My friend and I spent part of the weekend on Saltspring Island, which is just a short ferry trip from Victoria. It is an eclectic little island brimming with artisans and creatives of all types, and every Saturday in the summer, many of them gather for an outdoor market the central village. I drooled over beautiful pottery and jewelry, tried the most delicious pesto kale chips ever (never thought I would like kale, but I am determined to make my own now), and happily wandered about in the sunshine, soaking up the local sights and music.

When we'd had enough of the crowded spaces, we found ourselves snug inside the Tree House Cafe devouring a delicious and nutritious lunch underneath the branches of a giant tree. The entire cafe was built within this tree. What an amazing place...and the food was fantastic.

We eventually moved out of town and drove around the island in search of interesting things to photograph. As we traveled down pretty tree-lined curvy roads, we found other cosy cafes,  fields of sheep and lamas, ocean piers and funky houses. Almost every one had a sign out front...fresh eggs, natural honey, pottery, fruits and veggies, you name it. Anything you needed, you could find on this little island of abundance.

I found myself imagining what it would be like to live there. I think I could be very happy on an island like that...at least in the summer months. A weekend cottage would be oh, so perfect.
I look forward to returning for the fall fair in September, when I can dream a little more.
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21 comments:

  1. d smith kaich jonesJuly 11, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    i had a sense of deja vu with that 1st image. i know the air around it - i could feel it. you will think i am crazy, but i was stunned to see it, it felt that familiar.

    and a treehouse cafe!!!!! !!!! lol! that sounds so fun!

    this looks & sounds like such a fabulous time. a wee bit jealous here. :)

    xoxo

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  2. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Hi Jaime...Funny, I was just thinking of you today! And funny too that I really wanted to go to the Saltspring market this weekend but...well, I slept in instead (she says sheepishly...baaaaahed joke). Oh well, there are still a few more weekend markets to go before the summer is over.

    Such lovely photo's...you've definitely lit a fire under me to get out of bed earlier and not miss the summer fun!

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  3. CatherineJuly 11, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    What a fantastic place Jaime! Wouldn't it be wonderful to own such a sweet little get-a-way.

    Hope the summer is treating you well my friend!
    xo Catherine

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  4. kimberlyJuly 11, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    I adore Salt Spring - my grandparents lived on Mayne Island and I spent my childhood summers there. There is something about the smell of the Arbutus trees and the salt air that always takes me back there...
    Lovely photos,
    xx

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  5. UnknownJuly 11, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    More photos Jaime! I love it! Your adoring viewers want more of your photos. So many islands in your area...it must be so amusing to explore them and uncover delights like that tree house cafe. So happy you are enjoying your summer fun!

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  6. ClaireJuly 12, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    Oh, I want to go to there.

    Cxx

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  7. MarcieJuly 12, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    This looks like a truly magical place. So colorful..and full of whimsy. Love your images!!!

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  8. AnonymousJuly 12, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    may your dreams come true

    you deserve this and more :)

    thanks for the lovely stroll

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  9. Kathryn DycheJuly 12, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Beautiful pics, the place looks amazing. I can see why you love it.

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  10. ReenaJuly 12, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    I love that bicycle photo!!!

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  11. ChrisJuly 13, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    Oh Jaime your photos are lovely! Your post makes me want to hop on a plane and get to Saltspring Island. Sounds like an idyllic place to escape whatever ails you. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  12. AmyJuly 14, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Your photos always make me want to move to Victoria so badly so that I can visit all these wonderful places too. I need a place like Saltspring, a place to escape this city that drags at me more each day and be at peace with the world and its beauty. Thank you for taking me on a mini-vacation there today. ♥

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  13. ElyseJuly 16, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    Perfect summer getaway...

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  14. LyndaJuly 17, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    It looks so lovely there Jaime! A little rustic but so very peaceful. I'm glad you're enjoying the summer! Have a wonderful week! xo

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  15. Elizabeth HaltJuly 25, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    I think I could be very happy there too. I shall visit someday at least. I am sure of it.

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  16. trumpJuly 26, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Greetings from the Amish community of Lebanon,Pa

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  17. meggJuly 26, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    delightful! I love those pictures - especially the one of the window. The shutters remind me of the popsicle sticks I used to use to stir paint when I was the art director at a camp. It also made me want to get some COLOUR in my world.

    Miss you. x

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  18. Relyn LawsonAugust 2, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Oh, I have missed you, dear heart. I've been a blogging slacker lately. Jeffrey and Sloane were gone for two weeks and I spent those two weeks blessedly alone and virtually unplugged. Now we're on a two week trip. In Arizona now and I have a bit of time on the computer - finally! I was having withdrawls from being away from my blogger buddies so long, I tell you. I love you. I miss you. Take care, my friend.

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  19. Dixie@dcreliefAugust 4, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    Amazing beauty; lucky you!! :)

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  20. Relyn LawsonAugust 26, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    I am missing you, my friend.

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  21. business voip servicesSeptember 26, 2011 at 12:55 AM

    What a fantastic place Jaime!

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