Portland Island - Day Five

After a day of civilization, with businesses and spas, we went back to nature at Portland Island, formerly known as Princess Margaret Island, to anchor at Princess Bay. We rowed to shore to circumnavigate the island by foot, following a trail alternately wooded and exposed grassland.

The Island has an interesting history. It was given to Princess Margaret in honor of her visit to Victoria in the 50s. She returned it to the people nine years later to serve as a park. Earlier, it was purchased with visions of a grand hotel and still earlier, Hawaiian immigrants sought to make it their new home. There are still remnants of the past - apple trees from an old orchard and rose bushes gone wild.

On our journey we visited a rocky beach with a make-shift wooden swing for two and another for solo swinging. We tested both of course. The highlight was Arbitus Point, with several campsites and a stunning view, including numerous B.C. ferries and some large marine mammal (whale?). At one point, the trail seemed to end completely - fortunately, right next to a crowded group campsite.

After a hilly six-or-so mile hike (and me in very impractical sandals), we dinghied back to Rock Lobster for a dinner of dal, rice and flatbread, played some Bananagrams and chose our next destination before bed. The evening was beautiful with countless stars and bioluminescence emanating from the bay. Sleep was a bit rough, as each time a ferry went past, the boat rocked for a good five minutes or so.