The Atlas Café in Courtenay

Morning Light

Island Pitstop

Once we're off the ferry and past the depressing strip malls of Nanaimo we head to our lunch stop at the Beach House in Qualicum Beach. I usually order an oyster burger, since this is definate oyster bed country, but this time I was tempted by the mushroom spaetzle which was spot on. The mushrooms were very meaty and served in a savory reduction that tasted like time and care had been taken with it. Everyone was happy with their meal, but I wouldn't reccomend any of the desserts onless they indicate they are made in house. The waitress even remembered us from last year, which made the experience even sweeter.

Beach Oddities

I touched the end of this fish and was taken aback when it was sucked further down into the sand. Apparently it was a sea anenome's lunch!


This thin fish below was alive and kept flipping onto it's side and onto its back. I think this is what the herons gobble up when we see them patiently fishing on the beach at low tide.


I think these snails are laying their eggs here, otherwise known as "sea oats."

Sandy Toes

Monkey Mind/Eagle Mind

It has taken a week to let go of the worried jangle of thoughts tangled up in my exhausted mind. One afternoon, when I was on the beach looking for seals I stood next to an eagle sitting on a rock looking out over the water. That eagle had such a calm presence of mind that he projected a majestic power of concentration. He was an old soul. It was as if he had lived here for decades, before the cabins had been built. The next day I was walking further up the beach, haunted by thoughts of failure and an uncertain future. Then I remembered the eagle and I realized that none of that really matters. We're all just salmon flowing downriver into the ocean. Maturity is about building up and then letting go, dissolving into the truth of yourself and the true flow of identity.

A Smuck of Starfish

Sweet Photos

The Vancouver Sun has been doing some articles on the global food crisis and local BC farmers. Check out the lovely photos of bees (taken by Ward Perrin) at Zebroff's Organic Farm in Cawston. The accompanying article by Larry Pynn is here. There is an interesting note on using nettles for fertilizer and aphid repellent by biodynamic farmers on page three of the same article.

Comox Valley Farmer's Market

These tamales are terrific--they had just run out of the chicken mole, but we bought some frozen tamales to take back to the cabin, along with some green salsa.

Chocolate truffle from the Darkside, who will be opening a shop soon in Cumberland.

Woo Pop from Hazelmere Farms. I love their wasabi greens.



































































































My favorite dish: a farmer's market salad with radishes, baby cukes and La Scala cheese from Natural Pastures

Blossom Dearie