Showing posts with label Cowichan Valley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cowichan Valley. Show all posts

Sunday, December 8, 2013

November At Whippletree Junction

Today's photos (2013-11-23), are mostly about whimsy. The whimsy that is  Whippletree Junction, just south of Duncan, BC. After a recent trip to Victoria, on our way back home, we turned off the highway for a cup of coffee and another look. There's little doubt; a great place for photos of old, colourful buildings.
Gift shop at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
Gift shop at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
 The early afternoon November sun was low enough spotlight the brightly coloured buildings that make up Whippletree Junction; great for photos. Of course, as this was November, we didn't expect to see much custom in the various stores. There wasn't. In fact, but for a few people in a couple of the furniture emporiums, the place was deserted.
 Colourful shop exteriors at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
 Colourful shop exteriors at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
 Wandering about this deserted place, I found myself asking, "Why?" Why does this place even exist? Why are there no customers? It couldn't entirely be the lateness of the season. Just weeks earlier we'd driven by the venerable "Goats on the Roof" set of stores in Coombs and there were plenty of customers. The question: "What does Coombs have that Whippletree doesn't?" It can't just be goats on the roof, can it?
Stop for a coffee at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
Stop for a coffee at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
 Whippletree Junction looks neglected. It certainly looks like it needs an infusion of cash. And an infusion of ideas. Enthusiasm, perhaps. Clearly, a bunch of quaint old, brightly coloured, faux-whimsical buildings are not enough to draw Coombs-like custom.
Shopping at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
Shopping at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
 Luckily, Whippletree Junction is not my problem. It is, on the other hand, a place where my camera can work overtime!
Shopping at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
Shopping at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
 Hopefully business will pick up during the pre-Christmas season...
Shopping at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
Shopping at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)
 Colours galore...
(2013-11-23)

Colourful whimsey at Whippletree Junction (2013-11-23)



Thursday, September 26, 2013

All's Quiet at Genoa Bay

One of our favourite day excursions is a trip to Genoa Bay. Primarily, we go for the excellent food served at the Genoa Bay Cafe. But, the drive through Ladysmith, Chemainus, Crofton, and Maple Bay has a charm of its own. And, of course, the winding road that connects Maple Bay with Genoa Bay is always fun to drive; particularly in the fall when autumn colours brighten the journey. On this particular visit, in  May, things were awfully quiet in the bay. Clearly, the boating season was just beginning and the docks weren't nearly as full as we've seen during summer months. Nonetheless, Genoa Bay is also worth a visit in the "off season". In my opinion, if you love Vancouver Island as much as I do, there's never an off season!

Cute houseboats line the Genoa Bay docks (2009-05-05)
Cute houseboats line the Genoa Bay docks (2009-05-05)

In May; not many boats moored at Genoa Bay (2009-05-05)
In May; not many boats moored at Genoa Bay (2009-05-05)

Are these "boat houses" or "boat garages"? (2009-05-05)
Are these "boat houses" or "boat garages"? (2009-05-05)


All's quiet on the Genoa Bay Cafe deck (2009-05-05)
All's quiet on the Genoa Bay Cafe deck (2009-05-05)

Clearly an area waiting for the summer season to arrive (2009-05-05)
Clearly an area waiting for the summer season to arrive (2009-05-05)