Perceptions

Reality

Sun Jul 18th

Bar Closed

Before we arrived in BC we did quite a lot of research on property locations on the Coast.  With Covid restrictions we had a lot of time.  What was where, facilities in the different towns, access to services, property availability, prices and rental opportunities and so on.

There were a number of givens; something modern, not a log cabin, ideally beachfront, but definitely with a view.  

We made an offer on one property and missed out on another in the Garden Bay Area, both ticking the boxes apart from the beachfront.  Once on the Sunshine Coast and with a chance to explore the area in person, we got close to buying a property on the north western side of the Sechelt Inlet.  For a couple of reasons it fell through, and maybe that fortuitous. 

Washed up tree stump 3m wide at the base

We rather thought we'd like Garden Bay at the northern end of the Coast, and we do, but now feel it would be too remote in winter.  A virtue according to the residents we met during our five weeks in a log cabin next to Mixal Lake.  Sechelt has the best facilities, shops and hospital, but there is a huge amount of development going on.  There is no obvious old town that might give it character, but we like it nevertheless.  We also didn't want to be too near the ferry terminal because of traffic and noise.

We are now back near Gibsons, actually south of the town (right by the ferry) at Langdale or South Howe Sound as some locals prefer to call it.

A 10 minute walk to Hopkins Landing and 2 minutes from Smith Cove beach below us.  A 1min drive to the ferry terminal.  

Washed up tree root ball 2m across

We've got the view, but not the beachfront,  we didn't want to be near the ferry terminal, but now rather enjoy its presence.  It's distant enough not to hear the bulk of the operations. We enjoy seeing and hearing the ferries arriving and departing.  We are living in something relatively new, but it's more log cabin rather than the modern architecture we sought.

That said we rather like the place.  It has a warm, comfortable feel and is well finished and fitted out, spacious and with lots of deck space, bedrooms and bathrooms.  We also wanted a west facing living elevation, but are rather glad it's NE, with the morning light, not the heat of the afternoon sun.  Reinforced by the events 

of the last few weeks.

MG, but which model?

Funny how things turn out.  

This morning's walk I discovered a pop-up bar on Hopkins Landing beach.  At six thirty in the morning it wasn't open and in any event the design suggests it's more lemonade and soda than than gin with a twist and champagne!

Today Fred did the gardening - we have a number of shrubs, roses and rhodos that need trimming - then the afternoon dog walk (to the beach, where else!).  I did a 5k run after this morning's dog walk.  We need to share these things.

She spotted this lovely old MG outside one of the houses on Smith Rd, so a neighbour with taste! Any MG officianidos know what model it is?