Bowen Island: Journey "Off the Beaten Track"
Navarez in July, 1791. It was named Isla de Apodaca. One year later Captain George Vancouver explored the area, but Bowen was not mentioned specifically. In 1860 Captain George Richards who charted and renamed the island after Rear Admiral James Bowen, who had arrived with Captain Vancouver.
Charlie Dagget, a logger, was the first recorded inhabitant of the island. Other pioneers, who were granted land, followed him. Included were my grandfather Jacob Dorman and his wife Sarah. He built a merry go round to entertain day-trippers. In the 1900's Captain Cates, plied a regular route to Bowen and Howe Sound, on his ship Britannia.
The Union Steamship Company in 1920 began development of a destination resort complex, which was at the height of Bowen's Heyday. In 1931 The SS Lady Alexandra, Cynthia and Cecelia carried over 57,000 visitors and residents to Bowen Island. At that time, Bowen was often called the "Happy Isle." Perhaps this was due in part, to the regular Summer, Saturday night"Moonlight Cruises." Which were commonly called the" Booze Cruise." The S.S.Lady Alexandra would arrive filled with party goers and a full orchestra. They would trip off the boat and walk up to the dance pavilion, a short walk from the dock. They would dance till midnight, then return to the ship, to dance their way back to Vancouver.
Peter and I have a Summer Place on this beautiful island, a renovated 50 year old "Pan Abode", log cabin, with cedar decks stepping down the rocks to a fish pond and cliff over looking the sea. We are surrounded by tall Cedars, Douglas Fir, Hemlock and in front peeling Arbutus trees. Our (other) neighbors are two deer families, who visit frequently and whose generations we have photographed over the years.
Here is Suite101 " Wild Life " Suite Party
This is also where we recently threw a Suite "staff and family party." " Nice hat!"
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The sun is shining and sun pennies dance on the sea. The sun warms us, the breeze cools. It is a perfect day for a party. We have music and song, although tastes sometimes differ things flow smoothly.
By noon every one has arrived. Munchies are set out drinks ready to be poured. Conversation flows, as did the jokes and the libations.
Munchies are munched between words of wisdom and fun.
| Then the BBQ is lit and wonderful odors permeate the air. Barrie
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