Please be prepared for this AGM by downloading the Newsletter and Report of 2006. Microsoft Word is the advised software for these downloads.You may have to right click on the link and Save to Disk.

On December 17th a group of 20 enthusiastic birders split into 5 groups to cover the beaches, lakes and forests of Cortes for the Cortes Island 2006 Christmas Bird Count. Read more here

The Toba Inlet Waterfalls excursion is July 25/26. Cruise into the heartland of the Klahoose people's territory aboard the MISTY ISLES. You'll cruise Desolation Sound en route to Toba Inlet, where the mountains rise straight out of the green glacial inlet and waterfalls thunder down the melting ice fields. Few people have the opportunity to visit this remote and scenic part of the inside coast. Your naturalist guide and skipper, MIKE MORE, will share a wealth of information about the birds, plants, and animals that inhabit the inlet.

That night you will stay in Toba Wildernest Lodge's snug hostel-style cabins or pitch a tent. Near the lodge, which offers a beachside hot tub, is a hike to a stunning waterfall. You will dine on barbequed wild salmon and can enjoy a soak in the hot tub. The fee for this 2-day trip is $302 per person (inclues GST). It covers all meals and cabin accommodation, and if you tent it will be $280 per person. Reservations (250-935-6340) or drop in at museum.

On May 13th a group of 12 will have the opportunity to cruise to this beautiful little seabird sanctuary aboard Misty Isles with guides Mike Moore and historian Jeanette Taylor. In late May the sea lions are still lounging on the rocky shores and the island's meadow will be awash with a profusion of wild flowers. Mike will give you the background on all the natural features of the island, from the sea lions to the cormorant rookeries and hundreds of nesting seagulls. Jeanette will keep you entertained with tales of early European exploration and First Nations legends. The fee for the Mitlenatch day trip will be $100 per person (GST included). It will depart Cortes Bay at 10:30 am and return by 5 pm. Pack a lunch. Tea (herbal & regular) & cookies will be provided. Bring clothing appropriate for the weather including an extra set of clothes & jacket, camera, binoculars, sunscreen & hat, water shoes or gumboots for shore walks. To reserve a space leave a message at the museum (250-935-6340) or email cimas@island.net

The Toba inlet waterfall excursion date is June 17/18th. Cruise into the heartland of the Klahoose people's territory aboard the Misty Isles to enjoy stunning scenery, wildlife and waterfalls cascading down the steep cliffs of Toba Inlet. Few people have the opportunity to visit this remote and scenic part of the inside coast. Your naturalist guide and skipper, Mike Moore will share a wealth of information about the birds, plants and animals that inhabit the inlet. That evening we will stay in rustic but comfortable cabins at Toba Wildernest, under the mountains at the entrance to the inlet. There we will dine on barbequed wild salmon and can enjoy a soak in the hot tub which is heated by power generated from the waterfall above the camp. All meals, starting with lunch on the 17th to lunch on the 18th are included. There are 2 campsites available. The price of $302 per person (GST included) covers all meals and cabin accommodation and if you camp it will be $280 per person. Please indicate cabin or camping option when registering. Bring clothing appropriate for the weather including an extra set of clothes and jacket, camera, binoculars, sunscreen & hat, water shoes or gumboots for shore walks. To reserve a space leave a message at the museum (250-935-6340) or email cimas@island.net

July 8th the schooner Misty Isles will explore Desolation Sound with its unparalled scenery and outstanding historic history. Historian guide Jeanette Taylor will take you back in time to learn about the lives of the 18th century sailors and the fascinating cultures of the First Nations people they met. Your naturalist guide and skipper Mike Moore will provide a wealth of details about the sea birds, animals and mountains of this beautiful part of the coast. The trip will depart Cortes Bay at 10:30 am and return by 5 pm. Cost $100 per person (includes GST) Pack a lunch. Tea (regular & herbal) and cookies will be provided. Bring all-weather clothing, camera, binoculars, sunscreen & hat.

August 12th the tides are just right for the Misty Isles to depart Whaletown dock at 9:30 am on a voyage to circumnavigate Maurelle Island. The 12 participants will share the history of this incredibly beautiful area, famous for its tidal rapids with ever changing whirlpools, currants and eddies. This is a great area to observe the eagles, seals and sea lions, which are often seen fishing in these fast waters. The cost for this sea adventure is $100 per person (includes GST). Misty Isles will return to Whaletown around 5:30 pm. Pack a lunch. Tea (herbal & regular) & cookies will be provided. Bring clothing appropriate for the weather including an extra set of clothes & jacket, camera, binoculars, sunscreen & hat, water shoes. To reserve a space leave a message at the museum (250-935-6340) or cimas@island.net

Additional trips, aboard the Misty Isles, exploring Okeover Inlet with lunch at the Laughing Oyster and a Solstice Dinner cruise are in the planning stages. Keep checking back for details and watch the www.cortesisland.com - so you don't miss out on these most enjoyable, exciting and fun trips.