After our weekly lunch today at the Cortes Café we were invited to the museum. Thanks to Ruth at the café, we went to the museum with our stomachs full. (Delicious leek and potato soup, scones, butter tarts, coffee and tea). Lynne Jorden welcomed us and we had the opportunity to walk around and see this years’ exhibit.

Dianne Hentschel, Doreen Thompson and Sue Ellingsen did an amazing job. There are books full of interviews, stories and photographs. On the wall there are many pictures displayed, the classroom was setup and the archives open for us to browse in.

After about half an hour we all gathered around the table and Lynne read us the history of Manson’s Landing. Carol Tidler and Lynne put the excerpt together. We went way back in time: there were stories about the land, the steamship, the ferry, the roads, the stores, electricity and the people.

There was tea, coffee and sweets and after 1.5 hrs we slowly made our way back home. Some of us left with stories never heard before, others left with memories revisited.

What a nice afternoon. Thank you to the museum for hosting it and to Lynne for welcoming us and reading the history. Thank you to all the people who shared their photographs and stories, it is a great exhibit.

If you would like to join us the next time we organize a museum visit or something similar, please contact Ester Strijbos at 935-6441.

As part of our outreach program called “Walks and Talks” the Cortes Island Museum is planning a number of exciting outings for the spring and summer of 2005.

The first of the outings (April 24th) will be a day of spring migration bird watching. Participants will have the opportunity to look for and identify bird species in a variety of different ecosystems on Cortes. See the results here!

On May 28th a group of 12 will have the opportunity to boat out to Mitlenatch Island Provincial Nature Park with Samantha and Mike Moore onboard their charter vessel the Misty Isles. Spring is an exciting time of year on Mitlenatch, the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia. While half of the group explores the shoreline in a zodiak scouting for sea lions, seals, river otters and cormorant nesting areas, the other participants will have the chance to photograph the beautiful spring wildflowers and get a close up view of the seagull nesting area from an observation blind. After lunch the groups will switch places. The fee for the Mitlenatch day trip will be $90 per person (includes GST).

The Toba Inlet Waterfall excursion date is June 15th. Depart Cortes Bay at 10:30 NOT 9:30 June 15th, return June 16th. Price of $302 (includes GST) per person includes all meals and cabin accommodation with spots available for camping @ $30 per person off the price. To reserve a place leave a message at the museum (250-935-6340) or email cimas@island.net.

The schooner Misty Isles will explore Desolation Sound and Toba Inlet. This is an area where mountains rise straight out of the green glacial inlet waters and waterfalls thunder down as the snow pack melts off above. We will overnight at Toba Wildernest in their rustic yet snug cabins. We can enjoy showers and hot tub there all heated by power generated from a waterfall in behind the camp.

July 23rd the tides are just right for the Misty Isles 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 $96 (includes GST). Misty Isles will return to Whaletown around 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. To reserve a space leave a message at the museum (250-935-6340) or email cimas@island.net.

August 27th launch a Misty Isles kayak into the protected waters of the west coast of Cortes Island to explore the exceptionally beautiful scenery, ancient First Nations village sites and pioneer settlements. Historian Jeanette Taylor and a kayaking guide/naturalist will lead this easy daylong paddle past islands, rocky shores and sandy beaches. We hope to see the intriguing pictographs (paintings) on the dramatic rock face at Gorge Harbor and the carving of a whale said to have been made by a long ago man who found great power during a spirit quest. The trip will depart Whaletown ferry at 10 am and return by 5 pm. Cost $96 per person (includes GST). Lunch will be provided if requested at an additional cost of $12. Kayakers should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather. Shorts or pants that can be rolled up are a good idea as you will get wet up to the knees. Footwear must be strong and sturdy and able to get wet. Bare feet and thong type sandals are dangerous on shell covered, rugged shores. Old running shoes or “water Shoes” are ideal. Bring sunscreen & hat, sunglasses, camera (in a waterproof bag), a sweater or light jacket and long slip on pants. To reserve a space leave a message at the museum (250-935-6340) or email

Another trip aboard the Misty Isles is planned for September. Keep checking back for details or watch cortesisland.com so you don’t miss out on a great opportunity. Watch for the late June opening exhibit MEMORIES OF MANSON’S LANDING. The museum summr hours will be Wednesday thru Sunday 10am until 4 pm. There will also be an upcoming Lagoon Walk.

If you are a college or university student planning to return to school in the fall, theres a great summer job available at the Cortes Museum!

We are looking for a mature self-reliant student to fill the position of Museum Attendant. Your qualifications should include: computer skills, the ability to communicate enthusiastically with the public, the desire to learn about Museum procedures and an interest in Cortes history.

We provide training, a salary of $10.00 per hour and a 30-hour work week, starting in early June. Interested applicants should contact:

Lynne Jordan
PO Box 11
Mansons Landing BC
V0P 1K0

Or phone me at: 250-935-6472, references will be required.