The weekend saw Sheena and I enjoying a relaxing getaway on Saltspring. We had nothing to do but chill out and enjoy ourselves - a calm in the storm of life. So, what could be more natural than almost falling asleep at 7:30pm? I mean, when you have the freedom to do anything you want, obviously the mind becomes overwhelmed and sleepy, right?

Other than the preponderance of sleeping, the weekend really was good. Our hosts were extremely friendly, and the little things were anything but overlooked. The surroundings were beautiful, and the area was extremely quiet. Our little cottage looked out over Fulford Harbour, but the ferries don't blast their horns near Saltspring ... and I don't think we heard more than 5 cars go by the entire weekend!

However, all is not rosey on the salt-sprung isle. For some eerie unknown reason, the entire town seems to shut down before 7pm on Saturday evenings. Had we been in Victoria, we could have hit up any number of evening or night spots, but on Saltspring the selection was far more limited. We found 3 places open - a bistro, a pub, and an "inn" (the type of bar which only has trucks parked outside, and all the locals turn to stare as you come in the door ... creepy!). I guess it was lucky we weren't there to party!

In all seriousness, however, I can see the attraction of the smaller islands, the quietness, the small-town feel. However I don't know if I could ever live in such a place. My none-too-dirty silver sporty car drew a number of looks from locals, though it's apparent rarity on the island did not dissuade the myriad of hitchhikers from thumbing for a lift.

In true big-city spirit, and perhaps due to the fact that the last hitchhiker I picked up turned out to be a prostitute (long story for another day), I left all the scruffy-looking denizens right where they were. Beep-beep - out of my way, you dirty hippies! ;)