Lotusland

The Pacific Coast of North America is sometimes referred to as "Lotusland", generally by easterners who view themselves as more pragmatic or realistic. But there's lots of hard-nosed materialism out here as well and not many people wear flowers in their hair any more. Don't despair though - the real Lotusland is just a thirty-five minute ferry trip from Victoria. The sign above is one of the first things you will see when the ferry docks at Fulford Harbour on Saltspring Island and while it by no means sums up the island, it does give some idea of the island's character. The sign is made from old surfboards and lists a pretty good menu of counterculture interests. But Saltspring's unusual character runs deeper than a few hippy stores. The island has its own flag and currency. Albert Einstein is quoted on the $5 bill:"How I wish that somewhere there existed an Island for those who are wise and of goodwill. In such a place, even I would be an ardent patriot." The island probably has a higher population of artists of many kinds than anywhere else in Canada. Check out the Saltspring Music website to see what I mean. For those interested in the visual arts, check out the Salt Spring Studio Tour. If you would like to find out more about this extraordinary little island, click HERE to visit the Saltspring Consciousness website.