PLAY BY THE SEA
Waterfront Cottage in Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island
Low Tide at "Play By The Sea" cottage on Jack Road in Sturdies Bay.
South-East view from deck looking toward White Rock.
The cottage has a fabulous, ever-changing view of Sturdies Bay looking S/E to Mount Baker and into the Eastern entrance of Active Pass. You will see ferries, fishing boats, international merchant marine traffic, sea lions, otters, seals and if you're lucky, killer whales (Orcas). There are lots of eagles and a varied array of shore and land birds. There are also lots of Deer, Racoons and Otters but no Bear or Coyotes.
The Mayne Queen arrives at dawn on route to Victoria
THE DECK:
Enjoy a big multi-level deck overlooking Sturdies Bay and all the comings and goings of boaters, residents, weekenders, wildlife and more.
Beach directly below the cottage, incl white boat
The cottage sits on a 1/2 acre landscaped lot with a woodshed and small workshop/cabin in the back. The front (seaside) has three natural flat terraces, with the one at the top sporting a beautiful big deck. A grassy slope takes you to the second terrace where badminton or volleyball can be played, and the third flat area is the beach itself. The beach here is very safe for playing and swimming and the tidal changes keep the waters clean. You might want rubber beach shoes for little children as barnacles and mussels are exposed at low tides.
The beaches on Galiano vary between sand, rock, smooth sandstone rock (as above) and middens or shell beaches, such as at Montegue Provincial Park on the western side of the island. The moon-rock is interesting, but beware of the green colour - very slippery. Explore the tidal pools and rock fissures for colourful sea anemones, starfish, crabs and little fishes. The islands also have a wealth of red-barked Arbutus trees which are not found on the mainland..
A fibreglass row-boat (left side in picture above) is available for use, but be warned, it is heavy and you move/use it at your own risk. Not recommended to be taken outside the immediate bay area unless you have an outboard engine and boating experience. The currents around Active Pass are very strong, especially at tide changes and the numerous passing ferries present a further hazard. The row-boat could be used for paddling over to the village, light fishing or crabbing within the bay. Oars and some life-jackets are stored in the cabin. The beach area around the cottage is very safe for playing and swimming.
You can fish off the rocks in Bellhouse Park or from the dock in Sturdies Bay. Or you can use the Player's row boat or hire a local to take you out fishing. Fishing licences can be purchased at the garage in the village (Sturdies Bay).
A Doe and her fawn by the pumphouse (well) in the back yard.
Living room and kitchen which look out to sea and the Cascades beyond.
The 6-room cottage includes 3 bedrooms with a total of 3 single beds, 1 double and 1 kingsize. Good for 7 comfortably. The master bedroom has the kingsize bed, the 2nd bedroom a double and a single (see below) and the sunroom has two singles. The living-dining-kitchen is one area along the front looking out to the deck and sea. The bathroom and a utility with washer/dryer, fridge and freezer are behind the kitchen. An air-tight stove enhances the electric heat to keep the cottage warm and cozy on stormy days.
It is fully furnished complete with oven, microwave, phone, TV/VCR/DVD, small stereo for radio, tapes and CDs. No cable, but TV receives 4 channels.
Middle bedroom (above) with a double and a single.
Queen of Nanaimo departs at high tide as dusk descends on another beautiful day.
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