We are wilderness-lite, we are Birkenstock-clad muesli-eaters fortunate enough to enjoy the offerings of a French bakery. These things, alongside our temperate climate, dazzling greenery and proximity to Vancouver make Bowen Island the 11th best place to live in the world – according to the Sunday Times.
Well yes, there are all those things, but there is really so much more that the writer from the Times could not possibly know. There is that intangible thing, that somehow settles even the most footloose among us (I speak for myself here). The same thing draws back our kids,who so often find their way back if they happen to leave for a while.
When I venture off this island, whether it’s to Vancouver, back home to Ontario or any other number of places, what people said to me when my family first moved here rings in my ears, “Bowen is the best place in the world to raise kids.”
It’s a small island, but still our kids have a multitude of educational opportunities. Plus they get to jump in mud puddles. They have a tendency to gain a proficiency at rock climbing before they’re even stable on their feet. They run like wild things through the forests and learn to identify birds and edible plants. They get to discover beach treasures like oysters, jellyfish, and herring. Fortunately, at this particular time in our island’s history, they are growing up knowing that whales and dolphins live in the waters that surround them – not just in the aquarium. These are things that cannot be bought, and sadly, such simple experiences are becoming harder and harder to come by in this world.
So I’ll blame the idyllic surroundings for inspiring me to bring yet another little human to this planet. I’m told he or she will come midway through August or thereabouts, which means that this little paper will need someone to take over as editor for a year or so. We’d love it if one of the many talented and engaged members of the community would step up to the job – so if you have any interest in such a position, please let us know.
In the meantime, continue enjoying and appreciating the experience of calling the (11th) best place to live in the world, home.
