Birkeland 0n Denman

Mini-adventures on Denman Island; one of the northern gulf islands on the west coast of British Columbia, situated between Hornby Island and Baynes Sound. This site is intended for relatives, friends, and voyeurs who are interested in monitoring our alternate lifestyle. Updates are now done on a weekly basis. Visit regularly.

Week ending January 22, 2012.

Today the weather brings a different threat; strong winds that are forecast to increase to 80K later this morning with gusts to 100. This afternoon it is forecast to continue but shift direction to the south-west. I don't expect our power lines to survive so I'm trying to rush this posting as early as possible.

Yesterday was a day of protest over the proposed coal mine in nearby Fanny Bay. This was not an isolated event; it was intended to express solidarity and support for the masses of Chinese protesters that that live in the area that will be receiving the coal. They don't want the intense air pollution that it will be generating.

At 1:00PM, 85 stalwart Denmanites led by a Chinese dragon walked off the Denman Island ferry and joined a larger group in Buckley Bay. I didn't check the number but I was told by a friend (who is an experienced bird counter) there were 400 people in attendance. Some of the speeches were entertaining as well as informative; Des Kennedy never disappoints a crowd.

Everyone in attendance had their own concerns and reasons for opposing the the proposed mine. We in the vicinity have a much deeper concern than just the increased 'greenhouse gas' emitted when its burned. There will be considerable toxic chemicals released when the coal is mined and washed at the site. Most of these substance will wash into the waters of Baynes Sound, one of the most productive clam and oyster areas in B.C. The toxic material will potentially also find its way into the ground water and contaminate the wells of of the surrounding communities.

In addition to the chemical dangers I'm personally concerned about the noise and disturbance of the large industrial complex operating 24/7, particularly the loading and transporting of large volumes of coal. Sound travels really well over the water.

At the protest rally the final activity was a gathering on a railway overpass for a group photograph. A picture taken from the road below must have been quite impressive. Unfortunately the battery in my camera died early in the afternoon leaving me with just these preliminary images. Many participants then traveled to Cumberland for a fund raising concert that evening. I joined the group returning on the ferry to Denman.

Although I don't have a photograph I did attend the Denman concert of Pentaèdre Wind Quintet on Tuesday afternoon. I didn't know what to expect but found it thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. (Even bought the CD). The group were very professional musicians and deserved a greater audience turnout.

A bulletin just arrived advising us that the ferry between Denman and Hornby Islands has shut down due to weather conditions. I'll try and get this sent off quickly before the winds shift and affect us more. Should be an exciting day. Hope the power stays on.