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Hornby Island| During the summer of 2002 I decided to explore the Gulf Islands just off the east coast of Vancouver Island. I loaded up my van with camping and SCUBA gear and was off. Just to explore. No schedule, no plan, no itinerary. Just a chance to see a part of the world that was new to me. When I crossed into Canada at Victoria I had all the wrong answers for Canadian imigration. I was single, male, in a van full of strange equipment. Wasn't sure where I was going, wasn't sure when I'd return and had no hotel reservations. I was singled out, had my van searched to the point that the officers went through my tool boxes and asked me what each tool was used for. At one point an agent who new SCUBA came to take a look at my gear to see if it was the sort of stuff a diver REALLY would have with them. I told her that I was just going to explore and hoped to find a place to splash in the water. She asked me why I wasn't going to Hornby Island and I said "What's Hornby"?
It was decided I was no threat to the country and was allowed to go on. But I kept wondering "What's Hornby"?
Some months later I was diving at the Edmonds Park and found a notice in the dive shop. This person was trying to organize a weekend at Hornby Island and was looking for divers. Because of my work schedule I couldn't make most of the days, but started to get serious about finding out "What's Hornby"?
Over Memorial Day Weekend in 2003 I went to Hornby. Once again loaded with dive and camping gear. And, I guess with better answers as immigration didn't stop me this time.
Once I got on the island I found a place to camp (not a problem at all) and proceeded to try to find the "dive shop". Which as it turned out was at the end of "the" road.
They had a group already diving with them, but found room for me on the boat and I did three dives with them. As it turned out the immigration officer was right...THIS is where I should be going to dive.
They have some of the best diving I've seen, a great lodge, wonderful food, delightful hosts and a cat. What more can a guy want?
I wanted to return. I made plans to have time off during Memorial Day Weekend 2004. Contacted Amanda at Hornby Dive and asked if there was room for me. She said the place was booked by the Moss Bay Dive Club and gave me an email to contact to see if I could be a part of their group. Turned out they were full but put me on the waiting list. Lucky for me I made it. I had an ideal weekend with old friends and new alike. And a new toy..a camera.
The links below lead to photo galleries of sights above and below the water. Enjoy! Take any you like. Dive safely and leave no trace. |
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