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By the beginning of November Port Renfrew has returned to its quiet phase. Most visitors are long gone, some of the restaurants and bars are closed, and so are most of the places of accommodation. Everything has been packed away for the winter.
The Marina has closed, the new marina, near the pier, has been moved out of the bay. The fishing boats have gone home to be cleaned and re fitted. Population numbers have returned to their stable state. Port Renfrew is ready for the quiet and isolation of the winter months. Other than family and friends, the only visitors are usually surfers, who at this time of the year experience the best and biggest waves.
The rainy time has begun, and it's getting stormy. This too is the time when one discovers that the insignificant leak in the roof, developed during the summer, is taking on urgent proportions and last minute repairs to houses and other accommodation become a priority.
One hopes that the wood supply is sufficient, and will stay dry, and one is ready to relax some. Now is the time for holiday preparations, to begin planning for the next season, and to assess the one past. Now is the time to socialize with friends and neighbors who, more often than not, were too busy throughout the summer months to do more than say Hi.
Yes, and it is the time for the famous Port Renfrew Rumors to make their first appearance. And it rains. Usually it rains for weeks on end, to be interrupted by a few dry, even sunny days, only to get socked in again. However, not this year. As all of you are aware, this was another el nino year, and what with ongoing climate change, this has been a most unusual winter, as far as it concerns our global weather. Most of Canada seemed to have made a return to the ice age, with record temperatures, and masses of snow.
Ours too was an unprecedented season. While we did get a lot of rain, more than average, we did experience many more dry and sunny days, with fairly warm temperatures throughout, than anyone can recall.We did get our fair share of storms, with the accompanying power outages, blown down trees, and water damage. Mind you, nothing we had not experienced before. However, lest one begins to think that everything has slowed to a crawl here in our small town, things have begun to happen. Many of them not good.
One of our, by then rare, guests was caught at Botanical Beach by a rogue wave that dragged him out to sea, never to be seen again. This happened November 22, and only served to remind all of us to never completely relax near the ocean. His partner, while swamped as well, was able to get back to shore, and to notify authorities, who, after much effort, were unable to find the other.
December, though still plenty wet, was often sunny and warm. It was during this month that one of us found out that the just recently diagnosed breast cancer had spread to her bones. This is the person, who more than any other is responsible for all our medical well-being. As soon as these circumstances became known, things happened. Our Native friends and neighbors immediately contacted a couple of healers from Lake Cowichan, and within ten hours a very dignified, and well-attended Healing Circle and Pot Luck Dinner took place. It had a very beneficial impact on all of us that took part. Further developments of the cancer have been most benign.
The Christmas and New Year Season was joyful and quiet. Though New Years saw an Open House at both the Cafe and the Recreation Centre. The annual Sweetheart Pool Tournament took place at the Hotel, as always, on February 14th.
Sadly, on February 22, this town said goodbye to Chris Anderson, who had, after a long illness, passed away. If this sounds like a lot of bad and hurtful things happened to us during this winter, and too many did, not all was negative.
During the afternoon of March 6, 2003 the mill caught fire which burned for quite some time and caused alot of damage. Earlier that day, a chimney fire in upper beach camp was fortunately quickly extinguished, without any damage. This, alas, was not the end of fires.
A week later, March 14, during the night most of the Port Renfrew Hotel burned down. Arson is suspected. No one was hurt, and a miracle occurred. With the timely and consistent services of our Volunteer Fire Department, assisted by forces beyond our ken, the bar room was untouched and all the beer and spirits were saved! Go figure! The front part of the building, including the kitchen, the storage area, and the living quarters were completely destroyed. So were parts of the upstairs, including one bathroom. All rooms were damaged by fire, smoke and water. However, the basic structure remains, and is expected to be re built bigger and better. The bar was closed for four days. We did not miss one of our dances. The bands entertaining us were: Cookie Monsters, Nervous Rexx, 3rd Degree, Thor and the Thundercats, Angie and the Tune Twisters and The Role Models.
Lea Okes came in second (surfing) at the new Port Washington Bay competition. The Fire Department was able to update their big fire truck, and received a $15,000 Lotto Grant, which has been earmarked for a new air compressor. The road to the Red Creek Fir has become passable, and the fishing has been good throughout the winter. Mostly Steelhead and trout were being caught. The old Store building, which had been looking for some other use, has been pulled down, which will enhance the parking in front of the present store.
Jess Hicks, the former proprietress of the Cafe, at first shocked and dismayed at the loss of her business, is not to be stopped. She has acquired the former Galleon building, which will be rebuilt and added to, in the hope of opening a new and larger venue near the end of May.
The Lighthouse Pub opened April 1st. The new marina, already nearly fully booked for the season, began service May 15th. All of our other services are ready for use. (Please check this site for more info.)
Well, this covers our winter, although as it concerns winter, we have had hardly any snow. There was one snowfall during March, which brought us 1/4 inch, and did not last very long at all.
Here, in the Spring 2003, we are ready, and looking forward to once again, meet all of our friends and guests, and have them enjoy and experience the many outstanding activities and sights that Port Renfrew offers.