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As with most of our winters, this one began in the usual fashion, wet, overcast and cool. We even had some frosty days. While much of the rest of the country, and, for that matter, the entire planet was experiencing rather extreeme weather patterns, for us the climate was familiar.
The town had quieted down from the onslought of visitors during the summer and fall, and the people had begun to re-cover from the work and stress that so many people bring with them. As is usual for this time of the year, plans are made for the Chrismas Season, and for the following year. Though some of the people did not take too much time for relaxation. Many plans for expansion, and improvement were already in progress. Especially the area of Snuggles Cove was experiencing a building boom of unprecedented proportions. "Alcatrez", that lonely cottage at the very end of the pier, had been taken down, only to arise larger and better. But this was just the beginning of what was to turn into another six cottages and a store, on the left side of the cove, just behind Alcatrez. Naturally the old Net-loft, and the shower-building had to give way as well, to provide space for the expansion. Great plans were afoot for the taking down of the old Hotel, to be re-placed by, what else, a bigger and better building containing both a restaurant and a bar. This, however was slated to begin in the new year. Other structures were going up, and/or reaching their conclusion. There is a new cottage on Cerantes Rd., half-way to Bontanical Beach. On Island Rd. a new, fullsized Log-home had appeared, and other new construction was in the planning.
Towards the middle of the month, our town was struck by a great loss. Myra Sheila Baird, the soul of the General Store, the best known among the many parts that she played within the social structure of Port Renfrew passed away on Nov. 15th, after having suffered from cancer for a number of years, while always staying on the job, and never letting on her travails. That she left us way, way too early, and, as so often, suddenly. While all of us will miss her daily, it are the children of our town who will miss her the most. Over the many years it was Myra who, very quietly and persistenly, involved herself in the various causes concerning the young in our town. There was no group that could not count on her support, and many a time, when a small one was a cent, a nickle or a quarter short for the soo much needed chocolate bar, or candy, Myra would dip into the 'change box', and make up the difference. It is difficult for urban folk to appreciate how important some of the people become in a smaller, rural setting.
Towards the end of November we experienced a joyous occasion. Thea Eliana Cash was born on Nov. 28th. She weighted in at 8 lbs., completely healthy and the most beautyful child in existence.........at least according to her proud father, Jon Cash.
Weather wise December did not bring much change. Less rain, and some clear and cold days, interspaced with some wind and rain.
For the young ones in town this was the begin of the Christmas Season, and various activities took place, at the School, the Rec. Centre, and in various other venues all around town. The pot-luck dinner at the Rec. Centre was, as usual, well attended, and the food was......heavenly. Alas, as so many good things, the days of the old Hotel were coming to an end. Officially the doors closed just before Christmas with a suitable blow-out. But then, just for New Years Eve, the doors opened one last time for a private celebration, including a great spread of food, prepared by our incomparable chef, Clint Margitish??! Many a tear was shed for both the old structure, and the year past.
January started out mostly clear and cold. We received, for the first half of the month 5 - 7 cm of snow, while the second half of the month was considerably warmer, and brought us a heck of a lot of rain. In a seven day period we received 739 mm of rain, with 122.4 mm on Feb.18 alone. While in normal winters we experience quite a few major storms, with the resulting power-outages, we were blessed by experiencing just a few blows, and a few outages. Just a remainder, while we were getting some rain, and that not unexpected, the rest of the land was entertaining a winter from hell, with many a storm and much, much snow. The first week in February brought us more, relatively, warm and overcast weather, and rain. Then it cleared up for most of the remainder of the month, with very little percipitation.
The hight-light of February was the controlled burn-down of the old Hotel. Since the beginning of the year a, apparent, discussion had been going on between the choice of tearing the structure down, or, giving the Port Renfrew Volunteer Fire Dept. a much needed opportunity to do a hands-on practise by supervising the burning of the building. Whatever the reason for the delay, it was first slated to be taken down in early January, on Feb. 13th the word spread. This was the day the deed would be done. By six in the evening just about everyone in town that could gathered at Snuggles Cove to wittness the process. It was quite a happening. Once set, the fire spread very, very quickly through-out the structure. This might have been due to the fact that it was left to brother Paul to do the deed. After all, it was his home away from home, and it was understood that he'd be gifted with 'his' table in order to soften the mighty blow to his reality, somewhat. The fire burned very, very hot, and for a considerable time, and was easily hot enough by midnight to fry some marshmelows.
March was as normal a month as a Port Renfrew March
can be. Fairly warm, some rain with some clear days
thrown in.
On March 9th, at 12:24 pm. Madison Kaiya McDiarmid
made her presence known. She weighted in at 6 lbs. 6
oz., and is one of the most contented babys anyone has
ever seem. Her parents, Karen Wild and Steward
McDiarmit are suitable proud, and pleased.
Now, as usual, it is the time when the real
preparations fot the coming summer begin.
Trail-End
Motel is adding a new cottage which will, just about,
end the building opportunities at that site. The Cash
brothers, up on Sole Creek, are adding a cottage and
three, rather luxurious Yurts to their accommodations,
while everywhere else things are being refurbished,
and enhanced.
The new Hotel is beginning to take shape, and though
it will take some time to be completed, it will
certainly be much larger, and more comfortable than
the old one.
There are plans for the extention of the water-line
from Beach Camp to Snuggles Cove, which in turn will
open up other properties for construction.
Over-all, this winter, and this comming year promises
to bring more construction, and more changes than this
town has seen in quite a few decades, with more to
come.
Trail-End Motel is adding a new cottage which will, just about, end the building opportunities at that site. The Cash brothers, up on Sole Creek, are adding a cottage and three, rather luxurious Yurts to their accommodations, while everywhere else things are being refurbished, and enhanced. The new Hotel is beginning to take shape, and though it will take some time to be completed, it will certainly be much larger, and more comfortable than the old one. There are plans for the extention of the water-line from Beach Camp to Snuggles Cove, which in turn will open up other properties for construction. Over-all, this winter, and this comming year promises to bring more construction, and more changes than this town has seen in quite a few decades, with more to come.