Java’s Island Time



Boyle Point Lighthouse

Nanaimo Housing Developments, Strait of Georgia

 

Waters through Baynes Sound departing Comox were glassy smooth but short-lived.  As we passed Boyle Point Lighthouse, the seas became choppy and continued to build through the Strait of Georgia with 15-20 knot winds kicking up 4-5 foot seas but Got d’ Fever took it all in stride.  As we neared Nanaimo, numerous housing developments could be seen along the hillsides overlooking the Strait of Georgia; the city seemed like a metropolis after having spent several months in Alaska - traffic, people, and multiple shopping options, wow!  

Nanaimo Shopping and Sidewalk Cafes

We arrived in Nanaimo Harbour at 6:30pm and set the hook near Newcastle Island.  Java seemed to know where she was and didn't like the fact she would have to wait until morning to go hiking on her favorite island.  

Java Happily at Play

The wide open fields along the Island’s shoreline were toasted brown from the summer heat but Java didn’t care; she loved running through the fields chasing after her Frisbee without regard for her low ground clearance.  After play time, Java rested in the shade of the large oak trees while Leonard and I enjoyed a Root Beer float purchased from the concession stand.  

Cut Pulp Stones, Newcastle Island

As we walked back to our dinghy, we stopped to see the quarry site once active on the Island.  From 1923-1932, the McDonald CutStone Co. established a pulp stone operation on the Island.  Pulp stones were cut from the quarry and shipped across North America to be used in paper mills as grinders to reduce logs to wood fiber.  

Pulp Stone Quarry, Newcastle Island

These pulp stones or rock wheels revolved more than 200 times per minute and served as important tools for the pulp and paper industry of the day.  

Pulp Stone Cutter, Newcastle Island

The pulp stones on Newcastle Island were of high quality.  To cut a pulp stone, a large cylindrical cutter rotated for three hours to reach the appropriate depth, a small blast of gunpowder then broke the stone loose.  The stone was lifted out with a derrick and then smoothed on a lathe in preparation for shipment.



City Lights of Nanaimo