Sointula Co-operative Store

Mayne Island may have the oldest continuously operating hotel in B.C (The Springwater Lodge, est. 1892), but Sointula on Malcolm Island has the oldest co-operative.

On the side of the multi-service Sointula Co-operative Store is a mural that depicts the row boats used by the island's first Finns, who rowed there in 1901 from Nanaimo to escape the coal pits of Vancouver-based property developer Michael Audain's great great grandfather.

Below is a view from the residency studio at the Sointula Art Shed, a project started by Tyler Brett and Kerri Reid in 2013.

Sointula

The drive from Nanaimo to Port McNeil is basically the same distance as the drive from Vancouver to Kamloops. The main difference is that the road from Campbell River to Port McNeil is one-lane.

Spent an hour kicking around Campbell River, visiting thrift stores, chatting with locals. The Campbell River Art Gallery looks to be doing shows with artists who show regularly in BC and beyond.

Next up is Sonny Assu, who is from these parts and will be leading workshops with local youth. Following Sonny is Amy Malbeuf and Jordan Bennett, followed by Samuel Roy-Bois.

The picture up top was taken around 9:30pm last night on the beach outside the Malcolm Island Inn at Sointula, where I am staying. Below that and to the east -- a rainbow!