CBC TV’s new series, Still Standing, premiered last night. It’s first episode featured Bamfield!  The show is hosted by stand-up comic Jonny Harris (better known to the mystery fans among us as Crabtree on Murdoch Mysteries). The program is wonderful fun an can be viewed online at   http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/ID/2670206275/ The photo below is from Louis’ appearance on the show, which starts at the 5:30 mark.  Enjoy!!

Ben’s rescue of Gaz and Heidi from Folger Island (Cedar, Salmon and Weed, p.31) on a dark and stormy night was inspired by a similar Folger rescue by Seaman Martin Charles (Hereditary Chief of the Nitinat Band, over thirty years service at the Bamfield Life Saving Station and recipient of the Medal of Bravery). Martin was further honoured by having a Hero Class Mid-Shore Patrol Vessel named after him: CCGS M Charles M.B. This event, at Centennial Pier, Port Alberni, on 20 May 2015, was witnessed by a few hundred guests, half it seemed who were related to Martin. His granddaughter (self-declared “best granddaughter”) Sheila Charles christened the boat. Everyone seemed intent on establishing their connection to this larger than life man and I would be remiss if I didn’t note that we have spent the last forty years living in the Martin family Port Desire home.

 

 

This is Louis Druehl, the author of Cedar Salmon and Weed, soaking up Bamfield sunshine, in 1972.

Why Bamfield, then and now? We all came to Bamfield for a reason: witness protection programs, avoiding alimony payments, lack of anything better to do, fishing. Is the Bamfield that attracted you the scene that sucked in the (us! Ouch, that hurts) old-timers? This blog explores that nebulous place, hopefully with your help. Writing Cedar, Salmon and Weed tweaked my interest in portraying the Bamfield of old, or at least of the 1970s. Are there modern-day equivalents to the waxed oil stove, the drying rack dangling from the living room ceiling, the shelves of home canned tomatoes and salmon overlooking an army of black gumboots on the back deck, the ever ready cribbage board, the ashtray? Consider the progress in our telephone service. In the 1970s, you dialed 3-33xx. For example, 3-3336 got you the Jennings. Today, thanks to technological advances, you dial 250-728-3336 to get the Jennings. In all fairness, progress is not all bad. Today Port Alberni is a local call (the reverse is not), whereas earlier it was long-distance. And make certain you have a plugged in telephone for those power outages. The modern-day Bamfield power outage can result from a car accident or a downed tree anywhere on Bamfield Main, or some mishap in Port Alberni or beyond. In the 1970s Bamfield generated it own power and all outages resulted from local accidents. A tree shorted a power line; the obstacle was removed; the power switched back on … all by a local who wanted his power back …now. We all have a Bamfield, then and now, in our lives, it might be in Northern Ontario, Southern California, or a hidden room in the basement. Let’s explore and share.  (Use the comment box below.)