Most Bamfield disputes are resolved by an individual’s action. Trees are felled to limit trail access. Survey stakes are moved to accommodate one’s house. However, one thorn persists: A road linking east and west Bamfield. Those living on the east side can drive to their homes but need a boat to get the mail and, earlier, to visit the hospital or go to school. Those on the west side must transfer their groceries and such to a boat. So a road link would benefit everyone.The problem that divides the community is “The Quaintness Factor”. The joke is if you needed rescuing by the Coast Guard (west side) you had to declare your position on the road issue before they would respond. Things came to a head when two young ladies collided on the west side lane. The one in favour of a road link drove over and accidentally killed the dog of the other that was against a road link. The scene of the two women, the dead dog and a car on the west side lane said it all.

My neighbours are well versed in rain forest survival. And most harbor a skill from an earlier life that may be called upon in time of need: seamstress, choreographer, nurse, leather worker, diesel mechanic, caterer, piano tuner, and so on. Religion was never big in Bamfield, and recently our few practitioners were abandoned by the church. But Bamfield weddings and memorial services and wakes continue to be creative and very popular.

Bamfield is rife with rumours and half-truths. The town drunk, Shorty, was discovered drowned, clutching two cases of beer, under the boardwalk. This led disgruntled wives to burn down the village pub, leaving Bamfield dry for two decades. The re-establishment of the pub was hotly contested by certain families. These adversaries were excluded from the new pub’s mural depicting Bamfield life.