cortez.....info

[mriguy]

hi all, i'm sure there's some deli members out there who have been to cortez island....would anyone care to pass on any "need-to-know" info about visiting this gulf island this summer...we plan on camping, family style with 2 kids aged 5 and 2, and would love to hear about some cool things to do that you can't find ''on-line'' ie: first hand info/local knowledge/personal awesome experiences you had while visiting this place...biased opinions are more than welcome about campgrounds/restaurants etc...

mucho gracias....


knuckles.

[Dewy]

Hey Knuckles...

i used to live on Cortes. so i will give you a few ideas
camping at Smelt Bay - make reservation online if it is going to be on the weekend
soccer pick up on Saturday mornings 10 am and Wednesday evenings
ultimate frisbee on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings
all welcome including kids to both

Hike up Easter Bluffs - get directions from a local
go to the free store near Squirrel cove
go for a meal or massage or naked hot tub at Hollyhock and check to see if they have a free night seminar for visitors.
there are also dances and dance workshops on various nights on the island - ask some locals at Mansons Landing organic store

now the big thing is ferries. since they are small the ones going there on a Friday are going to be busy and the ones leaving on Sunday are going to be busy so don't plan to catch the last one.

it takes a good 7 hours from Vancouver one way.

have fun!
neil

[Jamesandnicole]

Hey man, an interesting experience is Wolf Bluff Castle, http://www.vancouverislandabound.com/cortescastle.htm, it is on the east side of Cortez, I think the owner is still around. We went a few years ago and he was in rough shape ( 2 knee replacement surgeries ), but definitely an interesting guy. I found directions online. This will burn up an hour or two. A must see when on Cortez, you will remember it always :)

[mriguy]

perfect info, just what i was looking for, thanks folks!

[MJB]

Have to add too that the island is a great place for the kids the campground is close to the beach. try to get in a play ulti on Sunday at the school. You'll make friends quick with them. the best part about the island is Hague lake, amazing spot only you have to decide to swim where the tourist go or where the locals go. and the last time I was there I saw 3 delica's and one on quadra

[FlyingBarney]

hi all, i'm sure there's some deli members out there who have been to cortez island....would anyone care to pass on any "need-to-know" info about visiting this gulf island this summer...we plan on camping, family style with 2 kids aged 5 and 2, and would love to hear about some cool things to do that you can't find ''on-line'' ie: first hand info/local knowledge/personal awesome experiences you had while visiting this place...biased opinions are more than welcome about campgrounds/restaurants etc...

mucho gracias....

knuckles.

And if you are wondering on the island, look for a place called Channel Rock. It is a retreat center, and is well worth a visit. Organic garden, cob house, solar-powered showers and electricity, sustainable everything, and right on the water. I can't really explain how to get there, but any local would know. It involved a short drive from the ferry, and then about 30 min hike on a beautiful trail. Well worth a visit.

Simon

[wookie]

Manson's landing at low tide - very cool. then short walk to Hague Lake.