Lagoon Cove--full of whimsy and smiles all around

Spending 3 days in Lagoon Cove brought back such fond memories as we were making new ones.    It was 6 years ago that we first came into Lagoon Cove (located on East Cracroft Island, BC) which is often referred to as the gateway to the Broughton's. The legendary Bill Barber was in great form as he told tall tales at happy hour each evening--that was after he personally brought in pots full of fresh prawns which he had caught and cooked to share with all of the marina guests.  Sadly, Bill died just a few years ago.  All who knew him miss him so much but his wife, Jean (whom we had not met until this year) is carrying on with stories of her own and some of his as well.


Pictured below in 2010 

Bill tells stories at Happy Hour

At 80, the marina is really too much for Jean and it's been for sale since Bill died.  But she seems undaunted as she sees that marina guests are treated as Bill would have treated them--with a warm welcome, a big smile and genuine joy. 

Top left:  The patio and main building.  
Top right:  Sign on the dock needs no explanation
Lower left.  Jean's side garden with patio seen in the background. Jean's back garden with her home seen in the background
Lower right:  Happy hour this week.  Jean standing in the same spot as Bill. 

    
We were touched that several guests who've been coming to Lagoon Cove for years were pitching in to mow the yard, pull weeds in the garden and fix what needed fixing.  Jean says she has accepted an offer from a logging company to sell Lagoon Cove but there is much speculation on whether the deal will go through and, if it does, whether the buyer will close the marina or continue operations.  For the time being,  a delightful young couple (Dave and Jam) are assisting Jean on the docks.  They've been a godsend for her and we were happy to leave Wednesday morning knowing she had them nearby.

Below:  Butterflies were everywhere in Jean's gardens

On Tuesday night (our last night at LC) after happy hour, we had Jean, Jam and Dave join us for dinner.   It was such fun!

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Above left:  Jean on the patio. 
Below left:  Doug, Margi, Ginnie, Torben
and Chester in front of the main building at Happy Hour. 
Above right, dinner on the dock adjacent to our boats. 
Below right:  Jam & Dave with Chester. 

 Below:  Some of the Lagoon Cove funkiness...
Bill's sense of humor is captured well by his totem pole
and the warning sign for the burn barrel.

We feel very blessed to have experienced Bill's warm exuberance  in 2010 and Jean's extraordinary courage and hospitality this year. Amazing people in an amazing place.