Jedediah Island, British Columbia

Old Farmhouse on Jedediah Island on the Sunshine Coast, BC

It was time to get out into the wilderness of BC. Andy Cardiff, the owner of Malaspina Water Taxi (who describes his new turn as a “taxi driver” as, “It’s been fabulous. I feel like I haven’t worked for four years”), picked up our group at Pender Harbour and took us on an educational boat ride between Lasqueti and Texada Islands.

We pulled up to the Jedediah Island Marine Provincial Park, which is only accessible by boat (or kayak, canoe, etc.), which spans 243 hectares. We had picked up a picnic lunch from Wheatberries bakery (101- 5500 Wharf Avenue, Sechelt, 604-885-9106) and were interested in hiking along the 5 km of walking trials.

Fortunately for those who make it out to Jedediah, there has been no logging operations here, so a lot of the forest is old growth and absolutely gorgeous. The resident horse, brought to the island in the 80s and left there after its owner sold, now has a tender grave marked with the name Will, a photo and cross, and miscellaneous offerings like hats, a paddle and plain old junk.

The Horse's Grave on Jedediah Island on the Sunshine Coast, BC

The one main trail on the island is fairly easy, making it a pleasant walk past wild sheep and to a leftover farmhouse. On the way back, travel writer Cherie Thiessen and I got off the beaten path and made it to the top of a peak in search of “something.”

We were rewarded after following a smaller trail and hearing the sound of wild goats. They took off after hearing us but left behind a tiny kid. The little goat called out to its mother, who in turn called back.

The conversation probably went much like this:
Mother: “See what happens when you don’t listen?”
Kid: “Where did everyone go in such a hurry?”
Mother: “Those damn humans are trampling around our island again.  Get your butt over here- they’re dangerous!”
Kid: “They seem pretty harmless.”
Mother: “Get over here right this minute!”
Kid: “I’m trying, but you guys took off like lightening and I can’t move as fast as you.”
Mother: “Follow my voice and be quick about it.”
Kid: “I think I know where you are, but seriously, why all the fuss?”
Mother: “You’re grounded until further notice.”

I captured the exchange on my camera video (the quality of which is absolutely dreadful!), so use the above dialogue to act as your translator.  

After our exciting adventure with the kid, our group met back at the water taxi and we ate our delicious picnic lunch on the way back to Pender Harbour. Jedediah Island is a great retreat to camp (you can pitch a tent anywhere) and have a lovely day in the wilderness.