Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/118161
editor'snote THIS SUMMER I discovered the rugged splendour of B . C . 's h i s t o r i c Nootka Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, its densely forested and mostly uninhabited islands reminiscent of the undulating archipelago of a Toni Onley painting. Here, aboard his sloop-of-war the Resolution in 1778, Captain James Cook recorded the first contact between Europeans and First Nations in what was to become B.C., after being welcomed by the Mowachaht/Muchalaht to their Nootka Island summer home of Yuquot (also known as Friendly Cove). More than 200 years later, Yuquot is a National Historic Site, its Roman Catholic church – built in 1889 – still standing in the meadow where Mowachaht/Muchalaht now host an annual salmon feast. To the east, kayakers commute via the MV Uchuck III's Gold River-Yuquot run to the sheltered anchorages and archaelogical heritage sites of Bligh Island Provincial Marine Park. At the cove's log-strewn beach, the workshop of resident carver Sanford Williams commands a priceless view of the Sound – his prodigious talent displayed to best effect in the massive cedar doors of Moutcha Bay Resort's impressive new lodge on nearby Tlupana Inlet (moutchabay.com). As always when sailing the coast, I'm struck by the interconnectivity of B.C.'s cultural heritage, a legacy driven in part by the search for spices from the Orient and sea otter pelts from the Pacific Northwest – explorations made possible because of wooden boats fuelled by wind and human curiosity. In fact, it's that passion for exploration, along with the sense of discovery and new connections it inspires, that we celebrate this issue. Indian Summer "flings" that captivate and rejuvenate, beginning with a Port Townsend ode to the wooden boat (page 32), a Salt Spring festival in honour of a fruit first planted on the island in 1862 (page 28), and a California roadtrip homage to the motorcycle (page 36). Anne Rose, Editor arose@canadawide.com 8 WESTWORLD p08-09_EdNt_Mlbg.indd 8 >> FA L L 2 0 1 1 mailbag Oh, Romeo, Romeo! Can you tell me what that beautiful 1940s coupe on page 13 of the Summer 2011 edition is ("Car-azy" Interview, Fresh Trax)? –Don Wright, via email Editor's Note: According to our research, it's a 1942 Alfa Romeo 6C2500SS Coupe – and it garnered several top Concours trophies this year, including Italy's Villa d'Este Concours. Designed by Revelli di Beaumont, the Bertoni-bodied one-off was "exquisitely restored" by its current owner, Italian Corrado Lopresto, after being purchased in somewhat derelict condition. We also received several inquiries about the model of the stylized beaut on our summer cover. The answer: it's a '48 Buick, though we have been unable to confirm if it's a Roadmaster, Super or Skylark. A Hand for the Handy Craftspeople in B.C. are second to none. Their commitment, expertise and inventiveness parallel those of the myriad other cultural workers in this province. Thank you for the article on Kootenay crafts ("The Handiworkers," Summer 2011) and for the editorial reminder that craft in B.C. is a very handsome part of this "best place on earth." –Bettina Matzkuhn, Crafts Council of B.C., Vancouver A More Balanced Story Re: "Prep Your Ride," Toolkit For the Summer 2011 edition of your excellent magazine, I would like to note – as a 30-year, former BCIT automotive instructor – two points for enhancing RV safety. First, regarding trailer tires: It is just as important to have the wheels and tires balanced on a trailer as it is on the towing vehicle. Unbalanced tires cause excessive wear and vibration, which causes damage to the suspension system and, possibly, depending on the severity of the unbalance condition, content damage. Second: Dry-charge fire extinguishers must be held on their sides and agitated regularly. The powder charge tends to compact over time and, when this happens, the extinguisher discharges only CO2. –Terry Fletcher, via email The Eagles Have Landed Nice Editor's Note in the Spring issue of Westworld! It is certainly good to hear of the healthy and thriving eagle populations in the Fraser Valley region as well as in the Squamish River Valley (where I frequently fly-fish). It should be noted, however, that there is some concern regarding eagle populations on Vancouver Island, where reports indicate lower and less healthier populations. Apparently this is due, in part, to lower salmon runs last fall. –David Timmons, Vancouver Linger and Explore A sincere thank you to all of the readers who wrote in about our Summer 2011 Roadtrip, "Artipelago," on the four "art islands" of Denman, Hornby, Quadra and Cortes. With this getaway's three-day timeline in mind, we had suggested that roadtrippers "drive straight through" the communities of Courtenay and Comox. It was never our intention, however, to infer that the Comox Valley is not a compelling, intriguing – and artsy – destination in its own right. We regret not being clearer in the article by encouraging readers – if they had the time – to detour off Hwy. 19A and explore this idyllic corner of the province. –Anne Rose, Editor To comment: Email us at westworld@bcaa.com or arose@canadawide.com. Or, write us at Westworld Letters, BCAA, 4567 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 4T1 (fax: 604-268-5565). Letters may be edited for length and clarity. courtesy Nigel Mathews 8/24/11 2:25:57 PM