Hornby Island is known as the"Jewel of the Gulf".
Two short B.C. ferry rides east of Vancouver Island, it's paradise with old growth forests, warm water, white sand beaches, and a vibrant arts center.
It offers Wow! with a mellow ambiance.
A convenient getaway for Vancouver and Vancouver Island residents, I met many enjoying their holiday... including these U.S. transplants. 
Bluffs tower above the Strait of Georgia in Helliwell Provincial Park.
Vivid green Douglas firs, oaks, and pines rise against cerulean blue skies, with puffy clouds, making their entrance and exit.
And a symphony of bird song and crickets serenade those lucky to pass-by.
Translucent warm waters go from light green hugging the shore to deep azure, reminding me of the Aegean in Greece.
The scenic views are some of the most breath-taking anywhere.
With 1000 ft elevation, Mt. Geoffrey rises on Hornby Island, offering spectacular views from the Bench Trail.
The hike took about four hours round-trip, stopping for lunch and scenic shots
along the way. At the top we met bicyclists from Victoria--and together were rewarded with this Shingle Spit & clean air view.
When I rose from my bench, well, I don't love bugs especially this one despite looking--ew!--interesting? Unbeknownst to me, it sat next to me while I ate lunch. Agh!
More on Hornby later...
Black dot in a few photos courtesy of a dirty sensor on my Nikon D40 SLR, my first such experience, hopefully, my last.
