Apple Cider
My parents retired to Salt Spring Island in 1976 and grew gardens with a pioneer enthusiasm. Ever resourceful, they saw the potential in abandoned apple orchards.
My Dad approached an orchard owner with an offer to share his apple cider if they would allow him to use their apples. My Mom was always his accomplice when it came to picking, growing or preparing the harvest.
The deal was sealed, and an apple press was constructed. A delicious,
sweet blend of heritage fruit enriched with a few pollinators proved the effort worthwhile.
Visits to Salt Spring were always full of enthusiasm to explore, or just relax in a hammock. Lots to inspire creative imagination and memories.
abandoned orchards
pressed to their potential—
imperfect perfection
hammock castaways
provisions and crew secure
beware of dogfish
turtle buttons
threads of imagination
a story unfolds
rose hip races
perfect bounce
avoid the ditch
lambs in bandannas
endearing bar codes
life is short
bubblegum legs
dainty round head
gull attributes
counting quail
family dynamics
sweet little birds
checkerboard wings
lesson in diversity
eureka moment
bugeye sprite
country rose china
checkmate
According to British Columbia Magazine Spring/2026, Salt Spring Island listed over 13,000 apple trees during the height of its agricultural contribution during the 19th and early 20th Century. See: Honouring Agriculture: Saltspring Island’s Museum by Cherie Thiessen.
Oh yes, J & J Cider: on ice in a tall glass… a magic elixir on a hot summer afternoon!
That’s cool! I didn’t know about the apple cider arrangement.
Cheers! 🍏
Lambs in bandannas! Love that! Salt Spring Island was the first of the Gulf Islands I visited. They were 5 day painting workshops organized by the Vancouver Federation of Canadian Artists.every summer for several years. We would paint plien air. I remember all the sheep, roaming fields with rustic fencing. I painted many scenes over the years of beautiful Salt Spring Island!
Ha! Dogfish. Adventures on the high seas.