Visitors, Distillerys and Firetrucks

Tom, Michelin, and the kids, Tova and Aidan came to visit for the weekend. Between eating like kings and exploring the seashore we had enough time to do some pretty cool things.

I took the kids for a ride in the fire truck. When we got back to the firehall I thought it was a good time to get in some pump practice so we hooked up a 1 1/2" hose and sprayed some water.

After ages of stalling we finally got around to visiting the only LEGAL distillery on Hornby. Actually, they're the 8th distillery license in all of Canada... And that includes Seagrams!

"Island Spirits Distillery" is the maker of the sublime Phrog gin. It really is unlike any gin you've ever had before. Pete Kimmerly, until recently the skipper of the Hornby Ferry, and 2 buddys have built an incredible distilling setup after years of doing it underground.

Pete gave us quite a tour of his various wood mills and farm equipment before setting in for an hour long tasting of spirits that he has made and also tons of things that he is working on.

He promised no hangover due to the purity of his product. I woke up thirsty but feeling fine at 7AM to pick up Tom to go diving with the sea lions.

Rob and Amanda at Hornby Island Diving were able to fit us onto their boat for the morning dive with their clients. They anchored the boat off of Norris Rock, just a 10 minute ride from the marina. The reef was so covered in sea lions that there was more shiny sea mammal fur showing than there was rock.

Once in the water it didn't take long for the sea lions to find us. They seem to get a huge kick out of watching the ungainly humans struggle in the water, twisting and gliding around you, tugging on your fins, and more. One guy bit down on Tom's head until Tom slapped him away. Another put his mouth around Tom's flashlight and tried to take it.

I didn't any photos but here's a few from a guy that was on the boat with us. Check them out. They're pretty amazing. If you are a diver, you need to come here in the early spring to experience this phenomena.