Lagoon Island Pearl Farm

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Unfortunately, it would put the final nail in any plans we might be able to make for Ruckus this year.

I noticed your post in the Ruckus thread.

How does this bode for a visit to Tofino? Before you decide, let me entice you a bit.

I am scheduling a collection and filmmaking expedition to this island, shown in the foreground from roughly July 18 to 26 (exact schedule might be a day or two on either side).

I gotta tell you Steve, if there was ever a time and place where you'd want to be in Tofino, it's then on this island. A big part of my research and development of pearling occurs near the small island in the lower left portion as well as the reefs to the right. Each of these spots are easily accessible by beautiful boardwalk trails through magnificent historical gardens.

There is a lovely suite above the workshop, where you can stay. Sounds like Josh might hit the Ruckus, but then again he might be enticed to come north instead? I have an extra bed in my cabin, plenty of foamies and places to bunk down around the place.

All you need do, is get here... I'll take care of everything else, so that can make the trip economical for you.

Not sure if you know who Ed Ricketts was, but he spent a lot of time on this island doing his collections, in between his expeditions with John Steinbeck. I'm producing an HD documentary on the man, retracing his footsteps from his books and field notes.

So, what say ye?

And Josh? You know we'd love nothing more than to attend the Ruckus, but this is a really special place.

Gee... I wonder what we'd talk about?

 

[SteveM]

Looks like it's approaching crunch time. Thanks especially for rediscovering Ed Ricketts to the forum, doesn't take much searching to awaken a terrific curiosity in the man.

 

[Josh]

Ed Ricketts has been an idol of mine since I discovered Steinbeck in high school. I couldn't believe that catching small octopi could actually be part of someone's JOB.
Dave and Steve I can assure you that I'd rather be on an island poking at tidal organisms than battling through the concrete jungle in LA any day. Looks like it's just not in the cards for this time though. I have to stop and see family on the way home after the Ruckus. Dave will you be there at all later in the summer?

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Ed Ricketts has been an idol of mine since I discovered Steinbeck in high school. I couldn't believe that catching small octopi could actually be part of someone's JOB.

Haha. I suppose I'm lucky in that sense... collecting and research help keep this place running while things hang in the water column.

Strangely enough, Ed seemed to have little reverence for pearls. I've only seen small anecdotes where he references them. In "Between Pacific Tides", he vaguely mentions abalone pearls and perpetuated the grain of sand thing, except with by the bigger and more imaginative substrate component.... "gravel".

Not only that, many people perceive Ed as the inspiration behind John's "The Pearl", but his notes say otherwise. No doubt their expedition to the Sea of Cortez was an inspiration unto itself, but it was an eye-opener to Ed, on how mass exploitation can cause irrepairable harm to the marine environment and the effect it had on everyone involved.

It was John himself, who obsessed to write the tale. He encouraged Ed to join him in La Paz, but instead Ed tried to convince John to accompany him to Clayoquot. The two agreed to disagree and parted ways, for a time. It was only after the book was written, that John finally decided to head north with Ed, where they would complete their long overdue book, "The Outer Shores".

While the two were preparing to embark on the expedition from Monterey, Ed's car was stuck by a train and died of his injuries a few days later.

That was eight years before I was born. I'm not sure why, but it's still heartbreaking to tell that story.

Dave and Steve I can assure you that I'd rather be on an island poking at tidal organisms than battling through the concrete jungle in LA any day. Looks like it's just not in the cards for this time though. I have to stop and see family on the way home after the Ruckus. Dave will you be there at all later in the summer?

Haha! Funny you say that, because I'm lamenting not going to LA.

I don't anticipate being away for any length of time until well into the fall, so come when it's convenient, Josh. There will always be something to do, despite the season or weather.

I'm at Clayoquot now, starting out a bit sooner than expected. Loving these big morning tides!

Have fun at the Ruckus!

 

[SteveM]

Can't do Tofino as hoped this summer but the seed is planted. I'm betting a group will materialize next year.

Meanwhile best wishes on the Ricketts project, I hope we will get to see the results.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Can't do Tofino as hoped this summer but the seed is planted.

You too Steve are welcomed anytime at your convenience. I also regretted narrowly missing you in Whistler following my 2010 Olympics assignment.

It would have been most enjoyable to chat pearls over a glass or two of fine wine.

 

[pattye]

I'm betting a group will materialize next year.

Dave, I certainly hope to be part of that group next year, too!

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Dave, I certainly hope to be part of that group next year, too!

Absolutely m'lady. As for everyone in this discussion group. I noticed there are some who live much closer to Tofino. Victoria, Ladysmith, Lanzville etc.

Be welcomed.