Unexpected Trip to Barnston Island

What a beautiful pre-fall day! We were originally going to try and track down a lost hat dropped on a 16+km walk earlier this week. Instead, to my delight, we boarded the interesting Barnston Island Ferry. 

It takes as long to cross over to the island as it does to drive onto the ferry. If you blink, you'd miss the crossing. I would have been disappointed if the ferry was spanking brand new. The ramp was made of aging planks the ferry itself not much more. I hate to use 'quaint' but, that's what is was. I loved it.

On our return crossing to our shock, there was a milk 'tanker' waiting to make the crossing over to the island. We doubted the integrity of the ferry once the tank was filled with Avalon milk. 

About the island: it is located between Surrey and Pitt Meadows. It was named in 1827 for Hudson's Bay Company clerk George Barnston. The Katzie First Nations has a small reserve of approximately 150 acres. The island itself is 1500 acres (600 hectare). As of the 2001 concencus, the population of Barnston was 155 people. By 2022 that number may have dropped to about only 140. 

Our carport spiders are amazing builders.

Heading over to Barnston Island.

The island shoreline.

The road around the island.

Beautiful farmland.

Towering trees.

Barn beyond the trees.

Incredible vistas.

More rich farmland.

Working tugboad moving up the Fraser river.

Sheep sitting in the shade.

Grazing beef cattle.

A couple of loafers chillin' in the field.

They say they're hay bales. I call them giant marshmallows.

Avalon milk is a local staple. We found their ranch.

Grazing dairy cows.

Avalon cows enjoying a sunny Sunday.

Did you know that cows have 'best friend' cows?

A hazy view of Mount Baker in Washington state.

Farm fields.

Reminds me of the Easter Island Heads.

Rules & Regulations we didn't. Oops.

Safety First.

The approach...

The ferryman.

Cut wood at sawmill next to the ferry 'terminal'.

He's out looking for his hat.

Heading to the Port Mann bridge.

A look at the cables overhead.

Sunlight through the trees.

Seniors choosing sides.

Clock in the park.

Home again, home again jiggety jig.