INFORMATION LINKS

• NOAA WEATHERFAX

• LOCAL WEATHER

• LOCAL LIVE WINDS

• LOCAL TIDES

• LOCAL OCEAN CAM

• LOCAL MAP

• LOCAL AERIAL

• LOCAL CHART

• LOCAL ROADS

• STRAIT OF GEORGIA

• HOWE SOUND

• SPEED RATINGS

• BC FERRIES

• TRANSIT

• YACHTWORLD

• WEST MARINE

BEACH BARBEQUES AND PARTIES

In British Columbia, Canada, there is much tidal activity (typically ~13 feet) which leaves an extensive inter-tidal area which is crown land (i.e. free to be explored by the public up to the high tide mark). With much driftwood around, it is a simple matter to construct a beach fire, although it is prudent to observe open-fire bans especially on islands which lack water supplies. Keeping the fire well down the beach just above the low tide area is the safest bet. The wood is easily lit and it usually takes a matter of seconds to ignite. When the tide comes back up later in the day or evening, all traces of activity are removed. It is possibly the lowest-impact campfire you can have. Some round off the experience by creating their own luaus and cooking indigenous fish and shellfish caught on the same beach, or stores from the boat.

The fire dance, or Fire Poi as it is referred in the case of flaming balls spun on cords, is thought to have originated from the Maori of New Zealand as an ceremonial dance to increase flexibility, strength, and coordination in the arms and hands prior to a battle. It has become a traditional performance art seen in many Polynesian venues. The modern method, which can be learned easily if proper fire safety is implemented, consists of spinning 2 foot lengths of 18 gauge stainless steel ball chain (a 5mm thick version of the common chain used with 'dog tags') in pairs with either glow-ball or real fire tips. The ball chain helps roll off the body if any tangles occur, and fire tips usually consist of folded plugs of kevlar/fiberglass lamp wick moistened with 'coleman' fuel (cleanest), or kerosene (safest).