Camping...Island style

We enjoyed a long weekend of natural goodness on the island...Vancouver Island that is, or as it is more aptly known in these parts : Victoria Island. Turns out its not just the English language that is horrendously confusing to newcomers...also our place names.

We camped around a big common field, with just a few of our islander friends and family...

representing Samoa, Fiji, Rotuma, and Tonga. There was a lot of laughter, volleyball, children and food. There was a bear in the area, so I didn't get in the hiking I wanted to do, but the kids had a great time swimming in the lake, looking to catch bullfish (not sure if that is just the name they made up for them!), playing with all the other kids, competing in volleyball and badminton, digging in the dirt and having wagon rides up and down the ramp to the kitchen.

It was great to meet so many new and wonderful people, as well as connect with old friends that we rarely see. I had loads of time with my little T...spent nearly every waking moment with him in the stroller, playing on the grass or sleeping in the snugli. It was a little tiring, but great bonding at the same time.

My dear friend Nettie testing out the water via Tomasi's toes. We took one of N's daughters with us each way, and I wish I had proof of the incredulous looks and stares we received on the ferry as we strolled the walkways with 5 children, aged nearly 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11. Some of the staring was accompanied by smiling, much was definitely not. Interesting.

Sweet Grandpa Noa played badminton for quite awhile with Mekaia (not an easy task!) and then they opened up the game to a few more. I love the way the islanders really are a big family. Even if you're not an islander, nor married to one, but just a friend...you're in!
The family gathered around the campfire on the last night for a talent show, scary stories, songs and camp chants which carried on long after I headed to the tent to grab some sleep before my little T awakened for the first night-waking.

M and one of her best friends playing in the sand. It worked out well because both girls were content to just get their feet wet a little, but no more. They built sand castles while Mekaia looked for fish with his net, Lesina suntanned on the rubber dock and Tomasi slept in the stroller, cocooned in lavalavas to protect from the wind.

Spending time with other islanders is like recharging to Nu's batteries. It goes without saying that he had a wonderful time, especially playing his djembe as the guys sang all the island songs, hearing the jokes (Samoan humor...I don't quite get it yet), playing volleyball and hanging out. He recharged those batteries pretty much all night on Sunday, coming to the tent at 7 am. But I understand. After all, this only happens once a year...if that. Here's to next year!