Introduction

In early 2006 we decided that to return to work at the University of Victoria and that we would thus return to terra firma after almost a decade away from BC. We wanted something rustic, yet hospitable. Our dream was to create a home where friends and colleagues would come to think and talk. We wanted to create an intellectually attractive environment where creativity flowed spontaneously. We imagined having an extra cottage permitting us to host people requiring a quiet place to write. Around that time Richard and Michelle bought the Gorge Harbour Marina and brought the delightful Cortes Island to our attention. An initial trip to Cortes revealed it to be a place of extreme West Coast beauty intimately linked with an interesting and creative population. In that regard it's 900 plus inhabitants are a marvellous mix of the past (think of the 60’s) and the future (ecologically sound practices) that made a real community. It was a place that we felt we could and would feel at home.
Not long after this visit, Michelle e-mailed us about a house that would soon come to market. It was directly across from the marina yet its privacy was protected by its being water-access only. From the photos received it seemed a very fine place to live and had an additional small cottage that would be ideal for visitors. At that time we were house-sitting for Ben Garret in Puerto Williams, Chile, so the negotiations involved faxes and long distance phone calls. We bought the house sight unseen.
When we arrived on Cortes we were generously hosted by Paul Sakin, who had built the house fifteen years earlier. The house, its location and the island exceeded every expectation but it would be many months before we could occupy the house as we had to complete our voyage to Patagonia, refit Darwin’s Passage in Buenos Aires and get her to Florida where she could then be sold which happened in March 2007.

What's in a name?

When Charles Darwin retired to write, he retreated to Down House. We too needed a name. We felt DownTime expressed well our emotions. The double meaning and the historical connection to Darwin were appealing. We return seeking genuine downtime in a place where we can feel close to the earth, and at the same time be creative. Considering our link to Darwin, having explored many of the same places that the Beagle went in South America, the name seems most appropriate.

How to get to DownTime...

DownTime cottage is our full-time residence and home located on Cortes Island, just east of Campbell River, British Columbia. The house itself has no road, and hence is boat access only. Instructions follow depending on your mode of arrival.

Arrival by Powerboat or Sailboat
If you are arriving via small vessel, use Canadian chart 3538 (Desolation Sound and Sutil Channel) to navigate to the Discovery Island group. Cortes Island is located just east of Quadra Island at the entrance of Desolation Sound. DownTime cottage is located on the southern shores of Gorge Harbour.. Approach the entrance to Gorge Harbour with caution, watching for the Guide Islets just south of the entrance. Located in the middle of the bay is an oyster lease and the Bee Islets.

Moorage choices include the following:
- North anchorage on the northwestern side of the bay. Good holding.
- Gorge Harbour Marina - full facility with all conveniences and a short dinghy ride from our dock
- Our dock and moorings - limited access as the moorings are constantly in use and the dock is a fair weather dock only. Discuss with us in advance about the use of these facilities.

Arrival by Car or RV
Depending on if you arrive from Vancouver or from Victoria, you will be required to take at least two ferries, the M/V Powell River Queen from Campbell River to Quadra Island and the M/V Tenaka from Quadra Island to Cortes. The schedules for these ferries can be found at B.C. Ferries. The drive from Victoria is about 3 hours via the TransCanada Highway. If coming from Vancouver, please take the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo ferry from North Vancouver area. This will save you about 2 hours of driving from Victoria. You will arrive in Campbell River and must make your way to the Quadra Island ferry. Purchase your ticket through to Cortes. Please be aware that there are only six sailings daily to Cortes and in the summer, they are quite crowded. If visiting us during the summer, you may need to be prepared to stay the night on Quadra.
Once on Cortes Island, proceed to DownTime by following the signs to the Gorge Harbour Resort. Once there, contact us via telephone and we'll pick you up on the dock.