Several years ago a friend of mine who owns a local paper asks me to write an article to explain why I like living on the Coast.

JUST COASTING

I'm off to Vancouver. Its the end of a long weekend and the ferry is returning hundreds of people back the city. I am in my usual hiding place, sitting somewhere away from the crowds. I stare out the window in ceaseless wonder as the coastal mountains slip by. After years of living on the Sunshine Coast I still never tire of this trip. A nervous looking middle-aged couple ask if they might sit with me. Most of the best seats are taken, they explain and they would like to look at the scenery. I smile and gesture to the two empty seats.

Their names are Paul and Jenny and they live on the North Shore. Paul is in marketing in Vancouver and Jenny teaches piano. Politely they inquire about me. "I'm in sales with my wife, we moved to the Sunshine Coast some 18 years ago. Before we moved up we had tried to buy a house on the North Shore, but prices were sky-high even then." Paul and Jenny looked at each other in amazement. Paul says, "You have lived up here for 18 years? Don't you get bored? Don't you miss other people? The city, the nightlife, the action?"

I smile at them as I think of my kids, my garden, the stars at night, quiet days spent on the boat. "No" I say. Paul bites none existent fingernails as Jenny fidgits in the corner. "Well, what made you want to drop out of the city life?" Jenny asks. I look out the window - a billion diamonds on the sea, Gibsons town all green with summer behind it. The answer is there somewhere but how to say it? I want to tell them that almost 800 people commute to the city every day, that People once they get to the Coast rarely leave and when they do, looking for something better, they often come back.

A newspaper lies on the seat between us. The headline a bold testament to my thoughts. Another North Shore Bank is Robbed... Four People Meet Death in Highway accident... Bad Heroin Hits City Streets. I point to the newspaper and say, "Thats why we have all come to live on the Sunshine Coast. Its not just about living, its the quality of living."

The ferry horns blows. Paul jumps. The loud speaker says "sixteen, sixteen". Relieved, Paul and Jenny stand to make their escape. "Don't forget your paper" I say.

Tuesday morning comes, I'm on my way to work. I cruise along the highway, trees form a cool green canopy overhead, there is not another car or person in site, the window is open and the air is full of that summer smell of growing things. The radio gives the early morning traffic report. "Another fender-bender on the Lions Gate Bridge has backed up traffic to Taylor Way." I change to another station, Janis Joplin is singing "Summertime". I smile. Tonight I am cooking dinner, its veggies from the garden and my fresh-caught salmon.

by Randy Wollen