Jedediah Island, located between Texada and Lasquetti Islands, is one of the most enchanting destinations accessible only by private boat. The entire island is a marine park. Thanks to funding from the BC Marine Parks Forever Society, BC Parks recently installed replacement chains and pins for stern ties in Deep Bay on Jedediah.
The grey coloring of steep rock walls and chain often blend together, making it difficult to spot stern ties. Now, new chains with yellow-marked pins make it much easier for boaters to locate these stern ties in Deep Bay – 10 along the north wall and 7 along the south wall of this tiny V-shaped bay. The number of stern ties seems extraordinary for this tiny bay, nevertheless, a number of boats can fit in the bay depending upon the sizes and variety of boats. During a recent visit, we found four sailboats and two small power boats making use of the stern ties. If the bay seems too crowded for your liking, nearby anchorage options include several small bites to the south, or use Boho Bay on Lasqueti Island just across Bull Passage. Taking the dinghy around Jedediah in settled weather provides opportunities to explore additional intriguing coves and inlets tucked behind rocky knolls and outcroppings.
Deep Cove is the best option to land the dinghy and hike the trail to the old homestead on Jedediah. The trail leads east across the island to Home Bay, a pleasant three-quarter mile hike. The trail emerges from the forest and granite outcroppings into a large field that was used for farming in earlier times.
At the far end of the field stands an old barn with a tractor and other farming equipment still inside, now silenced by time. Continuing eastward, feral sheep scurried away as we approached the gnarled orchard trees somewhat strained in their effort to produce fruit – apples, cherry, and plum.
Our imagination was stirred further as we approached the shoreline and found the partially intact farm house of this old homestead. We imagined the laughter of children as they enjoyed hay rides during the family’s annual neighborhood picnic, women making pies, and men discussing matters of the day.
It was here that Mary Palmer and her husband Albert lived on the Island year-round. Mary’s previous husband Ed and their two sons had spent the summer months, enjoying this idyllic setting. To run the farm, Mary and Albert purchased farm animals and equipment, including a hay bailer, tractor, binder, and seeder which were delivered by barge along with sheep and cattle. Al enjoyed spinning wool as an evening hobby while Mary knitted sweaters, caps, and socks. By now, Mary had grandchildren who came to Jedediah and experienced many of the same activities she and her sons had enjoyed – swimming, fishing, hiking, planting and tending the garden, and canning fruit.
Rather than being island recluse, both Mary and Al were outgoing individuals and had many friends; they hosted annual summer picnics at their homestead which were attended by islanders, boaters, and family members. Baseball games were organized and Al provided hay rides for the children around the property.
At the end of twenty years, Al and Mary found their spirit willing, but their energy was winding down at 70 years of age. Without farm status, land taxes on Jedediah would become astronomical; it was time to make a change. Al and Mary wanted “to preserve Jedediah in its pristine condition in perpetuity, without sacrificing its land, native plants, timber, beaches and other unique features.” Through fundraising and a long legal process, Jedediah Island was designated a marine provincial park for all to enjoy.
As we walked the property, we were witnessing the remnants of what was a full life for others, sad to see times gone by, yet inspiring. Now others can enjoy this beautiful island, set aside as a provincial park thanks to the foresight of the Palmers. You can learn more about Jedediah’s past residents and history in a book written by Mary Palmer – Jedediah Days One Woman’s Island Paradise.
