In Search of Sheep

I am telling this story, but I cannot give you the names of the people who started me on this fun quest... I need to protect the Innocent (which is me)....hee....heee......

Well this story came about to a question I asked one of my very good Travbuddy friends.  I was told about seagulls in the wind, cows how they face the wind...so of course curious me...I had to ask the question what to sheep do?  The prompt reply was...you need to go ask another Travbuddy friend.  Of course both were not willing to answer the question...so I had to go in search of the sheep right here in Metchosin..and on my journey I learned much about Metchosin, sheep, and what they do when the wind comes up.

This was a very interesting assignment, loaded with great characters. ..many miles to travel in search for answers...some history...and a bit of fun.

Because my sister and my Brother-in-law are visiting this weekend I had to start my travels in goldstream Park.  I picked my sister up as my brother-in-law has a really bad cold...so I took my sister with me as my accomplice.  Besides she had not seen Metchosin in a million years, so it was good for her to come along for the trip.  Goldstream campsite is very beautiful (I take it for granted because I see it all the time), but it is a wooded area with lots of hiking trails, water falls, streams, and just pathways to explore..So I started my quest there.

Picked My sister up...and off we went.  We got to the small farming communtiy of Metchosin about 10:00am, the place was bustling with people everywhere, so I went to all the community areas, talked to a few animals, some goats, a few horses, some people in the market. ..no one could answer my question.  The farmers market opened today, they are open all summer long now and up until thanksgiving every Sunday from 11:00am-2:00pm.  The famers get together and sell fruits, vegetables, honey, soap, aromatherapy, plants, herbs, bread, chicken,and all organic.  People come from all over the island to come to this market.  I have been coming out here every year for at least the last 15 years.  Still I even asked the tomato man...but he just shook his head.  I asked the goat out back in the petting zoo behind My Chosen cafe...he just layed there and gined.  He was not going to tell me the secret.

So in the end...I finally found the sheep...and the little black sheep of the family gave me the answer......
Tell you at the end of the blog!!!!!!!!!!!!

SO A WEE BIT OF HISTORY FIRST.

You think I am telling you...

The origin of the name Metchosin dates back to the time when a dead whale was cast up on a local beach, causing the native peoples to refer to the area as "Smets-shosin" meaning place of stinking fish. (now theres a name you want to remember. :)

The first European contact in Metchosin took place on June 30, 1790 when Sub-Lieutenant Manuel Quimper landed on what was to be known as Albert Head (there is a prison out there now).

The next written record of a visit was that of James Douglas who was sent in 1842 from Fort Vancouver to select a suitable site for a trading post on the southern end of Vancouver Island.  On the occasion of the consecration of St. Mary the Virgin, James Douglas wrote to his daughter as follows; "Metchosin looked it's best the beautiful slopes, the bright clear sky, the warm sunshine, the glassy smooth sea and grand mountains in the distance, formed a combination of indescribable beauty. "

There was a man his name was Thomas Argyle settled himself on 150 acres of free land of prime waterfront land at Rocky Point.  At the time, Rocky Point was practically without a white settlement.

In 1862 a young lady by the name of Helen Tufts, set sail for BC from Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Soon after her arrival on the west coast, miss Tufts met Thomas Argyle and they were married in 1863 and took up residence on the land at Rocky Point.  In 1867 Thomas Argyle was appointed chief keeper of race rocks lighthouse, 10 miles below Victoria, and he maintained that position until 1888, when he retired to his rocky point home.  (I used to live off Rocky Point Road...it was called Kangaroo Road).

Metchosin is now a community of under 5000.  The area is rural, with a number of farms of organic fruit and vegetables.   The centre has a general store, excellent restaurant, local arts and crafts gallery, bakery, hair salon, and a few other smaller businesses.  The municipality is serviced by dedicated group of Volunteer Firemen which is part of the 911 telephone system, and also has a great search and rescue group.

A monthly paper "The Metchosin Muse" is distributed free to all the residents of Metchosin.

There are numerous special interest clubs in Metchosin, the Gardening club, Converstaion groups, Cubs and Scouts.....

Metchosin is also blessed (yippeee for me), with abundant parks and trails.  (Yep been on all of them must get photos).  Among these parks are Witty's lagoon, Devonian Park (ok haven't been there), Matheson lake park and the Galloping goose Park and trail runs right though it.   The galloping goose stretches from victoria to an abandonded mining town called Leechtown, a distance of more than 40 miles.  (yes I have been on the goose). (grin).

So I came upon this black sheep in the middle of a great Garry Oak forest and you know what he told me.  He said...it does not matter to the sheep which way they face when the wind comes up.  they just go graze under the trees...less wind...

Smart sheep:):):)