Brenda & Gail and the Slow-as-you-can valley.

We first met Brenda & Gail Elder 7 years ago at the grave of Robert Louis Stevenson, which you may be surprised to learn is at the highest point of Samoa. Although he only lived there a couple of years (The author, not Gail) he was so loved by the islanders that they formed a human chain and passed his coffin over their heads all the way to the top. I hope he was not a big man.

 

We met again in New Zealand, but recent attempts to catch up had failed - until now. The Elders have had an organic farm in the Slocan Valley (Southern British Columbia) since the mid-seventies, and with no small amount of excitement we made our way to their home. We tried to imagine what it would be like.

It did not dissapoint! With Cassie to look after everyone it was hard not to fall in love with the Elder farm.

 

We arrived to a table buckling under the weight of organic veg, roast chicken and fresh fruit. Each day Brenda produced ever-more tasteful and bountiful meals from the beautiful garden, and Gail produced ever-more tasteful and bountiful pre-dinner drinks from somewhere else (Editor: the vodka was particularly notable....)

We helped some around the farm, which although not run commercially any more still produces a great deal of great food. I doubt if we have eaten so well for a very long time.

 

Always there was always Cassie on hand to assist and prompt where required.

 

We also had a canoe/ kayak trip on the almost deserted Slocan lake. Gail & Brenda joined us for the day, but left us to a moonlit camp.

 

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And a swim before breakfast....

With the hanging of the famous door completed we had to pull ourselves away from this idyllic spot. If we had know how lovely it was we would have visited much sooner!!!! This was certainly a visit to be repeated,off only to check on how the door is faring ----- so a big thankyou goes out to Gail & Brenda!

 

 

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