Rain on Gabriola Island

Heavy rain again last night.  The water is much needed after the dry summer here last year.  Because water is such an important issue Islanders are always talking about it.  Summers can be very dry here on this island.  Part of island life is living with the occasional uncertainty about water supply.

Winter and spring rains tend to replenish the ground water and fill the cistern tanks, too.  Water conservation is always good practice here on the island.  The only natural fresh water that arrives here on the island is rain water. There are really no rivers, streams or waterfalls - except those formed when it pours down rain for days.

The rainfall collects in wetlands and small ponds.  We have found Skunk Cabbage plants growing in these ponds today.  You can only guess why they are called skunk cabbage!

It is warm out but there is wood smoke in the air from heating our homes early this morning.