[Delphinus]

Well..... I would say yes. But it's an example you can see throughout the province. The western edges of the mountain ranges, being the windward side, is where all the rains fall as the humid air is pushed east. So the eastern leeward edges are drier. The resulting difference in flora (and perhaps fauna) are to me quite fascinating.

The west coast of the Island is wet, wet, wet. It is 12 degrees and raining any day of the year out there. The east coast of the island can get wet too, but you're more likely to enjoy sunny and warm (basically subtropical) on the east coast.

Has anyone mentioned Goats on the Roof yet??? The Coombs market, aka Goats on the Roof, is absolute must-see. One of the best farmers markets I've ever been to. The place has been around forever and is a total landmark of the area. It too is near the Parksville/Qualicum area. If you go to Englishman River Falls provincial park or to Port Alberni, you can't help but drive past there.

I'm headed out to the Island in August myself for just over a week. I'm hoping to make a few forays into Strathcona Park this time. I've never checked it out so I'm looking forward to that.

Oh yeah, the caving at Horn Lake. That's a freaky experience for sure. Go into a hole in the ground at one place, come out of a different hole somewhere else. Totally surreal!! Nearby Spider Lake is also a neat spot for maybe a lunch picnic or a swim in a FW lake.