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| Navy Island, seen from the Errol Flynn Marina |
But a hardy group of volunteers ventured out this past Saturday to demonstrate that all is not lost. Early morning showers gifted the marina, harbour and environs with a breathtaking double-rainbow, while the lingering clouds kept conditions cool throughout the day, ideal for the task ahead.
The "locals" of various stripes were joined by an intrepid international band that included persons from Australia, New Zealand, Quebec, Germany, the US and Japan.
Together, they set about clearing overgrowth and removing debris, mostly from the southern approach (facing the Marina). This included the two-storey main house, a space that once boasted three seaparate kitchens and no doubt hosted some lively gatherings. The consensus is that with proper care, it could well do so again; that once properly maintained, the island could serve a whole raft of purposes.
Before and amid the clean-up, project co-ordinator and Marina chief Dale Westin sought to spook the visitors with tales of Errol Flynn's ghost, but no supernatural sightings were reported. What was very much in evidence were dead plants and tree limbs, old wooden furniture and rotted beams, assorted plastic container, jewellry and even two 38-calibre shell casings. Whether the latter were movie props or the remnants of some more nefariouos activity is open to speculation.
One thing is unquestionable: through concerted effort, and a spirit of "can-do" the clean-up volunteers are helping to put a national treasure in much better shape than that in which they found it.
The second in the series of clean-ups takes place this Saturday (March 17 - St Patrick's Day)
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