The peak of Storm Season is upon us. Temperamental skies overhead, coupled with gale-force winds, often run the show this time of year as large swells crash against the shores of Chesterman Beach and the rugged outcrops we are perched upon. It's a perfect opportunity to don gum boots and raincoats to experience the many moods of the West Coast firsthand. While we are in the midst of our annual closure this month, one can tune into our Beachcam for a real-time glimpse of the ocean looking out from The Pointe Restaurant.

The beginning of the new year is marked by our Annual Closure Olympics, as we've fondly come to know it. January sees us rolling up our sleeves to tackle an array of projects in both the front and heart of the house areas, a time when everyone comes together to work in their particular craft to give the Inn some extra love. These deep cleaning, proactive maintenance efforts, renovations and projects connect us with not just carpenters and electricians, but to the broader ecosystem across the entire Island that supplies and supports us.

Over the past weeks, several of my days have been spent driving trucks down to our recycled wood supplier in Victoria. Reclaimed wood from old buildings and beams, each etched with stories of their former life, are milled into smaller dimensions and brought to our talented team to be artfully repurposed and upcycled throughout the Inn. Whether we are picking up a specific tool from a high-end supplier or working with our carpet layers, each and every person we connect with during this time feeds into what we do, and each in their own way, are critical to our long-term success. Every day at lunch hour, we share a family-style meal cooked by our wonderful kitchen team before setting sights back on the work ahead. Many of these relationships have been built over years, and this annual closure brings about a reunion to share in a joint vision of restoration and constant improvement.

None of this progress would be possible without the outstanding leadership and service of our Chief Engineer, Mark Shaw. For over 15 years, Mark has dedicated himself to the refinement and innovation of the Inn. Every element of the hotel, at one point or another, has been lovingly maintained either by his own hands or under his direct leadership. We are incredibly grateful for his brilliant vision and detailed project planning that brings these undertakings to life.

On a slightly different topic, I want to let you know we have applied through an official application with the BC Ministry of Forests to have the non-exclusive right to host a crab cookout event in a limited and defined space in front of the Wickaninnish Inn property on Chesterman Beach for guests of the Inn and host weddings on nearby Shell Beach. We have been hosting these on an unofficial basis for roughly the last 15 years without incident, and if approved, this means we will pay the government for the privilege, and we will again be able to offer these unique beachside experiences. If you would like to support us in this process, an e-mail can be directed to Daniel Scholey at the Ministry of Forests .

Should you be seeking a romantic getaway in celebration of Valentine's Day, a refreshed and renewed Inn will be open to welcome you on February 10th. We very much look forward to hosting you again soon!

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy New Year,

Charles

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