Stewart BC -- Ripley Creek Inn and the Estuary

  Stewart BC, Canada
Thursday, October 5, 2006

Ripley Creek Inn - The Estuary and Much More

It was by an ironic turn of events whereby I met perhaps the most interesting man in Stewart BC

Walking down the main street, my attention was distracted by the cock-a-doodle-do of a rooster.

11-the cock-a-doodle doo that got my attention

This led me into the courtyard of the Ripley Creek Inn where I found the rooster and a menagerie of poultry being fed by a man who later presented himself as Frank Kamermans, owner and manager of the Ripley Creek Inn.

04-Frank Kamermans

I must say my 15 minute conversation with Mr. Kamermans revealed a bit of the unbelievable world of a multi-faceted entrepreneur, environmentalist, historian, mover and shaker and animal lover.

Animal lover, because this man, who oversees an empire of sorts, finds time in his busy life to feed the poultry. On a much grander scale, he has achieved the rather unique distinction of having created a bonding experience with Mr. Ripley -- a Canada Goose who has become the mascot of the Inn.

13-Mr. Kamermans and his pal, Ripley

Entrepreneur, because between himself and his wife Debbie Kazmer, they operate seven businesses along main street. That would seem to be a full time occupation but Mr. Kamermans is also CEO of Mountain Boy Mineral, a gold mining company located in the Stewart area.

Environmentalist, because the beautiful estuary of the Portland Canal or Inlet

33-nature's art 3

backs onto the Ripley Creek Inn and Mr. Kamermans has shown himself to be a fierce defender for keeping the estuary in its natural state,

29-Ripley Inn is on the right

thereby avoiding incursions by road or otherwise to this beautiful wetland.

Historian, because his dedication in preserving the historic architecture of Stewart. This has in fact involved the moving of several historical buildings to the grounds of the Ripley Creek Inn like so many pieces in a chess game.

It is however still a work in progress with several buildings yet to be refurbished to their former glory. Mr. Kamermans even spoke of his dream of making just one more major move and that would involve the former Empress Hotel.

18- Empress Hotel

The Ripley Creek Inn is made up of several interesting, fascinating and historical components.

Among them are the Main Lodge, Crowe's Landing,

07-The Kate Ryan Building

Kate Ryan Building, the Brothel, the Bayview Hotel and the Toastworks. (www.ripleycreekinn.homestead.com)

Across the street, operated by Debbie Kazmer is the Bitter Creek Cafe. It provides the best dining experience in a beautiful setting.

16-from across the street

I was so inspired with this story I was prompted to write a feature story -- now I am looking for a place to publish it.