Deep Bay is a small, peaceful BC resort community. It provides a wonderful view across Baynes Sound toward Chrome Island with its lighthouse, Denman, Hornby and Texada islands, and the snow-capped Coast Mountain Range. Often referred to as "Lighthouse Country," it is a rural unincorporated community, including both Deep Bay and Bowser, with a combined population of approximately 1,729.

Then came the announcement, on a Vancouver Island TV station, that changed the peaceful to chaotic. It is the beginning of herring season and seal lions were sighted gathering on the beaches along Deep Bays' spit. The sea lions were gathering in anticipation of an extended feast of herring, but never had they covered the beaches in the bay. The crowds appeared, hoping to see this unusual site. The two lane road on the spit was lined with cars for about 1/2 a kilometre, people were everywhere. Then we showed up, not expecting to even get close to the sea lions, just photographing the crowds and visiting with the people.

It seems there was a bit of a glitch, not everyone understood that the herring don't come to the sea lions and ask to be eaten, the sea lions have to go find the herring to enjoy their feast. Sooo, unless the onlookers were there early or stayed late they missed the main event, because the sea lions were out to lunch. There were a few swimming in the harbour and snoozing on the docks, but not the numbers everyone was expecting. Fortunately most visitors, while disappointed, went away with a smile and all mentioned it was a beautiful day for a drive.