The following pictures are from a place I stumbled across over the weekend called Finn Slough. I was riding my bike along the Fraser River, and all of a sudden, along one of the branches, I started to notice ramshackle houses jutting out from the banks, hidden in the brambles, and perched on stilts in the water. Some were well maintained, but most were in various states of decay. They all were uniquely alluring.
It turns out that Finn Slough is the last remaining commercial fishing community of its kind in the lower Mainland of BC. It was started by Finnish immigrants in the late 1800s, and is now holding on to existence by the skin of its teeth. It is currently inhabited by about two dozen fisherman, artists, and “eccentrics”. I didn’t get to speak with any of them, but I hope they succeed in their fight for survival. Never been to a place quite like it, and I can’t wait to return.
The Slough sits on Crown land and is enmeshed in battles over development.
Many of the homes were nestled in so much flora that they started to blend in with their surroundings.
Beautiful old boats gone out to pasture…
One of the more modern looking houseboats. Its resident was giving the dog a thorough grooming.
Animate and inanimate objects seem to harmonize here.
For more info on Finn Slough:Â http://www.finnslough.com/
Nora Saks 