Island-Sity

Per Anders Langerod, 26, the former deputy leader of Oslo Labour Youth, agreed. "It's much better to be back than I had imagined," he said. "I have so many images running through my head from that day, so in a way it was nice to get other impressions."

Mr Langerod was inside the main house on the island when Breivik began shooting. He crept down to the lake shore, and hid on a rocky ledge before slipping into the chilly waters to conceal himself. On Saturday he returned to that rocky ledge, and also saw the spot from where Breivik stood shooting. "It was especially important for me to see the spot where my friends died," Mr Langerod said. "Here we lit candles and laid flowers.

"Of course there was grief. We comforted each other. For some it is terrible to get back on the island, with all the memories. But there is also a cheerful mood in that we came back and saw that it was not dangerous anymore."

With the group gathered in front of the main house, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg delivered a rousing speech, promising that he would stay on the island for next year's summer camp. The applause was so loud that it could be heard from the farm on the other side of Tyrifjord lake. "Obviously it's very hard for people to return, but it's also an important part of the grieving process – to process all the impressions you remember, and to sit back and take stock," said Martin Henriksen, a former youth leader, who had been at another camp and was heading back to Utoya when the shooting began.

"I was on the other side of the strait, paralysed by shock and concern over those who were on the island," he recalled. "After the shooting there was a double reaction – relief over meeting people there, and then sorrow over those who never came back. "Returning is different for each person, and we all had different expectations about what the experience would be.

"But I think it's an important part of coming to terms with what happened. Although it is heavy, people say that it is good to have been there."Norway will on Sunday hold a national day of remembrance with a concert by the country's top performers, which will be attended by the royal family, heads of government of other Nordic countries as well as survivors and their families.

Saturday's emotional visit followed a trip on Friday for the families of those who died on the island. Per Brekke, logistics chief of the operation, said planning the visits had been a big challenge. Police had sealed off the island since the massacre, mapping out Breivik's murderous path and then cleaning up what had become a grim crime scene. The Norwegian government also marshalled a large team of psychiatrists, helpers and volunteers to guide the survivors and their families as they returned to the site. Police on the scene wore a different uniform to the fake one that Breivik donned in order to lull his victims into a false sense of security. Adrian Pracon, 21, came face-to-face with the killer several times, and at one point lay still on the ground, pretending to be already dead.

"I was shaking terribly, I was also breathing very fast but it all stopped at that moment because the body understands that it must be still," he said. "Suddenly I could hear him place his boots right in front of my face. I could feel the warmth of the gun barrel he was pointing at me. I thought: 'Now it is over. Now he's got me'." The killer aimed at Mr Pracon's head and fired a shot, but somehow missed and the bullet entered the left shoulder.

Mr Pracon added, who spent a week in hospital, added of yesterday's trip: "We sang 'we are all members of AUF (the Workers' Youth League)'. People were crying and hugging each other. It was beautiful.
"I feel an unbreakable bond towards my friends. We have been through hell together. We have pushed ourselves to survive." He said he planned to return for next year's summer camp, and that people were already talking about preparations for it. "After all this pain and misery, it was also good to see joy. Now I have a hope for the future. It will get better."

She has accused SERCO, the British company reaping millions of dollars from its five-year contract with the federal government to run the detention centres, of misleading a parliamentary inquiry on the extent of the training it provides to workers.
Advertisement: Story continues below

She said the company, which does not provide access to its records to Immigration Department staff within the centres, is guilty of significant under-reporting. Politicians, including opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison and Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, will travel to Christmas Island tomorrow for inquiry hearings. In her submission to the inquiry, Ms Bernard has called for an independent audit of the SERCO contract by the Commonwealth Auditor-General, and for SERCO logs to be tabled.

''Given the extent of breaches of the contract that has compromised the safety of workers, we have little or no confidence in SERCO continuing in the contract. We are asking for the public service to do away with privatisation. Clearly, privatisation has not worked,'' she said. The Christmas Island union represents the army of private guards, administration staff, drivers, cleaners and other workers who keep the massive North West Point and Phosphate Hill detention centres in operation.

The CPSU, which represents the public servants working for the Department of Immigration, supported the call for detention centres to come back under government control. In its own submission to the inquiry, the CPSU has detailed complaints that SERCO guards are not adequately trained, are giving incorrect information to asylum seekers, do not keep sufficient records, are overworked, and that workplaces are unsafe.

''SERCO should employ and roster sufficient guards,'' the CPSU said. Immigration staff reported becoming angry, and being embarrassed, over SERCO behaviour towards asylum seekers. There are 75 Immigration Department staff on Christmas Island, and 338 working in detention centres across the network. SERCO has refused to disclose its staffing levels.

Nine in 10 departmental staff at detention centres reported being stressed. One said: ''Christmas Island - I've seen things go wrong badly and the staff just don't know what to do.''

The public service union has called for all staff to be equipped with duress alarms, and has complained officers were having to conduct interviews with detainees in stairwells and kitchens at some centres because there were no offices. Offices and even lunch rooms had been reclaimed as accommodation as the centres became crowded with too many asylum seekers.

SERCO sent a legal team to Christmas Island last week to prepare its records in advance of the inquiry. In its submission, SERCO says it is performing its role in ''extremely difficult'' conditions due to the increased number of asylum seekers last year, and overcrowding. There are 4427 boat arrivals in detention on the mainland, and 811 on Christmas Island.

Then, come Tuesday, it’s for all the marbles. The Yankees will have the home-field advantage throughout the playoffs by virtue of the league’s best record, and that means the semifinal opener will be at MCU Park Tuesday at 7 p.m.

The second game will be in St. George Wednesday. Game 3, if necessary, would be Thursday at the RCBB. The teams face each other 14 times during the regular season — Brooklyn leads the season series 8-5 heading into today’s finale — and Yankee manager Tom Slater knows that the team that executes will claim the three-game series.

“There will be no surprises in this series,” Slater explained. “The Cyclones are a class team and I have all the respect in the world for Rich (Donnelly, the Brooklyn manager). All the games between the teams this year have been good ones and I don’t see anything changing in the playoff games.”

Slater has already set his pitching for the series, going with Bryan Mitchell in Tuesday’s opener. The right-hander got off to a slow start this season but came on strong in the second half. Matt Tracy will start game No. 2. The southpaw was another late bloomer and averaged just over a strikeout per inning.

Game 3 will go to William Oliver, a right-hander who led the Yanks in innings pitched, strikeouts, and was tied for wins with five.

“Our bullpen has been solid from opening day, but the starters progressed nicely throughout the year,” Slater explained. “Plus, the more experience they got, the more confidence they gained. I have faith in all three of them.

“Another plus is having Nick (McCoy) behind the plate. He has a terrific relationship with the pitching staff and he knows each guy’s strengths.”

The Yankee lineup has been solid all season with a nice mixture of power and speed, and Slater does not expect to do much tinkering with a successful formula.

“This group has worked hard all year and they deserve to be in this position,” the manager added. “It’s simply a terrific collection of young men, and I can say that without a baseball, glove or bat even being involved.”

That being said, there are also plenty of options for a more relaxing and peaceful vacation, but after the 12-24 hour plane ride it takes to get there, you should have had plenty of time to rest up. Much of the country lies close to the coastline, making for an overall temperate climate. However, some areas can experience four seasons in one day, as the climate can shift dramatically due to sharp regional contrasts.

New Zealand was one of the last major land masses on Earth to be populated by humans and is the second-closest land mass to Antarctica, behind Chile. The Polynesian Maori arrived on the islands around 800 A.D. and it wasn't until 1840 that they entered into a compact with Britain; they surrendered sovereignty but maintained territorial rights to the land.
The South Island

Christchurch is known as the gateway to the South Island and is New Zealand's second-largest city. Often referred to as the "Garden City," Christchurch has an impressive park system and features neo-Gothic architecture dating back to the English settlers who founded the city. Here visitors have easy access to sunny beaches and snowy mountaintops within a short drive from the metropolitan center.
Travel south along the eastern coast of the South Island to the small town of Akaroa on Bank's Peninsula. The route offers some breathtaking views of the mountainous countryside. Once there you can relax in the quaint former French settlement and soak up some of the local culture or take a boating tour of the harbor to see the rare Hector's dolphins, seals and other marine life that thrive in the turquoise waters of the flooded volcano crater.

Experience History

Continuing farther down the coast of the South Island through the Southern Alps you will reach the hilly city of Dunedin, New Zealand's largest city in terms of area. During the journey, be sure to stop at Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast to marvel at the Moeraki Boulders, huge almost perfectly spherical rocks that date back 60 million years.

The city of Dunedin is a cultural and environmental hot spot with a rich history. The city boasts a well-preserved historic district with Scottish roots, a vibrant art scene and a thriving university life.
For those interested in ecotourism, The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, just outside Dunedin, is an attraction for those looking to learn more about southern New Zealand's remarkably diverse marine life. The Royal Albatross Centre, about an hour outside the city, on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, offers a rare chance to see one of the world's largest birds (with a wingspan of up to 11 feet) on the only mainland colony on the planet. Also just outside Dunedin is the Yellow Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve where visitors can see the rarest penguins on the planet up close and in their native habitat.

Once you reach the bottom tip of the South Island, be sure to stop at Porpoise Bay along the Catlins coast and explore the abundance of rare wildlife and a Petrified Forest dating back to the Jurassic period. The Catlins coast landscape is sparsely populated and is dominated by lush forests and rocky coastal bays. Another must see site is the Cathedral Caves, located a short walk through a flourishing forest in the Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve. The coastal caverns can only be seen during low tide and connect under the cliffs, reaching heights of 100 feet.
Fiordland: Dramatic Natural Beauty

As you continue to wrap around the southern tip of the South Island and enter into New Zealand's Fiordland, stop in the lakeside town of Te Anau. Known as the "gateway to the fiords," Te Anau has plenty to explore. Take a 30-minute boat ride across Lake Te Anau to visit the otherworldly glowworm caves. Those looking to stretch their legs a bit can check out the Kepler Track, across the shores of Lake Te Anau. The 100-mile trail can be broken up into more manageable portions and traverses a beautiful route from sandy beaches to lush forest to barren mountain tops, offering breathtaking views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains.

Milford Sound along the west coast of the South Island is one of New Zealand's most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Journey a few hours northwest of Te Anau through the steep, lush terrain of the Fiordland. Milford Sound was carved by ancient glaciers and is surrounded by towering cliffs that feature countless waterfalls. There are also several options for hiking on the series of trails that surround the sound and offer stunning views.
A Thrill-Seeker's Dream

Making your way back north up the western side of the South Island, make sure to visit the city of Queenstown. Known as the "adventure capital of the world," Queenstown is a thrill seeker's dream. It's chock full of activities to get your adrenaline pumping, ranging from high speed jet boating, canyon swinging to a variety of alpine activities such as skiing. It also is the birthplace of modern bungee jumping. Skydiving is a major attraction because jumpers can go as high as 15,000 feet, getting a breathtaking view of the county's landscape from above. Queenstown has a lively feel and features a condensed city center with restaurants, bars and many tourist-oriented shops. There are also several hiking options in and around Queenstown, including the mountain ranges that served as the dramatic backdrop for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Take A Stroll Or A Sip, Relax

Traveling farther north, stop off for a day in the serene lakeside town of Wanaka. Here you can explore the town's picturesque parks that line the shore, offering views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Stop at the Rippon Vineyard and Winery and sample some wine while you enjoy the view. New Zealand is known for sauvignon blanc, which grows well in the temperate maritime climate. There are a plethora of wineries throughout the country, thanks to the ideal conditions created by coastal regions bordered by mountain ranges.
Where Glaciers Meet The Forest

Continuing up along the west coast of the South Island through the Haast Pass you will reach the Franz Josef Glacier. This portion of the island is perpetually rainy and often cloudy, but offers stunning landscapes and some of the most easily accessible glaciers in the world. Take a guided hike up the Franz Josef Glacier and experience the rare formation up close as the glacier meets temperate forest.
Heading farther north toward the tip of the South Island, visitors can stop by the famous Pancake Rocks near Punakaiki, a series of visually astonishing limestone formations that have been eroded to create unique rock patterns that jet out from the coastline.

As you make your way farther north, be sure to make time to visit the Abel Tasman National Park, just over an hour north from the city of Nelson. Here, visitors can take a guided kayak tour in the Tasman Sea and take in the clear blue waters and golden sand beaches. Explore the many lagoons and coastal caves and be sure to stop and relax on one of the many deserted island beaches.
The North Island

From here, travel east to the town of Picton and catch the interisland ferry for a three-hour ride across the Cook Strait to the capital city of Wellington on the North Island. Once in Wellington, head up to the Mount Victoria lookout to get you bearings and take in the panoramic view of the city center and harbor. While in Wellington, check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, the country's free national museum, where you can get an overview on Maori history and the diverse natural environment. Wellington is also known for fine dining and nightlife, most of which can be explored on foot.

From Wellington, venture up toward the center of the North Island to the Tongariro National Park. The small town of Turangi is an ideal base for day trips into the park, where visitors can hike around New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, experience world famous trout fishing on the Tongariro River and take in the sights of Mount Tongariro and other volcanoes within the park.

Continue around to the top of Lake Taupo and visit the surreal Craters of the Moon Scenic Reserve. This geothermal phenomenon is caused by magma heating up pools of water deep beneath the ground, causing steam to rise up eerily from the large craters and surrounding ground. Also, explore the nearby geothermal pool sites, which contain geysers, waterfalls, sulfur caves and a series of pools that vary widely in color because of the heated elements in the water.

From here continue north to the Bay of Plenty, one of the sunniest regions in the world. This area is a popular vacation destination for locals and features access to countless water activities and some of the country's most pristine beaches. The region's major city is Tauranga and visitors here will find a bounty of fresh seafood and local fruit such as the kiwi.
Discover Maori History, Unwind

Travel just under an hour inland and stop off in the town of Rotorua, a place deeply rooted in Maori culture. Treat yourself to a relaxing day at the Polynesian Spas. Here, thermal pools range in temperature from 96 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and contain minerals that are believed to have a variety of healing properties. Relax in the alkaline pools, surrounded by native flora, while you enjoy the view of Lake Rotorua.
From Rotorua, trek northwest to the city of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Auckland is also known as the "City of Sails," because it is said to have more boats per capita than anywhere in the world. Auckland is a progressive, multicultural city with a bustling nightlife and a diverse population. While the sprawling, modern city has plenty of metropolitan delights, its natural beauty is never far away as it sits nestled between the Waitemata and Manuka harbors and atop a series of dormant volcanoes, surrounded by lush forest. Explore all the cultural and recreational activities the city has to offer or escape from it all and jet away to a remote island getaway in the nearby Hauraki Gulf.

In 2000 the island was moored along a Prairie Lake boat landing, secured by cables attached to trees on land; but a few weeks ago those broke free, sending the island about a quarter mile down the river.

“Our game plan today was we got 1500 feet of cable, which is enough to run three lines across it and then we have three hi beams, and we're gonna try and pull it over closer to Veterans Park and secure it there permanently, again,” Kruse explains.

But before crews got to the heavy work Monday, volunteers helped clear the island of all its trees, which in the past acted as a sail putting stress on the cables. But clearing trees wasn't exactly easy work, that island is like a bog and if you're not careful you can fall through.

“It is dangerous out there, without a doubt. When you're working you're doing two things at once and there's weak spots out there, I was very careful and while I was cutting I was wearing waterproof hunting boots and I went in up to my ankle,” Town of Stanley supervisor John Nielsen says.

Both men say the island is a liability, and hope these moorings being attached Monday, work for good.

Nielsen tells us the estimated cost for this island tow job is about $6500, and that's being split between the Town of Stanley and the Town of Prairie Lake; though neither town wants to take full ownership of the island because of all the risks it poses.

You must have an amazing wardrobe
I have an amazing archive collection at our office. It's 20 years of every piece of our collection. It's kind of like an extended wardrobe, with lots of memories. It's quite nostalgic.

How is balancing work and motherhood?
When you have a child, you become so incredibly organised and you lose a lot of chit-chat time because everything else becomes a priority.

Will Estella follow in your footsteps?
A few years ago, I thought so - she was obsessed with fabric and making things but now I don't know. She loves music, drama and animals.

How is married life?
It's great; it feels different. Suddenly, you can't get annoyed with the person the same way you did before because you've made that decision to be together, so it calms you down in a way. It's such a great thing to do, especially for Estella; it feels like ''Daddy Bradley'' and she loves him.

Was your wedding a magical day?
It was absolutely beautiful and I loved having little Estella there. I'm so glad I left it to the age that she really loved it. She was doing up all my buttons and saying everything I have always said to the models backstage when she has been there.

Did you always know what you would wear?
No, because [the wedding] was such a secret … I was in India 10 days before and I just thought, ''I have to have a dress to pass down to Estella,'' and so I had some silk tulle and I took it with me and we literally designed it there. I hadn't tried it on until I brought it back to Sydney and everyone thought I was making it for a VIP client so I had no fittings. It's like the story of the cobbler - no shoes on their children!

When did you know Bradley was the one?
When we met each other, it was instant. That sort of thing when you don't want to be away from someone. We are like two peas in a pod.

Is he a good fatherly figure for Estella?
Oh yes, absolutely. Without a doubt, even though she's not his daughter, he makes an amazing father for her and she adores him and he puts so much time into her. They do so many crazy things together.

Do you have an amicable relationship with her father, Richard Wilkins?
We really don't have much to do with each other, to be honest. I'm not sure where he is with his life at the moment but, really, I just do the best for Estella and be the best parent I can, and so does Bradley. It's not a competition. Whatever makes her feel good will give her confidence to go through life.

Greenhouse grapes are part of the hardscrabble story of winemaking on British Columbia’s coastal islands, where a blend of determination, ingenuity and luck can sometimes lead to impressive results.

Located at about the 49th parallel, the region sits at the northern extreme of the grape-growing map. Summers are short, but the days are long. In mercifully dry, sunny years, early-ripening noble varieties such as pinot noir and pinot gris can yield fresh, elegant wines. Hardier but less popular varieties, notably marechal foch, can make satisfyingly meaty reds. In poor years, 2007 and 2010 among them, the results can be harshly acidic, coincidentally best enjoyed with a plate of fresh local seafood or cheese.

“The trick with Vancouver Island wines is to at least taste some of them with food,” says John Schreiner, a veteran West Coast critic and the author of The Wineries of British Columbia. “They’ll show a lot better than if you sat down and had them on their own.”

Averill Creek, near Duncan in the Cowichan Valley just north of Victoria, is an essential destination for any wine lover touring this region of lush forests and jaw-dropping ocean panoramas.

The coastal industry, which includes estates on several Gulf Islands, could hardly have a more devoted ambassador than Mr. Johnston. Before starting Averill Creek in 2001, the retired physician honed his oenological skills at estates in Tuscany, Bordeaux, Australia and New Zealand.

Averill Creek’s 2006 pinot noir and 2009 pinot noir reserve, richly fruited yet bracingly crisp, would probably impress fans of red Burgundy, the standard-bearer for pinot noir. “For me, this is one of the best places in Canada to grow pinot,” says Mr. Johnston, a long-time collector with a keen palate.

While Mr. Johnston holds steadfastly to the grow-local model, other players have chosen a different route to survival in this marginal climate. Muse Winery and Church & State Wines, to name two, source much of their fruit from the warm south Okanagan Valley on the mainland. It’s a controversial approach that some say distorts the young region’s winemaking identity. Is it island wine? You be the judge.

Averill Creek Vineyard

The attractive modern building, Mediterranean landscaping and quaint patio make this one of the Pacific Ocean’s most inviting wine-country destinations. On a slope of Mount Prevost, owner Andy Johnston combines an intense wine passion with his physician’s intellectual rigour to craft impressive pinot noirs and pinot grises. Also worth a try is his Beaujolais-like red, amusingly named Foch Eh.

And it's not just literature: throughout the history of mankind itself, islands have been places where exceptional individuals go beyond themselves to change the world: inventing new styles of art (Gauguin in Tahiti), creating revolutionary theories about the world (Darwin in Galapagos), or developing new ways to destroy the world (atom bomb testing at Bikini Atoll).

The undeniable romance to the idea of living on an island, spanning so much history and so many cultures, leads me to think that it must have several deeply ingrained, and probably evolutionary, bases. I am currently thinking there are two primary ones: going to an island involves a treacherous JOURNEY, and an island is a complete WORLD unto itself. There's probably much more to it than this, but these facts help lend a mythological quality to island living that goes far deeper than whatever slick marketing techniques can be mustered to entice people to a destination.

THE JOURNEY: Only a select few are born on an island; everyone else has to travel to it from the mainland. Getting to it involves getting on a boat and crossing a body of water, an environment greatly inhospitable to human life, and a place that we humans simply shouldn't be. Even in a modern boat, with lifejackets, radios and multiple other safeguards, the journey is inherently dangerous, and one can feel it. (And while an airplane involves a similar defiance of physics, being in an open-air boat has an immediacy that just can't be matched by a commercial airliner.) In a bobbing boat, with waves lapping against the hull, waters churning around, and an unfathomable deep below, one becomes highly cognizant of the primordial ritual of baptism, and takes part in the Campbellian "hero's journey" into the unknown, and unknowable.

Even without going to an island, the voyage out to sea puts one in a position to gain a new, deeper, and more nuanced perspective on mainland reality and one's life there. However, arriving at an island creates a whole new dimension to this journey, and one can enter an entirely new reality.

A COMPLETE WORLD: While it may be true that "no man is an island", an island is indeed an island, and upon stepping onto one, this fact is deeply, if inexplicably, sensed. Islands are a "whole", they are complete unto themselves. Birds and winds may carry new forms of life to an island every so often, of course; but by and large, (natural) islands are complete ecosystems resting in equilibrium. The coastline creates a definitive, undeniable edge, and everything inside must work as a singular system. This leads, in a short time, to a realization among an island inhabitant: even though the interior may be a frighteningly dense forest and not obviously comprehensible, the boundaries of the island are clear and unarguable. One knows that the land is finite, and that with enough time, it can all be understood. An island is not just a world unto itself, but a world that a mere mortal can come to make sense of. It is a place where one can gain an existential foothold in the cosmos, and know everything there is to know - at least about this one world. This godlike understanding creates a sense of tranquility that simply can't be matched on the mainland, where one can never really, truly, know where one is.

Not all islands are "Islands," in the sense I am describing. A true "Island", in the sense I mean (and in the way I think we all intuitively feel it), has no or very few people, and is not too big: otherwise it takes on too many characteristics of the mainland, and loses its "island-ness". If there are too many people on the island and a society too connected to the rest of the world, then it starts to feel like the mainland: an Island is an isolated escape, a place to find one's true self, not a place where one remains tied to customary life. Likewise, if an island is so big that it can't be readily and easily comprehended by a single person, then it again starts to feel like the mainland: a big mass of land which one can only know in bits and pieces.

Cuba, for example, thus fails as an Island, on both counts. The highly developed islands of Bermuda and the Bahamas (and many other Caribbean islands), while small, are too highly developed and too tied to mainland culture to be a true escape. And places like New Zealand and Madagascar, while largely raw and uninhabited, are too large to be exponentially understood as an island. And don't even consider the Florida Keys or Long Island: as soon as one can walk or drive there, the land is no longer an island. These places may happen to be islands by geographical definition, but they aren't "Islands."

Amble Resorts' mission, paraphrased, is to develop places that express their true spirit, or genius loci. Thus the above understanding of the Platonic Island is one of the main driving forces behind the vision for Isla Palenque, and our development will embody the kind of tranquility that can be gained by island living.

Let's begin by considering the island itself: both its size (400 acres) and its natural features (highly varied topography, lots of distinct, untouched ecosystems) make it eminently, but not easily, knowable. Isla Palenque is small enough to be understood, at a very superficial level, in one to two days of very hard hiking (it would taker closer to a week at the leisurely pace of a vacationing tourist). But it's also large enough and has enough diverse topography and distinct ecosystems that it takes at least a month to fully explore, and a few solid years to understand the natural rhythms that affect and give life to the island year to year. So Isla Palenque is not easily knowable - that would be boring - but comprehensible in a few days, and largely understandable with a few months of concerted effort; at the same time, its jungles and lagoons also contain a level of subtle mystery that reward years of living there, if one so desires.

Next, look at how our development respects these facts and creates an environment where Palenque's Island-ness can shine through. The island is being very lightly developed. Less than 5% of the area is being built upon, leaving over 95% as either undisturbed preserve (most of it), or as delicately enhanced landscape: gardens dedicated to local flora and fauna, manicured jungle, an organic farm, and the like. This means that most buildings will be obscured by jungle or gardens, and unseen by guests.

There's no way to reach Isla Palenque but by boat. It's difficult to come here, and one must make the legendary journey I've described. As you approach the island, you will see little more than the occasional roof peeking through the jungle until reaching the arrival dock, when some of the larger elements of the hotel will become visible, built in our signature raw, exotic style that indicates the "otherworldliness" of our island development. And while it won't feel completely uninhabited, homes and rooms will feel so secluded that you could be forgiven for forgetting that there were others on the island.

From this secluded vantage, you can see your mainland life anew - you can have a new, unencumbered life on the island; and when it's time to return to mainland, it can be done with new vigor, new insights, and a sense of (dare I say it?) spiritual renewal.

Helgoland, Germany's only high-sea archipelago, was split in two by a storm tide in 1720. The proposed project would have once again linked the two islands, which together make up less than two kilometers of landmass. But Helgoland's shrinking population was at odds over whether reuniting the main island with its smaller sister, called Düne, or "dune," would increase its tourist appeal, which has been waning in recent decades.

Some 46 kilometers (29 miles) off the German coast, the isolated island has historically been valued for its ideal location as a resort, naval base or stop on shipping routes. The islands traded hands several times between the British, Danish and Germans over the years. After World War II, the British used it as a bombing range for several years, even detonating one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history there.

But around four decades ago, bombing ceased and the islands were returned to Germany, where it soon developed a reputation for its scenic views, wildlife and tax-exempt status. In recent years, however, the quaint islands have steadily lost their appeal, and residents and tourists along with it.

While more than 2,000 people lived on the resort island in 1980, the population has since shriveled to just 1,300. The question over whether the additional land mass could stimulate the economy on the North Sea archipelago spurred an impressive voter turnout of some 81.4 percent.

Preserving Helgoland's Quaintness: The no-vote ends a tough debate that has caused tension between Helgoland residents for some time. In 2008, Hamburg developer Arne Weber teamed up with the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) and the Alfred Wegener Institute, which focuses on marine research, to propose filling the shallow gap between the islands with sand. The new stretch of land would have been roughly 850 meters (0.5 miles) long and 300 meters (985 feet) wide, increasing Helgoland's usable surface area by about a quarter.

The 300,000-square-meter space, the size of 40 football fields, was desperately needed, Mayor Jörg Singer had argued. "Helgoland urgently needs land -- for new residential housing, more bed capacity for guests and for the offshore wind industry that wants to settle onto Helgoland," he told news agency DAPD. "The economic aspects of connecting the two islands also make it the most attractive option for me."

But environmental organizations including Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND) and the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) were critical of the plans. They warned that land bridge could disturb the marine environment and that increased tourism could also frighten off gray seals that use Düne as a "nursery" for their young.
"If the water taxi is replaced by a direct land connection, more people will probably come from the main island to Düne, and that will disturb the animals," said Ingo Ludwichowski, a spokesperson for NABU in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, to which Helgoland belongs.

Felicitas Weck, a former mayoral candidate with the left-wing Left Party, expressed similar sentiment, calling the proposal "totally oversized." Helgoland should instead focus on its strength, "and that is nature," she said.

Summer Surf: In Summer the waves are smaller on the north shore, and most of the surfing is done on the south side. there are often nice southerly swells coming from the southern oceans, near Tahiti or New Zealand. Summer swell are usually mellow compared to winter. Summer swell is great for longboarding, but there are several shortboarding waves if you know where to look. Summer is often the preferred time to visit Maui for windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts because of the frequency and strength of the trade winds.

Winter: Winter Winds are less predictable, and we occasionally get Southerly winds that are called Kona Winds. Kona comes from the Polynesian word for leeward. Kona winds blow from the opposite direction from the prevailing NE tradewinds. Kona winds can get extremely strong on the north shore due to the venturi effect of the wind being funneled through the valley.

Surfing in Kona Winds?: In Kona winds huge plumes of spray to peel of the crest of waves. Some expert windsurfers may venture out at Ho’okipa an Lanes, but there is a real possibility of getting blow out to sea. The strength of the Kona offshore winds may be masked close to shore because of wind shadow of the land and trees at the shoreline. So you should never attempt to surf the north shore during a strong Kona.

“She was mentally traumatized, emotionally upset,” said Civa Gauthier, one of the four-member Coast Guard contingent that rescued her. “She had been on a very remote beach by herself for several nights and days, and she had watched a loved one disappear.”Ms. Campbell, 62, survived on a single orange, drinking water from puddles and a nearby creek, and munching seaweed.

She is recovering from her ordeal in Haida Gwaii’s small hospital in Queen Charlotte City, where she is in weakened but good condition, with no serious injuries or medical issues.The RCMP are now searching for her 66-year-old companion, Fred Wydenes, who drifted from view shortly after the skiff overturned. The couple are from Courtenay on Vancouver Island.

When the Coast Guard crew drew near shore early Sunday morning, they saw the marooned woman sitting by a fire. “She was physically weak, but she was able to walk herself down the beach” to meet them, Ms. Gauthier said.

She had kept track of the days by marking a log with blackened wood from her fire.

Those who know the isolated area well say it’s a sheer stroke of luck that Ms. Campbell’s plight was discovered by the chance sighting of her flare in a cove where fish boats rarely stray.

“This is probably the most remote spot in B.C.,” said Ken Beatty, general manager of The Outpost fishing lodge, just south of where the woman was found, on the west coast of Graham Island, largest of the multi-island chain that comprises Haida Gwaii. “There are not a lot of people here. The chances of her being seen were very slim. Everyone’s pretty surprised she made it.”

The woman was airlifted to hospital from his lodge’s heli-pad. “She was not in good shape. She’s not the youngest person. It was quite an ordeal for her to survive,” Mr. Beatty said.

“You’ve got to hand it to her. She walked out of the ocean, soaking wet. And it’s cold up here. The weather has been pretty miserable the last four or five days, plus, psychologically, she must have been terrified, not knowing what was going to happen to her.”

Ms. Campbell and Mr. Wydenes had been off the coast of Haida Gwaii in their troller, waiting for Thursday’s salmon opening. They decided to do some beachcombing and took their small skiff into Tian Bay to look around.

On the way in, however, the boat overturned. Ms. Campbell was wearing a life jacket. Mr. Wydenes was not. “I guess there were some rocks, and waves hit and flipped the boat,” said Joan Yedenes, ex-wife of the missing man, who said her daughter had been talking to Ms. Campbell about the incident.

“My ex-husband told [her] to hang on to the propeller, and she hung on to that. She thought he was hanging on, too, but when she looked, she saw him sink under the water, so I don’t know what happened. It could have been anything.”

When Mr. Wydenes disappeared, Ms. Campbell swam through the cold, choppy waters to land. The Coast Guard was called in early Sunday morning, after the fish boat crew reported seeing a flare about 2:15 a.m.

The service quickly dispatched its lifeboat, the Cape Mudge, from Sandspit, about 100 kilometres south of where Ms. Campbell was stranded. “Once we arrived on the scene, we talked to the people from the fishing boat, and they said they heard her screaming on the beach. It was hard to make out what she was saying, something about how she lost her friend,” Ms. Gauthier said.

The crew – Bruce Campbell, Blake Sprague and Murray Kennedy, along with Ms. Gauthier – sent in their own small boat to pick up Ms. Campbell. Before taking her to hospital, they stopped off at the couple’s vessel moored three kilometres away, where Ms. Campbell was able to gather some belongings and her two, lonely cats.

“She was very grateful for her rescue,” Mr. Beatty reported. “She was thanking everyone for saving her, and also her two cats.”Ms. Campbell has so far declined to talk to the media about her terrifying experience.

Southland, Nelson, Manawatu and Hawke's Bay were all battered by strong winds yesterday. A large roof was ripped off a Port of Napier building while another was partly ripped from a house near Hastings. The winds brought down signs near Palmerston North and trees in Nelson. Several trampolines were also blown away in Invercargill.

Earlier this morning Wellington was battered by chilly gale-force southerlies. The worst of the winds, squalls, thunderstorms and rain had eased as the energy centre of this week's stormy weather moved well away to the south east, said WeatherWatch.

A final surge of colder air and showers will push across Wellington today. Next week the winds will shift to northerlies again with another Tasman Sea low moving in - looking likely to bring another burst of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms mid-way through next week.

The rest of the South Island was relatively unscathed, though Met Service had issued a gale warning for the valleys of Buller and Westland north of Hokitika. Heavy winds are forecast to continue until about midday tomorrow.

In the top of the North Island, Inspector Shawn Rutene of the police northern communications centre said flooding and slips were causing great difficulty.

The latest affected area was Broadlands Road, northeast of Taupo, where a large tree fell across the road, bringing down power lines.

"The road is fully blocked and with gale-force winds still in the area it's likely to be blocked for the next 12 hours," Mr Rutene said.

There were also blocks on roads near Whitianga, Huntly, Ngaruawahia, Waihi and Matamata.

Police had earlier reported slips blocking Belk Road North at Omanawa, 10km southwest of Tauranga, and at Muriwai Terrace in Whakatane.

Mr Rutene said drivers should consider delaying trips on State Highway 25 just south of Whitianga between Wade Rd and the 309 Rd, where surface flooding covered nearly half the road.

"We are requesting that the public only travel if they need to, and if they do, they should take extreme caution," he said.

Further south on State Highway 25, there were reports of rocks "as big as a dinner plate" on the road near Waihi, Mr Rutene said. Roads in Huntly was blocked, and flooding caused one vehicle to veer left on a bridge at Taihoa, near Matamata.

"The main thing is to drive to the conditions if they do need to drive, and if possible they should think about stopping, having a cup of tea and waiting it out," Mr Rutene said

A heavy rain warning was issued for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay tonight and tomorrow. Up to 150 to 200mm of rain was expected in the ranges around Gisborne and Hawke's Bay through tomorrow and Thursday, MetService said, while strong winds were expected for eastern Bay of Plenty.

After an inspection by provincial officials earlier this month, the railway’s operator, Southern Railway of Vancouver Island, announced the indefinite suspension of passenger service between Victoria and Courtenay until “significant infrastructure improvements” can be made.

Mr. Bruce said the decaying railway’s future hinges on a $15-million federal-provincial infrastructure grant the foundation applied for last October, money that would cover the cost of replacing more than 100,000 railway ties over the next year.

“Without a commitment for the $15-million investment by late spring, the Island Corridor Foundation will have to develop a plan for an orderly shutdown of rail service,” he said.

The ICF was hoping to receive funding approval by November, but the application has been slowed by the B.C. Liberal leadership race and now a federal election, said Mr. Bruce, a former B.C. cabinet minister.

Last weekend, mayors gathered at the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities Conference in Sidney passed an emergency resolution demanding a meeting with B.C. Premier Christy Clark and Transportation Minister Blair Lekstrom.

“It’s a critical situation,” said AVICC chairman Joe Stanhope, who also chairs the Nanaimo Regional District. “Once you start letting it deteriorate it's a done deal. You can never catch up.”

Staff at the Transportation Ministry said Monday that Mr. Lekstrom has expressed a willingness to meet with the parties, although the minister’s office has yet to receive formal notification of the request.

Opened in 1886, the E&N takes it name from the original section of track running between Esquimalt and Nanaimo. The CPR purchased the E&N in 1905 and extended the tracks to Courtenay, and added spurs to Port Alberni and Lake Cowichan.

The ICF, a non-profit society, took ownership of the tracks in 2006. Last year, about 40,000 people used the VIA Rail passenger service between Victoria and Courtenay, while the volume of freight service north of Duncan was “800 to 900 cars,” Mr. Bruce said.

A detailed study undertaken this winter revealed that problems with the aging tracks were far worse than anticipated, said Don McGregor, general manager of Southern Railway of Vancouver Island.

Freight traffic continues to move on the E&N, although train speeds have been lowered to ensure safety, he added.

Efforts to provide passenger service on the E&N this spring were also hampered by Victoria city council’s recent decision to scrap the railway crossing proposed as part of the new Johnson Street Bridge project.

Ten days ago, city engineers declared the old railway crossing unsafe and left it in a raised position to facilitate work on the bridge replacement project. With no railway crossing on the new bridge, city officials admit the historic E&N terminus at the foot of Johnson Street has seen its last train.

Juan de Fuca MLA John Horgan, who placed third in this weekend’s NDP leadership race, called the situation “profoundly unfortunate.”

“The province really has to grapple with this. It’s a non-partisan issue, it’s about protecting a vital piece of transportation infrastructure,” said Mr. Horgan, whose suburban Victoria riding includes parts of the E&N.

Mr. Bruce said if funding comes through by the end of May, it’s possible that passenger service between Victoria and Nanaimo could resume by September.

With the Fukushima plant continuing to release radiation, there is the danger that the contaminated land will be unusable for many years. To calculate the spread of radiation using the System for Prediction of Environmental Emergency Dose Information, the Nuclear Safety Commission of Japan estimates the discharge rate for radioactive iodine per hour from the Fukushima plant based on radiation measurements taken at various locations.

Using those figures to make a simple calculation of the amount of discharge between 6 a.m. March 12 and midnight Wednesday results in figures between 30,000 and 110,000 terabecquerels. Tera is a prefix meaning 1 trillion.

The INES defines a level 7 major accident such as Chernobyl as one in which radiation of more than several tens of thousands of terabecquerels is released. The Fukushima accident is already at a level 6, which is defined as having a radiation discharge of several thousands to several tens of thousands of terabecquerels.

The discharge of radioactive iodine at the Chernobyl accident was said to be about 1.8 million terabecquerels. The Three Mile Island accident, which was considered the second-worst accident until now, had only a limited discharge of radioactive iodine into the outside atmosphere, but was classified as a level 5 accident because of the considerable damage done to the core.

In a provisional assessment made March 18 by the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, the situation at the No. 1 to No. 3 reactors at Fukushima was classified as a level 5 accident, but if estimates of the radiation discharged should progress, there could be the possibility of a revision in that assessment.

Meanwhile, calculations of soil contamination by experts have already produced results that are at the same level as for Chernobyl. Cesium-137 levels of 163,000 becquerels per kilogram of soil was detected in Iitate, Fukushima Prefecture, about 40 kilometers northwest of the Fukushima plant, on March 20. That was the highest figure in the prefecture.

According to Tetsuji Imanaka, an associate professor of nuclear engineering at the Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute, if the Iitate figure was converted to one square meter, the figure would be 3.26 million becquerels. After the Chernobyl accident, residents who lived in regions with cesium levels of 550,000 becquerels ore more per square meter were forcibly moved elsewhere.

"Iitate has reached a contamination level in which evacuation is necessary," Imanaka said. "Radiation is still being released from the Fukushima plant. The areas of high contamination can be considered to be on par with Chernobyl."

Residents who were forced to move after the Chernobyl accident were believed to have been exposed to an average of about 50 millisieverts of radiation. However, a study of the health of residents who lived for many years on contaminated land found that the incidence of leukemia among adults did not increase.

The increase in thyroid gland cancer was believed due to internal radiation exposure among children who drank milk contaminated by radioactive iodine when they lived in areas close to Chernobyl. The accumulated radiation level at Iitate as of Thursday afternoon was 3.7 millisieverts.

Shigenobu Nagataki, professor emeritus at Nagasaki University, who specializes in radiation medicine, said, "Because there were no other health problems after the Chernobyl accident besides thyroid gland cancer among children, it is unlikely (that the situation in Fukushima) would lead immediately to health problems. In areas where high levels of contamination were detected, measures should be considered after holding sufficient discussions with residents based on the data that is available."

Meanwhile, in Vienna, Yukiya Amano, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told The Asahi Shimbun that while the situation at the Fukushima No. 1 plant was still serious, it was too early to compare it to Chernobyl.

Asked about radiation found in agricultural produce and drinking water, Amano said, "The circumstances are serious based on the standards used in Japan."However, touching upon analyses and predictions about radiation contamination that have related the Fukushima incident to Chernobyl, Amano said, "The studies are being conducted based on very limited data and are very extreme."

Amano also referred to debate in other nations about their own nuclear energy policy. "There is no change to the fact that nuclear power is a stable and clean form of energy," he said, indicating his hope that other nations would respond in a calm manner.

"New York City is a place of innovation, creativity and a magnet for talent from around the globe, just as the Bay Area is," said Stanford spokeswoman Lisa Lapin. "The idea is - can Stanford be a catalyst for high-tech industry as it has been in the Bay Area?"

Stanford, whose proposal is boldly titled "Stanford University and New York City: Silicon Valley II," will face stiff competition from around the world. Colleges from Finland, India, Switzerland, Canada, Israel, England and Korea - not to mention Ivy Leaguers Cornell and Columbia - each responded to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's request "for expressions of interest."

The city, known for its finance, media and arts industries, is pushing to diversify its economy and boost its portfolio of technology firms. In December, Bloomberg solicited proposals for science and engineering centers for several sites, including the Navy Hospital Campus at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Goldwater Hospital Campus on Roosevelt Island in Manhattan, several areas of Governor's Island and Farm Colony on Staten Island.

Lapin said Stanford chose to focus on Roosevelt Island - a 2-mile-long sliver of land in the East River between Manhattan and Queens served by a popular tram, not unlike a ski hill gondola - for its proximity to Wall Street's movers and shakers. The island has about 9,000 residents living mostly in apartments. The new high-tech campus would occupy property at the southern end of the islet.

More detailed architectural and financial plans are due from the applicants this summer. The city is expected to make a decision by the end of the year. If Stanford's bid receives the go-ahead, the school plans to open in fall 2015.

I was the Governor of the Commonwealth at that time and the Three Mile Island nuclear accident occurred after I'd been in office for about 72 days and we had similar challenges to what they're facing in Japan so there's a strong sense of déjà vu when I read about what's going on there.

LISA MILLAR: And what were those challenges in perhaps the first 24-48 hours?

DICK THORNBURGH: Within the first 24 to 48 hours the major problem was getting a handle on the facts. There was great difficulty in obtaining reliable sources as to what was going on inside the reactor and how to best handle the prospect of a nuclear meltdown.

We relied initially on the utility company that ran the reactor but very quickly their credibility dissolved. They gave us information that was false or incomplete so we had to set about on our own to get alternative sources of information and there were many of them out there, a lot of self-styled experts, people who would tell you more than they knew or less than they knew.

And it was a very confusing period for about the first two days following the accident and then we had the arrival at my request from president Carter of a personal emissary Harold Denton from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who was able to express the condition of the reactor in plain English and empower us to take the steps that were necessary to end the emergency.

LISA MILLAR: And that would certainly seem to be the problem for Japan at the moment, that there are so many inconsistent reports.

DICK THORNBURGH: I'm not surprised. This is an evolved technology, this is an invisible kind of threat.
It's not like a fire or a flood where you can see where the threat is coming from. Here it's a matter of eventually trying to get a cold shutdown of the reactor that is to reduce the pressure on the containment building and to begin somehow to circulate the water necessary to prevent the uncovering of the radio-active core.

That's difficult because of the loss of power, the backup generators have a limited life in the batteries that they've used so there's still a challenge remaining to put this on a path to successful shutdown.

LISA MILLAR: Looking back now 30 years, would you have done anything differently in those first couple of days?

DICK THORNBURGH: I'm sure there are a lot of things we would have done differently but in the final analysis the principle decision that was my responsibility was whether or not undertaking massive evacuation of up to a quarter of a million people out of the area where the reactor was located.

We didn't want to do that without real cause because evacuations have known risks to them when you're moving people who are elderly or people who are in intensive care units or babies in incubators, I mean the list goes on, it's a high risk operation and to do that unnecessarily would be a tragic mistake.

So our job really as I said to get the facts to carefully monitor what was going on and I'm confident we made the right decision and subsequent studies have confirmed that there were no adverse health or environmental consequences flowing from the Three Mile Island accident.

LISA MILLAR: And just finally what advice then would you be giving for authorities in Japan as they try to grapple with this crisis?

DICK THORNBURGH: I think the principle advice goes back to what I stated was the major challenge at the outset and that is, you've got to get facts that you're sure of. You can be the best decision maker in the world and if you're operating on facts that are incorrect or are untrue you're not going to make a good decision.

So it's a constant process of review and monitoring and in fact in some ways I made it, I used to be a prosecutor and I ended up cross examining a number of the people that we had to look to for sources.

But you've got the Marshall as well, all the expertise within the scientific community and the technical community because these are challenges that occur so infrequently and are so idiosyncratic in their nature that you really, there's no play book you can pull down to say how to handle a nuclear reactor going bad on you. ELEANOR HALL: That’s former Pennsylvania governor Dick Thornburgh speaking to Lisa Millar.

The Islanders won their place from a list of 278 communities across every province and territory in Canada, selected by a team of executives from CBC, Kraft Canada, and the NHL. They'll now contend for a place in the top five against nine other cities, based on votes cast by CBC viewers from today until March 13.

Wolfe Island resident Tony Vigar registered the community in the competition at the end of December and said she's anxious now to make it into the top five.

"Last year's winner (the city of Dundas) got 1.4 million votes," she said. "We're a community of 1,200."

Fellow campaign worker Mich­elle Joy echoes Vigar's concern.

"Even if we all did nothing but vote over and over for the five days straight we still wouldn't get it. So we need to get the word out to Kingston, Napanee, to anyone across Canada that knows of Wolfe Island."

Islanders have their e-mail lists ready, Joy said, plus they will be trying to spread the word and win voters using Facebook and Twitter.

"We're hoping for the viral marketing effect to get going."

Promotion at last Sunday's Kingston Frontenacs game, broadcast on COGECO, also really bolstered the cause.

"The Frontenacs came out for Wolfe Island Hockeyville Day last week, their organization has been really supportive," Joy said. "No matter what we needed — whether it was flyers circulated at games or a booth set up, they were on board."

The top five will be announced March 19. Three more days of voting follow that, before the original committee of executives makes the final call on a winner. The islanders would like to use the $100,000 to add cooling pipes and a roof to their outdoor ice pad, currently Wolfe Island's main arena. They've been working hard since December to showcase their community's spirit, originality, and love of hockey for the national competition.

CBC asks registrants to make their case at the Hockeyville website. The islanders have posted 16 videos, 166 personal hockey anecdotes, and 335 images, as well as organized several community events in the lead up to last night's announcement.

"Everybody just jumped in to this contest with both feet. It's exploded," Joy said. "It's been all-consuming. I was born and raised on this island, 42 years ago, and I have never seen the community come together around an initiative like this before."

Several people at Tuesday night's screening noted that the community was divided over controversial wind farm developments on the island, but the Hockeyville competition has brought them back together. Wolfe Islanders have hosted hockey tournaments, designed and sold T-shirt and hats, and even thrown a parade.

CBC contacted the campaign committee last month to let it know it had the network's attention, and that representatives would be coming to the island to screen. The pressure is really on now, Vigar said as they come into the final round.

“This storm is similar to one that hit us last April,” said Ted Olynyk of BC Hydro. “With that storm, we had over 100,000 customers impacted on the south-coast, most on Vancouver Island.”

BC Ferries cancelled several sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island because of the high winds. As of 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, service is slowly beginning to resume, with the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay 3 p.m. ferry scheduled to leave on time. Travelers should continue to check the BC Ferries website or call 1-888-223-3779, as sailings remain weather dependent.

Sarah McLachlan’s Wednesday night concert in Kelowna has been postponed because of the ferry cancellations. Those affected are asked to hold onto their tickets until the show is rescheduled.

Schools in Comox Valley closed on Wednesday morning, due to snowy and wet road conditions and concerns about wind-related power outages.

Grouse Mountain, also closed because of the wind, is expected to reopen at 3:00 p.m.

TransLink is bracing for the storm, though Vancouver transit is running smoothly so far. Spokesman Drew Snider said the main concerns are the Skybridge and above-ground Canada Line stations, which may be hit by debris. The SeaBus hasn’t been closed due to weather in 30 years, but Mr. Snider is ruling nothing out.

Environment Canada is predicting sustained southerly winds of 70 to 80 km/h, with peak gusts of up to 100 km/h for the inner south-coast. Slightly stronger winds are expected to hit west and northern Vancouver Island, with peak gusts between 110-140 km/h developing throughout the morning.

The weather agency expects the winds to slow down by the afternoon in Greater Victoria and Metro Vancouver, lasting well into the evening over the central coast and Northern Vancouver Island.

But in the meantime their plane is still due to leave the Kimberleys town of Derby for Christmas Island sometime today if the weather improves. The Refugee Action Coalition is demanding the Federal Government turn the plane around. The coalition's Ian Rintoul says all the asylum seekers should return to Sydney immediately.

"Christmas Island is the scene of their worst nightmares, they should simply turn it around and bring them back to Villawood," he said. Mr Rintoul says the Immigration Department's handling of the group is a disgrace.

He says they have been treated with no dignity and respect. "Once they were in Sydney, once they buried their loved ones, once they were united with their families, that should have been the end of story," he said.

Jaffar Alghban is Seena's second cousin and was with extended family in Sydney last night as they celebrated Mr Bowen's decision to send the boy back to Sydney. "To be honest with you I didn't expect it to happen this quickly," he said. "We got a little party in our house tonight. We are really happy for Seena."

But Mr Alghban says his cousin should not be sent back to Christmas Island at all. "This guy remembers how his Mum died in front of his own eyes, how his Daddy died in front of his own eyes," he said. "He was seen screaming and this guy survived. So whenever he goes back there, whenever he sees the sea, he remembers, that reminds him of his parents. He shouldn't go back there."

Seena and 10 others, including two more orphans from the boating tragedy, will be brought back to the mainland next week. Mr Bowen says it was always his intention to have the boy moved into the community as quickly as possible.

"He'll be living in the same house as the family that have been looking after him in Christmas Island. They'll be kept together," he said. Mr Bowen says the boy will be housed close to his extended family. "The advice to me has been to keep the group together. Unless that advice changes as to what is in his best interests then they'll be kept together," he said. Mr Bowen has rejected claims that it is a political move to send the detainees back to Christmas Island. He also denies he was advised by the Immigration Department not to send the group back to Christmas Island.

"That is completely untrue. The advice from the deputy secretary all along has been to keep the group of 21 people together," he said. "Of course different options have been provided to me along the way but the advice has been that this has been the right thing to do."

That new level of service -86 weekday trains, up from the current, mostly rush-hour 26 -moved one step closer to reality yesterday when Quebec Transport Minister Sam Hamad announced a $22-million, 18-month engineering and design study.

Hamad said the eventual improvements -installing new, dedicated commuter tracks, improving stations, adding parking and upgrading the Lucien L'Allier terminal downtown -are to be completed by 2015 or 2016.

"This isn't an idea, a dream, a concept," said Joel Gauthier, head of the Agence metropolitaine de transport, the provincial agency that runs commuter trains. "This is a concrete step."Over the last five years, ridership has risen steadily on Vaudreuil-Hudson, which is used for 15,200 trips daily.

In the past, the cost of the AMT's planned improvements have been estimated at $600 million. Yesterday, officials said the study will determine the final price tag. But as of yet, no money has been set aside for the actual improvements.

"We feel like Egyptians in the square -we're happy but at the same time vigilant to make sure the follow-up happens," said Clifford Lincoln, head of Train de l'Ouest. The coalition of mayors, organizations and transit activists collected 13,000 names on a petition about the train.

Lincoln, a former federal and provincial politician, said that at this point the project appears irreversible. Once engineering studies are under way, governments normally don't back away. But he said the coalition will continue to press the government to ensure that the funding materializes and that the work is completed faster than now planned. Lincoln said it could and should be finished by 2014 so trains can alleviate traffic caused by the $3-billion Turcot reconstruction between 2012 and 2018.

He said the train improvements could take about 4,000 vehicles off the road.

But Gauthier said 2015 is the earliest the new infrastructure can be ready.

The AMT, however, is currently spending $77 million on Vaudreuil-Hudson so it can soon add about six new trains per day during Turcot work, Gauthier said. Bus service will also be boosted and

new park-and-ride lots will be set up to cut traffic, he added.

The Vaudreuil-Hudson line is currently hampered by freight trains operated by Canadian Pacific, which owns the tracks. Under the AMT plan, commuter-only tracks would run between downtown and Ste. Anne de Bellevue. But many questions remain about the proposal.

Montreal West Mayor Beny Masella said the extra trains envisaged would cause major problems at the Westminster Ave. rail crossing, already jammed at rush hour.

Avrom Shtern, of the Green Coalition, said Vaudreuil-Hudson, now powered by diesel, should be electrified. More expensive up front, electric trains are cheaper to run and produce fewer greenhouse gases, he noted. They are also quieter.

Gauthier said the AMT is reviewing the Montreal West crossing. Tracks in that area may be dropped into a trench to remove the level crossing.

As for electrification, the AMT and Hydro-Quebec are studying the idea of making all commuter trains electric. But the AMT runs on more than 200 kilometres of track so it will have to be done in phases, Gauthier said. One option is to start by electrifying part of Vaudreuil-Hudson, between downtown and Montreal West, he added.

While buoyed by the news, McMurchie, mayor of Pointe Claire, said there's always a chance the government will balk at the project's cost.

"I'm not so bold as to say any announcement is cast in stone, (but) there was an impressive array of political support and it has tremendous support from the population," McMurchie said.

Hamad was accompanied by several MNAs who represent Montreal-area ridings. "It helps when you have 13 or 14 colleagues (in the Liberal government caucus) on-side directly supporting your project," said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Geoff Kelley, MNA for the West Island's Jacques-Cartier riding.

"But I'm not here to say it's done. The 13,000 people who signed the petition, if another petition is needed, I may need their signatures again."

On the Deux Montagnes train line, which also covers the West Island and is used for 29,000 trips daily, the AMT is to boost service and add double-decker trains by early next year. First, the AMT needs new locomotives that can work on the line, which is powered by electricity.

Volcanoes and Vino: Perhaps the best place to forge memories on Hawaii Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But you’ll find more than just rugged fields of lava here. Within the 333,000-acre International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site there’s much to be seen — from frozen lava flows to tropical rain forests.


Those who enjoy cycling and wine tastings will want to sign up for Bikevolcano.com’s guided Bike Kilauea Volcano & Wine Tasting Tour. The five-hour tour begins with cycling the rim around the summit of currently erupting (!) Kilauea. From here, cyclists continue through a rain forest to Kilauea Iki Crater. Bikes parked, participants can explore Thurston Lava Tube.

Next, the route continues to Chain of Craters Road for views that range from lava trees to the Ka’u coastline. Post lunch, there are optional wine tastings at the Volcano Winery.

For more information about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Snow and Stars There are many sacred sites on Hawaii Island, but literally topping them all is Mauna Kea. Measuring 32,000 feet from the ocean floor to its summit, it is the world’s tallest mountain. The views from the summit of this volcano (one of five volcanoes that make up the island) are spectacular. Several of the world’s leading observatories make their home here.

A great way to experience the mountain is through Hawaii Forest & Trail’s Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure. The eight-hour tour is only open to those 16 and older and certain health restrictions apply.

After a picnic dinner, guests are given hooded parkas and gloves, then pile into a 4X4 that transports them 13,796 feet upward to Mauna Kea’s summit to catch the sunset. You can also glimpse telescopes from 13 countries, including the twin Keck telescopes, the earth’s largest optical and infrared telescopes.

To learn more about Hawaii Forest & Trails programs, Whales and Manta Rays North Pacific humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii for their mating and birthing season from December through April. Though whales can be seen from shore, a whale-watching tour can often get you within 1,000 feet of this endangered species.

One to try: Jack’s Diving Locker’s snorkel, dolphin and whale-watching cruise. The four-hour-long cruise takes off from the Kona Coast, passing resident spinner dolphins along the way. Bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins and pilot whales might also make an appearance. And you’ll marvel at the graceful moves of the majestic humpback whales. The tour includes a snorkeling stop at one of Kona’s many pristine reefs.

Home on the Range
The wide-open spaces of Hawaii Island call to cowboys at heart. Cattle ranching began in Hawaii in 1793 with the arrival of the first livestock. Horses followed in 1803, as did Mexican and Spanish vaqueros brought to the islands by King Kamehameha to teach the locals horsemanship and ranching. Hawaii’s paniolos, or cowboys, were born.

On horseback rides offered by Paniolo Adventures, amateur cowpokes mosey to the 11,000-acre Ponoholo Ranch to suit up in provided dusters, chaps, boots and cowboy hats, then choose from five rides befitting various skill levels — the Paniolo, Wrangler, City Slicker, Picnic and Sunset rides — or private customized rides.

Russia and Japan have long been at odds over the sovereignty of the four Pacific islands, which are called the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia.

The delegation is also planned to visit Etorufu Island on Tuesday, which is another of the four. According to Basargin, a new scheme of Federal Target Program of socio-economic development of Russian Far East till 2025 will be prepared by April, in which Kurils program will be an important part.

Christmas Island's emergency management committee says the early detection of boats is the key to avoiding a repeat of last month's asylum seeker tragedy. The government announced yesterday it had accepted all eight recommendations from the customs review, including the installation of a new surveillance system.

Christmas Island administrator and chairman of the local emergency management committee Brian Lacy says the radar system will be crucial to preventing another tragedy. "I don't think you could prevent an incident of that type in the absence of earlier detection," he said. The committee is in the process of compiling a list for the government of extra resources it needs to deal with a similar incident.

Braden Holtby was very solid in goal in the opening twenty minutes. He received the surprise starting assignment when Michal Neuvirth and Semyon Varlamov both complained of muscle soreness following the Flyers game Tuesday. Holtby challenged shooters well tonight and he played with a comfort level we did not see when he last worked in the NHL back in November.

The Caps gave the 21-year-old goalie a lead to protect in the second frame. Ovechkin roared in on Islander goalie Rick DiPietro and shoveled the backhand into his pads that sat a foot from the goal line. Backstrom pounced on the rebound and deposited his first goal since December 1.

The relief on Nic's face was priceless. But that smile was gone less than two minutes later. The Islanders celebrated a pretty goal from speedy winger Michael Grabner, who turned a defender and roofed a backhand shot over Holtby's glove. So many of the games with the Islanders turn out to be one goal decisions. And this one would join the long list.

The Caps tightened up defensively in the third and strangled the life out of New York. The Islanders had been hot on the power play prior to tonight, but Washington's penalty killers were a perfect 6-for-6 and that ultimately led to the victory this evening.

Meanwhile, the road between Runanga and Greymouth remains closed because of flooding and motorists are urged to take care. There are also slips in the Grey Valley and flooding is expected at Stillwater. However, serious flooding in the area has been avoided.

The Grey River was being watched closely when it peaked between four and five this morning, but low-tide meant it did not reach levels to cause problems. Yesterday afternoon the West Coast's Fox River burst its banks today, forcing some residents to evacuate. On the other side of the island, the old Waimakariri bridge in Canterbury is closed because of flooding.

High river levels have caused the closure and signs are in place to warn motorists. There is no damage to the bridge and southern communications police say no detours are in place because the main highway can be used and that is the route most motorists take.

"There could be flooded areas on the Island, but we have just seen on the television throughout Australia what has happened in Brisbane," he said. "There are no low lying heaviliy populated areas places such as those in Norfolk Island. And at this stage, we have not had a lot of rain anyhow. And the projected arrangements for rain, is that we may receive torrential rain."

Shelter Island was often on the edge of the snow/ice boundary of the storm, making for a wet snow that could not be easily swept away, and icy patches under snow-packed roadways. Front-end loaders and trucks with snow plow blades worked Wednesday to keep roads clear that continued to receive more snow throughout the day. Roads were slick — a hazard for drivers and walkers alike. The Shelter Island School, Shelter Island Public Library and Town Hall were closed Wednesday.

After snow or snow showers are possible tomorrow, a real test could come Tuesday, when AccuWeather.com is forecasting another major snow storm could impact the area. Bloomberg and Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty took a lot of heat for the city's snow removal efforts last week. They promised to do better this time.