by Lorry Patton

Leave your tux and evening gown at home when packing for a trip to British Columbia's Southern Gulf Islands.

Take comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, a hat, sunglasses, a rain jacket, a warm sweater for evenings -- even in the summer months, a camera (I just got a fujifilm digital camera and I love it!), binoculars and maybe a ten-speed bike and fishing gear if you're so inclined.

Pack casual clothing -- even in the few very fine dining restaurants, casual clothing is the norm and you want to be able to sit on the logs when you're beach combing. Include gloves, scarf, warm socks and knitted underwear if you're traveling in the winter and beachcombing is on your list of planned activities. The dampness can be chilly.

You don't have to concern yourself with bug repellant any time of the year. The only bugs you need to be careful about are ticks if you go hiking in the woods. I recommend you wear long pants and to check the skin on your legs when you return to your room. And lookout for the deer!