A Gathering of Family, Friends and Legends

On Saturday, Sarah and I held a book signing for the new biography at SteamPunk Cafe in Port Alberni. As I was setting up, I saw someone having a little difficulty with the door. I opened it to discover none other than 94-year-old Earl Johnson, who had just come down from Campbell River with his wife Betty. More were on their way—Tom and Debbie from Chemainus showed up minutes later, followed by many of the locals who had some kind of connection with Nelson and Mina Dunkin. It soon became a merry and noisy gathering.

Aaron and Julie—along with Anne—from Copper Island Camp were there. I saw them chatting with Madge and her family: Leona and Greg, Matt and Brian. A surprise visitor was Geo, who skippered the MV Lady Rose back when Nelson and Mina lived on Copper Island. Bob and Sue, early caretakers of Copper Island Camp, came from Coombs. Others came by to pick up their copies of the book, and a few bought them out of curiosity about this crowd.

Thank you to the manager and staff of SteamPunk Cafe for enthusiastically hosting this event. Thanks also to the several bookstore owners that we visited that day and that are now carrying the book:

• Mobius Books – 5016 Argyle St, Port Alberni
• Cozy Corner Books – 31-2300 Alberni Highway, Coombs (next door to Goats on the Roof)
• Christian Book & Music Centre – #2-1200 Princess Royal Ave, Nanaimo
• Christian Book & Music Centre – 3090 Nanaimo St, Victoria
• Volume One Bookstore - 149 Kenneth Street, Duncan

Please spread the word! I have talked with a few people who didn't know Nelson but are reading the book, and they find his story fascinating. You could also write a review on the book's Amazon page, which helps others discover the book. Several hundred dollars have already been raised through book sales that will go to helping kids get to camp this summer!

UP NEXT: In the book, I mentioned finding glass trading beads on the beaches at Copper Island. More details coming soon, right here.