Dear Calvin,

"They say" that this is a typical Bella Bella day, with drizzling rain. It is a good day to stay indoors and enjoy the scenery through the picture window in the house while the grandchildren have a nap. I will do some writing and reading. This hasti-note gives a little idea of why this village is called Bella Bella.¹ We look out on distant mountains, which show changing colours with varied weather conditions and the travelling sun (when it shines). On Saturday I had a trip to Namu three hours distant--on the "Wm. H. Pierce," the United Church Hospital Boat which is attached to this Hospital. It was most interesting to see the inside of the boat and the canning factory at Namu. A lake back of the town which we visited was like a loch in Scotland. On Thursday next, Grace & I expect to go to Kitimat on a freighter which will return on Saturday. I am to take next Sunday's service in Bella Bella while the minister is away. We have been enjoying the grandchildren & being in David's home. Interested also in the Hospital and the local people--lots of children and dogs. There is a constant procession of boats passing in the channel--large & small boats, including some American ones. Hope you had a good holiday in Muskoka.

Jeff Preston²

¹ On the front of hasti-note is an illustration of the dock at Bella Bella. The description reads: "The Dock at Bella Bella, B.C is an essential part of this island village life as all people must come and go by boat and all supplies be brought in."

² Jeff Preston may have read and critiqued Calvin's manuscript "King of Fighting Men." See box 04-022.