Billy Proctor, resident legend of Echo Bay, BC, recounts almost a century's worth of experience with this collection of stories, memories and local knowledge of the central BC coast region around Blackfish Sound. Situated in the beautiful Broughton Archipelago between northern Vancouver Island and the mainland coast, this region boasts a history and culture as engaging as its stunning locale--and nobody tells its story quite like Proctor.

A lifelong fisherman, trapper, logger and, in later life, author, Proctor learned from both the indigenous Kwakwaka'wakw people and the settlers who came to live in Blackfish Sound. Along with his entertaining tales of the surrounding communities, Proctor also discusses the ingenious technology necessary to both fishing and everyday survival. Covering the natural and domestic history of the area and everything in between--from recollections of old-time fishermen to Billy's own stories of sasquatches and other strange things--Tide Rips and Back Eddies is a riveting and deeply moving account of a long and uniquely coastal life.

Writing collaborator Yvonne Maximchuk's drawings illustrate Proctor's personal anecdotes as well as carefully detail an eclectic array of interesting items collected by Proctor throughout his lifetime for his personal museum. Tide Rips and Back Eddies is not only a historical archive of immeasurable significance, it is a fascinating read for those interested in the Blackfish Sound region as well as an honest and whimsical look into the life and lessons learned by a local legend.

Most residents of northern Vancouver Island and the Central Coast are familiar with Bill Proctor, who has lived in the area for more than 60 years. After spending most of his life fishing, trapping and logging, Proctor has in the last 10 years become a passionate environmental activist.

Bill Proctor's profile page

Yvonne Maximchuk was raised in the Lower Mainland where she graduated from Douglas College with an Associate of Arts degree. She now lives with her husband, Albert Munro, and their new kitty, in the home, studio and art retreat they built on the shore of Gilford Island near Echo Bay. When she is not painting or working with clay she explores the beauty and mystery of the islands and inlets in her 16-foot speedboat the Sea Rose. She often ties her boat to bull kelp to hold it in position while she paints on location. Yvonne co-wrote Full Moon, Flood Tide, published by Harbour Publishing in 2003.

Yvonne Maximchuk's profile page