Senior Living Magazine April 2015 by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

Canadian travel edition +

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Retirement

Coast-to-Coast

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Your questions deserve expert answers Join us for our Ask the Expert Seminar Series hosted by Revera – The Kensington. 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

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When You Love Your Own Home... Stay!

6 Northern Nuggets

Explore many facets of the boom-and-bust cycle of the Klondike Goldrush town of Dawson City.

8 A City of Many Colours

37 Grandparenting 38 Attractions & Entertainment

Be dazzled by Kingston, Ontario’s kaleidoscope of history and culture.

43 Classifieds

12 Eagles on an Island

A Pender Island photographer takes a risk to get an eagle-eye view of a mother and her chicks.

14 Unforgettable PEI

Canada’s smallest province offers delightful beaches, quaint fishing villages and golfing galore.

18 The Jewel of Southern Ontario

Self-contained and tranquil, Prince Edward County is a rural treasure floating in fresh water.

22 Simply Nova Scotia

This province’s breathtaking parks offer solitude, sunshine and complete silence – a rare luxury.

24 An Alpine Paradise

COLUMNS 4 40 41 42 44

The Family Caregiver by Barbara Small

It’s Just That Easy

by Shell Busey

Courageous & Outrageous by Pat Nichol

Fit for the Adventure by Eve Lees

Forever Young by William Thomas

Nestled in the mountains, even in summer, this village conjures images of a fairytale in the Austrian Alps.

33 For Life, Sport, and Friends

As the 55+ BC Games draw nearer, organizers are focusing on a spectacular opening ceremony.

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Cover Photo: Senior Living staff member Christine Bollenbach demonstrating the Phonak Compilot II from Connect Hearing at our 1st annual fashion show at Senior Expo 2015. See page 34 for more details. Photo: Geoff Robson

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Subscriptions: $32 (includes GST, postage and handling) for 12 issues. Canadian residents only. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an independent publication and its articles imply no endorsement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Unsolicited articles are welcome and should be e-mailed to editor@seniorlivingmag. com Senior Living is distributed free throughout British Columbia. Stratis Publishing Ltd. publishes Senior Living (12 issues per year). ISSN 17103584 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)

Senior Friendly Businesses WHERE TO FIND ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS

Attractions & Entertainment • Barkerville (pg 40) • Butchart Gardens, The (pg 39) • Chemainus Theatre Festival (pg 38) • Cinecenta (pg 39) • Victoria Operatic Society (pg 39) • View Royal Casino (pg 38) • West Coast Rail Tours (pg 39) Charities • Burn’s Bog Conservation Society (pg 13) • North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (pg 41) • Saanich Peninsula Community Fund (pg 29) Health | Wellness • Connect Hearing (Inside Front Cover) • Nexgen Hearing/Mainland Hearing (pg 19) • Orca Tubs (Inside Front Cover) • Pharmasave (pg 5, 8 & 21) • Saanich Recreation (pg 42) Housing • Agecare Harmony Court Estate (pg 25) • Alexander Mackie Retirement Community (pg 41) • Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc. (pg 20)

• Berwick Retirement Communities (pg 11 & Inside Back Cover) • Biscay Manor (pg 16) • Chemainus Gardens (pg 26) • Legacy at Westridge Landing/Centre Metropolitan Capital (pg 16) • Legion Manor Victoria (pg 35) • Norgarden (pg 31) • Revera Inc. (Inside Front Cover) Insurance | Legal | Politics | Real Estate • DFH Realty/Joanne Brodersen (pg 26) • Kenneth Walton Law Corporation (pg 10) • Royal LePage Realty/Cheri Crause & Rick Hoogendoorn (pg 15) • Seafirst Insurance Brokers (pg 30) • Sloane Capital (pg 2) Retail • 3rd Street Café (pg 28) • Booktown (pg 29) • Distinctly Sidney (BIA) (pg 31) • Save-On Foods Sidney (pg 29) Senior Care • Alpha Home Care (pg 9) • Bayshore Healthcare (pg 28)

• Saint Elizabeth (pg 4) • Surework Solutions (pg 2) Services • Casalinga (Inside Back Cover) • Chef on the Run (pg 32) • Everything Organized (Inside Back Cover) • GSA Auto Rental (pg 29) • RBC Royal Bank - Sidney (pg 19) • Scotiabank - Sidney Branch (pg 32) • Teresa Lindsay, Professional Stylist (pg 35) Travel & Leisure • Accent Inns (pg 25) • Ageless Adventure Tours (pg 10) • Cruise Experts Travel Ltd. (pg 17) • Cruise Holiday Nanaimo (pg 23) • Expand Your World Travel (pg 7) • Hanover Holidays (pg 27) • Mile Zero Tours (pg 13) • Pitmar Tours (pg 9) • Platinum Hotel, The (pg 1) • Via Rail (Back Cover) • Washington State Ferries (pg 32) • Wells Gray Tours (pg 15) • West World Tours (pg 18)

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THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

The Importance of Asking for Help

ver time, the demands of caregiving can start to feel overwhelming and become more than you can handle by yourself – especially as more and more of your time and energy is used up navigating the healthcare system, finding resources or figuring out how to meet someone else’s personal and medical needs. You don’t have to do everything alone. Asking for – and accepting – help is key to avoiding caregiver burn out. Asking for help is beneficial for the well-being of both you and the person you are caring for. When you share the care you will: • be less likely to get angry and resentful • have time to take care of yourself, so you don’t become a patient as well • once again have time to be their wife, husband, daughter or son and not just their caregiver, and • the care recipient will get an opportunity to interact with more people. Asking for help can be difficult when you don’t know what you need; you don’t want to be a bother to others; or you feel guilty that you can’t do it all yourself. Beliefs such as “no one can do this as well as I can” may also be an obstacle to asking for help. It’s true. No one will do it exactly the same as you, but that does not mean they cannot be helpful in their own way.

BY BARBARA SMALL

Recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It means you are acknowledging the challenges of the situation and are being proactive in resolving problems and preventing stress. And people may not realize you need help if you don’t ask for it. The first step is to identify what help you need. Which tasks would be the easiest to ask others to do? Which do you really want to do yourself? And which, if any, can you afford to pay others to do? Create a list of tasks with which you want help. Discuss your needs with family members and friends who may be willing to help. Keep in mind some people may be more comfortable with doing personal care while others may be better able to clean the house or run errands. Contact your local health authority to see what services are available to assist you, such as home support and respite. There are also many businesses, community and volunteer agencies that offer services to assist in reducing your load. Next month: BC Family Caregiver Week, May 4-10

Barbara Small is the Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society located in Victoria, BC. Call 250-384-0408 or visit www.familycaregiversnetwork.org

The Family Caregiver column is brought to you by the generous sponsorship of Saint Elizabeth

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2014-10-15 11:25 AM

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Here to help you

hat I love about Canada is that despite the distinct personality of her provinces, an undercurrent of familiarity runs through them. No matter where your travels take you, it feels like home. Where else in the world can you appreciate so much diversity while seamlessly travelling from one region to the next, using the same currency and language (mostly), enjoying safety and security, requiring no passport, vaccinations or international driver’s licence? Not only that, but you can take time for the same cup of coffee and a muffin in major metropolises and humble hamlets from coast to coast. If hustle and bustle amid street cars and skyscrapers is your desire, Canada’s major cities rival any other, offering world-class hotels, museums, art galleries, sporting events, concerts, theatrical performances, and shopping. For those who like to take life a little slower, breathing in nature amid old-growth trees, epic mountains, boundless tundra, pristine lakes or meandering rivers, Canada’s natural landscapes will satisfy any appetite. The vastness and variety of Canada’s landscape, culture and people make it an ideal travel destination – especially for Canadians. And a lifetime of exploration would still leave many of its treasures undiscovered. In this issue, you can learn about eagles on Canada’s Pacific coast or walk along the beaches of her Atlantic shoreline. Whether your travel plans this summer include lounging on the sundeck of a riverboat or lake ferry, hiking among wildflowers or along dusty roads, exploring solemn museums or bustling outdoor markets, enjoying gourmet meals or packed lunches, Canadian travel has adventure awaiting every type of adventurer. Happy travels! Bon voyage! – Bobbie Jo Reid Managing Editor

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Reﬂections, Rejections, and Other Breakfast Foods by Gipp Forster A collection of Gipp’s humorous and nostalgic columns. A wonderful read for yourself, and Reflections, �� a thoughtful gift and Other Breakfast Foods for friends and family members.

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Northern Nuggets Canadian Travel

hey lean into each other. With blackened windows and peeling paint they are obviously abandoned. Yet next door, a modern café is abuzz with patrons. The contrast between these buildings encapsulates the boomand-bust cycle of a Klondike Gold Rush town. Four of us are exploring the many facets of Dawson City, Yukon. When Klaus can hardly find space to pin his hometown on the “Where are You From?” map at Klondike Kate’s, we realize many still flock to this northern outpost as they did in the late 1800s. Dawson City’s first boom came when the world learned gold was discovered at Bonanza Creek in 1896. In a single season, Dawson went from a tent city outpost on a mud flat flanked by the Klondike and Yukon Rivers to a sprawling boom town with frame buildings and boardwalks. By 1898, it was the largest town west of Winnipeg and north of Seattle and known as the “Paris of the North.” With over 300 businesses including grocery and dress stores, blacksmiths, saloons, and dance halls, it was the service and supply centre for thousands of prospectors. Between 1896-1899, around $29 million in gold was pulled from the ground around Dawson City. Now, the town site is a National Historic Complex. The Parks Canada guide behind the teller’s cage in the restored bank tells us it was a safe town despite a rowdy population indulging in gambling and prostitution. Men readily brought their families to Dawson. The Northwest Mounted Police, well regarded for their integrity, confiscated firearms as stampeders came into town and order was maintained. We have a sense of discovery while wandering the dusty roads. There are no paved streets or concrete sidewalks because the permafrost would cause them to heave. Buildings a century or more old are either decrepit, fixed up just on the front and a ruin otherwise, have sod roofs sprouting grasses and flowers, or are lovingly refurbished. Robert Service, bard of the Yukon, lived in a cozy cabin on a hillside at the top of town. The buildings constructed in the early 1900s reflect the high optimism held for Dawson’s future. The City Museum is in an attractive, grey neoclassical structure that was the Old Territorial Administration Building. The Commissioner’s House is an elegant, pillared, yellow and white mansion. Being invited there for tea was a social coup. On the waterfront, the restored sternwheeler SS Keno holds pride of place. Paddle wheelers, with their shallow drafts, were ideal for the Yukon River. More than 60 paddle wheelers worked the route, transporting adventurers, ore, supplies and machinery. 68

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAROLINE CULLEN

Dome. View from Midnight

SS Klondike Spirit,

Dawson City

Leaning buildings in Dawson City.

The Commissioner’s

House

Before journeying to Dawson City, we explored the SS Klondike, which sits on the bank of the Yukon in Whitehorse. It was the largest sternwheeler on the upper Yukon River from 1929 to 1936. On the freight deck, the huge firebox would burn a cord of wood per hour and the stacks of logs next to it dwarf me. Shipping provisions to Dawson and bringing back ore from the mines were equally important and could only happen in the few months of the year the river was not frozen. First class passengers would take their meals in the formal dining room, play shuffleboard or ring toss on the sun deck, and enjoy the view of the river from the Observation Lounge. A first class ticket was $35, about $10 more than what an average worker made in a month. The trip from Whitehorse to Dawson took one and half days; the reverse four to five days. We drove the same distance in about seven hours. For a paddle wheel experience in Dawson, we board the side wheeler Klondike Spirit for an evening cruise. The boat smoothly glides away from the town and over the sparkling river surface. Before long, we pass the paddlewheel graveyard on the bank opposite. There, a number of paddle wheelers slowly disintegrate on the shore. Some hulls are so splintered, they look like pick-up sticks. We sail past dark, wooded hills and get an inkling of the vast untamed wilderness between Dawson and the next speck of civilization. To further explore some of that empty space, we head north on Dempster Highway. This 750-kilometre gravel challenge runs across the Arctic Circle to Inuvik. From its start, the next services are a long 370 km away. We only drive far enough to traverse Tombstone Territorial Park with its rugged mountain peaks. At the North Fork Pass summit, we are surrounded by rolling, velvet green tundra. It is a treeless plain, spongy with a thick layer of lichen and moss over near continuous permafrost. It is so springy that keeping my balance as I walk across it is a challenge. At Two Moose Lake, we watch water stream from her head as a female leisurely feeds on the underwater vegetation. As she wanders off over the alpine tundra, we retrace our route to Dawson. Next day at the top of Midnight Dome, we have a panoramic view of the town, its rivers, and many hillsides marked by mining. For a closer look at where the boom started, we follow Bonanza Creek Road past abandoned homesteads and massive tailing piles made by dredges. By 1905, machines had replaced men panning on the creeks. One such machine was Dredge No. 4. It is the largest wooden hulled bucket dredge in North America and it towers above us; two-thirds of a football field long and eight stories high. Dredge No. 4 could dig gold bearing gravel at the rate of 22 buckets a minute and in its 46 years of operation, it unearthed nine tons of gold. This valley has been continuously mined since the 1890s and there are active gold claims still. Maybe we should try gold panSL ning for a nugget; but would it be boom or bust for us? For IF YOU GO information, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/ articles/northern-nuggets

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APRIL 2015

Canadian Travel

Kingston: A City of Many Colours BY JANE CASSIE

Royal Military College of Canada

ibrant pinks, sunshine yellows, lacey whites – the city of Kingston is cloaked in a mantle of glory and, from our viewpoint at Fort Henry, it looks just like a pointillist painting. Although late spring is a great time of year to see its fabulous foliage, we also get a glimpse of the city’s true colours – the ones that are here year-round and extend much deeper than its well-rooted trees. Whether you check them out on a guided walk, a trolley tour or, like us, from behind the wheel of a rental car, you’ll be dazzled by this city’s kaleidoscope of history and culture. Adjacent to our pivotal point is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Following the war of 1812, there was major fear that neighbouring Henry Point and the Royal Navy Dockyards would be attacked. Without access to the St. Lawrence River, Kingston would have been cut off from eastern Canada. Fort Henry came to the rescue. From this elevated

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bluff, it could protect all three of the city’s waterways – the Rideau Canal, St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. And after dolling out 88,000 pounds of sterling, ($50 million if it was today’s undertaking) it was ready for royal battle. But that day never came. In the end, harmony ruled and there wasn’t a single fight to be fought! We peer beyond the barricading doors, into an open courtyard, where limestone arches once housed strategicallyplaced cannons. Today, picnickers litter the grassy field at this National Historic Site. Military is big business in this lake-side city and there’s good reason for it. Skirting the shoreline directly across from the fort is the prestigious Royal Military College of Canada. In June of 1876, 18 cadets were the first to be inaugurated into these hallowed halls. To this day, enrollment is limited and acceptance is challenging. But the price is right. For those

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willing to commit to five service years afterwards, this quality education is a freebie. Queen’s is another learning institution that Kingston is mighty proud of. Flourishing oaks and maples canopy the Romanesque Revival edifices that hug up along Union Street. Yes, the tuition is a tad steeper than RMC, but its mission to generate scholarship, social purpose and spirit has been revered throughout Canada since classes began in March of 1842.

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September 2013, Kingston Pen, (a.k.a. Alcatraz of the North) was a hang-out for Canada’s most notorious criminals. Thick limestone walls, topped with barbed wire, kept them in and us out, and just beyond its iron clad gates is a heritage home where the facts are shared. Out of Kingston’s 17 museums, this one wins my vote. My carpentry companion, on the other hand, chooses the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum, a depository on the outskirts of town, where a display of hand-planes, axes and chisels activated his creative juices. Confederation Park with the History and culture abound Town Cryer, Chris Whyman. beyond these amazing archives and meld mellifluously with modern day comforts. Our chic headed east to Montreal and eventually to Ottawa in 1844. Penitentiaries are just about as prominent here as politicians. Radisson retreat and other sky scrapers, rise in juxtaposiGo figure! From 1930 to 2000, the Women’s Prison housed the tion to limestone-hewn homes and Victorian brownstones. most infamous females in the country and, until it closed in Trendy shops and boutiques that hug cheek to cheek along

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Buskers entertain at the open-air market.

Market vendors sell alongside the trendy boutiques of Princess Street.

amily owned and operated since 1989, Berwick Retirement Communities builds and operates award-winning independent living, assisted living and licensed residential care residences in British Columbia. Our goal has always been to create comfortable and welcoming residences that make retirement living a true pleasure. Father and son, Gordon and Chris Denford are actively involved in both the business operation and day-to-day activities at Berwick. Their philosophy is that, in order to provide the best senior care possible, it is vital for the Berwick family of senior living experts to really get to know each resident individually and tailor our services to their needs. It is this involvement and dedication at every level that allows Berwick to make a meaningful difference in the lives of BC seniors. Berwick Retirement Communities offer an unparalleled standard of living with resort-style amenities, red seal chef prepared meals and a broad level of services, activities and events. Berwick offers vibrant communities created by caring people, where the individual needs of the resident always come first. That’s the Berwick Way. Berwick House is located in the heart of Gordon Head, Victoria where you can take advantage of everything Victoria has to offer. Enjoy the intimate setting with easy access to transit, shopping, parks and recreation centre. 4062 Shelbourne Street, Victoria. 250-721-4062. Berwick Royal Oak offers luxurious, resort-style retirement living in Royal Oak, Victoria. Enjoy all the amenities like the Shield & Dragon English Pub, 125 seat theatre, fitness centre, country kitchen, spa, library and more. 4680 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria. 250-386-4680. Berwick on the Lake hugs the shores of beautiful long lake and offers you waterfront home in Nanaimo. Enjoy the calm atmosphere in our beautiful garden setting by the lake close to shopping, recreation centre, and restaurants. 3201 Ross Road, Nanaimo. 250-729-7995.

Princess Street compete with Canada’s longest continuallyrunning open-air market. And beyond Confederation Park, where the city’s roots were initially planted, is the St. Lawrence River, an adventure playground complete with everything from jet skis to regal yachts. This waterway, coined the Garden of the Great Spirit, also goes by the less formal name of 1,000 Islands. For a grand finale, we board the Island Star, a deluxe cruiser that combines fine cuisine and great entertainment with river views. We skirt everything from the windmill home of Wolfe Island to shack-sized atolls, and while applauding Billy Bridger’s impersonations, the setting sun provides an awesome backdrop. Coral pinks, bursts of amber, shots of fuchsia and violet. The beautiful shades stretch over the horizon like a painter’s palette – reminding us, once again, that SL we’re in colourful Kingston.

Berwick Comox Valley is located in the heart of Comox. Enjoy all the amenities like shopping, recreation centre, library, parks and Marina within the charming town of Comox. 1700 Comox Avenue, Comox. 250-339-1690. Berwick by the Sea is located by the seaside in Campbell River. Enjoy the marine themed elements within the building and enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean up on the 6th floor Tyee Lounge. 1353 16th Avenue, Campbell River. 250-850-1353. Berwick on the Park is located in the heart of the Thompson Okanagan in beautiful Kamloops close to amenities. Nestled on the hillside, enjoy the stunning panoramic mountain, valley and river views. 60 Whiteshield Crescent South, Kamloops. 250-377-7275.

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APRIL 2015

Canadian Travel

Eagles on an Island STORY AND PHOTO BY HANS TAMMEMAGI

The bald eagle swooped and my heart hammered as enormous wings darkened the sky and talons like lethal scimitars passed only a few feet above my head. I retreated. Quickly. Armed with a telephoto lens and high on a ridge on Pender Island in British Columbia’s balmy Gulf Islands, I had been watching a small eagle chick in a nest. Wanting to get closer photos, I was scrambling down the ridge when the mother eagle showed her displeasure. he majestic bald eagle is found only in North America where its population totals about 100,000. It is most numerous in coastal British Columbia and Alaska but healthy breeding populations thrive to Ontario. On Pender Island, I see them frequently. I am part of Project Eagle Watch, a group of volunteers, who study the eagles and help protect them. Our leader David Manning says, “I love the peace and quiet of watching eagles. It is like meditation and draws me deeper into my own spirit.” I learned that 17 eagle pairs live on Pender Island and have built 30 nests; all at the tops of tall Douglas fir trees and most within 100 metres of the sea. By good fortune, one of the nests has an even higher ridge behind it, allowing us to peer down into the nest like voyeurs. Manning explained how eagle pairs, who bond for life and occupy the same territory every year, mate in February and usually lay two eggs around the end of March. The female incubates the eggs for about 35 days, with occasional help from the male. She turns the eggs every hour or so to ensure uniform heating and seldom leaves the eggs. In early April, I peered over the cliff’s edge with binoculars. 14 12

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Below, an eagle was resting in a nest, an enormous two-metre-diameter jumble of branches. The eagle took flight, circled and then landed on the edge of the nest, from which two eggs gleamed like giant white eyeballs. I was captivated, and began to visit that nest frequently. The slope was a special place, alive with the flutter of birds flying amongst ram-rod-straight firs, gnarled Garry oaks and gangling arbutuses with rust-red bark. Two weeks later, one egg had hatched. The mom, a fierce raptor with a two-metre wing span and menacing talons and beak, gently and lovingly placing food into the tiny beak of her chick. The chick’s light grey down shone like a halo in the afternoon sun. A few weeks later, Mom was tearing chunks from a fish and feeding it to her chick, now about 10 inches high. The second egg never hatched. Eaglets, I learned, are fed by both parents. Then, at six to seven weeks, they start feeding themselves. Under my gaze, the young eagle grew rapidly and its grey down transformed to brown feathers. As the weeks went by, the parents spent less and less time at the nest although the mother often perched nearby. One misty day, I was rewarded with the sight of the whole

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family together. First, mother and father perched together like two love birds atop a nearby tree. Then they flew down onto branches beside their chick. This happy scene belied the fact that bald eagles almost became extinct in the 1950s due to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT. Although bald eagles have made a remarkable recovery – there are about 25,000 in BC today and they were removed from the US endangered list in 2007 – they face long-term threats. The number of salmon, their favourite food, is decreasing, so eagles now hunt other food including small animals and other birds. Furthermore, the tall trees near shorelines that eagles need are the ones loggers covet, and that are located on prime real estate. I was astonished at how quickly a young chick grows. By early August (about 12 weeks old), an eaglet is the same size as its parents but dark brown in colour. It will not develop the distinctive white head and tail feathers until it reaches adulthood in four to five years. It perches for long periods on the nest’s edge or a metre or two out on adjoining branches. Occasionally, it bursts into bouts of vigorous wing flapping and hopping into the air. A young eagle finally leaves the confinement of the nest toward the end of its twelfth week. Imagine a human baby not leaving its crib until it is fully grown and can walk! Fledging day has its own suspense, for the eaglet is reluctant to leave its comfortable home. The parents perch on a nearby tree with food to entice the chick. After some time, often aided by a gust of wind, the chick takes flight. Although the world is now open to it, the youngster remains near the nest until it learns how to hunt. In the fall, eagles leave Pender Island, drawn by the rich abundance of spawning salmon in rivers and streams along the coast. They gather in surprisingly large numbers to feast and socialize. In 1994, for example, more than 3,700 bald eagles were counted in one day along the Cheakamus River near Brackendale, BC. Over the winter, eagle pairs drift back to their territories, while the juveniles set out to seek their own locales. I have my camera ready, and will be waiting for the life cycle to begin again. SL

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Canadian Travel

Unforgettable PEI BY LAUREL ANDERSON

Red sandy beaches are wonderful for walking and gathering sea shells. Photo: Guylaine Dupont

ood things can come in small packages. Though Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province – you can drive from coast to coast in just three hours – this wonderful province offers much to enjoy. Delightful beaches, red sandstone cliffs, quaint fishing villages and golf courses galore! You’ll discover art galleries, museums, great restaurants and amazing antiques. For the adventurous, ride a roller coaster; deep sea fish; para sail; kayak; or go horse-back riding. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Confederation Trail is a 470-kilometre recreational trail system that was built along abandoned railway lines. The trail takes you through scenic agricultural lands, wetlands, hardwood groves, villages and along glittering rivers. It is marked with interpretive and directional signs and kilometre posts. You’ll find benches, picnic tables and scenic look-offs along the way. Brackley Beach The Dunes Studio Gallery and Café has wonderful artwork and crafts throughout its gallery restaurant that make it a memorable place to visit. Lunch and Dinner menus include a great variety of seafood, vegetarian dishes, beef, ribs, pizza, soups, salads and daily specials. Reservations are wise. The Brackley Drive-in Theatre has a screen over five-storeys tall, 18-hole mini-golf, a restored 1950s era canteen with pinball machines, a dairy bar, and vintage antiques that give it that 1950s flair. This is a truly classic drive-in. Cavendish Cavendish is located 39 kilometres northwest of the capital city of Charlottetown. This scenic area features some truly unforgettable entertainment and cultural experiences. Green Gables is part of the Cavendish National Historic Site. Walk through the original old house with its antique furnishings, the farmyard, among beautiful gardens, and along trails

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including the Haunted Wood and Lovers Lane. As well, there are interpretive events, films, displays, a gift shop and the Butter Churn Café. A great place for taking family photos! Shining Waters Family Fun Park has over 40 wet and dry attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Located next door is Sandspit Amusement Park, which features go-karts, a roller coaster and bumper boats among its rides. Great fun for all! Cavendish Beach Music Festival is a three-day country music event, which features world-class country entertainment, camping and dining. Performers of past festivals have included: Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Jason Blaine, Kenny Chesney, The Dixie Chicks, Little Big Town and Michelle Wright. The festival incorporates big screen video walls that provide great views of the performers. Charlottetown Cows Creamery in Charlottetown features delectable ice cream and award winning cheeses. The facility has a retail store where you can purchase their famous whimsical t-shirts and other “udderly” lovely gifts. Tours of the factory are available. The PEI Brewing Company is a brewer and distributor of all-natural craft beer. They opened their new facility in May 2013, which features a retail store, hospitality rooms, event space, a bar, cold-beer store and brewery tours. Province House National Historic Site is the birthplace of Confederation. This is a wonderful example of neo-classical architecture. During the summer evenings an impressive light and sound show is projected onto the exterior of the building. Red Shores Racetrack & Casino features the Charlottetown Driving Park, which began standard bred harness racing October 2, 1889. Casino games include slots, black jack, Texas Hold’em and poker. For dining, the park offers a number of restaurants, a trackside patio and lounge, which all offer a fabulous variety of menus.

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Montague “The Station” in Montague is home to a welcome centre, the Station Café and the Station Store where you’ll find lots treasures for gift giving and decorating purposes. This is also the home to Tightline Tours, which offers scuba diving, fishing, seal and river tours for 12 to 30 passengers. Georgetown A.A. MacDonald Memorial Gardens (PEI’s Largest Municipal Gardens) is located in the heart of historic old Georgetown. Bordering the gardens are the Georgetown Courthouse (1886), the King’s Playhouse (originally built 1887, but rebuilt in 1983) and Holy Trinity Anglican Church (1839). Along with the fabulous architecture, you’ll see Canada’s largest ship’s wheel, a pond with lighted fountain, and paths to over 60 vibrant flower beds. The Kings Playhouse is one of Canada’s longest-running theatres that offers year-round events, including local and national musicians, a weekly old-fashioned ceilidh, and theatrical plays. The facility is accessible, licensed and air conditioned. New Glasgow New Glasgow Lobster Suppers was the first lobster supper restaurant on PEI. The restaurant offers “all-you-can-eat” appetizers for adults and children and a menu offering a good variety of sumptuous meals including lobster. The Olde Glasgow Mill is situated in a beautifully restored century old mill beside the River Clyde. Friendly staff will serve you their fantastic food and wines while you dine indoors, or on the patio. A great spot! Don’t miss visiting the Toy Factory, which is located in an old general store built in 1847. Children will love the fantastic variety of hand-crafted wooden toys and houses as well as puppets, stuffed animals and books. When you see two tall metal giraffes outside you know you’ve arrived. The Prince Edward Island Preserve Company on New Glasgow Road makes delicious jams and preserves, and blends its own teas. Its pleasant restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, a gift shop and a stunning 10-acre garden.

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Rollo Bay The PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival is held July 3-5 at the festival grounds in Rollo Bay. The 2015 lineup includes The Lonesome River Band, The Clay Hess Band, Ned Crisp and Bottomline and others. St. Peters St. Peters Bay Craft & Giftware in St. Peters produces Eastern Canada’s largest line of pewter products. They offer pewter and ceramic jewellery, T-shirts, tableware and unique giftware items. Those over age 14 can learn and make a piece of pewter jewellery. Next door, at the Plover Bike Rental, you can hire a bike and ride the along the Confederation Trail.

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Summerside The Wyatt Historic House Museum was built in 1867. Here you’ll find many old, intriguing artifacts and learn stories of an upper-class Summerside family. Take the museum “Oddity Tour,” which is 50-minutes long and not your ordinary museum tour.

Photo: Laurel Anderson

Two life-size metal giraffe calves greet visitors upon arrival at the Toy Factory in New Glasgow.

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The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada offers the vibrant sights and sounds of Celtic culture. You’ll see and hear world-class Highland bagpiping, snare drumming, Island stepdancing and Highland dancing. In July and August, the college presents their high energy stage production Highland Storm. Take a tour of their facility, take a class or visit the gift shop, where you’ll find a varied selection of Celtic music, books and gifts; clan items and Highland wear; piping, drumming and dancing supplies; and kilts and tartan skirts. If you wish to extend your wonderful PEI vacation further afield, travel across the Confederation Bridge (Canada’s longest) to New Brunswick; take a pleasurable, scenic cruise with Northumberland Ferries to Nova Scotia; or travel with Marine Atlantic on their ferry rides to Newfoundland. Memorable sights and experiSL ences will stay with you forever. For IF YOU GO information, visit www. seniorlivingmag.com/articles/visit-pei

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Canadian Travel

The Jewel of Southern Ontario:

Prince Edward County

BY JULIE H. FERGUSON

The Miller House serves five different charcuterie and artisanal cheese platters and has about 15 local beers on tap.

Photos: Pharos 2014

y destination in Lake Ontario lies on its surface like a glittering pendant on a chain. Often confused with a similar sounding Canadian province, locals can reach this delightful faux-island with ease – but I came from far away and fell in love. Prince Edward County (PEC) is a rural treasure that floats in fresh water and is linked to mainland Ontario by a short isthmus at its north-western corner. Self-contained and tranquil, it is a delightful place to relax awhile – good hotels, cottages, and B&Bs await the traveller. Although often recommended for weekend getaways, as a first-timer and someone from BC, I opted to stay for a week. I tried two hotels. The luxurious Claramount Inn is a restored colonialstyle mansion overlooking Picton Bay with 10 suites full of antiques. Breakfast is served on the veranda in fine weather or in the fine dining restaurant. The Waring House, in the County’s heart, is more reminiscent of a country inn with its own brewery and cooking school. Origi-

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nally an 1860 farm, visitors can stay in the main house, the House Next Door, or in two modern lodges on the property. The pub, the Barley Room, serves better-than-average meals, and Amelia’s Garden is the excellent restaurant in the farm

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house, where breakfast is also served. In mid-June, the County had few tourists and was dressed in its springtime best, lush with new leaves and grasses, early flowers, and sunshine. The wineries’ vines had begun to grow adding their promise of a good harvest in the fall. PEC has something for everyone – families, foodies and wine aficionados, culture seekers, photographers and boaters, golfers and cyclists, history buffs and antique hounds. Visitors require a car to thoroughly explore the County as there’s no public transit. The winding country roads pass through prosperous dairy farms and vineyards on the way to small towns and beaches, artists’ studios, wineries, and museums. I had to stop every five minutes to shoot photos. The County had traces of huntergatherers living here 12,000 years ago. Samuel Champlain and fur traders passed this way in the 1600s and 1700s. However, Prince Edward County is best known for United Empire Loyalist settlers arriving after the American Revolution — road and place names still reflect their proud history. Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, lived in Picton briefly, and the County’s museums and archives welcome everyone who appreciates Canadian heritage. I counted three provincial parks and 14 conservation areas in the County but could not visit them all. The best known park is Sandbanks, which boasts the largest fresh water dune system in the world that stretches across East and West Lakes separating them from Lake Ontario. On a mid-June morning, the park’s beaches provided me with refreshing, solitary walks. The campgrounds were deserted, but they are overrun with visitors in the summer. During the last decade, PEC has attracted top winemakers and chefs, and is transforming into a hot-spot for foodies. With farm-fresh, local ingredients and a maturing wine industry, restaurants are now vying for accolades and discerning diners. The County recommends that visitors follow two routes to sample some of the best: the Wine Trail

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and the Taste Trail. I wanted to complete both but there were just too many places to visit. The wine industry is still young, with the first vines planted in 1993 and the first winery opening in 2001. Today, PEC has 40 with more to come. The limestone-rich soils and cool climate in this region suit Burgundies, so the majority of grapes are pinot noir and chardonnay. The winters present deep-freeze challenges for growers and wine-makers alike, but experts expect to see steady improvement in the wines as the vineyards become more established. Some wines need

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work, but a few are excellent. My favourites were from the award-winning Huff Estates in the County’s centre. Huff has a French winemaker, a beautiful tasting room, an art gallery, a restaurant, and an inn perched on a knoll overlooking the vineyards. The most unusual winery I visited was By Chadsey’s Cairns, named after Ira Chadsey, an eccentric who built cairns to guide him home from the afterlife reincarnated as a white horse. Their two vineyards, tasting room, and the oldest sheep barn in the County lie beside an old pioneers’ cemetery, where Ira’s grandparents and parents are interred. But Ira Chadsey’s grave is not to be found here and left me pondering the mystery. As for food, Clara’s at Claramount Inn routinely enchanted my taste buds with creative cuisine and the best local wines. I also sampled small cafés and bistros around the County that served excellent lunches at reasonable prices. For example, The Miller House Café-Brasserie at Lake on the Mountain offers a variety of beers and serves exceptional local char-

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Featured Business cuterie and cheeses with a view over Adolphus Reach. Everyone should taste the cheeses at Black River, a cooperative where, for a century, the local dairy farmers have preserved traditional hand-crafted cheese-making. In late spring, the migrating birds were gone but I did manage to watch a pair of loons courting at the picturesque end of Lakeshore Lodge Road in Sandbanks. I drew a blank at Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area but I enjoyed the drive and detours on the old wagon roads. The small towns of Wellington and Bloomfield are worth

Picton Bay Marina

time to poke around the boutiques, antique shops, and the art galleries that abound here. I found artists’ studios in the residential areas, and the artists proudly showed me their work. Everyone had time to talk and recommended other studios to visit. There is more to see in the main town of Picton — the restored cinema-theatre that dates back a century and displays old playbills, Picton Bay and the local marina, and the beautiful houses behind Main Street. I have much more to see, taste, and explore in this jewel of a place, so I will return next time I’m in Ontario. Unspoiled and welcoming, Prince Edward County in Lake Ontario is a pastoral, historical, and relaxing vacation spot that tourists SL often ignore and should not.

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For IF YOU GO information, visit www.seniorlivingmag. com/articles/prince-edward-county For more stories and images about this adventure, visit Julie’s travelog at http://stampsinmypassport.blogspot.ca WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

APRIL 2015 2015 MARCH

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Simply Nova Scotia

Canadian Travel

STORY AND PHOTO BY MANDY TRICKETT

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

riving through Nova Scotia is an adventure. Yes, travel brochures always say that but, here in Nova Scotia, there really are special challenges. Try finding your way around Pubnico: it has East, West, Mid-East, Mid-West, Lower East and Lower West Pubnicos. Or Centre, with its subdivisions of Front Centre and Back Centre. Many small communities also use a tag-line, such as Port Mouton (a.k.a. Sheep Overboard); Kempt (A Century of Strawberry Suppers); Liverpool (Port of the Privateers). Plus, there’s the challenge of simple vocabulary: a rotary is a roundabout; a look off is a view point. In Gaelic areas, road signs are in English first followed by the Gaelic: in Acadian areas, signs are in French first, followed by English. It certainly keeps us on our toes. But for mastering all this, we are rewarded with a series of drop-dead gorgeous parks. The main section of Kejimkujik National Park (simply Keji to the locals) is the province’s sparkling gem. Here, we enjoy solitude, sunshine and the kind of complete silence that actually feels like pressure on the ear drums, a rare luxury. Sitting on a rustic bench at Slapfoot Beach, we receive a quintessentially Canadian bonus: a hauntingly beautiful loon chorus, performed between a male and his distant consort, echoing across the lake. The oddly-named Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct is 24 22

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one of the most scenic parts of the entire province: its trails and boardwalks meander through the coastal barrens, which are anything but barren with their pitcher plants; orchids like Arethusa and calopogon; cinnamon or bracken ferns. Bird life is abundant, too: eider ducks preen; sanderlings and semi-palmated plovers dash across the shoreline on motorized legs. No visit here would be complete without time in the Cape Breton Highlands, with its glittering blue ocean and forested hills, patch-worked in September with hints of orange and gold. There are endless viewpoints and walks like the interpretive Bog Trail at the top of French Mountain. Here, we stroll past ponds as clear as black tea, through sundews, yellow liverwort, sphagnum moss, cotton grass, Dragon’s mouth. We see black spruce that are hundreds of years old yet only one metre high. The Jack Pine Trail provides stunning views over the ocean as we step across pink granite bluffs amidst crowberries and reindeer moss. The Jigging Lake Trail is a little tougher, a muddy trail circumnavigating the lake, tree roots slippery and softened by verdigris-bright moss, with sepia-coloured streams trickling in from the bush. We have to go single-file and almost bump into the rear of a magnificent moose as we round a bend. He deals with the situation gracefully,

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stepping down into the water with a wet “Harrumph” and leaving is food. Our self-catering road trip allows us to be locavores, seeking out the freshest locally sourced foods. With only a us scrambling for the camera. Peggy’s Cove is arguably top of the list of must-see places in microwave or the occasional full stove, we whip up meals to Nova Scotia. We peek into gift shops and artists’ galleries; stroll tame appetites sharpened by hikes and sightseeing. Lobster the tiny, sheltered jetty; watch the wild whitecaps beyond the is cheaper than chicken here and the larger supermarkets will cove’s protection. It’s windy here, facing the full force of the steam them for you in 20 minutes. We buy scallops from the Atlantic, and to withstand it, homes are built with a steep roof dock in Digby, sautéing them in garlic and cream. Mussels and pitch and no overhang. We also notice that homes here have no prawns create a simple paella-style stove-top dish. Blueberries fences hemming them in. That lack of fencing is a theme we find from Oxford, “the wild blueberry capital of Canada,” with local repeated throughout the province. It speaks volumes about the ice-cream, create a sinful dessert. Looking back, we will remember the gentle russet tones of Nova Scotian sense of community. We also begin to notice the number of churches, sometimes autumn, bracken tinged with soft golds and yellows, the rusttwo or three to a single village, facing off on opposite sides of the red waters of the Minas Basin and sunsets of turquoise and road. Mahone Bay leads this trend, with its three iconic churches pink. We will remember the loon chorus in Kejimkujik, the all lined up in a row. But a visit to St. John’s Anglican Church moose encounter at Jigging Lake, and feasting on those lobin Lunenburg is the high point for us. Guides explain that the sters freshly steamed for us in local supermarkets. We will resoaring blue and gold-spangled firmament decorating the dome member the friendliness of Nova Scotians, sharing community depicts the universe as it was on the night of Christ’s birth. Fire breakfasts, listening to local gossip. We have explored shops damaged the church in 2001 and forced extensive remodeling selling ice cream right next to hunting licenses. We have tried but, as the guide acknowledges, the ceiling looks far better now to pronounce all those wonderful names that just roll off the than it did before the fire, when decades of grime dulled the gold tongue, like Tatamagouche, Musquodoboit, Whycocomagh, of the constellations. Chezzetcook. We have delved into Gaelic culture with the kilt We explore the Minas Basin, where twice a day at low tide, makers and “ceilidhs” of the Gaelic College in Englishtown 235 square kilometres of mud flats are exposed. The rusty, red before plunging back into Acadian French in places like Bellewaters are not exactly photogenic but they are mesmerizing in Marche, Grand-Étang, Cap LeMoine. Nova Scotia is a unique their power. At the Tidal Bore Interpretive Centre in South Mait- province, for sure, and we can’t imagine a better way to get the SL land, we crowd onto the viewing platform to await the rushing feel of it than with a long, meandering road trip. fingers of water pushing rapidly across the outlying sand bars. At this distance, it looks so innocent. Waves form as the water “FOLLOW THE VIKINGS” pushes in our direction, then angry little maelstroms start to eat 8 DAYS - ICELAND ADVENTURE - LAND “FOLLOW THE VIKINGS” “FOLLOW THE VIKING away at the sand. The water rises one foot in 158 minutes; eddies JUNE 11CRUISE - JULY 4, 2016 DAYS - ICELAND ADVENTURE - LANDTOUR 8 DAYS - ICELAND - LA 12-DAY -FJORDS &ADVENTURE HIGHLAN 12-DAY CRUISE -FJORDS & HIGHLANDS and whirlpools form as the incoming tide forces the river back, 12-DAY CRUISE -FJORDS & HIGHL 8 Day “Iceland Adventure” 12 Day “Fjords & Highlands” creeping rapidly up the columns of the viewing platform, slurping June 11 - July 4,Landtour 2016. by Globus 11 July 4, 20 Cruise by Holland America Wind Surf,11 Wind Spirit, Wind Star,-4, and sucking. Tourist-filled Zodiacs can now brave the turbulence June - June July 201 8 Day “Iceland Adventure” 12 Day in Reykjavik 8 Day “Iceland Adventure” 12starts Day “Cruise Fjords Highlands” Star Pride, Lines ms Zuiderdam Star Breeze, Star Legend and zoom by, bouncing upriver. by Globus starts in Reykjavik Holland A by Globus starts in Reykjavik Holland America Lines ms Zuiderdam June 12-19 June 22 July 4 “Iceland Adventure” June 12 - 19, 2016 12 Day “CruJ Junefor 12 - 19, June822Day - July 4, 2016 For history and culture, we plan lots of time the2016 Sherbrooke by Globus starts in Reykjavik Holland Amer Village living museum, meandering through the old houses and 180° From ordinary June 12 - 19, 2016 June 2 businesses at a leisurely pace, meeting the wonderful costumed • Casual elegance and country club style atmosphere characters and enjoying their demonstrations. The telephone d After relaxing thre cor te Zuiderdam. Make relaxing three days in Copenhagen time to board E• sthe Only 148 - 310 guests on board operator fills us in on the village gossip, gleaned from her ma- After the Oslo Fjord Zuiderdam. Make sure you get up early next day to enEnjoy natural wonders! • Five star service and cuisine Enjoy 3 full days in Copenhagen! joy REYKJAVIK the Norway visit. joy the Oslo Fjord. Kristiansand and Stavanger will end nipulation of the ancient switchboard. The tailor talks about his Welcome dinner; orientation; farewell dinner at a local restaurat Jarlshof’s Stone, the Norway visit. Lerwick, Shetland Islands, explore the a wonderful a country of natural wonders: setvacation sail inand enjoy fjords • Glaciers • volcanoes • lakes EnjoyThen visiting Scottish p Stone, pint in the pub. Next four days will be spentglaciers, volcanos, waterfalls, and lakes. Highlights are visits • All ocean-view accommodation town on Skye - lo a wonderful vacation in a country Fancy of natural wonders: apprentices, who start by learningEnjoythe art of ironing. that Jarlshof’s visiting Scottish ports such as• Glasgow, Portree - the largestto the geothermal heat and electricIslands power station in Hell• waterfalls hot springs • Shetland verness. Edinbur glaciers, volcanos, waterfalls, and lakes. Highlights are visits town on Skye - located in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland,In-isheidavirkjun, the hot springs at Geysir, accompanied by historic Edinburgh to the geothermal heat and electric power station in Hell• and Open-seating dining Edinburgh housing the Scottish crown jewels – men ironing! We browse through the prison, where women verness. the chef of the Geysir restaurant, who will offer you a taste of • baked hot-springs bread • Inner Hebrides Blackfriers, a 13th isheidavirkjun, the hot springs at Geysir, accompanied by historic Edinburgh Castle. Newcastle upon Tyne, don’t missfreshly baked hot-spring bread and more—all washed down Wall a UNESCO W the chef of the Geysir restaurant, who will offer you a taste of Blackfriers, aand 13th century Dominican monastery. Hadrian’s with a glass of the local schnapps. Marvel at the largest • No charge alternative dining options local schnapps. • Blackfriers • Hadrians Wall would often sit out their husbands’ sentences, thus allowing the built by the Roma After relaxing three day freshly baked hot-spring bread and more—all washed down to Wall a UNESCO World Heritage site importanty monument glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull; stop at Lake Jökulsárlón back to Copenhag with a glass of the local schnapps. Marvel at the largest see the setting of the James Bond movie Die Another Day; built by the Romans in Britain. A day at sea and we are Zuiderdam. Make sure • All non-alcoholic beverages included May be booked separately men to return to work and continue earning. We watch spinning glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull; stop at Lake Jökulsárlón to admire Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. back to Copenhagen REYKJAVIK see the setting of the James Bond movie Die Another Day; joy the Oslo Fjord. Kris • dinner Complimentary Shore Event admire Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. and weaving demonstrations. Welcome dinner; orientation; farewell at a local restaurat Price includes; Iceland Tour, Reykjavik to Cop Price includes: 8 Day Iceland Tour; Reykjavik to Copenhagen air, 3 nights the Norway visit. Lerwi all and transfers, night stayStone, in Copenhagen Complimentary watersports in Copenhagen , 12 Day• *Cruise, all transfers, taxes fees. three Jarlshof’s pint in The Sherbrooke Village living museum is just of Iceland a smorPriceone includes; Tour, Reykjavik to Copernhagen air, taxes and fees. a wonderful vacation in a country of natural wonders: all transfers, three night stay in Enjoy Copenhagen and *Cruise, • Beautiful Sail Away from every port $8199 CAD/per - callHighlights for complete detailsvisiting Scottish ports su gasbord of museums across Nova Scotia. They have ’em all here, volcanos, waterfalls,person and lakes. are visits taxes and glaciers, fees. $8199Cdn/per town on Skye -person located *Price based onelectric an oceanview cabin on the heat and power station in Zuiderdam. Hellfrom the Museum of the Hooked Rug in Cheticamp to outhouses to the geothermal verness. Edinburgh ho ASiA | ArABiA | CAriBBEAN & PANAmA CANAl Reykjavik & return fromaccompanied Copenhagen is not $8199Cdn/per person **Airfare thetohot springs at Geysir, by included. Please call for completeCast deta historic Edinburgh featured at the Rossignol Cultural Centre. The Fisherman’s Life isheidavirkjun, *Price based on an Oceanview cabin on Zuide GrEEk iSlES, TurkEy & BlACk SEA | iTAly | mEdiTErrANEAN **Pricing based on double occupancy and availability at time of booking. the chef of the Geysir restaurant, who will offer you Please a taste Note:of Airfare toBlackfriers, Reykjavik and return from Copenha a 13th centu Please calland for complete NOrThErN EurOPE | TAhiTi | TrANSOCEANiC VOyAGES Museum in Jeddore is a beauty, one of the province’s smallest freshlydetails. baked hot-spring bread and •more—all washed down Wall a UNESCO World cruiseexperts@telus.net www.yourcruiseexperts.com *Price based on an Oceanview cabin on Zuiderdam. Please Note: Airfare to Reykjavik and return from a Copenhagen is not included. Cruise Holidays Victoria BC glass of the local schnapps. Marvel at the largest built by the Romans in B also one of the most interesting: an onshore fisherman, his wife with Division of Cruise Holidays Nanaimo glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull; stop at Lake Jökulsárlón to 2834 norwell dr, nanaimo back to Copenhagen (778)433-8575 Victoria and 13 daughters lived, laughed and loved in this minute home – a Victoria Cruise Holidays BC see the setting of the James Bond movie Die Another Day; Serving Vancouver Island since 1 250.758.7893 or 800.465.7245 Division of Cruise Holidays Nanaimo admire Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. (250)758-7893 place smaller than most condos. Annemari’s Nanaimo Phone: 1-855-463-4391 E shawncruiseholidays@telus.net Jan-Evert’s Phone 778-245-4391 E Serving Vancouver Island since 1991 Inga’s Phone: E Nova Scotia may be quirky but one thing they take seriously BC Reg #2573 Serving Vancouver Island since 1991 604-278-7284 Office Phone: 778-433-8575 E Annemari’s Phone: 1-855-463-4391 E-mail: annemari@shaw.ca Price includes; Iceland Tour, Reykjavik to Copernh Jan-Evert’s Phone 778-245-4391 E-Mail jeh88@shaw.ca www.yourcruiseexperts.com.com Inga’s Phone: 604-278-7284 E-mail: inielsen@shaw.ca Office Phone:WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM 778-433-8575 E-mail: cruiseexperts@telus.net all transfers, three night stayAPRIL in Copenhagen and 2015 13 23 52 www.yourcruiseexperts.com.com taxes and fees.

“Follow the Vikings”

REYKJAVIK Welcome dinner; orientation; farewell dinner at a local restaurat

2834 Norwell Drive, Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 1X3 250-758-

2834 Norwell Drive, Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 1X3 250-758-7893

BC Registry #2573

Canadian Travel

An Alpine Paradise STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS & RICK MILLIKAN

Sun Peaks hike

getaway in BC’s interior last July introduces us to summer activities at Sun Peaks. Comfortable lodgings in the heart of the village make the perfect “home base” for exploring this area already widely known as a winter wonderland. Nestled amid three mountains, the town centre conjures images of a fairytale village in Austria’s Alps. Three-story buildings embrace a brick-paved mall. Like our inn, many boast balconies. Red geraniums fill window boxes on pastel façades. Fanciful woodwork and signage embellish the “old-world” architecture. Arcades open onto sports shops, boutiques, galleries and cafés with al fresco seating. On one such patio, ham and tomato crêpes kick off our first morning. Slapped up with sunscreen, dressed in layers, hats and water bottles handy, we pick up lift tickets from guest services, ready for high adventure! Over at the Sunburst Chairlift, we meet Mayor Al Raine and Olympian now Senator Nancy Greene Raine, residents since 1995… and today our hospitable trail guides for a four-hour alpine hike. “Hardy hikers often start out from the village,” Al informs us. “But we’ll ride up.” A thrill in itself, the chairlift launches us high over forested hillsides and into the Shuswap Highlands. Mountain bike riders below our feet whiz downward along networked trails snaking through fireweed. Green valleys stretch far beyond the tree line. 26 24

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Hopping off at Mid Mountain station, Nancy explains, “Here at 6,000 feet, we’re right on the wildflowers’ doorstep.” Our pocket maps show 16 interconnecting, colour-coded trails looping through more than 35 kilometres of mountain paradise. Hikers of most abilities can continue as far as they want along routes ranging in difficulty from simple walks to challenging climbs. “A combination of moderate trails will take us to Top of the World,” Nancy says. Starting out on Vista Trail, we trek through sub alpine evergreens. “Many of these paths follow cattle and wild animal tracks,” Al points out. “To preserve the environment, an army of volunteers re-established them and constantly maintain them.” From the start, we see vibrant Indian paintbrush, tiger lilies, fireweed and lupines. “Just you wait… the best is yet to come,” Nancy promises. Showing us her well-thumbed wildflower guidebook, she points out photos and descriptions identifying flowers, as well as fascinating references to Native uses. Overlooking the valley, a storyboard tells us that Sun Peaks developed in 1961 as Tod Mountain; the name honours John Tod, chief fur trader for the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1840s. With few other amenities at the outset, the single chairlift was then North America’s longest. Harry Burfield ran the ski shop. “A colourful character, Harry was also a ski jumper, RCAF

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This BC travel article brought to you by the generous sponsorship of Accent Inns

pilot, carpenter and local TV personality,” Nancy smiles. “Speaking of colourful, from mid-July to mid-August countless wildflowers carpet our alpine meadows. Due to June’s rains and later warm temperatures, this year’s bumper crop bloomed early.” The Alpine Blossom Festival celebrates this annual phenomenon with music and special events every August long weekend. Puffing hard in unaccustomed altitude, we gradually make our way toward Whyte Bowl, our efforts rewarded as the trail opens onto awe-inspiring colour-splashed slopes. Adding to feelings of enchantment, a majestic antlered stag materializes in the distance and saunters nonchalantly into a lower flowerfilled meadow. Farther onward, Nancy points out some tall perennials. “That’s mountain helleborus. Their unique green flowers are toxic, so ranchers won’t herd cattle up here until those blooms die off,” she relates. “Thanks to these hellebore heroes, the wildflowers are safe during blossoming season! And later in summer, cattle can graze and, in the process, plant new seeds.”

Terry Farmer, Founder

Canoes at McGillivray Lake. BC owned & operated

Harmony Court Estate, Burnaby BC

Ahead, meadows blaze in floral glory. Thousands of red columbine, larkspur, lupines, Indian paintbrush and Columbia lilies splash purples, reds, yellows and pinks across the mountainsides. With gentle slopes drenched in remarkable colour, Juniper Ridge becomes the high point of this amazing hike. Sitting amid the wildflowers, time seems suspended as we munch snacks and gaze downward at the village. Al comments on the practical nature of its “Tyrolean look.” “Like big sister Whistler, those stucco exteriors not only look appealing, they also save on maintenance.” Nancy describes how easy it is for holidaymakers to fly directly into Kamloops, just one hour away. Back in the village, we thank the Raines for introducing us to Sun Peak’s incredible summer wildflowers. A sumptuous dinner later caps a day filled with dazzling natural beauty. The next morning brings a change of pace. Though tempted to learn Stand-Up Paddle Boarding at Heffley Lake, we opt

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for canoeing at McGillivray Lake, six kilometres away. Leaving the Adventure Centre with paddles, life jackets and keys to unlock our assigned canoe, we set out. The provided sketch map guides us through the resort complex, onto Creekside Way and over a series of gravel roads to the lake. Feeling a bit like voyageurs, we carry our canoe to the rocky beach nearby and push off into tranquil waters. Easily developing a smooth rhythm, we paddle along peaceful forested shores, around little islands and into shallow coves. Iridescent dragonflies swoop and dart in pine-scented air. A few scattered fishermen sit patiently, ready to hook rainbow trout; an osprey scouts vigilantly from a towering snag. Inspired to take another alpine hike after lunch, we catch the chairlift back up to Mid-Mountain. Following the map and alert for markers, our selfguided expedition starts along a path paralleling a service road before switch backing up the mountain’s northeast slope on Gil’s Trail. Immersed in panoramic views, we’re Foff to Tod Lake. February 28th, 2015 ebruary 28th, 2015 READY TO MAKE THE CH ANG E BUT READY TO MAKE THE CH ANG E BUT Walking poles help Cedar Hill Golf Club C e dus a r tramp H i l l G o lsteadif Club DON’T KNOW W HERE TO BEGIN? DON’T KNOW W HERE TO BEGIN? 1400 Derby Rd 0 D e r b y at R d times ly upward, the steep1 4 0incline 1:00-3:00pm 1:00-3:00pm Join us for FREE information and advice to help preJoin us for FREE information andchallenging advice to help preour resolve. Rest stops alpare you for this new chapter of your life! pare you for this new chapter of your life! low closer studies of fuzzy, SPACE IS LIMITED! SPACE ISwhite LIMITED!pussy Featuring expert advice from: Featuring expert advice from: TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT VISIT TO RESERVE SEAT VISIT toes, purple larkspur, orangeYOUR hawkJOANNEBRODERSEN.COM JOANNEBRODERSEN.COM Realtor Financial Advisor Realtor Financial Advisor weed and sub alpineORdaisies. Clumps OR CALL (250)477-7291 CALL (250)477-7291 Mortgage Specialist Lawyer Mortgage Specialist Lawyer of blossoming dwarf dogwoods mingle Downsizing Specialist Garden Care Expert Downsizing Specialist Garden Care Expert among stunted evergreens. And on lush mosses, Professional Stager Professional Mover Professional Stager Professional Mover shady mushroom neighbourhoods must surely provide fairy homes And so much more! And so much more! in this magical place. Proudly Presented to you by: Proudly Presented to you by: The narrow mountainside footJoanne Brodersen Joanne Brodersen path eventually levels off andSolutions passes Real Estate Solutions Real Estate through more flower-filled meadows Julie Cookson Julie Cookson RBC Mortgage Specialist RBC Mortgage Specialist and glades. And at 6,544 feet, Tod Ali Ezletni Ali Ezletni Lake fills us with wonder accomRBC Financial Planner RBCand Financial Planner plishment. We made it! Cooling off in crystal waters appeals; instead, we soak up the picture postcard surroundings and head back. May 21, 2015 • 6-8pm Join us for FREE information and advice to help The afternoon ends with a bike ride Cedar Hill Golf Club • 1400 Derby Rd Victoria prepare you for this new chapter in your life. along the paved Valley Trail, around the Featuring expert advice from: Proudly Presented by: golf course, through the condo comHome Revival • Fabulous Home Staging Joanne Brodersen, Real Estate Solutions Hendra Moving • Vision Travel Solutions Julie Cookson, RBC Mortgage Specialist munity and onto several flat Nordic ski Clean Air Yard Care • And so much more Ali Ezletni, RBC Financial Planner trails. From a small shelter, we can see how these ski-trails link with 12 lifts Limited Space. RSVP at www.joannebrodersen.com or call 250.477.7291

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on Mount Tod and Sundance to the north, and Morrissey on the south – making Sun Peaks Canada’s second largest ski area. We pedal back to the village on a scenic section of the winter dogsled route, in summer a bikeway extending to McGillivray Lake. Our last morning, we stroll another portion of Valley Trail to check out Shuswap Medicine Trail. Along this unique forest loop, Secwepemc signboards interpret traditional usage of local plants. Of interest, yellow balsamroot contributes nutritious raw leaves, taproots for roasting and steaming; from its dried, pounded seeds comes flour. Yarrow root medicates toothaches and sore throats; leaves sooth rheumatism. Purple aster remedies stomach pain, goldenrod teas sooth colicky babies. Over three days, Sun Peaks reveals a surprising array of summer activities for all ages and abilities. And hiking among

The author paddling on McGillivray Lake.

Canada’s most accessible and prolific alpine wildflowers SL proves truly extraordinary. For IF YOU GO information, visit www.seniorlivingmag. com/articles/alpine-paradise

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Community Feature

Sidney-style Retirement

BY JOHN HARRIS

ost people want to retire “one of these days” and usually it’s “the sooner the better.” After determining “when,” another key question is “where?” BC has plenty of attractive places to settle after leaving work, so in the first of our Community Feature series, we explore Sidney on Vancouver Island.

Climate

Undeniably, Sidney draws retirees from across the country due to its weather. The Mediterranean climate means it rarely snows in the winter and temperatures year-round are similar to those in California.

Gardening

Mild winters and warm summers also make Sidney a comfortable home to a variety of plants and trees. It’s a gardener’s paradise that welcomes everything from English Ivy to Chinese Windmill Palms. In the wild are over a dozen types of trees, including Douglas fir, Arbutus, Garry Oak and several species of Willow. If you’re not an avid gardener before retiring to Sidney, you may well become a better one once you’re settled. The area’s reputation attracts friends of plants from everywhere. One example is the 70th Anniversary of the American Rhododendron Society Convention in May 2015. Hundreds of newcomers will journey to Mary Winspear Centre for workshops and speakers with gardening and botanical expertise, all to get new ideas and facts to add to their love for rhodos.

Get Outside

Beautiful climate and welcoming geography add up to an

Sidney’s temperate climate is ideal for active retirees.

ideal place to get outside to walk, bike, run or hike. Nothing is better to feed the mind and spirit than having an attractive and accessible natural environment. In other words, Sidney is ideal for an active retirement. Like to cycle? You’re in luck – Sidney has over 25 bike paths and routes ranging from a few kilometres to major trips up the entire length of Vancouver Island. More proof that life in Sidney is better for “bikers,” there are four award-winning wineries and a ciderhouse all just a short spin away.

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Even the geography is on your side. Most of Sidney is level ground except for gentle slopes to the sea. And speaking of the sea, the downtown area has a wonderful sea walk for summer strolls or winter storm watching.

Salish Sea

When you want a change from the toil of walking and biking in this gardener’s paradise, there is the sea. Sidney’s seafront offers panoramic views across the strait to the Mainland mountains. The harbour is popular with boaters up and down the coast, and there is always nautical action and colourful boats to enjoy. You can even stroll out to the fish market or along the fishing pier. In fact, being on the Salish Sea is key to Sidney’s economy. The town is the gateway to the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, a perfect getaway for both locals and visitors. The waterfront is home to many ecotourism companies, from whale watching to kayaking to scuba diving.

For humans looking for a quicker (and drier) way to enjoy the ocean, there’s the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. The staff refer to it as “sciencebased education” and it’s fascinating fun – especially Hermione, the elegant and weird Giant Pacific octopus. She will fascinate you with the many colours and textures she can produce on her skin as she glides around the tank.

Booktown

If you prefer more time with books than with barnacles, Sidney offers a truly unique opportunity – Booktown. It’s Canada’s only Booktown and one of only a few in the world. It’s exactly what it sounds like – an area of the city that is all about books. The many shops carry reading for children, military historians and serious collectors. Several of the owners are well known across Canada for their expertise and collections.

Working

There’s another reason to consider Sidney for your retirement – a job. Surveys indicate that many retirees plan to continue to work part-time. Some people simply enjoy working, while others are looking for a little extra cash. Whatever the circumstances, Sidney has a variety of businesses and services that may be a good match for mature skills and experience.

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Marine industries offer everything from sail makers, boat repair and design to kayak tours and boat chandlers. Other areas include precision machine manufacturing, engineering, project management and aviation. And don’t count out food services or the film industry, both important to the Sidney area economy. The trick with finding post-retirement employment is thinking outside the box. Whether you are retiring as VP of accounting or as a truck driver, Sidney has a diverse menu of small and large opportunities to learn and earn.

The arts take centre stage.

Culture

Of course, retirement means more time off the job than on, and Sidney has many ways to make the most of that time. Mary Winspear Centre has a busy calendar of theatre, comedy and music performances that, this year, include Randy Bachman, Brent Butt and Buffy Sainte-Marie. The centre’s gallery also mounts photo and painting exhibits. There’s art outside, too. Sidney’s main street, Beacon Avenue, boasts three-dimensional murals and a sculpture walk. There are a number of annual art-related events and Sidney has many studios and galleries open to visitors. The Sidney area is a constant source of inspiration for visual artists, and their work comes together in the Sidney Fine Art Show held in October, and the ArtSea Festival in support of art programs in Sidney schools. Sidney’s Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsu-

la (CACSP) is active all year with an Artisans Show, tours of local studios in both spring and fall, the Tulista Centre’s own Gallery-by-the-Sea and an Arts in the School programme. Throughout the year, CACSP organizes literary reading events, lectures, presentations and workshops for interested Sidney residents. One more summer event is a series of concerts at Beacon Park. Jazz, rock, classic and folk music roll over the water every Sunday with backdrop views of the ocean and the nearby mountains. And it’s all free.

BC Aviation Museum

Not everyone is an art lover but few can resist a closer look at an old airplane. Near the Victoria Airport is the BC AviaBrentwood Bay: (250)652-1141 tion Museum. Aviation buffs will spend many happy hours Sidney: (250)656-9886 Brentwood Bay:their (250)652-1141 ogling collection. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new Oak Bay: (250)592-5544 SeaFirst Insurance Brokers has been providing our clients with the finest in interest in BC’s rich aviation history. Sidney: (250)656-9886 general insurance services for over 40 years, and is proud to be part of the Pender Island: (250)629-3789 Planes on display include a Spitfire replica, a Gibson Twin Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands, and Greater Victoria area. Our insurance Saanichton: (250)652-5157 Oak Bay: (250)592-5544 services include: SeaFirst Insurance Brokers has been providing our clients with the fi nest in and the only Eastman Sea Rover left in the world. There are • Business • Boat Salt Spring Island: (250)537-5527 Island: (250)629-3789 general insurance services for over 40 years, and is proud to be part of the Pender • Strata • Auto many other aircraft and some helicopters, as well as artifact Westshore: (250)478-9110 SeaFirst Insurance been Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands,•Brokers and Greater has Victoria area. providing Our insurance Saanichton: (250)652-5157 • Home Travel displays. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new interest in clients with the generalseafi insurance services include: rstinsurance.com Callour us today for a free, no-obligation quote atfinest any of our 7in locations! • Business • Boat BC’sIsland: rich(250)537-5527 aviation history. Salt Spring

services for over 40 years, and is proud to be • Strata • Auto part of the Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands, • Home • Travel and Greater Victoria area. Our insurance Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote at any of our 7 locations! services include: • Business

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Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote at any of our 7 locations! Brentwood Bay: (250)652-1141 Sidney: (250)656-9886 Oak Bay: (250)592-5544 Pender Island: (250)629-3789 Saanichton: (250)652-5157 Westshore: (250)478-9110 Salt Spring Island: (250)537-5527

seafirstinsurance.com 32 30

SENIOR LIVING

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Work opportunites

Free Stuff

tuary and Sidney Channel are recognized internationally for One of the best things about retiring in Sidney is the menu their importance to BC seabirds and waterfowl. of free things to enjoy. First, and among the best, is their highly regarded public library. Resthaven Drive branch is open Getting Away Sidney also a Living great place retire because it’s easy to seven days a week. Sidney BIA -isSenior MagtoAd 2015 get away That may File sound• March odd, but23/15 it’s true. One of the During the summer, downtown Sidney is packed Size: with 4.75” w xfrom. 3.5” h • Final events ranging from festivals around books to Shakespeare to a fundraising Bed Race. But the jewel in the crown Top 10 Things To Do of summer is the Thursday night street Ocean Discovery A Vibrant Seaside Town 1 Shaw market. Thursday nights, between May Centre Aquarium and mid-August, Beacon Avenue is the waterfront 2 Stroll Sculpture Walk closed off and fills with thousands of the unique 3 Shop locals and visitors. Cruise ships porting boutiques in Victoria have bus tours available for Discover local history at 4 Sidney Museum & Archives passengers, so they can join the fun. the Salish Sea on a 5 Explore Any visitor would appreciate the Wildlife/Whale Watching Tour Sidney Canada Day Parade. This hourVisit Sidney, a vibrant Seaside town! Enjoy culinary offerings, Peninsula outdoor recreation, and a diverse shopping district with over 300 6 Saanich long spectacle of entertaining, invenWineries shops and services. As the gateway to Vancouver Island, Sidney tive floats meanders through the middle the shores and 7 Kayaking is located five minutes from the Victoria International Airport and nearby Gulf Islands of town. At the other end of the year, the Washington State and BC Ferry terminals. to Sidney Spit for there’s the Christmas Parade, called 8 Ferry a day at the beach Whether you enjoy kayaking, crabbing, whale watching, bike “Sidney Sparkles.” Both of these events will love nearby riding, boating, fishing or simply walking at the water’s edge, 9 Kids Butterfly Gardens attract about 10,000 cheering fans. Sidney has it all. Visit distinctlysidney.ca for a list of special 15 minute drive to the events and businesses. A free and popular year-round ac10 world-renowned Butchart Gardens tivity in Sidney is birdwatching. The distinctlysidney.ca Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanc-

The butcher, the baker, the freshness maker. The best part of my afternoon? Enjoying his signature homemade bread.

Independent and assisted living choices for today’s senior. Shawn, Head Chef, has been with us since we opened our doors in 2005. We prepare 99% of our meals from scratch; our in-house butchering and commitment to using local and seasonal ingredients makes everyone happy.

2290 Henry Ave. Sidney | 250.656.8827 peninsulanorgarden.ca LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED by THE TIDMAN GROUP PREPARED FOR: NORGARDEN PUBLICATION: SENIOR LIVING_”SHAWN” WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM SIZE: 7.25” X 4.75” PREPARED BY: BRAVO ADVERTISING 250 590 1169

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luxuries of retirement is being able to travel with no deadlines and on your own terms. And whether you want to fly to Europe or drive to shopping in Oregon, Sidney has strategic advantages. For one thing, it’s close to the Victoria International Airport. Several major airlines have non-stop flights from Victoria to Toronto, the US and Mexico. Regional airlines serve destinations all over BC and the rest of the coast. When you’re travelling to the Mainland, you don’t even need your car. Sidney is only a few kilometres south of the Swartz Bay terminal for BC Ferries. Buses run to and from the terminal every 20 minutes. If you travel in the US, Sidney is the only Canadian port

Washington State Ferries

for the Washington State Ferry. However, no service is available from late December to late March – their winter season. The rest of the year, a daily voyage takes less than three hours through the San Juan Islands to Anacortes, Washington. This makes Sidney ground zero for getting away from Victoria.

Volunteer

Speaking of Anacortes, when you make your home in Sidney, you can involve yourself in the sister cities association: sidneysistercitiesassociation.com Sidney has three sister cities: Anacortes, Washington; Cairns, Queensland, Australia; and the city of Niimi in Japan. In fact, this association is only one of dozens of volunteer opportunities that can ease your introduction to Sidney. Whether your interest is archaeology, the arts, community celebrations or business, there’s a group of likeminded people that will SL welcome your contributions. For more information on Sidney and its many attractions, visit the municipal website http://www.sidney.ca/, the Sidney page at Destination BC http:// www.hellobc.com/sidney.aspx and the Sidney Business Improvement Association, http://distinctlysidney.ca/

Getting there is half the fun. For more information, call 888-808-7977 or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov

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Order Toll-Free: 250-655-3141 or 1-877-704-2433 For Weekly Menu visit our website: www.Chefontherun.net M-F 9-5 | Sat. 10-5 at 9781b 2nd Street, Sidney, BC. WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

55+ BC Games

For Life, Sport, and Friends

BY JOHN THOMSON

ive months away and they’ll be here before you know it. This year’s annual celebration of sport and active living, the 55+ BC Games (August 25th through 29th), begins with the always impressive parade of athletes. “Some of the groups really get decked out,” says Jeremy Whittingstall, the Public Relations Chair of the North Vancouver organizing committee, the host of the 2015 Games. “Every year it’s different and every year the opening ceremonies try to outdo each other, so it’s kind of exciting to find out where the Creative Director takes it. Last year, there were skits and actors, so I can only imagine that this year is going to be even bigger and more exciting.” “Will Daniel Craig be escorting Her Majesty in a helicopter for an impromptu drop-in as we saw in London?” I ask, referring to the sketch in which an actor dressed up as the Queen paraglided into the stadium to kick off the 2012 London Olympics. “I can’t confirm or deny,” laughs Whittingstall. He assures me the team has a few tricks up its sleeve which, in all likelihood, will not involve Daniel Craig. This year will be the 27th incarnation of the event and the first under its new moniker, the 55+ BC Games, formerly called the BC Seniors Games. The Games attracts masters champions, people who pursued sports in their youth and seniors who have recently picked up a sport and like it. Take Nanaimo resident Dee Pitcher, for example. Dee had never played pickleball; indeed she had only heard of the game before she emigrated from South Africa in 2009. She played it and she liked it. Two years later, she co-founded the Nanaimo Pickelball Club and saw it grow from an initial enrollment of 20 members in 2011 to over 200 today. Club members did well at last year’s Games in Langley and Dee won silver in mixed doubles. She aims to do better this year. She plays every week, so she’s well-prepared for her return in August. “Were practicing all the time,” says Dee. “You’re always focussing on the next tournament.” Dee’s return to the 55+ BC Games is sandwiched between the National Pickleball Championship in July and the Nanaimo Club’s own tournament in September. Busy, busy. Twenty-seven Games events are on tap this year ranging from archery to whist – card games to athletics – with the familiar stalwarts, swimming and track and field commanding a lot of attention. Mountain biking has been dropped (too dangerous) and cricket has been added, a first for the Games and a move that excites North Shore Cricket Club President Bob Jauher.

“We’re in the process of putting a team together,” he says. “We don’t have many members who are 55 and over, so we’re co-operating with other clubs in the Lower Mainland.” North Vancouver Games President Brad Lund promises other changes. “We’re going to try to be one of the greenest Games ever,” he says “We’re going to promote public transit as much as we can, so we’re not running single people around in vehicles. It’s the right thing to do and we’re going to provide the How-Tos and Where-Tos of how to do it.” Having said that, Lund says participants will be shuttled from transit drop-off points to their particular venue, so they’re not climbing those pesky North Shore hills. The kick-off starts next month with the official torch lighting ceremony at Shipbuilders Square May 21st. “It will be a celebratory event essentially ushering in the Games,” says Whittingstall. The torch will be delivered by a seafaring longboat. “The boat has to request permission to land from the local First Nations. The torch will then be handed to an athlete that will be part of the Games and that athlete will bring it up the pier and to the official cauldron. Imagine it being like the Olympics. The torch is lit and the real work gets underway.” Athlete sign in starts August 25th. The Opening Ceremonies and the parade of athletes will take place at the Capilano University Sportsplex August 26th. “Get those rooms booked,” says President Lund. Hotels on the North Shore will fill up pretty quickly as many athletes come from other parts of BC and stay a couple of days. “We usually spend three nights in a hotel,” says Dee, who will be coming from the Island. “We will be promoting a lot of activities for people to do on the North Shore when they’re not participating,” says Lund, referring to North Vancouver’s many attractions, such as the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Grouse Mountain Skyride, among others. Log onto the website www.55plusgames. ca and follow the links for a map of hotels and venues. And don’t forget, there’s still a place for volunteers. “Right now there are opportunities everywhere,” says Whittingstall. “There is literally a job for everyone of any age or physical ability.” Volunteers and participants, alike, can now register online. Athletes must register by June 25th. Volunteers can sign up anytime. As this year’s slogan says, participation, of any kind, is all “For Life, Sport, and Friends”… although Daniel Craig SL will not be attending.

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APRIL 2015

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Senior Living expo 2015

Senior Living’s 10th Annual Senior Expo in Victoria was once more a hit with approximately 2500 attendees at this single day event. The Expo, held on Tuesday, March 10th, was an opportunity for readers to meet and interact with the numerous businesses that support the magazine through their advertising. As usual, the event delivered a lot more in the form of entertainment, activities, food and fun.

Here’s just a taste of what the day looked liked:

victoria grandmothers for Africa are a great cause Always some tasty samples to nibble on

Kissing time

victoria Ballroom Dance Society is always a crowd pleaser

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SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING

WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

Time out for High Tea

LEGION MANOR VICTORIA

7601 East Saanich Road, Saanichton BC

Visitors get a chance to spin the wheel for prizes from View Royal Casino

A Great Place to Call Home Legion Membership not required

Large one bedroom corner suite now available for $2,399 per month all inclusive. To book a tour or for other info, please call 250-652-3261 legionmanor@shaw.ca | www.legionmanorvictoria.ca

Lifetime of Style Workshop

The aisles were full all day

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm

The BVDs dance and show band brought a lively mix to the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s musical entertainment.

Van Django - a 4-piece ensemble of talented musicians, specially selected to perform at the Expo by our premier event sponsor Retirement Concepts whose year-long series of concerts will entertain residents and guests.

More Expo on Page 36

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Attend this eye opening workshop on style, colour, trends and body image that will finally help you feel comfortable and confident with clothing that transcends age with professional stylist Teresa Lindsay. She has helped thousands of women and men enjoy the world of fashion through educating them on the tricks of the trade and how to best apply them to your own body and how to make items in wardrobe more fashionable plus how to find unique stores and where to shop! Cost: $20/person, tea will be provided Cash or Credit card accepted at the door. Location: 660 Discovery Street at her studio (next door to Discovery Coffee)

teresa 1/4

BONUS! Six names will be drawn for a limo guided shopping trip with Teresa to discover great locations to find fashions around the city. Sign up and bring a girlfriend or loved one for a great afternoon! Phone or email to register: 250-818-8778 or teresa@vic42.com

WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

APRIL 2015 2015 APRIL

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senior Living expo 2015

Featured Simon Chang Spring Collection

This year, for the first time, a fashion show was held as part of the Senior Expo to promote local retailers and feature Canadian designers who create apparel that is flattering for mature women, and trendy. The models were a select group of Senior Living staff and friends wearing outfits from Victoria retailers Sunday’s Snowflakes, taylor Lynn, Suzanne’s & Jenny’s and Mercedes Lane Too. We were also pleased to feature a selection of Spring Collection fashions from Canadian designer Simon Chang.

First ever

senior expo

Fashion show was a hit!

Lori

Margo Retailer: Sunday’s Snowflakes

barbara

pat n Retailer: Suzanne’s & Jenny’s

Fashion expert Teresa Lindsay coordinated, choreographed and commentated the event. Studio Robazzo provided a stunning backdrop for the stage against which to showcase the fashions.

Lorraine

Retailer: taylor Lynn

RETaiLER: Mercedes Lane too

pat b

Retailer: Mercedes Lane Too

Christine (on the cover of this issue), a staff member at Senior Living, was featured in the fashion show wearing a Phonak Compilot II provided by our fashion show sponsor, Connect Hearing. This Bluetooth streaming accessory allows users to enjoy cell phone calls and high-clarity stereo sound quality for multimedia audio through their hearing aids.

Looking for Senior Housing? BC Housing Directory Senior Living Housing Directory is a valuable online resource for seniors and family members looking for alternative housing to match their desired lifestyle, or medical/mobility needs. www.seniorlivingmag.com/housingdirectory Over

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SENIOR LIVING SENIOR LIVING

500 senior residences and housing communities throughout BC are listed in this comprehensive directory. Compare services, amenities, and prices. Sort your selection by region, or type of care.

To Move or Not to Move? A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residen�al Op�ons Advice from professionals who are experts in the area of assisting seniors with their relocation questions and concerns. This 128 page book provides helpful, easy to read information and suggestions to help seniors and their families understand the decisions they need to make. For more information or to order, visit our website at www.seniorlivingmag.com/bookstore or call toll free 1-877-479-4705.

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O N LY5 $9.9

Grandparenting

The Important Role of Grandparents BY KATHY LYNN

randparents are important. They play a number of different roles in families. They may be a safety net when things are going badly. They are the babysitters of choice when parents want to have an evening out. They are the keepers of the family stories, and they are the adults who have time to play and they just may have some good advice. Parents who wake up one morning and discover their child has a runny nose and a fever are often in a real dilemma. This child cannot go to school or daycare, but doesn’t need serious nursing. There is an important meeting at work. Who can they call? Well, the grandparents, of course. When grandparents live nearby they are often willing back-up daycare providers. Grandparents know and love the kids, know the routine, and the sick child is comfortable being cared for by these adults. It’s a win-win. On a more serious note, grandparents can be saviours for families when there is a hospitalization of either a parent or child. My friends Peggy and Colin, who are grandparents, found themselves doing regular care for a one-year-old when his brother was going through cancer treatment. The parents were busy at the hospital, so the grandparents stepped in and took over with the baby. It relieved a lot of stress from the already challenged family. Young couples with children can easily be overwhelmed with the 24/7 responsibilities of child raising that they lose sight of their own needs and the needs of their marriage. While looking after baby is a joy, it is also unremitting. I can recall many times when I was with my daughter and her babies (she has twins) and all she wanted to do was have a shower. Another time, she wanted to go grocery shopping without having to bring along the children. Her idea of heaven that day was to go grocery shopping all alone and even have the luxury of stopping for a coffee. I looked after the kids for an hour, which was very short in my figuring, but a wonderful eternity for her. One great gift grandparents can give their children is regular date nights. A night when they can simply go out for dinner and a movie or dancing or whatever they fancy. The trick is to offer this. Often the young parents will ask for help when there is a specific need like a work-related event, but are less comfortable asking to just have a Saturday night to go out together and have a good time without worrying about the kids. The secret is that the grandparents also love these times. This is our time with the kids, and get to know them without their parents around. It’s magical. Once kids are old enough, grandparents can hold pyjama parties and have a child spend the night with them. One grandparent recently told me that he and his wife have developed some traditions the kids count on. Whenever any of the grandchildren are coming over it’s pizza night followed by ice

cream cones. The kids get to watch videos with their grandparents and a great time is had by all. It doesn’t matter what the tradition is, the point is that visiting the grandparents is special and fun and the kids can count on what’s going to happen. Grandparents are also the keepers of the family stories and have the time and willingness to tell them. Everything from the recent story of the day the grandchild was born, to stories about the parents’ childhoods, grandparents’ childhoods, to the origins of the family. The stories are a touchstone for the kids. It gives them a sense of belonging and continuity; they are part of something much bigger than themselves. Grandparents who are interested in studying the genealogy of the family can not only tell the kids the stories, but also include them in the research. Once they are old enough, children love to help their elders figure out how to do research online. Marie-Claire, a young mom with a toddler and baby, told me the greatest gift her mother gives her kids is that she not only has time to play, the child gets to choose the activity. She will play the same game over and over until the child calls a halt. Grandparents will know about the time-tested and age-old games and be curious and interested in some of the new toys out on the market. With little ones, simply silly games like peek-a-boo or this little pig went to market are games grandparents will play and love to play. Of course, don’t start a game you will hate because once you have played something with your grandchild, he will expect it every time. Often before you even have your coat off! Then there is the question of advice. The rule of thumb is to only give advice when asked. If you become the critical grandparent, you will not be very popular. Just because you raised your kids doesn’t mean you are seen as the advisor. If you wait until asked, you will find your kids will ask more often. If you listen respectfully to the choices they are making, you will become engaged in the process of raising the kids. There is a challenge when you are concerned with something you are seeing. If you have one or two basic parenting beliefs you can back up with research, express them clearly. For example, it is never appropriate to hit a child and the research is clear that the risks of negative outcomes are absolute. On the other hand, we can understand the frustration that may cause a parent to hit, so we need to help our child with their frustration and help them learn more positive parenting practices. Being a supportive grandparent means simply being there for SL your child and your grandchildren. Kathy Lynn is a parenting expert, professional speaker and author. To learn more, visit www.parentingtoday.ca

WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

APRIL 2015

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Coming up

Ring of Fire

Barkerville

Project Johnny Cash

Billy Barker’s legendary gold strike on Williams Creek triggered a multi-billion dollar industrial revolution that literally built a province. Today, the extraordinary historic town of Barkerville is a living testament to British Columbia’s golden beginnings. With a unique streetscape of 125+ heritage buildings, authentic displays, satellite museums, restaurants, shops and accommodations, there is still so much to explore. www.barkerville.ca See ad page 40

Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. Conceived by William Meade

until April

The Mousetrap

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April 24 - May 30

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June 12 - August 29 call about our

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SENIOR LIVING

VIC-SLM-Spin2win

PENNY LANE bistro & bar

Don’t miss our Easter weekend egg and bunny hunt with your grandkids, April 3-6th. Stay for afternoon tea (kids menu available). Spring brings thousands of flowering bulbs, shrubs and trees bursting with bloom. Check out the benefits of a 12-month pass offering unlimited visits for one year from date of activation, plus bring friends or family at a discounted rate (some restrictions apply). www.butchartgardens.com See ad page 39

Chemainus Theatre

“Ring of Fire: Project Johnny Cash” is a musical tribute to the Man in Black – ends April 11th. Don’t miss this spectacular show. Authored by the queen of mystery, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” comes to life April 24th – May 30th. Who will escape Monkswell Manor when a snowstorm traps curious guests, a police detective and a killer? Nestled in the seaside community of Chemainus, this vibrant and fully professional theatre features some of the finest performers in Canada. www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca See ad page 38

Cinecenta at University of Victoria

Cinecenta is an inexpensive movie alternative for students and the public at large. Cinecenta loves seniors. Their cozy 300-seat theatre and terrific concession bar features tasty baked goods and great coffee. Popcorn with real butter at no extra cost too! Seniors (65+) only $5.75. www.cinecenta.com See ad page 39

Victoria Operatic Society

VOS proudly presents Les Misérables on the McPherson Playhouse stage. This international smash-hit may be the most popular musical in the world. Set in the early 19th-century France, it is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his quest for redemption after serving 19 years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread. This tale will sweep you along into the revolutionary period where a group of young idealists make their last stand at a street barricade. www.vos.bc.ca See ad page 39

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White Pass & Yukon Steam Spectacular

View Royal Casino

View Royal Casino is excited to announce an expanded dining area! Starting in May, relax on our new Patio with gas-burning fireplaces, heaters & great lineup of Entertainers! Now fully licensed, you can enjoy a cocktail, martini, wine, beer, or cooler throughout the casino. Visit www. viewroyalcasino.com See ad page 38

Join our informave guide and fellow seniors aboard this scenic 5 day excursion, July 9-13th

West Coast Rail Tours

Travel stress-free on our well-guided, scenic group tours to either majestic Haida Gwaii (10 days) or aboard the famous White Pass & Yukon Steam train (5 days). Each tour includes local home pick-up/ drop-off, all transportation, accommodation, and most meals. Visit www.westcoastrailtours.com See ad page 39

Ride the world-famous “Yukon Adventure” Fraser Meadows steam train from Whitehorse to Skagway and back. Journey up steep grades and cliﬀ-hanging turns to historic Carcross and the gold rush town of Lake Benne. From $1,799 includes Franc Follies vaudeville show, rail, airfare, accommodaon, most meals and local home pick-up and drop-oﬀ

Check out some of our other tours! West Coast Rail Tours 1-800-722-1233 604-524-1011

www.westcoastrailtours.com

Spring Blossoms and Lunch Package April 1st - 30th, 2015 The package includes admission to The Gardens, plus a 2 course lunch (offering a choice of appetizer and main course). For more information visit butchartgardens.com or phone 866.652.4422

WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

APRIL 2015

39 14

It’s Just That Easy! Be Prepared!

t’s in the news again, reminding everyone that we need to be aware and prepared in the event of an earthquake hitting our coastline. Mother Nature does not phone ahead to let us know what is coming. Anytime an earthquake happens somewhere in the world, we all take notice for a few days and ask ourselves what we should do if it happens to us. Some homeowners are pro-active and are ready. Others are not. If you fall into the latter category, cut out the list below and get all the recommended items in order. Don’t wait, or it may be too late.

Basic Emergency Kit: • Water – at least two litres of water per person per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order • Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year) • Manual can-opener

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• Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries) • Wind-up or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) • First aid kit • Special items such as prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities • Extra keys for your car and house • Some cash in smaller bills, such as $5 and $10, and change for payphones • A copy of your emergency plan and contact information • You may want to ensure you have a corded phone, as most cordless phones will not work during a power outage.

Recommended Additional Items: • Candles and matches or lighter (remember to place candles in sturdy containers and to put them out before going to sleep) • A change of clothing and footwear for each household member • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member • A whistle (in case you need to attract attention) • Garbage bags for personal sanitation • Toilet paper and other personal care supplies • Safety gloves • Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, fasteners, work gloves) • Small fuel-driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturer’s directions and store properly) • Two litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning (jugs of water can be lined along the bottom of a deep freezer, for future use, and can keep your freezer contents from spoiling for a longer time should there be an extended power outage). Ensure everyone in your family knows the planned escape route from your home, in case of an emergency. You should also have an escape route planned for the workplace, school and church. Also make sure your cellphone is always SL charged! To learn more about how you can be prepared for a disaster, visit www.AskShell.com Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Home Service Referral Network provides qualified trades (vetted by Shell) to homeowners. For more information, go to www.askshell.com and join Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Club. Phone: 604-542-2236.

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SENIOR LIVING

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BY PAT NICHOL

Island Road Tripping

Photo: Frances Litman

COURAGEOUS and OUTRAGEOUS “Road trips aren’t measured by mile markers, but by moments.”

hen was the last time you answered your phone and a friend’s voice on the other end said “Want to go on a road trip”? If it hasn’t happened lately, maybe, after reading this column, you will do just that to a friend or two. Here on Vancouver Island, there are opportunities and ideas for many kinds of delightful road trips. These are some of my favourites – all accomplished in one day, unless we choose to stay in a delightful B&B and explore the area further. Travelling up Island from Victoria, we stop in Chemainus to wander and wonder at the murals that have made this small town famous. There are several fun places to have tea or a meal and lots of shops to poke your nose in, even if window shopping is all you have in mind. If you have time, don’t go back to the highway, but continue on the secondary road that meanders along the water. Connect with the highway later or stay on the secondary road and discover charming places you may never otherwise see. Another day trip takes you on a sea voyage. Gather two or three friends and jump on a ferry to Salt Spring Island. While

Saturday is the day for the market, which is bustling and exciting, it is also very busy. I prefer to go over midweek when I can feel less like a tourist and more like I belong there. My daughters and I try to do this trip at least once a year. We catch an early ferry and arrive in the village of Ganges just in time to have a great breakfast at the Treehouse restaurant. By the time we finish our meal, the shops have begun to open. First stop is always just across from the restaurant to see what artist Jill Louise Campbell has created recently. The rest of the day is spent wandering and then leisurely making our way back to the ferry terminal for the short ride home. These are just two of the road trips that can done to create lasting memories. I know you have many ideas of places close by you would like to see. Why not pick up the phone, call a friend SL (or a grandkid) and happily suggest “Road Trip!”

Live Well. Age Well.

Please visit our website under “How to Help” at www.niwra.org

Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Reach her by email at mpatnichol@gmail.com

WIldlIfe legaCIes If you are interested in making a living Will or leaving a legacy in your Will to North Island Wildlife Recovery Association, please email us at wildlife@niwra.org for a brochure & video. We provide care to critically sick, injured and orphaned wildlife such as eagles, owls, song birds and black bears. Help care for these animals by partnering with us through your legacy gift or donation.

THEY DEPEND ON US, AND WE DEPEND ON YOU...

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APRIL 2015

41 34

Fit for the Adventure Add More Challenge to Your Walking Workout

alking is a fun and easy way to keep fit – most anyone can do it! And it’s an activity you can do wherever your travels take you. Even at a moderate pace of three miles per hour (for at least 30 minutes on most days), walking will strengthen the heart, improve circulation, combat depression, boost the immune system, improve sleep, prevent osteoporosis, prevent and control diabetes, and help control weight. Walking provides less impact to the joints than running, which makes it a great activity for a new exerciser or an injured one. And you burn the same amount of calories walking a mile as running a mile – it just takes you longer to walk it!

Trails & Treks

2015 Season Come and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us in Saanich. Free Guided Walks, rain or shine, no registration necessary!

GENTLE WALK & TALK Thursdays, 9:30-11:00am. Apr 2 - Sayward Hill Meet at Lochside Park

Apr 9 - Bow Park

Meet at Gordon Head Rec Ctre

Apr 16 - Arbutus Cove Meet at Arbutus Cove Park

Apr 23 - Outterbridge Park Meet at McMinn Park

WEEKEND SPRING FLOWER WALK Sunday April 19th, 1:00-3:00pm.

Meet at UVic parking lot #10

For complete listing call 250-475-5408 or visit www.saanich.ca/parkrec/parks/trails/

BY EVE LEES

Here are some ideas to make your walking workout more of a challenge: 1. Change the surface. Walking on sand or soft grass can make your workout a little harder as the muscles are challenged and used in a different way. 2. Walk faster. Walking too slow won’t get your heart rate up. Picking up the pace increases the intensity of the walk. 3. Try interval training. Add short bursts of speed or an occasional steep hill or a staircase to your walking workout. This increases the intensity and your calories burned. 4. Use your arms. Swing your arms to keep the intensity up. Holding light weights as you walk is not a good idea but you can consider wearing a weighted vest. This keeps the weight closer to your centre of gravity, and avoids joint overuse injuries created by swinging weights. You can also involve the arms and upper body more by using walking poles, like Nordic Walkers do, to benefit the upper body and increase your calorie burning. 5. Cross train. Try other activities to involve other muscles, keep your body challenged, and alleviate boredom. Hiking, step aerobics, bicycling, skiing, are just some of many ideas. Your footwear should be suited for walking to lower injury risk and ensure you’re getting all the benefits of the activity. Shop for a walking shoe you can easily bend and twist at mid foot. With each walking step, the foot should be allowed to flex as you roll from heel to toe. Walkers have more impact at the heel, so the shoe should have more shock absorbency in that area. Running shoes are not designed for walking. The bulkier bottom of the running shoe is designed to absorb higher impact than walking. When walking, there is less clearance of the foot from the ground, so the thicker bottom of a running shoe may drag causing you to stumble at faster walking speeds. Avoid wearing your hiking boots for long-distance walking. Boots offer necessary support for the hiking trail, but they do not provide forward motion features and lack the lightness and SL flexibility needed for street use. Eve Lees was a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Counsellor for 30 years. Currently she is a Freelance Health Writer and Speaker. www. artnews-healthnews.com

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CLASSIFIEDS

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COLLECTOR SEEKING vintage/collectable cameras, binoculars and microscopes. Nikon, Leica, Contax, Rolleiflex, Zeiss, Canon, etc. Mike 250-383-6456 or e-mail: msymons6456@telus.net (Victoria)

WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, old photographs, and pre1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Please call Michael 250-652-9412 or email fenian@shaw.ca

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cialist Marcia R.N.,B.Sc.N. 250-686-3081. Victoria Area. Let Me Help You Be Well.

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en the mind. First 5 lessons $99. Victoria to Sidney. Call 250-384-1229.

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bile foot care nurses. Debbie Mason LPN and John Patterson LPN. Home, facility, and hospital visits. Experienced, qualified nursing foot care for toenails, corns, calluses and ingrown nails. Direct billing for DVA clients. 250-390-9266. WANTED: Old stereo/audio equipment. Any condition.

Amplifiers, turntables, speakers, receivers etc. Honest/ friendly. Victoria and V.I. Call Bob, 250 896 2268, northtowns26@gmail.com SANDY FOR SENIORS Transportation to appointments, shopping, cooking, cleaning and odd jobs. Caring, reliable, honest. Bonded and insured. 250-216-0253. HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE provides compassionate, personalized home care services customized to your needs in your own home. Our CAREGiversSM are extensively dementia-trained, bonded, insured, professional, and matched to clients’ preferences. For a complimentary care consultation in home or our office, call 250-382-6565. www.homeinstead.ca/victoriabc BARBS MOBILE HAIRDRESSING Mill Bay to Ladysmith.

M/F Call 250-715-6568.

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ists SINCE 1991. Moving? Aging in place? Need help? Don’t know where to start? Let us take care of all the details from start to finish. Call. Jane 250-721-4490 Victoria and the Island, John 778-628-0725 Vancouver for a free estimate www.victoriamoves.com

SENSUAL MASSAGE. Are you missing touch? I’m a Certified Sexological Bodyworker, I work with Couples and Individuals. Sher 250-889-4166 or sexeducator@telus.net DOWNSIZING? OVERWHELMED? Downsizing Diva can

take the stress out of a move. Sorting, packing, unpacking, advising, and more. Free estimate call Cathy 250 634 3207. BBB

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ing our clients lead dignified independent lifestyles. Greater Victoria.250-213-3684 www.havenhomecare.ca

DEBI’S MOBILE HAIR SERVICES in the comfort of your home for everyone in your family. Serving the Victoria area. Please call Debi at 250-477-7505.

Personal & Small Business Taxes, Professional Service, Reasonable Rates, In Home & Remote service available Jan Kuprowsky & Janet Ward 778-402-4211 www.stellarstax.ca

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING $45 for 20 words or less. $1.75/extra word. Red Spot 10% Prepaid discounts on 6+ Boxed Ads. Call for Details. Classified ads must be paid with booking - 15th of the month Cheque / Credit Card Accepted 250-479-4705 or 1-877-479-4705 office@seniorlivingmag.com Cheques payable to: Senior Living, Magazine 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1

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AFFORDABLE, SAFE, COMFORTABLE HOUSING For INDEPENDENT LIVING SENIORS North Park Manor Society is accepting applications for Bachelor & 1 Bedroom Suites. Maximum rent 30% of income for qualifying Seniors

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FOREVER BY WILLIAM THOMAS

The Driverless Car – It’s Here!

o, I’m reading this newspaper article on how a fleet of amazing driverless cars will be ready to take to North American roads in less than four years. That’s right, well before the end of this decade you will be motoring down the highway in a car using its own operational system with reflexes and road etiquette way better than yours. Driverless cars are equipped with sensors, radar, GPS systems, Google mapping, stereo cameras, accelerometers, gyroscopes, algorithmic equations and two drink holders – one for the passenger and one for the guy who’s not driving the car. Self-driving test vehicles are already legal on the roads of Nevada and California. We may not have gotten that “flying car” they promised us decades ago, but the “van with no man” is coming at us like a runaway train. In America, self-driving Toyota Prius have already logged 483,000 kilometres without a signal accident. That’s fine as long as Google’s working. However, on the day “This Page Is Not Available” pops up on search sites, every car in North American will immediately crash into each other. It’ll look like the roads in Russia on Vodka Appreciation Day or China, every day. Normally, I would be against a robot driving my car but, seriously, if it gets rid of my backseat driver… I’m all for it. However, if that genius Prius thinks for one minute it’s going to select the tunes, I’ll be forced to put a Club lock on its steering wheel. Still, questions about self-driving vehicles remain. For instance, could you nap in the backseat while your car drives you home from work? Could you pre-program the itinerary so instead of going to Whiterock for the day you, in fact, send the in-laws to Tierra de Fuego, Chile? If your autonomous car refuses to follow your instructions and dismisses you as a “stupid human,” is there a button you can push to blow it up? Could oversized car seats be installed in the back for guys to sit there looking at the scenery and playing “I Spy” because I think that would be a really cool way to travel? If you do get into an accident, would you be obligated to go to court and testify against your own car? At Tim Horton’s Drive-Thru, would your driverless car have to remind the server to stir the coffee and cut the bagel completely in half? And, of course, the question that has plagued men for 25 years… while watching a movie curled up on the backseat going 100 kilometres down the highway sucking on a Slurpee, could you actually tape another movie on another channel at the same time? If, as scientists claim, that humans will one day have sex with robots and we all know how much men love their cars… well, do 46 44

SENIOR LIVING

you think self-driving cars will one day be able to reproduce? Not giving birth to full-size vehicles, obviously, but maybe little gocarts or hybrid bumper cars? As I’m reading about all these incredible features the futuristic self-driving vehicle will have, I thought… hey! Wait just a New Yorker minute. My brother-in-law Danny already has one of those. Really. In fact, just the other day we were sitting in his brand new Toyota Rav4 and Dan was showing me how he could watch his car move on the dashboard screen with sensors that show how close he was getting to the curb and a brightly-coloured graph that shows him how much fuel he has in the tank and how many kilometres he can go before he runs out and the Bluetooth voiceactivated communications system that serves as a cell phone and the album covers that pop up on the screen to indicate the song, the artist and some of the words and the two-way talkie GPS and the memory stick that gives you unlimited pre-recorded CDs and… and all of this would have been fine if we had been sitting in his car, idling in the driveway. Unfortunately, we were travelling at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour down Highway #5 between Buffalo and Dunkirk, New York as oncoming cars were taking to the shoulder and drivers – yes, those cars had drivers – were gesticulating and flashing us the finger or pointing excitedly to our side of the road where we would normally be if Dan had not been completely absorbed by all the new, flashing gadgets on a dashboard that looks more like the instrument panel of a 747 passenger jet. At one point I yelled: “The car, Dan! You have to steer the car, too!” Yeah, my brother-in-law Dan has a driverless car, mainly because he’s so completely absorbed with all the bells and whistles on his new car that he forgets to steer and work the pedals. Can somebody tell me how a man with a brand new shiny toy is not designated as a distracted driver even before he gets the damn thing off the lot? In four years, when the real driverless cars become available, the automobile industry would be wise to give one to my brotherin-law for free. It would be best for everybody on the road, particularly a few hundred Western New York drivers who failed to make SL it to the nearest rest stop. For comments, ideas and copies of The True Story of Wainfleet, visit www.williamthomas.ca

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