The art of charcuterie
ART Using art to personalize your space TOTAL TRANSFORMATION Award-winning renovation is all about the view
PLAY YOUR ART OUT
AT WITH
BEAUTIFUL BOARDS
HOME
CENTRAL ISLAND LIFE AT ITS FINEST FALL 2022
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Custom cabinet lengths ensure no space goes to waste. Custom oak shelves with metal detailing adds to the light and airy design style.
Standard dovetailed drawers show off customizable cutlery and dishware organizers. The dishwasher is hidden by a custom cabinet panel. The lower cabinets are finished in Parchement Matte.
Moving the peninsula expanded the entrance and created a larger kitchen layout - making room for an additional bank of drawers and more countertop surface.
Beauty on the inside. And out.
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“You Want It! We’ve Got It! Come Get It!” WE’VE GOT INVENTORY! Thank You for voting Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress Gordy Dodd, Founder 4900 Uplands Drive, Nanaimo It’s worth the Drive to Dodd’s! www.doddsfurniture.com CELEBRATING45ONVANCOUVERISLAND “Thank you Nanaimo, for Shopping Local!” YEARS BUSINESSIN FurnitureMattressFamily-OwnedFurniture&Store&MattressDestinationSleepGallery Voted Nanaimo’s #1 FURNITUREBESTSTORE 2018 – 2019 – 2020 – 2021 – 2022 Nanaimo’s ’ FURNITURE & MATTRESS ’ FURNITURE & MATTRESS NANAIMONEWSBULLETIN THEBEST OF THECITYTHEBEST OF THECITY #12022
6 boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022 FEATURES 36 TOTALTRANSFORMATION Award-winning renovation is all about the view B y Sandra Jones 50 ART & FASHION High fashion inspires the self like art stirs the soul B y Sarah D’Arcey 56 AT HOME WITH ART Using art to personalize your space By Jane Zatylny 68 BEAUTIFUL BOARDS T he art of charcuterie B y Ellie Shortt 76 HIGH IN LONDON Experiences with a view B y Susan Lundy CONTENTS On the Cover Photo by Lia Crowe Model Niamh Harold wears a vintage Armani suit on Chesterman Beach in Tofino. Styling by Sarah D’Arcey; makeup and hair by Jenny McKinney. 68 FASHION 50 26
7boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022 DEPARTMENTS 8 CONTRIBUTORS 10 EDITOR’S LETTER Another trip to the loo B y Susan Lundy 12 LIFE.STYLE.ETC. Br ian Balsdon B y Lia Crowe 14 DESIGN NOTES Ar t stroll B y Janice Jefferson 16 WELL AND GOOD All things adaptogen B y Kaisha Scofield 20 WEEKENDER Inhaling the still beauty of t he Cariboo B y Lauren Kramer 26 IN STUDIO Rising from the storm: John Marston B y Sean McIntyre 30 GOOD TASTE It’s wine o’clock in the C owichan Valley B y Laura Langston 36 44 BUSINESS CLASS Hoxton Home is where the heart is B y Sean McIntyre 86 SECRETS AND LIVES Caitlyn McKenzie B y Angela Cowan 88 NARRATIVE Aloha Kauai B y Linda Doctoroff 90 BEHIND THE STORY Photo contributed 3050
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DOCTOROFFLINDA
Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca boulevardmagazines.com
DESIGN Michelle Gjerde Tammy Robinson Kelsey Boorman
ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke Vicki AndreaClarkRosato-Taylor
Victoria Boulevard ® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. Printed in Canada. Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.
CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe
“Sometimes deeply personal, other times collaborative, art takes shape from the medium and transforms from the setting—and nothing could be more true for this month’s food feature. Conceptualizing, creating (and consuming) edible boards is my favourite artful food expression, and being able to brainstorm and execute this piece with the Boulevard team was so much fun. It was one of my favourite articles to write and shoots to stage, and hopefully it offers some inspirational guidance for readers as we slowly start to share spaces, experiences and flavours with our loved ones again.” Ellie Shortt is a certified nutritionist, food writer and regular columnist for Boulevard.
ATWRITERHOME WITH ART
PAGE 56
“Writing this article reminded me that the best way to build any art collection is to slowly choose pieces you love.” A former art gallery administrator, Jane Zatylny is a regular contributor to Boulevard, as well as a communications specialist, magazine writer and the owner of Fernwood Fashionista, an Etsy vintage shop.
ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy
“From the moment the plane landed at the airport in Kauai, I was captivated with the beauty surrounding me, acutely aware of my senses springing to life after a long dormancy. Each morning I wrote in my journal, capturing the first moment of the sun rising in the darkened sky, the splash of colour against the black canvas awakening me. I was turning the corner of a milestone birthday and celebrating it in Kauai seemed like the perfect antidote to this passage.” Linda, who likes to hike, bike and kayak, is once again travelling to far-off places, immersing herself in their offerings.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan
CENTRAL ISLAND LIFE AT ITS FINEST FALL 2022
CONTRIBUTING Angela Cowan
BOULEVARD GROUP Mario Gedicke PUBLISHER info@blvdmag.ca250.891.5627
WRITERS Lia JaneEllieKaishaSeanLauraLaurenSandraJaniceLindaSarahCroweD’ArceyDoctoroffJeffersonJonesKramerLangstonMcIntyreScofieldShorttZatylny
ELLIE SHORTT
BEAUTIFULWRITER BOARDS
ALOHAWRITERKAUAI
PHOTOGRAPHERS Don LanceDentonSullivan
PAGE 68
JANE ZATYLNY
MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy
CIRCULATION & Marilou Pasion DISTRIBUTION 604.542.7411
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Modern Furniture. Island Owned. Coming this Fall. Between4906chester-fields.comWellingtonRd.KMSTools and Fawcett Mattress
Then there was the pub bathroom discovered behind a secret door that looked like a bookshelf; the underground restroom accessed dungeon-style by a narrow set of stairs winding through cramped concrete walls; and the tiny, tiny loo, in which I’d chosen to change from jeans to shorts and barely had room to untie my shoelaces. Bruce’s experience in the men’s washroom at a bus station left him muttering “just a wall for the men, really.”
It required another trip to the loo.
My daughter Danica’s art opening at the prestigious White Cube in London, England was everything you’d expect: chichi outfits, flutes of Prosecco, little canapé sandwiches…and, of course, lots of art.
CROWELIABYPHOTO
Too bad the night ended in “The Toilet.”
What can I say? Between pints of British beer and cups of tepid tea (actually, make that red wine and coffee), bathrooms beckoned. And the array was dizzying. For example, there was the public restroom on floor 35 of the spectacular building The Shard. Here, the only thing more stunning than the view was the shock of plunking down on a heated (!) toilet seat.
Finally it was time for the after party! Were we wrong to envision “the club” as a quiet, elegant, wood-panelled room with ornate carpet, high-backed antique chairs and perhaps a grand old wooden bar serving Glenlivet in cut-glass tumblers?
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But the toilet following the art show was the most memorable of all.
Susan Lundy is a former journalist who now works as an editor, author and freelance writer. Her latest book, Home on the Strange, was released earlier this year via Heritage House Publishing.
Washrooms became a bit of a theme in this trip to London, which is documented elsewhere in this edition of Boulevard. In fact, as I sought out yet another public washroom amid our sightseeing, my husband Bruce wryly remarked, “I see our tour of London toilets continues…”
We arrived early at the gallery event—“we” being me and Bruce, as well as Sandra, the partner of my ex-husband Derrick, who passed away in November. We arrived early, well before dinner, so that Danica could show us the art privately. Next came an hour-long artists’ talk, followed by three hours of art viewing and art chitchatting.Italways seemed we were standing elsewhere (usually in line for Prosecco) when the trays of food were trotted out—so invariably, the delectable-looking bites were just a little beyond our reach. Danica had no time to eat at all. By 10 o’clock we were starving.Planswere set to go to “the club” for the event’s after party. But before that, some 15 of us set out to find food—not an easy task in London where most places close their kitchens early. Eventually, we found an Indian-cuisine restaurant able to accommodate us. I’m not sure I’ve ever attacked a basket of papadums so fiercely. (In an unusual twist, one woman in the group sat down at a table, enjoyed a drink and plate of food…and then left. It turned out everyone assumed she was with someone else and, in fact, no one knew her at all.)
Susan Lundy Editor
We arrived expectantly at our destination and, as Danica’s guests, we were escorted past the long line of patrons awaiting entrance on a steeply descending staircase. At the bottom of the steps, we entered what I now know is called the Bermondsey Arts Club, an art deco bar created in—you guessed it—a former public washroom. To its credit, it gets great reviews. Apparently, it’s a beautiful and trendy— albeit small—bar that serves excellent cocktails in an “intimate” setting. We could see theSteppingintimate.through the doors, we immediately met a crush of people, pulsing music and a thick blanket of hot, moist air (hello, COVID!). Even Bruce—known to enjoy a cocktail bar or two—looked skeptical. We paused long enough to say quick goodbyes and skedaddled back up that crowded stairway.
The plane had just arrived from Glasgow, where a horde of thirsty Scots had left the toilets too full for the next flight, and servicing was required.
tripAnothertotheloo
No matter, it had been a wonderful evening. And four hours after we arrived back at our hotel? It was time to get on a train to Gatwick for our flights home. In this era of convoluted air travel, it’s not surprising that we missed our connection in Calgary due to an hour-long hold-up on the tarmac in Halifax. But the issue that caused the problem seemed rather appropriate to our journey.
“L
BRIAN BALSDON, PRESIDENT OF COUNTRY HOME AND KITCHEN WORDS LIA CROWE X PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON
Frills supermarket and owned and operated Buck horn Renovations (home builder/renovations).
life.style.etc.
“I absolutely love taking the time to meet cus tomers, and I absolutely love procuring exciting new products, especially at Christmas time. I can hardly wait for Christmas this year!”
He goes on to say, “I have the ability to have a variety of conversations with a large variety of topics. It makes each day unique and interesting!”
uckily I’m a Gemini! Okay, some times unluckily,”” Brian says, when asked for his best innate quality.
Brian’s work background reflects this variety as he’s been a store manager for Loblaws companies, which includes Loblaws and Supercentres, he’s owned a No
Now that he is president of Country Home and Kitchen in Duncan, I ask what aspect of his work he loves the most.
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Outside of work, Brian says, he’s passionate about astrology.
“I am comfortable in a pair of Levi’s, dress shirt or stylish T-shirt with comfortable leathers on my feet. For me, good style is a feeling within your own self. If you look in the mirror—at your hair, your outfit, accessories, your shoes—and you feel like a better person…you’ve got style! And just as important, if not more important, is a beautiful smile. Now go walk with a proud gait!”
Fave city to visit: Santorini, Greece.
Favourite hotel: Hotel Goldener Hirsch in Salzburg, Austria.
Fave app: Facebook and Instagram. Favourite place in the world: Wherever friends and family gather.
Fave accessory: My cell phone.
Fave cocktail: Black Russian.
Local restaurant: The Lakehouse in Shawnigan Lake.
Current go-to: Polifroni dress shirt.
Best new purchase: A complete ensemble for my daughter's wedding.
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When it comes to style, Brian’s is very relaxed.
Favourite shoes: Cole Haan dress shoes.
“I love to follow astrology. It’s quite interesting, especially now. The world is changing and it’s all meant be. Wel come to the Age of Aquarius! We are now in the technological age, so be prepared, life is going to change faster than you can imagine.”
Favourite work tool: My mind. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban.
Scent: It’s a toss up between Alfred Sung Homme and Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche.
Favourite denim: Levi’s straight leg.
Fave musician: It’s a draw between Don Henley and Robert Plant.
Era inspiration: Mid-’80s.
TV inspiration: Miami Vice ( okay, I know, I’m showing my age).
Hair product: Kevin Murphy ROUGH.RIDER styling clay.
By Janice Jefferson Modhaus Designs
T
RA t 14 boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022
design notes
stroll
uck into cosy knits and mildly sensible shoes and get set for the fall’s art shows, opening parties and events. Art in all its forms—fashion, industrial design, brush on paper, jewellery—inspire a designer’s heart to create! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 6.
1. Taking Flight 48” x 48”, Mixed media on canvas by Julie King, Gallery Merrick, $3,250 2. Arche-Twingo Cardino Shoes, $328 3. Pierre Cardigan By John and Jean, Sartorial Boutique, $125 4. Springtime on Vancouver Island 8” x 10”, Acrylic and ink on paper by Wanda Fraser, fraserart.ca, $235 5. Brown Glass Vessel 1L + 2 cups, Hoxton Home, $218 6. Phoebe Sweater in Oatmeal By Gentle QuintessentialFawn,Fashions, $89 7. Taking the High Road 24” x 24”, Cold wax on panel by Lynn Harnish, @lynnharnish, $1,400
15boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022 8. ToB (Thing of Beauty) By Jo Contactkilnartglass.comLudwigforpricing 9. White Enamel Pot with Handle Hoxton Home, $170 10. The Navigator 30” x 30”, Collage portrait by Wilma creartfuldodger.wordpress.comMillette,$2,400 11. Sunset Paddle | Lake Cowichan Art by Ronei, ronei.ca. Print options vary 8. 10.9. 11. GOODS TO LIVE WELL 102-437 Fitzwilliam Street Old City Quarter, Nanaimo shop online at www.hoxtonhome.com @hoxton.home timeless & functional household goods & furniture
16 boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022 well and good All adaptogenthings Tools to help battle stress, depressionanxiety,andmore
WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD
It might be time to call in reinforcements.
You may have seen some strange new products pop up in your local coffee shop, like mushroom coffee, ginseng elixirs and turmeric lattes. If you’re a follower of Gwyneth Paltrow, you may have heard her GOOPies drop words like reishi, ashwagandha, rhodiola or schisandra. No, this isn’t an exclusive new GOOP language, they are talking about adaptogens, the latest hack in wellness town. Adaptogens are not new. They are derived from plants that have the ability to aid the body in adapting to daily stressors and/or improving body function. They have been used around the world and studied extensively by non-western medi cine for
As with any product that promises health and wellness, it is wise to be as informed as possible about what you are consuming. Issues can arise if adaptogens are taken incorrectly. For example, they can be ineffective, can cause stimulation while the desired result is relaxation, or even interfere with medications and hor mone balance. rid of summer sun damage the # 1 light-based treatment Forever Young BBL (broad band light) these skin concerns: Brown pigmentation Rosacea and red vessels Improve tone and texture help skin have glowMill Bay, here natural will leave you more like yourself than
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However, acts of self-care are usually initiated only after the stress has become unbearable, and often the last thing I want to do with newfound vacation peace is deal with my stress.
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Today, adaptogens have reached peak popularity in the mainstream wellness industry and, as a result, we are seeing them pop up on coffee shop menus, and in juice bars and cookbooks. Because they are derived from natural plant sources, people find them less intimidating than supplementation. One of the biggest appeals of adaptogens is that they can be paired and customized to the specific needs of the user.
Treats
Yes, we know there is too much stress in our lives and, yes, we know that meditating, doing yoga, going for walks and deep breathing will melt that stress away. But let’s be honest, when life is stressful, the idea of deep breathing makes most of us want to scream. The hustle is real and, for most people, finding time to de-stress is the most stressful task of all.
•
healthya
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•
Ginseng,centuries.forexample, was mentioned in Chinese medical texts as early as 196 AD. Turmeric was found in tombs on the Indian subcontinent dating back to 2500 BCE. In the 1980s, Russian scientists put great effort into studying adaptogens in hopes that they could be used to support military efforts.
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f there’s one thing we are all tired of talking about, it’s stress. Because talking about stress is, well, stressful!
Unfortunately, dealing with stress is one of those situations where it can get worse before it gets better. The act of de-stress ing is only possible when the body and mind feel supported enough to tackle extra challenges. Sometimes a vacation, an unplugged weekend or even a spa day can offer just enough peace to face stress head on.
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A close second stressor is the knowledge that stress is really det rimental to our overall health and wellness. There are seemingly endless studies coming out about the brutal effects stress can have on our mental and physical health, with some suggesting that too much stress can even shorten lifespan.
This is just a sample; there are many more adaptogens on the market, including a whole host of adaptogenic mushrooms, mojo-boosting maca, stress-reducing tulsi basil and stimulating astragalus.Oneofthe most promising areas of adaptogen research is in countering the undesirable effects of perimenopause and full meno pause. For example, rhodiola can help to balance the hormones that cause mood swings, anxiety and hot flashes, while schisandra has been shown to stimulate the central nervous system, improve cognition and balance neurotransmitters.
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Adaptogens are not new. They are derived from plants that have the ability to aid the body in adapting to daily stressors and/or improving body function.
Dosage is also a consideration, as is duration of consumption. Most adaptogens build up in your system over time so there is a benefit to sustained use. However, some can become less effective over time, so it is advisable to cycle your use accordingly.
in tackling and plan accordingly. Some adaptogens are calming and others stimulating, so while it is okay to combine them, you want to be sure to time your consumption accordingly. For example, don’t take a large dose of rhodiola with your evening meal unless you want to pull an all-nighter, on account of its stimulating effects.
So how do we go about taking these magical elixirs? An import ant first step is to be clear on what symptom you are most interested
This all sounds pretty good, right? Brain-boosting, stress-reducing, anti-inflammation—yes, to all of that!
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Here are some of the more popular adaptogens and what they are more commonly used for: ginseng increases brain function, reflexes and immune function, while decreasing stress and creating a sense of calm; ashwagandha relaxes and reduces stress and anxiety. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps with blood sugar regulation. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, while boosting brain function and combating depression; rhodiola rosea stimulates and combats fatigue while improving brain function, and it is said to elevate exercise performance; schisandra is stimulating and increases brain performance, capacity and endurance, and supports fitness; reishi mushroom aids in sleep health and reduces stress.
Note: if the stress in your life feels overwhelming to the point of altering your ability to enjoy activities that you have enjoyed in the past and is causing depression or anxiety, please couple your adapto gen use with help from a mental health professional.
The most important step to taking adaptogens to is to do your research, keep track of what you are taking and what effect (if any) it is having on whatever symptom you are hoping to improve. It is this nutritionist’s hope that adaptogens are used as a tool to create the space needed to tackle the stresses of life, to clear them out and ultimately make room for activities in life that bring joy and wellness. As tempting as it is, they should not be used to take on more work and further compound the stressors of life.
Adaptogens will not make you a superhero but they might make you super enough to clear out some of your more overwhelming tasks and projects.
TILES | TOOLS | MATERIALS | PAVERS | INSPIRATION Bring Life to Your Home Nanaimo I 4337 Boban Drive I 250-729-9766 I citytile.ca Courtenay I Unit #2 - 2989 Kilpatrick Avenue I 250-871-3122 TRAVERTINE PORCELAIN CERAMIC MARBLE SLATE PORCELAINTRAVERTINECERAMIC We Have 2 Showrooms to Serve You Family Owned and Locally Operated
WORDS LAUREN KRAMER
PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL BEDNAR, COURTESY ECHO VALLEY RANCH
weekender theInhalingstillbeautyoftheCaribooEchoValleyRanch&Spa
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The couple bought the 160-acre property on a whim and turned it from a small homestead into a luxurious boutique ranch defined by log cabin-style accommodations. They built an airplane runway, a gym, an indoor swimming pool and a stable, and over the years created a range of innovative activ ities that married their interests of wilderness pursuits in the Cariboo coupled with Thai-based spa treatments and gentle yoga.Tour the property and their love, respect and reverence for the Cariboo is evident at every turn. The Doves invited First Nations artists Michael Blackstock to carve living faces on the trees and Theo Mahood to carve intricate wooden murals on the exterior of their Lookout Lodge. The art is a symbol of their deep respect for the area’s Indigenous stewardship and a recognition of the distinct spirituality that pervades Echo Valley.This is wildlife country. Bear sightings are common. Cougar tracks have been spotted. Bighorn sheep still roam the canyon and a marmot feeds nearby the lodge at dusk, almost com pletely unafraid. The ranch is home to three border collies, six cats, 19 horses and a massive pet swine called Lucky, who, unlike his late companion, avoided a deadly bear encounter,
rrive at Echo Valley Ranch and Spa BC’s Cariboo country and the silence is deafening. But for the gentle rustle of the light breeze in the trees and the bubbling of the nearby creek, there’s complete and utter stillness. It’s a silence that invites you to calm your mind, absorb the peaceful ness and rid yourself of the restless energy that’s so contagious in the city.
A
It instantly captured the hearts of Norm and Nan Dove when they first visited the area back in 1994.
55 Canada Ave, Duncan Doors Located on Station St. 250.748.0173 Open Monday - Saturday 10 - 5 Sundays 11-3 Eclectic decor ExclusiveGourmetcookwarefoods and more enhance your everyday kitchen and living comforts
To reach the ranch we drove two hours northwest of Kamloops to Clinton, taking a winding dirt road for the last 34 miles and just barely avoiding a flooded beaver pond. Located on a crest, Echo Valley overlooks sweeping views of Cariboo grasslands skirted by thick swaths of boreal forest. Hillsides descend into a creek surrounded by lush greenery, and between the Marble Mountains in the distance and the Fraser Canyon nearby, it’s a breathtaking location.
“This is a great survival food,” he says, grabbing reindeer moss off a “Boiltree. it and though it doesn’t taste good, it’s full of starch,” he says.
It’s the stillness that stays with you at Echo Valley, a ranch where luxury accommodations, an insightful selection of activities, a deep respect for the environment and an astoundingly beautiful natural arena merge effortlessly.
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We walk to an overlook where he gestures at the handful of farms on the slopes alongside the river below.
I taste bitter, tiny soap berries filled with vitamin C and learn their boiled leaves are a natural laxative. Before we head back to the ranch Darrel shows me the juniper berry, which, chewed, will stave off thirst if you’re lost in the bush.
thus earning his name. A verdant vegetable garden and hothouse supply farm-fresh veggies and herbs at mealtimes, while eggs come straight from the chicken coop and pasture-raised ranch cattle are harvested for the beef.
The landscape is magnificent in its rawness, one full of wildlife but equally full of harsh weather and unforgiving conditions. Most of the area farmers are seniors now, Darrel says sadly. How will a younger, city-raised generation of farmers ever manage to fill their shoes?Darrel lives and breathes this land and knows it well. On our survivalist excursion he points out krinikini, a plant favoured for Indian tobacco; yarrow, a natural antihistamine; willow (“you boil it to treat headaches”) and mullein, whose soft leaves make a great substitute for toilet paper.
“Your brain is your worst enemy if you ever get lost because it can set you in panic mode,” he cautions. “Always calm down until you can control your mind. Then, and only then, consider your supplies.”Youdon’t have to think much about supplies at Echo Valley Ranch, because the cost of accommodation includes all meals prepared and presented white-tablecloth-style by an expert chef,
Activities, personalized to individual guests, are delivered one on one. On my first evening on the ranch, I try fly fishing with Darrel Nippard, learning how to cast a line on land before we head to two ponds writhing with rainbow trout. Dusk is settling in and swallows swirl overhead as I cast and pull in with the clumsiness of a newbie, repeatedly catching my hook in the weeds. With saint-like patience Darrel untangles the line, repeats the instructions and watches quietly until eventually I nab a fish, wrestling briefly with it before it breaks free and disappears beneath the surface.
on a canyon tour, driving a road that’s full of switch backs and sheer, vertical drops to Cougar Point, a 3,800-foot prec ipice overlooking the Fraser River Canyon. The mountain range, scorched by fire in 2009, is beginning to rejuvenate with fresh foliage growth. And as he recounts the history of gold panning on the river, Darrel stops to taste wild raspberries, black currants and crabapples growing by the roadside.
Darrel is also the ranch’s archery and shooting instructor, canyon guide and survivalist expert. Time with him is peppered with fascinating anecdotes of his two years in the early 2000s living in a hideout on the Cariboo’s Poison Mountain, where he kept himself alive by hunting, fishing and harvesting wild onions, mushrooms andHeberries.takesme
“Almost everyone out here lives off grid, farming cattle and using wind turbines for energy,” he notes.
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24 boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022 He takes me on a canyon tour, driving a road that’s full of switchbacks and sheer, vertical drops to Cougar Point, a 3,800-foot TheFraseroverlookingprecipicetheRiverCanyon.mountainrange,scorchedbyfirein2009,isbeginningtorejuvenatewithfreshfoliagegrowth. 55 Lois Lane, Duncan BC Located in the lower level of Belongings Call - 250-710-2122 EmailbothandoffersRedefinedredefinedclothing@shaw.caClothingBoutiquecarefullycurateddesignercontemporarybrandsconsignmentandnew at excellent price points!! The boutique is open 7 days a week Monday to Saturday 10 am-5 pm and Sunday 12-4 pm. After hour private or group shopping available.
That’s how I come to spend a delicious afternoon in the spa, surrendering to the capable hands of a Thai masseuse who leaves me in a floating state of utter relaxation. I explore the boreal forest on a guided e-bike ride, careening effortlessly along the trails and inhaling the sweet fragrance of pine trees. I hike down to the creek for a dip in the icy, fresh mountain water and I spend a morning on horseback with Mike Christensen, ranch wrangler and general manager, meandering on a gentle walk through Crown Land.
alcohol, transfers from Kamloops airport, as well as activities, spa treatments and use of the facilities. Upon arrival, guests are presented with activity options, and a daily itinerary is carefully curated on their behalf.
My session with Monty, a 19-year-old gelding, begins with exercises in trust and connection. Only when we’ve nailed that can we head onto the trail.
living, breathing animals and we believe that any ride needs to start with a relationship—it’s not like hopping on a bike,” he says.
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Before heading out on any guest ride, Mike leads a “horse acquaintance” session, explaining how to use pressure and release to establish leadership with a “Horseshorse.are
We cross a creek, heading uphill on a forest carpeted in moss. A grouse startles and flutters away with a heavy beat of wings and a woodpecker chat ters in the distance. Apart from this and the breath of our horses, the forest is still and the air thick with the hot, dry heat of August in the Cariboo.
IF YOU GO:
It’s the stillness that stays with you at Echo Valley, a ranch where luxury accommodations, an insightful selection of activities, a deep respect for the environment and an astoundingly beautiful natural arena merge effortlessly. Visit this unique destination and you get to savour the beauty, learn new skills and leave with awe and respect for BC’s untamed Cariboo.
Echo Valley Ranch is a four-hour drive from Whistler, BC, and 2.5-hour drive from Kamloops. Open year-round, Echo Valley Ranch visits include car transfer from Kamloops, meals, alcohol, access to all activities and spa treatments. Visit evranch.com or call (800) 253-8831 for details.
Rising from the storm
WORDS SEAN MCINTYRE X PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON
26 boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022 in studio …
Artist John Marston
Four years ago, Stz’uminus carver John Marston was enjoying the rewards of a lifetime devoted to leaving his mark on a cul tural tradition that stretches back thousands of years. BC Ferries had just commissioned him to design the exterior artwork on a brand new ferry dubbed the Salish Eagle, he was working with high school students in Ladysmith to complete a welcome statue hewn from a 14-foot-long piece of Vancouver Island old growth red cedar, and he’d reached the point in his artistic career where he’d developed the confidence, skill and creativity to proudly represent the modern edge of an ancient art.
The event was far more than a minor inconvenience. Within his studio were dozens of projects, large and small, on which John had been working. There were giant canoes, lofty totems, ceremonial cedar boxes, abstract canvas watercolours, woven works and stacks of collected material—items such as raw wood, antlers, shells, bark and kelp—that John had gathered on his frequent journeys through the forests and into the hills outside of town. Having all of these easily accessible within a single room gave him the opportunity to work away on any given project, depending on how, when and where inspiration struck.
“I went from 4,000 square feet to 400, so it was challenging in the beginning. The amount of raw material that I had gathered over the years was a really difficult thing to deal with losing,” he says. “I’d spent four years in that building, creating and working and living there, and so it was a home away from home. I always think of the studio space as a place of living, learning and grow ing. It was a great place to be and a great experience to learn about what it’s like to have a studio that large.”
lichés about weathering the storm and emerging stronger are commonplace, but most are supposed to be metaphors about grinding away through adversity and over coming obstacles. Few, if any, are about actually picking up the pieces after a devastating windstorm.
“I got to my studio and there was a whole crew outside saying, ‘You can’t go in there.’ And I wasn’t sure what they were talking about,” John says. “Then I opened the door, and it was like a waterfall coming off the roof and into the studio, so I just ran in there and pushed everything off to the side and grabbed my immediate projects, my knives and whatever else I could find.”
The winds that swept across much of Southern Vancouver Island in December 2018 left tens of thousands of households without power for days, uprooted countless ancient trees and brought life on the island to a standstill. At John’s Ladysmith studio, housed in a spacious 1930s-era heritage warehouse near the town’s waterfront, the wind quite literally tore off the roof.
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Then the storm hit.
As for his own children, John says there’s no pressure for them to follow in his footsteps.
John’s techniques and perspectives grew among the rich pool of talent that surrounded him. As he absorbed the ways of his
Long after cleaning up the storm’s aftermath, John is no less busy and definitely no less inspired. He’s swapped his former stu dio space for a spot at his home in nearby Chemainus, where he lives with his partner and three children. Though it’s small, John has taken every effort to establish a new creative sanctuary. He’s framed the room with many of the same carved materials that he uses in his work. Whatever materials he cannot fit into the new studio are nearby, tucked away inside a shipping container.
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The result is a carving style that acknowledgingdaymodern-embracesspiritualexpressionwhileold-worldlegends.
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Since the move, John has been been involved in several largescale public works, including the new Malahat SkyWalk attrac tion overlooking Saanich Inlet, a space for cultural learning and exchange at Ladysmith Secondary and work with Victoria-based Power to Be—a group dedicated to helping people living with a disability or other barriers to access nature. He’s also an active part of the team that’s been tasked to redesign a new arts hub in Ladysmith, a venue that aims to offer space under a single roof for artists working in various media.
His kids are always nearby and can now more easily watch him work, in the same way John gleaned the techniques of his craft from the people around him in his childhood. At eight years of age, he was in the habit of watching and learning from his elders. He gleaned the techniques of his craft from his parents, Jane and David Marston, as well as from Cowichan Tribes’ mas ter carver Simon Charlie.
Back at his new home studio, John continues to blend the ab stract with tradition to create works for private collectors, whose demand for his artwork has grown remarkably in recent years.
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More information about John Marston and his work can be found at johnmarston.ca.
mentors, he witnessed Indigenous carving take an entirely new shape around him. Duncan’s City of Totems project, for example, placed Vancouver Island’s carving heritage at the forefront of the public eye. The Indigenous traditions of Vancou ver Island were experiencing a resurgence that empowered local First Nations and promoted a deeper understanding of the region’s past.
John was in the right place at the right time. He was soon carving alongside artists from across British Columbia at Thunderbird Park next to Victoria’s Royal BC Museum, where he spent four years, the last of which was as an artist in residence.John’swork gradually adopted a more personal tone, he says. Though firmly based in the teach ings and techniques of his elders, the emerging carver gave his imagination free rein. Eventually, he began to experiment, leaving the old ways and branching off into new areas. The result is a carving style that embraces modern-day spiritual expression while acknowledging old-world legends.
“The connection to my Coast Salish culture and the natural world have always taught me to honour the lives of my ancestors,” he says. “I view my artwork as a form of personal expression and a way to share my heritage.”
30 boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022 good taste
With its award-winning wines and new sub-GI status, this wine region is trending up DENTON
WORDS LAURA LANGSTON X PHOTOGRAPHY DON
It’s wine o’clock in the Cowichan Valley
Winemaker Bailey Williamson at Blue Grouse Estate Winery.
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That’s one of the advantages of the Cowichan Valley wine region; there’s a wine for virtually every course. Over a dozen regional wineries are producing award-winning wines—every thing from sparkling wines and roses to Ortegas, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noirs and rich, hybrid reds—which are eagerly con sumed and often sell out. And that demand will only continue to grow since the Cowichan Valley was recently granted sub-GI status. A sub-geographical indication is an official and protect ed term used to help people identify local wine origins. Wines labelled with this new sub-GI indicator let consumers know that the wine was made with at least 95 per cent grapes grown in Cowichan. It’s the first such designation in BC outside of the Okanagan.
That sentiment is echoed by the folks at Zanatta Winery.
“The sub-GI designation gives the industry the credentials it deserves,” says Jim Moody, winemaker and co-owner of Zanat ta, “and it publicly identifies the Cowichan Valley as distinct from anywhere in the world.”
riving through the Cowichan Valley on a hot summer day, it’s easy to understand why this picturesque wine-growing region was originally named The Warm Lands by Indigenous peoples. In truth, the Cowichan Valley is classed as a cool climate region, but it has a long growing season that’s ideal for grape cultivation.
“The designation means we have a map and a delineated area for production—and that’s a fundamental key to establish ing a wine region,” explains Chris Turyk, director of sales and marketing for Unsworth Vineyards.
Dennis Zanatta—the father of current co-owner Loretta Zanatta—was largely responsible for pioneering the wine industry on Vancouver Island. In the early 1980s, Dennis volunteered an acre of his Glenora farm to the BC Land Commission as a test site for grapes. Known as The Duncan Project, it tested more than 100 varieties before the BC govern ment withdrew funding. However, Zanatta carried on, officially opening the family winery in 1992 and selling Vancouver Island’s first sparkling wine, Glenora Fantasia, a traditionally crafted and aged bubbly with a bouquet of green apples. Now celebrating 30 years in business, Zanatta is recognized as one of Canada’s premium producers of sparkling wines. The winery’s elegant Tradizionale Brut, known for its rich, toasty
“Our strength is our climate,” says Bailey Williamson, wine maker at Blue Grouse Estate Winery, where some of the oldest vines on Vancouver Island can be found. “That shift from cool nights to warm days gives our grapes a natural acidity that ages wine well and helps it pair beautifully with food.”
D
“We’re heading in the right direction,” he adds. “We’re trending up.”
In the tasting room at Averill Creek Vineyard.
“Charme de l’Ile is fruit-forward and refreshing with ample flavour,” says Kali Philp, sales and marketing manager for Averill Creek. “It’s an easy-going wine that’s meant to be enjoyed young.”
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Above, Blue Grouse Estate Winery; below, Averill Creek Vineyards.
notes and delicate bubbles, recently won gold at the National Wine Awards of Canada.
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Over time and seeing a gap in the sparkling market, Unsworth Vineyards and Averill Creek Vineyard joined up to create Charme de l’Ile, a vibrant blend of mainly Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grapes that’s made in the Charmat method of sparkling wine production.
The market is trending toward lighter and lower-alcohol wines, which Chris at Unsworth says plays well to the strengths of the Cowichan Valley.
His comment is echoed by Lorin Inglis, general manager of Enrico“OrtegaWinery.isstill an underrated grape,” Lorin says. “And I think it could be the signature grape of the island.”
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A consistent seller at multiple wineries and one that often garners awards is zesty Pinot Gris, which pairs well with fresh vegetables, fish and shellfish, and lighter meals generally. Another island white that’s growing in popularity is Ortega.
“You won’t find heavy, hot climate, oak-driven wines produced here because the grape sugars don’t accumulate as they do else where,” he says. “At Unsworth, we’re making lighter, fresher, more vibrant styles of wines that are often more mineral-driven.”
Enrico’s award-winning Ortega is their number-one seller. It’s clean and crisp with a light floral note and fruity flavour, making it a great patio sipper. Another award winner from Enrico is its Red
The new sub-GI indicator lets consumers know that the wine was made with at least 95 per cent grapes grown in Cowichan.
“We make great Ortega,” says Bailey at Blue Grouse.
So, what’s new for the Cowichan Valley region, and what can consumers expect in the future? More consistently good wines with even more variety. The folks at Enrico Winery are experi menting with hybrid grapes, which Lorin believes have a lot of potential because they’re relatively disease-resistant and are bred specifically with the valley climate in mind. Enrico’s herbaceous and earthy Braveheart Cabernet Libre, which is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, is an award winner, as is their white Petit Milo, which is made from an early ripening hybrid pink grape.
Any discussion of Cowichan Valley wines would be remiss if it didn’t mention Pinot Noir, which is becoming something of a signature grape for the region. Increasingly prized locally as well as further afield, a number of wineries, including Blue Grouse, Unsworth and Averill Creek, have won awards for their Pinot Noirs. The valley’s rich, gravelly soil combined with just the right climate makes the area a natural fit for growing the notoriously tricky Pinot Noir grape. Pinots from Cowichan are more Bur gundian in style but with a definitive nod to “place.”
Jim, Chris and Bailey all say the Cowichan Valley wine region is at an exciting point in its evolution, and Lorin agrees, saying, “I compare it to a six-foot step ladder—we’re barely off the ground. The growing power the valley has is unbelievable. We have great soil, great growing conditions and fantastic winemakers here in the valley. We’re vibrant, and we’re growing.”
Dragon rosé, a refreshing and smooth wine with hints of straw berries that won gold at the BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards in 2021.
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“There’s no question our pinots are more delicate here,” Chris says. “They taste of those young, first-of-the-season cherries, but there’s always an undercurrent of a coastal forest note that sets us apart from any other growing region.”
Chris Turyk at Vineyards.Unsworth
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Award-winning renovation is all about the view
“We were living in Langley and saw this Ladysmith property online the day it hit the market. We flew out to see it the very next day,” says the homeowner. “We just totally fell in love with the view.”
f a property listing comes complete with a jawdropper of an ocean view and 220 feet of beachfront, it’s easy to overlook a few shortcomings when it comes to the house.
“There was a fireplace right in the middle of the kitchen, block ing the view, and the upstairs ‘bedrooms’ had a ceiling height of only five and a half feet. But none of that mattered.”
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Sure, the property was completely overgrown with dilapidated sheds and the odd rat that ran by when they first saw the house, but … that view! The house, originally an 800-square-foot struc ture built in 1906, had seen a major addition and renovation in the ‘90s.
“The position of the house was grandfathered, so if we rebuilt we would have had to move the house much farther back on the property near the road.”
On a recommendation from a friend, the homeowners imme diately contacted Dustin Marsh of Alair Homes to take a look at the property.
“There were bug infestations, ants, rats and rot. Basically, the majority of the house from a structural standpoint was failing, including the foundation, which was a water feature flowing through the lower level,” recalls Dustin.
One of the first realities Marsh confronted was the inability, legally, to change the footprint of the house; and they weren’t permitted to remove the exterior walls to make the changes. But it wasn’t until he and his crew embarked on a pre-construction demo that the real issues emerged.
In the end, the house was virtually taken down and rebuilt. “You have to do it right,” says Dustin. “We exposed 80 per cent of the exterior foundation to repair it and added additional ener gy efficiencies and best practice water proofing. Everything from plumbing to electrical got redone, while the walls of the house still stood. We supported and shored up everything around us so that
While it may have made more sense to tear down the existing house and start again, that wasn’t an option.
we could put in new steel beams and posts. A variance permit was granted to remove the roof so that ceilings in the upstairs level could be raised to seven feet.”
is beautifully suited to its setting with pale shades of pearl-gray and white oak cabinetry, satin brass hardware and state ment marine-style pendants. Anchored by a 13.5-foot island that connects to a table for casual family meals, this hardworking room is tricked out with two sinks, a beverage bar, Wolf appliances and custom organizational features in the drawers and cabinets.
But take one step through the main entrance and it’s easy to see why the homeowners fell so hard for the view. A 19-foot multi-slide window wall spans the back wall between the kitchen and living room, where the showstopper is the sky, the sea and the sailboats beyond.Thekitchen
“My dream was to have a house reminiscent of the Hamptons. We wanted it to be timeless and classic with lots of room for family gatherings.”Thedream now meets reality, beginning with the home’s exterior, which is clad in antiqued cedar shake siding, accented by coastal-in spired lanterns and an inviting sea-glass green door.
39boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022 la-z-boyvi.com Nanaimo · Victoria · Courtenay
The homeowner assembled a team that included Su Casa, a resi dential design firm in Abbotsford, to work alongside Alair Homes to plan the fit and finish of the interior.
“We wanted a beachy feel but not anything over the top or ostenta tious,” says the homeowner.
As the homeowner recalls, “Numerous times during the process we wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. But as problems became more complex, Dustin was amazing at solving them. He was very impressive at thinking outside of the box. We had a lot of trust in him and we stood fast that this was our dream property, even as budgets kept going up.”
At the top of the stairs, the landing opens up to an additional lounge area with television and comfortable seating. The hall to the principal bedroom has been transformed into a walk-through library with custom shelving and drawers.
The en suite is one of the few places that you can glimpse a piece of the original home’s past.
“The ceiling is sloped here and we had to keep that portion,” says Dustin.
Indeed, the soft tones are reminiscent of driftwood and sand, accented by shades of blues.
Cabinetry and an ocean view also take centre stage in the pretty laundry room.
And, after all of the stresses associated with rebuilding this beauty, it seems only fair that the homeowners’ private sanctuary benefits from the same spectacular ocean view. “Dustin surprised us by adding a balcony off of our master bedroom. We love to open the French doors at night and hear the waves,” says the homeowner.
“The design called for a brass hanging bar,” says Dustin. “We couldn’t find one ready-made so we built it ourselves.”
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Adjacent to the kitchen sits the living room, which features a large-scale sectional, ideally situated to make the most of the scen ery. Throughout the house, custom touches add a signature feel that connects all levels of the structure. Wood beams on the ceilings are inset with painted shiplap and stained to match the floors and cabinetry. Custom cabinetry provides ample storage for this family of three, and includes a wall-to-wall buffet of drawers in the dining room and a charming daybed in the office, where the couple’s five-year-old daughter can play while her mom works.
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Down the hall are the guest bedroom and the couple’s daughter’s room, where an elongated, cushioned window seat provides the perfect perch, and the opposite wall features a built-in desk for more serious pursuits.Butitwas another surprise, courtesy of Dustin, that touched the homeowners’ hearts. “Under the existing eaves, I realized there would be some additional space,” says Dustin. “So I talked to their daughter about building a secret room in her bedroom and asked her what colour she would want it to be. It was a fun project.”
That element adds a cottage-like charm to a thoroughly modern en suite with its free-standing tub, steam shower with heated floor, dual vanity and expansive ocean view.
Downstairs in the walk-out lower level, the wide plank oak flooring switches to a cosy gray wool carpet that provides an additional layer of warmth and comfort. A long horizontal ribbon of a fireplace topped with the television is a focal point when the family gathers on movie nights. A bar area for snacks and drinks as well as guest quarters with an en suite complete the space.
Endlessly comfortable, the home has an inviting feel that is created not only by the finishes and furnishings but also by features found behind the walls.
“My dream was to have a ofWethereminiscenthouseofHamptons.wantedittobetimelessandclassicwithlotsroomforfamilygatherings.”
Now, as requested, the room is painted teal with a rainbow ceiling, and it’s a favourite hideaway for reading and playtime.
“The energy efficiency and sound proofing of the house is exception al,” Dustin says. “With renovations there are currently no requirements to bring older homes up to modern efficiencies, so we volunteered this home to go through energy-efficiency testing. We achieved STEP Code 3 on this home which is a higher requirement than new home constructions. The overall additional cost to the project was $3,000 and that investment will be paid back within two years.”
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As this is the couple’s “forever” home, emphasis was also placed on setting the house up to be net zero ready. “All of the infrastructure for
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Interior Drywall: Departure Bay Drywall Cabinetry & Millwork: Heronwood Custom Cabinetry
“ThisHomes.isasmuch Dustin’s house as it is our house,” laughs the homeowner. “It is more than we hoped. We had never lived on the ocean before and this is a total dream.”
Landscaping: Inherit Designs Landscaping
Design: Su Casa
Construction: Alair Homes Cowichan Valley Foundation Waterproofing: Complete Damproofing
kitchen & bath fixtures
Stamped Concrete: Proline Custom Concrete
Tile: BEtile/City Tile
solar panels and generator backups is in place and we’re ready for EV chargers for electric cars,” says the homeowner. With so much care and attention to detail, it’s no surprise that this project was recognized by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Vancouver Island with 2022 VIBE Awards for Best Kitchen Renovation over $80,000 and the Top Renovation over $300,000. The work on this home also garnered an award for Renovator of the Year for Alair
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Hoxton Home
That neighbourhood feel is a big part of why Sara and Daniel
Let yourtransformusspace!
Hoxton Home takes its name from a hip East London neigh bourhood noted for independent boutiques and restaurants as well as a lively Bohemian arts scene. Much like the OCQ itself, Hoxton represents the potential of what’s possible in a post-industrial urban landscape. The couple frequently travels to London for visits with Sara’s family. It’s during those trips that they form the vision that’s helping them reshape Nanaimo’s retail landscape.
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website.Thechoice to proceed with a hybrid storefront-online business model grew from Sara and Daniel’s desire to acknowledge the im portance of face-to-face relationships in community building, while highlighting the economic importance of forging an online presence in today’s retail world.
“Part of what fuels a lot of the original inspiration to open Hoxton Home is the fact that most of the shopping areas in Nanaimo run off the highway and are primarily corporate, big box stores,” Daniel says. “We were definitely more drawn to a neighbourhood feel.”
tendnoticesocietymodernweweoftengetstuckinroutinesandtomissoutonthebeautyinthemomentwe’rein.”
“The island forces more balance and we’re so grateful for that,” Sara says. “Everyday we wake up and look out our window onto the ocean, we walk the many beautiful trails with our dog, we’re less than five minutes to beach access, where we often swim. Dan cooks amazing dinners that we enjoy on our patio, and we spend a lot of time with family.
As anyone who’s made the move can certainly attest, the transi tion had its challenges. The couple admits there’s some adjustment to daily routines without having all the conveniences and options of life in a bigger city. Sara and Daniel spent two years building a small-footprint loft space not far from the store and have gradually shifted their focus from big city lights to calm island nights.
Visit hoxtonhome.com or drop by the store in person at 437 Fitzwilliam Street in Nanaimo. Be sure to check out oldcityquarter. com for additional information and a list of upcoming events in Nanaimo’s OCQ.
Eileen Fisher White + Warren Elk
“We always knew we wanted to eventually relocate here,” Sara says. “COVID definitely accelerated the move.”
“In our
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“The island has so much to offer as far as nature goes,” Sara says. “We’re learning new ways to embrace that side of ourselves.”
7VelvetA–GNaïfCutLisetteAustraliaLooseMontrealDenimForAllMankindBeautycounter A-G 102OpenWhiteKutKaffeJungmavenJennyGrizasEileenDLAnnigailDenim1961DenimFisherBirdDenim+Warren7DaysaWeekCraigSt. | 250.597.0044 Downtown Duncan 1887 Oak Bay Ave. | 250.370.5000 Victoria, BC Follow us on Instagram @tulipenoireclothing Casual Luxury Clothing Photo @ellihartcreative
relocated to Nanaimo from Vancouver about two years ago. Daniel, who spent many summers of his youth on the island, says time on this side of the Salish Sea played a big role in shaping his perspective and attitudes.
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I
It’s your life. You decide your path.
t’s in your control. And your chosen path is important to your health, your pocketbook, the environment and gosh – to the entire ecosystem of your life here on Vancouver Island. You are likely already making great choices in exploring Vancouver Island by cycling up Mount Prevost or hiking Mount Tzouhalem. But, we want you to up your game. We have an invitation for you to tread more purposefully – in a less environmentally harmful way – a more gentle and healthy approach to your next weekend. Come to downtown Duncan. We know you have choices in where you stop to eat, to explore, and shop. But you may not know that within a few square blocks, one minute off Highway #1 there is a downtown space that has totems, museums, day spas, green spaces, coffee shops, boutiques, free parking, lovingly tended gardens, restaurants, a world-famous farmer’s market on Saturdays, and no parking meters. We have very little traffic and the only craziness you find is the amazing deals in our thriving consignment clothing stores – we have four of them right downtown. And did we mention FREE PARKING? Making a choice to turn off the highway and come to downtown Duncan is a peaceful choice, a financially wise choice, and a decision to bring down the crazy meter in your life. Bring the kids. Park your bike. Rest a bit. Get a gelato. A matcha latte. Bring your Mom and Dad. Stroll around. Eat some brunch. Enjoy the vibe. Did we mention FREE PARKING? You do the math. Downtown Duncan makes sense [cents] regardless of how you spell it!
LITTLE BIRD Greets Sweets & Treats Featuring a large selection of beautiful, high quality, imported & local art & greeting cards! 863 Canada Ave, Duncan | 250-748-4614 www.potsandparaphernalia.ca POTS & PARAPHERNALIA New… Paprika Dinnerware, from Portugal. COWICHANREFRESHMARKETPLACE Small grocery store offering zero waste pantry staples, fresh produce, organic dairy, local meat and other grocery essentials, as well as a line of homemade frozen meals, soups and desserts. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm & Sat 10am-3pm 360 Duncan Street, Duncan | 250 748 8506 www.refreshcowichan.ca BELONGINGS Carefully selects one of a kind vintage pieces and quality used furnishings throughout the shop. If you’re searching for a statement piece for your home, you’ll likely find it here. Open Mon - Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 12pm-4pm 250-746-3631 55 Lois Lane, Duncan 163 + 165 Station Street, Downtown Duncan Open Mon - Sat 10 - 5 | 250-748-6861
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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE X STYLING SARAH D’ARCEY
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Line, movement, shape: sparks of the unexpected mixed with references to things deeply familiar. High fashion inspires the self in the same way art can stir the soul; they both reach for a feeling, strive to say something not quite said before and catch the viewer off guard. On the curve of the Vancouver Island’s west coast sits Tofino Brick House, where pieces from the Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art come alive inside its walls, and spill seamlessly to the dramatic landscapes just steps from the door. Here, the loop of art and life spiral, catch you and lift you a little higher.
($2,150)Chloé($775),PleatFrontWide-LegLinenVoilePantsfromNordstromVancouver. art fashion
AsymmetricLemaire Long Sleeve Apron Dress ($1,460), Chloe Lyv Shell Pendant Necklace ($720) and Marine Serre Moon Print Gloves ($541), all from TofinoArt,Vancouver.Nordstromfromlefttoright:“Grapes,PearsandVasebyKevinNierman,”paintingbyMarionEvamy;“3Vessels”byFranSolar;“TwilightIV,”paintingbyMonicaGewurz.AllfromtheGalleryofContemporaryArt.
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($2,420)HarnessDrapedSukeyfromNordstromVancouver,swimsuit,stylist’sown.
Smythe ‘90s Blazer ($695), A.L.C. Tommy Pleat Front Linen Blend Pants ($575), and Dion Lee Ribbed Combat Corset Tank Top all($685),from “Wandering“Paroles,”ArtVancouver.Nordstromfromlefttoright:“UkrainianSpring,”paintingbyPaulaCallahan;paintingbyIraHoffecker(upstairslanding),HighandLow,”paintingbyChinYuen.AllfromtheTofinoGalleryofContemporaryArt.
VLOGOValentinoGaravaniBuckleLeatherBelt($695),leatherjacketbyDolce&Gabbana($8,245)fromNordstromVancouver,swimsuit,stylist’sown.
All art provided by The Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art. Photographed on location at Tofino Brick House, one of the vacation properties at Chesterman Beach managed by Tofino Beach Collective. A huge thank you to Tofino Beach Collective for hosting our team. Thanks also to Michael Sahely for loaning the big easel.
Makeup by Jenny McKinney. Model Niamh Harold represented by Mode Models. Production support by Peter Zambri.
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WORDS JANE ZATYLNY X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE
Building a collection and using art to personalize your space
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hether it is your child’s first painting, an inherited watercolour, an old family photograph or a piece of functional pottery—art brings incredible meaning to our personal lives. As the artist Pablo Picasso once put it, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” WITHHOME
AT
art W
A simple rule to follow is to buy what you love, she adds: “Follow your gut, and you won’t go wrong.”
Building a collection
In a sea of manufactured goods, art also humanizes our homes.
When I was a teenager, I papered my bedroom walls with pages torn from fashion magazines, my own drawings and posters of my teen idols. A great compli ment from a visiting friend was always, “Wow, there is so much to look at in here!” Today my condo walls are covered with colourful paintings, my own photographs, large pieces of pottery and art glass. There’s still a lot to take in, and it may not be to everyone’s taste—but that is perfectly okay.Art is powerful because it takes a room to the next level, explains Brooke Hatfield, interior designer and principal of Brooke Hatfield Design in Victoria. “Even if two people have the exact same furniture in a room, you will get a completely different vibe and understand so much about Person A and Person B, just from their selection of Theart.”art you choose to display in your home can also profoundly influence the way you feel. It can calm you or it can energize you, depending on the pieces you choose—and where you choose to display them.“At museums, we often see people staring at a piece of art for a long period of time,” says Lucila Diaz, founder and creative director of Harmony Sense Interiors in North Vancouver. “That’s because the art is making them feel something beyond the colours or the lines or the composition.”
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“I always like to look at it as the person alization of a space,” says Hannah Katey Berger, principal interior designer and owner of Hannah Katey Interior Design in Kelowna. “When you have a neutral space, art really adds that personality.”
The same holds true when art is integrated into interior design, she stresses: “I know I’ve done my job when people say, ‘I don’t really know what it is, but it feels so peaceful and harmonious to be in this space.’”Ultimately, art helps us create a beautiful sanctuary from the world, says Brooke. “If we have pieces in our spaces that we love, it can really bring us home to ourselves.”
“If we have pieces in our spaces that we love, it can really bring us home to ourselves.”
When choosing art for your home, the nearly infinite selection of styles, colours and sizes can often seem overwhelming.
“Many of my clients say, ‘I wouldn’t know where to start’ when I ask them about art for their homes,” says Brooke.
4. Visit museums and galleries to get a sense of what you like.
3. Start by showcasing your children’s art, suggests Brooke. “One of my own favourite pieces of art is a series of three cards my god-daughter created in preschool, which I matted and framed.”
6. Parker Street Studios in Vancouver, a 52,000-squarefoot warehouse, is home to more than 100 artists’ galleries and studios, says Lucila. “It’s a great place to look for or even commission art.”
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2. “Be patient and have fun with it,” says Hannah. “Explore different artists and different mediums. There is nothing wrong with liking or disliking certain styles. When it’s right for you, you’re going to appreciate it in your space.”
1. Building an art collection takes time, so it’s wise to buy art piece by piece.
TEN TIPS TO HELP YOU SOURCE ART FOR YOUR HOME:
5. Studio tours and art walks are another great way to build a collection; you can also forge a meaningful connec tion with the artist and learn the story behind a particular work of art.
7. Etsy, the global e-commerce website for makers, is another good place to source art, whether you purchase a digital download or an original piece. You can also explore Instagram for artists’ profiles and follow and purchase art through that platform, says Brooke.
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9. Try to avoid settling by “matching” a piece of art to a sofa or other piece of furniture; instead, choose a piece that speaks to you, says Hannah. “Art can act as a major focal point, which should inspire the remaining space. You can add cohesive harmony to your interior by pulling colours from the artwork through accent pillows and accessories.”
How we hang or display our art pieces can greatly affect their impact in our homes. The most common mistake, according to the interior designers I spoke with, is hanging a painting too high or too low. Here are some tips about hanging, spacing and placing art.
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Hanging, spacing and placing art
8. Online auctions like MaxSold can also be a great way to browse and find art to suit pretty much all tastes and styles.
10. Many public art galleries offer art rental and sales. This is a great way to test drive a painting style or size in your home before buying.
• Take your cue from art galleries and museums and make sure that the middle of the art work is at your eye level.
• Another rule of thumb is to hang paintings 60 inches from the floor to the centre of the art for a room with an eight-foot ceiling. Adjust for higher ceiling heights.
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• Make sure your artwork is properly secured to the wall. “You don’t want things to fall,” says Lucila. “It’s also important to protect your investment with UV protected glass, so it won’t be damaged by sunlight.” Don’t be afraid to layer art by putting a lamp in front of a painting, sug gests Brooke. “You don’t want to obliterate the artwork, but layering is what makes a space interesting.”
• Try to make sure that the distance between pieces in a gallery wall is consistent.
• Be mindful about scale when hanging artwork, as pieces can sometimes be too large or small for a particular space, says Hannah. With too-small pieces, consider adding an extra-large matte when framing, or group items together.
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• Think outside of two-dimensional artwork, says Brooke. “A friend of mine collected those small blue and white houses that a Dutch airline gave away. Displayed together, they formed a powerful piece of art.”
• Use painters’ tape or trace your artwork onto newsprint to test out a gallery wall.
• When hanging art over a sofa, mantle or dresser, make sure it relates to that piece and isn’t too high above it. Usu ally four to eight inches is ideal, says Brooke.
• Consider the overall atmosphere you want to create when hanging art, says Lucila. “If you have a piece of art you love, make it the centrepiece of your room.”
OFEXCELLENCE years VIBE
CELEBRATIN G 8
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Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd. won Best Interior Design Custom Residence New or Renovation with its The Garry Oak project. This Nanoose Bay renovation took a rare south-facing seaside house that felt like a mountain cottage and turned it into a modern beach-house masterpiece. This project took a dark inefficient design, and transformed the space into a house that invites enjoyment of Vancouver Island's natural beauty.
CHBA VI is very fortunate to have such a strong association comprised of incredible members. Their commitment to building communities with careful thought and consideration is resounding. This is a strong industry, an innovative industry and a resilient industry. It's an industry known for going above and beyond.Asa special nod to this, also presented during the awards ceremony, was a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes an individual whose dedication and vision have furthered the cause of the association. The recipient of this award is an individual who has gone above and beyond for both the association and the industry. He has held leadership positions at the local and provincial level; he has shared knowledge with his peers and mentored younger professionals. His commitment to the industry was exemplified through his advocacy work and creating and implementing resolutions and new approaches to industry issues. This award was presented to Ron Bickford of RobRon Developments.
J.Zsiros Contracting Ltd. is no stranger to award show success and this year was no different. They were winners in six categories including Grand VIBE Award for Single Family Builder of the Year.
The Central Island was well represented among the winners, with Hargrave Construction taking home the first award of the night. Its project, entitled Telegraph Cove Inspired, won Best Single-Family Home under 3,000 Square Feet.
By Kerriann Coady Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Vancouver Island
t felt like a big reunion for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vancouver Island (CHBA VI), bringing back the best in home-building professionals from across Vancouver Island. The Vancouver Island Building Excellence Awards, presented by FortisBC and CHBA VI, celebrate the outstanding achievements in residential construction and renovation. On June 9, winners in 29 categories were announced at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria. Projects were judged on craftsmanship, environmental considerations and industry advancement. The sold-out evening featured performances by the Jesse Marshall Trio and was hosted by CHBA VI member Brendan Bobby. Brendan had the crowd on their toes and always guessing as he quizzed the audience on current industry prices, playing The Price is Right throughout the evening.
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Momentum Design Build made its VIBE Awards debut, winning Best Single Family Bathroom New Under $30,000.
three trophies, including Project of the Year. Evegreen Way connects the natural outdoors to indoor living. The light-filled living spaces and detailed craftsmanship were captured in this custom-design build.
Evergreen Way, a project built by Hanna Construction, was definitely a favourite among the judges, taking home
For the full list of winners and photos visit vibeawards.ca
Sun Porch Homes was a winner in two production categories this year for its craftsman-inspired homes that are designed to complement many entry-level homebuyers' budgets without sacrificing the must-haves.
In the renovation categories, Alair Homes Cowichan Valley had a strong night with three trophies, including one of the largest honours of the evening: Renovator of the Year.
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Momentum Design Build
Hargrave Construction
This open concept is great for entertaining. The kitchen is Net Zero-labelled, Bluetoothcontrolled and equipped with EnergyStar electrical appliances, and zero energy bills.
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This gorgeous en suite was designed and outfitted for relaxation and pampering.
This sprawling rancher built by Hanna Construction maximizes the views and the natural light in the home. It was thoughtfully designed to ensure the livability and functionality.
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Man Living View
House Side View
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VIBE 2022 Winner: Best Single Family Home Between 3,000 and 4,500 sq. ft.
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Thank you to our sponsors OFEXCELLENCE CELEBRATIN G 8 years VIBE CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE IN HOME BUILDING For the full list of winners and photos visit vibeawards.ca 66 boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022
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The art of
68 boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022 food and feast Beautiful boards
charcuterie
WORDS ELLIE SHORTT X PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON
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he surveys her palette: hues of creamy whites, muted reds, earthy browns. She ponders over her canvas, a blank backdrop awaiting adornment. Her tools are her hands, a knife, a spoon. She is guided by her senses; sight, smell…taste. She thoughtfully makes her first brushstroke—a honeycomb in the centre of dark mahogany. An artistic experience begins. It concludes with a soapy sink, full bellies, satisfied smiles and fading laughter in the background.
For anyone who has ever enjoyed a considerately curated charcuterie board, you have been on the receiving end of a sensory undertaking. You have gazed upon the beauty of simple ingredients attentively arranged with care and precision. You
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have crafted your own creations with each curiously construct ed bite, layering flavours and textures, making new exciting combinations and savouring preferred pairings. You have engaged in the communal analysis, the cultural dissection of discussing the ingredient groupings and favourites with your fellow gastronomes. Visually, experientially and, quite literally, the charcuterie board is often the centrepiece, as well as the masterpiece of the evening.
We’ve all seen hundreds of paintings, but what is the process? What paints to choose? What canvas to buy? What method to explore? Just like with all art, there is no right or wrong way to make a charcuterie board. However, if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration to get started, the following may offer some loose guidelines to play with, keeping in mind that with all art—both the expression and interpretation are subjective and the possibilities endless.
Ellie Shortt.
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However, to be the maker behind the chef-d’oeuvre is a whole other practice and one that adds a delicious layer of creative expression and imaginative enjoyment. For many though, conceptualizing a board can feel intimidating. Where to start? What to get? What direction to take? They’re the common questions and naturally nervous thoughts of any new artist exploring an uncharted medium.
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all art, there is no limit on what you can do and how you can do it! Have fun, get creative, and… keep in mind that what you’re eating is more important than how it’s presented, and what folks will remember is not necessarily how
art is
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looked, but how it made them feel. And that is
As with everything what truly
Deep down you want to be together.
While it’s arguably impressive and certainly convenient to acquire particular utensils for specific cheeses, your guests will likely be just as content with a small paring knife to cut their camembert. What’s more important is to have enough (even if you’re just using dinner knives), and to make sure you include spoons for the spread. It can be painfully tormenting for drooling participants to be staring at the bounty before them with no way of getting the goods onto a cracker and into their mouths.
BEYOND MEAT (AND CHEESE)
Last, but certainly not least, you’ll likely want to explore some tasty trimmings, such as the classic accompaniments of nuts, olives, cornichons and grapes. I encourage imaginative consideration here, though, and often find my most exciting boards unfold when I include nibbles like marinated mushrooms, pickled peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and chewy dates.
The palette: If you’re new to charcuterie creation and aren’t wildly familiar with, or particular about, cheese and cured meat varieties, I suggest simply exploring textural range. I usually start with a soft cheese (brie, camembert, chevre), add in a medium cheese (gouda, compté, fontina) and then a harder cheese (aged cheddar, manchego), as well as a pâté or terrine, some pancetta or prosciutto and a salami of sort like genoa, felino or bresaola. After that comes the complementary spreads, which may include a tart or grainy mustard, a jammy preserve and honey.
While I’ve largely explored the classic combination of charcuterie et fromage, many foods lend well to a beautiful board display. A rainbow-inspired veggie platter, a deconstructed fruit salad with a dreamy dip, a fun and funky dessert board with a chocolatey theme…I’ve even done a DIY pancake board that is always hit for brunch-time gatherings.
Consider style: Minimalist? Pop art? Abstract?
I also adore a big, bold, beautiful mess, where each ingredient sort of melts into another. Whatever your intended outcome, start slow, perhaps one category at a time, placed evenly throughout the board, and build from there, knowing that you can rearrange and redirect at any time if your moods shifts and you’re feeling suddenly inspired to take it in a different direction.
The tools: Your hands of course are your best instruments for assembly, but to appreciate and enjoy your creation, you and your guests will need a few essential implements.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
The canvas: While most traditionally and commonly made of wood, I have seen, curated and enjoyed many good charcuteries on stone slabs, ceramic platters and even just a basic dinner plate.
While it may seem silly to even name these iconic artistic movements in a story about building edible boards, I have found that drawing on some of these concepts from a purely superficial standpoint can guide me through a theme, or inspire a certain vibe. I love having that singular focus of a showstopper meat, an adventurous cheese, a perfect preserve and simple slice of sourdough, to anchor a minimalistic spread.
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The bases of your choosing also lend well to textural variety; soft chewy bread, nutty seedy crackers or classic crisps all offer something different to each bite.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Rule of thirds: While there are absolutely no rules for making a charcuterie board, when building classically appealing “Instagram-able” / “Pinterest-worthy” spreads that seem to find the ideal balance between abundant and overflowing, but are yet tidy and tasteful, I will often go for three varieties of the main components (cheese, meat and spread), arranging them on the board one category at a time, and then filling in the holes with the accoutrements of nuts, olives, fruit, etc.
You will also need a small bowl for olive pits, cheese rinds, and anything else your guests might want to discard as they dine. A sure-fire way to evoke audience aversion is to have spitty pits and half-nibbled rejects awkwardly and embarrassingly scattered throughout the edible landscape.
As with all art, there is no limit on what you can do and how you can do it! Have fun, get creative, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, keep in mind that what you’re eating is more important than how it’s presented, and what folks will remember is not necessarily how everything looked, but how it made them feel. And that is what art is truly about.
Whether or not you place the bread or crackers on the board itself is (like everything) a personal decision, and may depend on dietary considerations like gluten sensitivity. However, I often go for a combination, incorporating some crackers on the board, and fresh bread (with perhaps a little olive oil and sea salt for dipping) on the side.
The number of folks you’re feeding and the ingredients you’d like to showcase will determine the size, and shape is often dependent on the theme you’re exploring. For example, if it’s a sumptuous starter for a farm-style feast you’re after, try a long and narrow board, almost like an edible table runner.
The final touches: Whatever themes you’re inspired by, ingredients you’re working with, or concepts you’re exploring, I find certain details seem to turn a basic board into a memorable masterpiece. Edible flowers, microgreens, a small sprinkle of something special—there’s a reason garnishes are so popular when plating and practicing artful presentation. Do keep in mind, of course, to not mask the main event with unnecessary decorations.
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¼ cup feta cheese
Handful of fresh dill
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Creamy Roasted Beet Dip
Directions:
Prep time: 5 minutes
Directions:
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
Trim the figs and slice them in half.
Ingredients
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus about 1-2 tbsp for roasting)
Remove the rosemary sprig and any large rosemary needles, and transfer the fig jam to a sterilized and dry mason jar for canning (leaving some space at the top before sealing). Or, if consuming more immediately, allow the jam to cool to room temperate and store in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes about 1.5 cups of dip
Balsamic Fig Preserve
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook time: About 45 minutes
2 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
6-8 soft fresh figs
1 tbsp maple syrup
Makes about 1 cup of preserve
3 medium-sized beets, peeled and cut into chunks
Cook time: About 1 hour
Ingredients:
Place them in a medium-sized saucepan with all the remaining ingredients, over medium-low heat. Cook until everything is thick and jammy, stirring regularly throughout, mashing up the figs as you go, for 45 minutes to 1 hour. *Note: if you’re noting the figs aren’t breaking down after about 15 minutes, add more orange juice, or even a splash of water and give it a good stir and mash.
Preheat oven to 400F.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, toss the beets in some olive oil and place in a baking dish with a lid (you can also use aluminum foil if you don’t have any covered baking dishes).Roast for about 45 minutes, turning the beets once or twice, until fork tender. Allow the beets to cool, and then combine them with the remaining ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a container and store in the fridge for up to one week.
1 large clove of garlic, peeled and trimmed
1 sprig fresh rosemary
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Continue stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and wellintegrated with the almond butter and cream. One tablespoon at a time, add in the maple syrup until you’re happy with the flavour (this will depend on how sweet your dark chocolate chips are).
½-¾ cup cream cheese
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chocolate Almond Fudge Sauce
Zest from 1 medium-sized lemon
Ingredients:
½ cup whipping cream
Directions:
Honey Lemon Cream Cheese Whip
Makes about 2 cups of whip
2-4 tbsp maple syrup
Pinch of salt
Relax
Directions:
Add a pinch of salt, stir one more time, before taking it off the burner and transferring to a bowl for serving. *Note: the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Mix in lemon zest until just integrated. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. *Note: If you want the whip to be on the softer side, make sure to take it out of the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes and give it a little whisk before serving.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the chocolate, almond butter and cream.
Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and honey until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. Pour one quarter of the whipping cream into the cream cheese mixture. Beat until smooth. Scrape down the sides and repeat a second time until thick and fluffy.
Prep time: 10 minutes
2 tbsp honey
½ cup dark chocolate chips
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Makes about 1.5 cups of sauce
½ cup whipping cream
Ingredients:
½ cup smooth almond butter
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We also walked 62 kilometres and climbed 92 flights. We savoured some truly exquisite food, slept in three stunning ho tels, visited a strange pub, and used our Oyster cards to access the exceedingly simple and efficient tube system.
C
lose to 1,000 stairs. Three “lifts.” One very long walk uphill. One observation wheel, one cable car and one double-decker bus. During our six-day trip to London this summer, we did all we could to “get high” and witness the views of this spectacular city.
What did we learn? This beautiful, walkable city, with its stunning architecture—both old and new—friendly chaps and so many things to explore is a must-do on any travel lover’s list.
As for getting high? Here are some of the many options:
The number of options for High Tea (or Afternoon Tea) in Lon don is dizzying. But to get high, how about tea on the top level of a double-decker bus?
An icon of the London skyline, the London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel (not a Ferris wheel) and is centrally located across the River Thames from famous landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. This is a major tourist attraction, so expect to join a quickly moving lineup and then follow a dozen or so others into a transparent observation capsule. The 30-minute experience showcases breathtaking 360-degree views as you slowly climb the wheel to a height of 135 metres. Purchase ad vance tickets at londoneye.com. We augmented this attraction with a 40-minute circular sightseeing boat cruise along the Thames—a lovely open-air voyage that was both fun and informative.
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Every area in London has its own “high street,” basically a main street. But some are higher than others and Oxford Street is one of the most famous. Located in the west end of London, it’s con sidered the city’s premier shopping destination, offering more than 300 stores, outlets and shops. It boasts more than 90 flagship stores
THE LONDON EYE
This beautiful, walkable city, with its stunning architecture— both old and new— friendly chaps and so many things to explore is a must-do on any travel lover’s list.
We nibbled on delicate sandwiches, buttery pastries and iconic cream scones on a B Bakery Tea Bus Tour, while driving about the city and listening to an amusing tour guide drop enlightening tidbits about various landmarks. Check out b-bakery.com to discover an array of bus tour offerings, including the intriguing-sounding Slings by Gin Afternoon Tea (next time!).
321 StreetWesley MEWS boutique shopping and dining experience • La Stella Trattoria • Mobile Cellutions • Electric Umbrella • Bistro Taiyo • Old City Quarter Law • B. Clotheswise Uniforms • Aura Arcana Well Being Co. • Mad about Ewe • Real Foods
HIGH TEA
HIGH STREETS
We had the immense luck to partake in a truly divine five-course meal overlooking the River Thames and city skyline in TING restaurant on Level 35 of The Shard. Everything about this feast— from the sublime flavours to the sommelier-recommended wine pairings and impeccable service—made it one of the most memora ble meals we’ve ever enjoyed. And then there was the view….
THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD
At 310 metres (1,017 feet), the 95-storey skyscraper The Shard is the tallest building in Britain and 96th tallest in the world. It domi nates the London skyline like—as the architect planned—a jagged glass sculpture rising from the river.
along a 1.9-kilometre stretch and provides the best places to shop in London.
Here’s an opportunity to get high in London that we witnessed during a few hours spent exploring the shops and restaurants at the O2 Arena, another London landmark. In this experience, you don a climb suit, boots and harness and cross a walkway on the roof sus pended 52 metres in the air. With a daylight climb, you’ll see views for miles; at night you’ll witness a blanket of twinkling city lights.
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A visit to the O2 Arena is a worthwhile trip in itself. In addition to stores and restaurants, there’s lots of activities available for young and old.
The Shard is one of London’s most famous landmarks.
The “View from The Shard” is a tourist attraction that offers views from two viewing platforms inside the building: the first is a triple-level indoor gallery on Level 69, and the second is a par tial-outdoor gallery on Level 72. An innovative lift system transports guests in lifts that travel at six metres per second, making the total time to go from Level 1 to Level 68 about a minute.
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CLIMB THE O2 ARENA
THE MONUMENT
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Built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London and celebrate the rebuilding of the city, The Monument is a 61-metre-tall Doric column, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Inside, visitors can climb 311 steps through a narrow, winding passageway to take in panoramic views from the top. Hidden beneath the entrance is a tiny laboratory from where the column was once used as a giant zenith telescope. Who knew! It took a bit of huffing and puffing to reach the top, but the views—and the nod to history—were worth it.
Visiting the splendour that is St. Paul’s Cathedral is a must-do, even without the lofty goal of getting high. Described appropriately as a “vibrant church, a national treasure and a London icon,” the cathedral is more than just a breathtaking example of Baroque church design. It houses an art collection and a crypt, and has figured prominently in events such as the funerals of Winston Churchill and the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer. First built in 604, it has burned down and been rebuilt three times, most recently in the 1600s.
ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
Looking at the dome from inside St. Paul’s Cathedral.
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Here’s a unique and fun way to take in the London skyline—soar across the River Thames 90 metres high in your own private cable-car cabin. You can grab either one-way or round-trip tickets from launching sites at Royal Victoria Docks or Greenwich Penin sula. This is a peaceful way to get high in a different part of London and soak in views of the river and beyond. If you catch the cable car after 7 pm, the journey slows down, adding a dozen or so minutes each way. Timed right, you might be able to catch a sunset. We loved this ride: quiet, peaceful—and no stairs!
EMIRATES AIR LINE CABLE CAR
2022 In our tradition of creating installation art with a message, I am pleased to welcome you to experience The Tale of One Urban Creek. This astounding exhibit is an exploration in glass, photography, and steel art mediums of the beauty and fragile nature of our special urban places. Focusing artistic narrative on Parksville’s Shelly Creek, these amazing local artists bring their incredible to create an exhibit that will showcase the story of one of the last local waterways that bears salmon and trout populations and what we can do to sustain and even enhance them for future generations enjoy. Jennifer Bate, Executive Director, McMillan Arts JULY 2 –AUGUST 28, 2022 MCMILLAN ARTS CENTRE 133 McMillan Street, www.mcmillanartscentre.comParksville An informative and interactive Art Installation July & August 2022 McMillan Arts Centre, Parksville, BC CANADA The Tale of One Urban Creek Christopher SMITH * Robert HELD * Haa’Yuups Kelly CORBETT * Deborah FREEMAN * Jesse RECALMA Nelson SHAW* David MACKENZIE Glaskrafter Art Glass In our tradition of creating installation The Tale of One Urban Creek. This and steel art mediums of the beauty artistic narrative on Parksville’s to create an exhibit that will showcase and trout populations and what we enjoy. JULY 2 MCMILLAN–AUGUST133McMillanwww.mcmillanartscentre.com McMillan Arts Centre, The KellyChristopherTaleSMITHCORBETT*Nelson Glaskrafter message, I am pleased to welcome you to experience exhibit is an exploration in glass, photography, acrylic nature of our special urban places. Focusing the amazing local artists bring their incredible talents one of the last local waterways that bears salmon and even enhance them for future generations to Jennifer Bate, Executive Director, McMillan Arts Centre –AUGUST 28, 2022 ARTS CENTRE Street, www.mcmillanartscentre.comParksville informative and interactive Art Installation July & August 2022 Parksville, BC CANADA One Urban Creek Robert HELD * Haa’Yuups FREEMAN * Jesse RECALMA David MACKENZIE SPONSORS Celebrate creativity everywhere, ever way. Three-weeks of creativity, community, and connection from coast-to-coast-to coast. EventHuntBanner M.A.C.The-CentreArtsMcMillanThe EventCorpseExquisite ResortOceanfrontBaysideThe PM8:00-PM5:30FestCultureUkrainian CentreConference&CommunityParksville PM4:00-AM11:00©TokTikShortDoc FestivalFilm M.A.C.The-CentreArtsMcMillanTheBeDazzledThe ProjectBra theatAtriumThe HallCityParksville 15 OCT 25 SEP SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 16 Find events at culturedays.ca All events are free or by donation so we welcome everyone to join us as we celebrate the Arts & Culture of our vibrant and diverse country, Canada, our exceptionally beautiful province, British Columbia, and our beloved Island Home by the Seaside, Parksville. mcmillanartscentre.com • 250-248-8185
Shangri-La The Shard: As we used our card to activate our room at Shangri-La The Shard, magic happened. Blinds on a semicircle of floor-to-ceiling windows lifted upwards, revealing dazzling views from every vantage point. The bathroom, encircled in glass, was also a revelation. Sitting in the tub, it feels like you’re soaking and floating at the same time. Every detail in this room was topnotch, from pillows and linen to technology, space and comfort, and the staff was super helpful. Want to get even higher? Reserve ahead and plunge into the hotel’s infinity pool on Level 52—nearly 200 metres above sea level.
At 111 metres high (365 feet), it was the tallest building in Lon don from 1710 to 1963. The dome remains among the highest in the Andworld.guess
THE ROOFTOP
Here are a few ideas to enjoy the high life in London. Try any or all of these hotels:
Camille boot by
Leighton shacket by Gentle Fawn
ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH
This is al fresco dining at its best. Located on the seventh floor of the Trafalgar St. James Hotel, The Rooftop bar is set against a backdrop of London’s iconic skyline. We savoured a delectable assortment of unique small-plate fare—hello watermelon sashimi and cider-poached chorizo—as well as a main plate of artisan cheeses, apple and cider chutney, grapes and focaccia. Although we sipped flutes of Prosecco, The Rooftop is renowned for its cocktails.
what? Should you desire to embark on an upwards trek of 538 steps, you can visit the top of the dome. On the way up, you’ll pass the Whispering Gallery at 259 steps and the Stone Gallery at 378 steps. At the top is the Golden Gallery, and it encircles the highest point of the outer dome.
You can’t get much higher than space, and at the Royal Ob servatory Greenwich, you can marvel at The Great Equatorial Telescope and Camera Obscura, as well as climb to the top of Greenwich Park for great views of the city. This is also the home of Greenwich Mean Time where, in the Meridian Courtyard, you can stand on the world-famous (albeit slightly underwhelm ing) prime meridian line, or longitude 0, the starting point for measuring global distance east and west. Outside the observatory, there’s a fantastic viewpoint in front of a statue of General Wolfe.
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ELEVATE THE NIGHT
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Lobby at Sea Containers London looks like the hull of a ship.
Our room was exquisite, and our seafood dinner on the river-side patio at Sea Containers Restaurant was lovely. We also didn’t miss the opportunity to try one of the unique cocktails at Lyaness Bar, where each drink is created from five rotating ingredients. Mixology taken to new heights!
The hotel also has a basement cinema, open to the public, and a lusciously scented spa. Want to get high? The 12th Knot bar is located on the 12th floor and once again, there’s a panoramic view. We absolutely loved this hotel.
The Trafalgar St. James.
The Trafalgar St. James: Location, location, as they say. Situated amid London’s bustling Trafalgar Square, across the street from the National Gallery and just steps from cute patio bars and restaurants on The Strand, this is an excellent place to stay. Throw in impeccable service, comfortable rooms, an excellent rooftop bar and delightful breakfast served buffet-style in the garden-themed Rockwell restaurant—and what more could you want? The Trafal gar St. James is also within easy walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and many other London landmarks.
Courtenay • Ladysmith • Nanaimo • Campbell River 250-591-6644 | telfordtoneffboyd.ca | 595 Townsite Rd, Nanaimo Division of Lonsdale Funeral Group Inc. Start preparing it iS eaSier than you think Lets Talk oldcityquarter.com CLOTHING, DESIGN SHOPS, SPECIALTY COFFEE, FARM-FRESH EATERIES, SERVICES AND MORE
Sea Containers London: Named for its location on the former site of Sea Containers London (a former shipping company), this funky, cool hotel is set right on the waterfront in London’s South bank. Standing on the balcony of our river-side room, it seriously felt as though we were in a boat—the gentle sound of the water lapped below us and a gentle hum of river traffic motored by. Built to mimic a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner, there are dozens of nautical touches, such as the copper wall built in the shape of a hull behind the front desk.
Qualicum Beach OPEN Chamberwww.qualicum.bc.caYEAR-ROUNDQualicumBeachofCommerce
LIA CROWE
secrets and lives — AND THE 7 SINS WITH CAITLIN MCKENZIE
X PHOTOGRAPHY
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“I continued to work in office retail stores until past gradua tion, and then I did a few years full time. And then my dad said I had to leave, because if Monk was ever going to be a part of my future, I needed to have some outside experience that I could bring back and be of value,” she says.
fter spending 15 years away from the family business, Caitlin McK enzie took the reins as CEO for Monk Office in the middle of 2018, marking the third gener ation of the family to head up theCaitlin,company.who grew up in Victoria, started in the business dusting shelves and sweeping as a kid when her father had to go into the office, and even tually graduated to working Saturdays in the retail stores once she turned 13.
WORDS ANGELA COWAN
Caitlin worked as an assis tant to a life insurance agent and as a cashier for Thrifty Foods for a number of years. Then she worked with Oak Bay Marine Group, which took her to the Bahamas to help run a boutique hotel there. And then in 2016 a job oppor tunity opened up with Monk’s school supply program.
“I could see myself in that role and it was an opportunity to get my foot back in the door at Monk,” she says. Caitlin applied, interviewed and got the job, leading to what she calls a “challenging year.”
A
A weekly delivery service of fresh flowers, a piece of jewellery—likely a ring—and three extended vacations. One to Europe and the UK, one to South America and one to the Bahamas. Each of those areas of the world offer me different, but important things I need in my life: nonjudgmental culture, my heritage and heat.
A quiet place with a view (specifically, Shawnigan Lake or Tofino), drinking wine and sharing the space with the person I love. But whether I’m surrounded by water or mountains, it wouldn’t matter. I love sitting in silence and just thinking and looking around. I’m in my head a lot and silence helps me focus on what’s right in front of me, or what I’ve been avoiding.
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Loud yawns and people talking through their yawns! If you’re not sitting next to a person when you hear them yawning you can never tell if they’re alright...it’s alarming and always far too dramatic.
What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of? Being an Auntie. Be it by blood relation or by friendship, I love being an Auntie. As someone who doesn’t have children of her own, I find it such an honour to be an important part of a kiddo’s life. There is a really special bond there and it makes me feel happy. Once they get to an appropriate age, I put in place the rule that they can trust me with absolutely anything, unless they’re in danger. Then I have to tell their parents.
LOVE. When I see that face, hear that voice, feel that touch. It’s magic. Pure magic.
And then in January of this year, Caitlin had the opportunity to carry on another legacy when Monk purchased Island Blue Art and Framing from the retiring Shemilt family. Island Blue, which first began as a map-making company in 1912, has a long and respected history in the local community, and to be able to safeguard its future was hugely important to Caitlin and Monk Office.
Mashed potatoes. Thick, creamy (but not whipped!), riddled with butter, garlic, salt and pepper, and some cream cheese in there.
“To know that we were going to stay true to our prom ises to the Shemilt family, and integrate Island Blue Art and Framing into the Monk Office family and maintain a presence on the island, was very satisfying,” says Cait lin. “If you’re from Victoria you know how important supporting local is, and it’s worth its weight in gold to maintain those relationships and those connections to the community. Island Blue has certainly been a bright light for us. It was a long time coming.”
Whose shoes would you like to walk in?
LUST:
She admits that she hadn’t expected at the time to be where she is now, but a conversation over martinis with her dad in 2018 put her on the spot.
ENVY:
WRATH: Pet peeves?
The 7 Sins
GLUTTONY:
GREED:
PRIDE:
“From a personal standpoint, I was going through a lot in my life, not really knowing where I belonged or what I should be doing, and I wanted to see if Monk Office was going to be a part of my future,” she explains.
What is the food you could eat over and over again?
“He says ‘the time has come and I have two questions for you: do you want the job, and do you think you can do it?’ I was terrified,” says Caitlin with a laugh, “because I would never want to take on something with this kind of legacy behind it without genuinely and confidently thinking I could do it. But by the end of that martini, the answer was yes to both of them.”
SLOTH:
You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?
What makes your heart beat faster?
Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?
Once at the helm, Caitlin re-established a strong family-minded culture within the business and then successfully—though not without stress—navigated the pandemic and its fallout.
There are certainly people I admire, but I’m not sure whose shoes to choose! Instead, I’ll say that I would want to walk in someone’s shoes who has survived adversity and come out the other side not jaded. Just to see how they actually managed it all. As we all know, adversity is just a thing about life, but it’s how humans manage it and how we strengthen ourselves that I find extraordinarily inspiring.
88 boulevardmagazines.com | FALL 2022 narrative WORDS LINDA DOCTOROFF X ILLUSTRATION SIERRA LUNDY ALOHA KAUAI
On my last morning, I’m sipping Kona coffee on the lanai in the dark, anticipating the sunrise while hearing the roosters crow. In the blackened sky, a purplish haze appears just above the horizon. Soon the sun-backed clouds emerge, their rim lined with a golden yellow that reflects the sun’s rays. A palette of hues wash the morning sky, turning the clouds amber and shading them with dark grey. Swatch es of deep gold stretch across the sky forming a canvas pulled tight. The clouds are brighter the farther they are from the rising sun.
i
Once the sun sets, as if on cue, the rose-ringed parakeets descend from the sky, searching for food in the coco palm trees lining the beach. They come nightly by the hundreds, their chorus of deafen ing chirps invading the silence with the same havoc they wreak on Kauai farmers, destroying their breadfruit, longan, rambutan and lychee crops.
The sun hovers just above the horizon’s jagged clouds, then be gins to dip into the ocean, its radiance casting magnificent mauves and pinks and oranges and reds on the cirrus peaks. Everyone claps for the outstanding performance.
’m sipping a frothy chilled Mai Tai, sitting by the ocean on a low-slung Tommy Bahama canvas beach chair, watch ing the sunset. It’s my first night in Kauai and dozens of us gather on the beach to witness this spectacle.
One early evening, several of us watch the turtles slowly, haltingly climb up the beach to rest after their long journey. The next morn ing, they are gone, having returned to their ocean habitat.
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The ocean temperature is perfect at 24 degrees Celsius, as warm as a heated swimming pool. I step into the ocean and immerse myself into the sea world. Immediately I see a large reef covered with cauliflower coral containing all kinds of tropical fish and sea turtles. I feel like an interloper, intruding on their fragile ecosystem, and I’m careful to not disturb the fish as they forage for food. Soon a school of convict tang—named for their six yellow vertical stripes—swim by. Gliding towards a sea turtle that’s partially resting under a rock, they circle it for a few moments and then move on.
The Waimea Canyon hike does not disappoint. The canyon is huge—16 kilometres long, 1.6 kilometres wide and 1,200 metres deep. The rainbow-hued cliffs with layers of red, orange, pink and purple cascade down the canyon, and the trail descends as a series of switchbacks hugging the rim to the valley floor, where the muddy Waimea River gently flows.
Because I don’t want to miss out on anything, especially a great view, off I go. It had rained heavily the day before and the trail is slippery and muddy. Really muddy. I climb up the neck of the giant to its chin, a postage-stamp-size narrow summit with knife-edge ridges dropping down on either side of me. I freeze. Peering down
I continue swimming and spot a butterfly fish, distinguished by its bright yellow boxy shape, as it dips down to the cauliflower coral covered with algae and nibbles gingerly at it.
On the second to last day before leaving this idyllic island—and like I have every afternoon since arrival—I enter the underwater habitat. I put on my bathing suit, grab my snorkel, mask and fins, and head down to the beach, a mere 40 metres from where I’m staying. Black lava rock covers much of the beach, but I find a patch of sand where the snorkelers enter the water.
the 450-metre plunge to the valley floor, I am immobile. Paralyzed, my eyes bulging with fear. It is sheer determination and the desire to see my grandchildren graduate from high school that guides me as I crawl on all fours down the precipice. I stop at a safe spot and exhale
I swim along in my flippered feet and come across two Moorish idols, easy to spot with their light-gold body banded with black in a perfect blend. Their orange-and-white snout and graceful trailing filament give them an exotic air. I learn that the bright neon colours of tropical fish act as a warning to predators to keep away. Even fish have turf wars.
“It’s only another 10 minutes up from here,” one of the guys says, “and the views are amazing.”
A few days later I set out on a relatively easy hike called Sleeping Giant. With an elevation gain of about 450 metres and eight kilo metres long, this is the type of hike I do regularly at home. I ascend to a plateau where there’s a picnic table and decide to stop, since the view is lovely. But I meet a group of young bucks from Switzer land, who convince me to continue to the summit.
After breakfast we set out to explore the island. Hiking is central to my life, I do it almost daily, and it is a major reason I have come to Kauai. This volcanic island is known for its stellar hikes in can yons to waterfalls and along rugged coastlines. I am excited to do one of the epic hikes in Waimea Canyon, a spectacular gorge on the west side of the island.
A few minutes later, still underwater, I hear people exclaiming, “Come over here! There are sea turtles swimming!”
I kick my feet and speed ahead to see a green sea turtle the shape of an oversized beach ball tucked under a rock crevice, at rest. The creature is chameleon-like and blends perfectly into its habitat.
At the bottom I sit quietly on the river bank, breathing in the coolness of the eucalyptus trees, their leaves forming a thick, crunchy ground covering. I bring a picnic of Gruyere cheese, mul tigrain crackers and local mandarin oranges. I slowly eat my food, stillness surrounding me. I listen to the unhurried ripple of the river, take in the honey-like aroma of the eucalyptus forest.
Gooddeeply.thing I didn’t know about the two hikers who climbed up to a waterfall and fell 100 metres to their death. The $15.4-million US settlement didn’t bring them back.
Hawaiian green sea turtles are an endangered species. Their name comes from the colour of their underbelly fat, greenish because of their diet of algae and seagrasses. Each year, from their nesting spot in the isolated French Frigate Shoals, 750 kilometres northwest of Hawaii, they swim, journeying more than a month to reach their resting spot at Poipu Beach in Kauai. Only one per cent of sea turtles survive the trip.
As I watch nature’s show, the wind picks up and the coco palms sway and swish about as if hula-dancing in rhythm with the wind. The rooster’s crowing drowns out the birdsong, surrounding me with a sensory dissonance: the stillness of first light and the racket of the birds. The two realms are competing for my attention. I take it all in, glad I am alive and awake enough to bear witness.
The next morning, I awake early to Kauai’s wild roosters. They have been ubiquitous on the island since the 1992 Hurricane Iniki, which destroyed chicken farms and set free these feral creatures with their reddish hackles and hefty combs.
I have heard the hike down the canyon rim is similar to expe riencing the Grand Canyon. Since I haven’t been to Arizona yet, I am keen to do the hike. Though the trailhead isn’t obvious, we find it by noticing a number of vehicles parked on the shoulder of a main road, a sure sign in the wilderness that there is something special there to see.
By happenstance, the “art” theme in this edition of Boulevard coincided with editor Susan Lundy’s trip to London to witness her daughter’s art opening at the city’s renowned White Cube gallery. Susan embarked on numerous activities in London—es pecially experiences with a view, as documented in this edition’s travel story “High in London.” But the main purpose of the journey was to see Danica Lundy’s show and, in particular, to witness in person the 12-by-8-foot oil painting above called “Cham ber.” The paintings in the show were produced in the shadow of the death of Danica’s father, Derrick Lundy, a photographer. “Chamber” captures his final moments, as seen through an exploding camera.
COURTESYPHOTO OF THE ARTIST
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