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Serving Spillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Edgewater, , Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats
IN THE BEAUTIFUL COLUMBIA VALLEY
Entertainment and activity guide for the whole family!
Avid glider and member of the Invermere Soaring Club, Stewart Midwinter Midwinter, Club Stewart took a shot of himself while sailing silently through the wild blue yonder. See more inside.
“For all your real estate needs”
“2 locations to serve you”
Invermere 526 B - 13th St., 250-342-6911 • 1-877-342-6914
Fairmont Hot Springs 4 - 4992 - Fairmont Frontage 250-345-4000 • 1-866-345-4004
16 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
May 18, 2007
MAIN STREET INVERMERE (250) 342-6151 Village Arts features the handcrafted work of over 50 artisans. Best selection of Canadian Fine Craft in the Region Open year round Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5:30 pm Summer Sundays 11 am - 4 pm
www.villagearts.ca
Featuring these artisans and more‌
Blissbeads
Sandra Arnold Beingessner Handcrafted Glass Beads and Custom Jewellery
250-342-6507
Watch the artist work. Studio at Bliss Hair & Esthetics 814 - 13th Street, Invermere
Brian Hoffos Wood Designs Brian & Jenny Hoffos Unique mirrors, lamps and hand-turned wooden items.
250-342-3819
Downtown Windermere Open year-round seven days a week 814 - 13th Street, Invermere
TOP OF THE WORLD—Invermere Soaring Centre owner Trevor Florence snapped this shot over Lake of the Hanging Glacier high above the Purcell Mountains east of Invermere.
Wind beneath your wings
Have you ever had a dream where you were ying like a bird? The Invermere Soaring Centre is giving people the chance to capture that dream by taking a glide over the Rockies. “We utilize the forces of nature to seemingly defy gravity,â€? said Trevor Florence, owner of the centre. A glider, in a nutshell, is a plane with no engine. It is towed behind a plane with an engine, known as a
tow-plane, in search of uprising air called thermals. “Just like a hawk or an eagle would circle, that’s what we do,â€? Trevor said. The glider is then allowed to soar on its own. Without an engine, soaring is not only scenic, but also peaceful and tranquil. Don’t worry - gliding is very safe. The instructors at Invermere Soaring Centre are certiďŹ ed and have lots of experience. The planes are also built to very rigid standards, and Trevor said they are generally stronger than conventional airplanes. Continued on Page 17
there’s more for your golďƒžng dollar at th’ Flats!
Columbia Valley Vacations We Plan, You Play!
By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Sta
Your Valley Planner, Sherry, makes it easy for you to enjoy a FUN & HASSLE Free vacation. She is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of your needs are met, from a simple Golf Getaway or Outdoor Adventure package to Corporate Meetings, she will work with you to create the perfect holiday.
Kapristo Mountain Woodcraft Dean Spence & Cathie Green Distinctive rustic furniture and household accessories www.kmv.ca
(250) 344-6734
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Go To: www.ColumbiaValleyVacations.com for Specials/Packages and get your free quote today. Contact: Sherry Huether Email: cvv@shaw.ca Toll Free: 1-888-488-4FUN(386)
Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 17
May 18, 2007
Local soaring club open to aspiring glider pilots Continued from Page 16 “You can’t run out of gas, so the engine will never quit,” Trevor laughed. There are varieties of flights you can choose from, even if you are a little apprehensive about soaring. For beginners, Trevor recommends the Valley Flight. The Valley Flight is an introduction to soaring. It is a 20-minute long flight above the valley and Lake Windermere. If you are a little more adventurous, you can take a Mountain Flight. The Mountain Flight is the Soaring Centre’s most popular flight and is done in the afternoon when the necessary thermals are available to gain altitude. If you are in the mood for something truly spectacular, you can take a Glacier Flight. This flight goes deep into the mountain ranges where the higher peaks and glaciers are. This flight, according to the brochure, “is not for those faint of heart,” because it includes strong thermals and fast climbs. Trevor said that eagles have flown beside the glider, making the trip even more picturesque. There is a local club here for glider pilots called the Canadian Rockies Soaring club, with a membership of about 45 people. One world record and several Canadian records are held by Invermere pilots, and the local club has ranked first in total distance flown since this statistic began to be collected in 2000. Last season club members flew a total of 116,846 kilometres. Invermere Soaring Centre attracts both Canadian and international pilots. The conditions here are so favourable
because the terrain, weather, and facilities are among the best in the world. There are not a lot of soaring centres in Canada, and Trevor said that the view here is definitely the best. Glider pilots visit from throughout the world to fly over the B.C Rockies. “We are lucky to have these conditions,” Trevor said. Another exciting part of spring is the choosing of the bursary students. Two Norman Marsh Memorial Bursaries are offered each year - one by the Soaring Centre and one by the club - for two teens who are interested in learning to fly gliders. The selected young people will receive all club memberships needed for the entire season and ten days of intense instruction on the ground and in the air. This year the session will operate from July 2 to 13. In past years, most students have achieved solo flight in this time. Students are welcome to stay on after the bursary days are over, and work to pay for further flying. This is an excellent start for someone interested in a career in any aspect of flight, or for those who have always wanted to “soar like an eagle.” Interested young people aged 15 to 18 should contact Trevor at 342-1688 or Evelyne at 342-9602 by May 30. More information is available at www. soartherockies.com. Come and visit the Invermere Soaring Centre at the north end of the airport and watch what is happening. See pictures by logging in to the club website at www.canadianrockiessoaring.com or to the commercial operation at www. soartherockies.com.
DYNASTY STANDS FOR QUALITY locally owned and operated
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347-9762
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18 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
May 18, 2007
Playland open this weekend
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18-H le Miniature G lf G -Kart Track OPEN APRIL TO OC TOBER
C pper City Café Water Bumper B ats Hw y. 9 3 / 9 5 • Windermere • (250) 341-3640
By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff One of the valley’s oldest family attractions is reopening today, Friday May 18 under new ownership. Playland, located between Radium and Invermere on Highway 93/95, is now being run by Alex McCluskie of Invermere and his girlfriend Trisha Wilson of Yellowknife, both 18 years old. “We just want a fun kids’ place, where it is safe,” Trisha said. Playland was originally opened in the 1960s by Bud Amy, a local artist who worked with fibreglass. Some of his original sculptures, such as the blue octopus and giant mushroom, are still standing in Playland today. Initially the park went by the name of Treasure Chest Playland, because of a big treasure chest on the grounds. After Bud Amy sold Playland, it went through several other owners before Walt and Gail Horton bought it in 1989. The Hortons changed the park’s name to Playland; they also added go-carts, paintball, bumper boats, the wild carpet slide and a petting zoo. Gail and Walt owned Playland for 18 years, before selling it this past year. Alex and Trisha have been working very hard to
restore the magic of Playland and are looking forward to the summer ahead. But rest assured, you will not see the colorful fibreglass octopus or any of its partners shipped away. The two said they are planning on keeping the facility similar to the original Playland. However, there are a few new fun gimmicks in store, such as new additions to the bumper boats, moonlight mini-golf and possibly paintball. “We have go-carts for the older kids,” Trish said. There are ten go-carts running at Playland, and Alex boasts a challenging course and interactive staff. “If there is only one person on the track we usually race with them,” Alex said. One of the biggest things in the future of Playland is the task of bringing the locals back into Playland. The pair is toying with the idea of a possible local day. Playland is not just for kids. A sunny deck and a beautiful view make it the perfect place for parents to relax while their kids burn off the energy they built up riding a car all day. Playland will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is open for special event bookings. Call for 347-9300 for more information. So whatever your age, stop in, relax, practice your putting on the mini-golf course, or take a ride on the go-carts.
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One of the pre-eminent mountain golf courses in the world and a rare opportunity to play one of Canada’s top 10 courses.
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Play 9 & Dine for just $59 (includes $10 towards your meal at Carrick’s).
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Twilight, 9 hole, and junior rates available.
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Featuring four sets of well designed tees making it playable for all abilities.
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Carrick’s Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Greywolf is located at Panorama Mountain Village, only 18 km west of beautiful Invermere-on-the-lake.
Tee Times: (250) 341-4100 or 1-888-473-9965 visit greywolfgolf.com for more information *Conditions may apply to all programs and packages. Rates subject to change/cancellation without notice. All facilities/programs subject to seasonality and cancellation.
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May 18, 2007
Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 19
PLAYING AND STAYING THROUGHOUT THE YEARS - Ever since tourists discovered the beautiful Columbia Valley, they have been enjoying the hot springs and playing golf. Top, two ladies bathe in Radium Hot Springs mineral pools; bottom, three men golf at a course that once existed just above Pynelogs Cultural Centre in Invermere. Photos courtesy of Windermere Valley Historical Society
Whether it’s challenging whitewater, family rafting or wetland float trips – Kootenay River Runners will fulfill your spirit of adventure! • Raft world-class whitewater on the Kicking Horse River • Bring your family for fun, food and adventure on the Kootenay River • Experience Toby Creek Whitewater Fun • Enjoy the Columbia River Wetlands Float Radium Hot Springs: On Highway #93 • (250) 347-9210
1-800-599-4399 info@raftingtherockies.com • www.raftingtherockies.com
T HE P RESTIGE R ADIUM H OT S PRINGS
250-347-2300 T OLL F REE R ESERVATIONS
1-87-PRESTIGE Located in the Okanagan and Kootenay Rockies
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M O RE B A N G F O R YO U R B U C K .
THE PIONEER
MORE THAN TWICE THE READERS OF ANY OTHER LOCAL NEWSPAPER
20 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
May 18, 2007
LONG LONG
WEEKEND SPECIAL
2 Green Fees for 1 when you rent a power cart
•48 hour advance booking
250-427-4161 Also book with 1st Tee Golf:
250-427-4893
Bootleg Gap Golf Kimberly, BC
With its shallow, warm water, Kinsmen Beach in Invermere is a perfect place for young families.
“Golf. . . for the fun of it!” Green Fees
Weekday (Mon-Thurs non holiday) $49 plus tax Weekend (Fri-Sun & holidays) $55 plus tax Jr. Rates $35 plus tax
Recreational 9 Green Fees Adult $18 plus tax Jr. $12 plus tax
If you are interested in golf information or to book a tee time, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email at: TOLL FREE: 1.877.427.7077 EMAIL: admin@bootleggapgolf.com
Daily and Weekly Dream Vacation Rental Homes Panorama • Fairmont • Radium • Invermere • Windermere
Which way to the beach? Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff One of the first questions people ask when they arrive in the valley is: where’s the beach? Following are directions to four public beaches. • Kinsmen Public Beach is located in downtown Invermere. Drive south on Main Street and follow it until you cannot follow any more. This is one of three public beaches on the gorgeous Lake Windermere and the one used most often. There are change rooms, a sandy beach and an area for swimming. If the water is too cold, you can take your kids to the grassy park shaded by large willow trees. In addition, a spectacular fountain on the nearby pond called Dorothy Lake serves as a beautiful backdrop for a summer picnic. The Pynelogs Cultural Centre is also located beside Kinsmen Beach. It was built by Robert Randolph Bruce and his bride Lady Elizabeth Northcott in 1915. Unfortunately she died suddenly before the home was completed, and her body is buried right on Kinsmen Beach beneath a roofed cairn. Mr. Bruce donated the home to the community of Invermere, and it served as a hospital until 1956 and then a seniors’ home. Named Pynelogs after Lady Bruce’s ancestral estate in Scot-
land, the building was reopened in 1990 to become the town’s cultural centre. It has recently undergone extensive restoration. Here the Columbia Valley Arts Council hosts performances and an art gallery. • James Chabot Provincial Park is located at the far northern end of Lake Windermere, in the area called Athalmer. Athalmer was once a separate community at the foot of the hill leading into Invermere. To find the public beach, turn at the A&W corner and drive sotuh. The public beach offers shallow water, which is perfect for children. There are also picnic tables, change rooms and a children’s playground. • Windermere Public Beach is located in the small community of Windermere on the east side of the lake. When you turn off the highway to Windermere, follow Bench Road to Fairmont Street all the way to the lakefront. There is a sectioned-off swimming area and a floating raft for your kids. The grassy area is complete with picnic tables and children's play area. • Canal Flats Provincial Park: The lake to the south called Columbia Lake is much quieter than Lake Windermere. To get to the public beach, take the highway all the way south to Canal Flats and then follow the signs. The park has a boat ramp, picnic tables and washrooms.
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www.mountainvacationsbc.com (250) 342-3263 • Toll-free 1-877-341-3263 Box 2441, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 • Fax (250) 341-6219
Traces of Thompson
Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 21
May 18, 2007
Celebrating the Bicentennial of David Thompson’s North American Explorations
Woman of the Paddle Song 150th Anniversary of the Death of Charlotte Small, Wife of David Thompson By Ross MacDonald Special to The Pioneer Charlotte was born on September 1, 1785 at the North West Company post of Île-à-la-Crosse on the Churchill River in what is now Saskatchewan. Her mother was a northern Woods Cree and her father was Scottish fur-trader Patrick Small. Patrick Small retired to England in 1791 leaving his country wife, or wives, and his three young children—Patrick, Nancy and Charlotte. Very little of Charlotte’s childhood is documented, although, some is gleaned from David’s Spartan notes. Charlotte learned the skills of living off the land and understandings of climate, ecosystems, wildlife, and wilderness travel. She also learned the language and culture of her mother’s Cree people. Straddling two worlds Charlotte would have had familiarity with life at a trading post, although there is no documentation on whether she was raised in the trading post or with the band. She knew English and likely some French. Although she was of mixed Native and European parentage, historians Jennifer Brown and Philip Goldring say that it is inappropriate to assign the designation Métis to Charlotte. At the time, in the 1790’s Métis did not have the separate economic, geographical, and political identity that they would create in the Red River after 1812. There is no documentation of Charlotte identifying herself as Métis. In that era, girls marrying young was not uncommon. Charlotte was 13 yeas old and David was 29 when they were married in the “fashion of the people” on June 10, 1799. Various writers have fictionalized the romantic meeting of David and Charlotte as love at first sight. But historical fact is sparse. If they met previously, it could only have
happened a year earlier when he passed through on route to Lac La Biche. There is some speculation that the marriage may have been arranged; however, how the couple met and why they married is unknown. According to Goldring, “this was not a typical fur trade marriage of the 18th century, contracted to cement relations between a trader and his Aboriginal customers. As soon as Charlotte and David confirmed their choice, she embarked on the first of some 20,000 kilometres of travel with her husband, travel that no other Cree girl of that time from Îleà-la-Crosse would ever experience except, significantly, her sister Nancy.” Their marriage is one of the great love stories in Canadian history and would last 58 years. According to Jennifer Brown, Charlotte and David had the longest documented pre-confederation fur trade marriage. Far more than a companion Charlotte became an essential partner in Thompson’s success through her understanding of the fur trade, Cree culture and survival skills. She also mothered their children. She would have 3 children by the time she was 21 - Fanny born at Rocky Mountain House in 1801, Samuel on the Peace River in 1804, and Emma north of Lake Winnipeg in 1806. Charlotte and the first 3 children were with David on the dangerous trip that established Kootenae House in 1807. For the remainder of David’s Columbia enterprise Charlotte would stay east of the mountains seeing him only during his trips to meet with North West Company partners. When David was away she had the life of most Aboriginal wives of fur traders, managing the domestic life of the trading post while also hunting and gathering food, making moccasins and clothing. Two more children were born in the west - John at Boggy Hall in 1808, and Joshua at Fort Augustus in 1811. In 1812, the Thompsons and their five children
would leave the west to brave the demanding social world of the east. In September the couple took a step that few fur trader families had done; they baptized their children. On October 30th, they renewed their 17-year union with a church marriage. At first the family lived in Montréal then moved to the loyalist settlement of Williamstown where as
wealthy landowners Charlotte would have adapted to being a gentleman’s wife and the lady of one of the best houses in the neighbourhood. Charlotte’s sister Nancy, who also married a fur trader, would settle nearby only to be abandoned for a European woman. David remained steadfast to Charlotte. Eight more children would be born in Upper and Lower Canada. In total ten of their thirteen children lived to adulthood, a significant achievement for that era. Economic disaster struck with the collapse of the old North West Company and Thompson investments turned sour. He resorted to survey contracts that kept him away from the family for extended periods. The family would move back to Montréal and Charlotte’s world would contract around her aging husband and their shrinking means. Eventually, the children grew up and moved out of the home but it would be a long time before the children were able to help support David and Charlotte. No image exists of Charlotte. A grandson remembered her as wiry, lively and energetic, but focused on her family. The couple spent most of their later years together either talking or gazing at stars. David died on Feb 10, 1857 and Charlotte passed away three months later on May 4th. They are buried side by side in the Landel family plot in Mount Royal Cemetery, in Montréal. References: Philip Goldring – “Charlotte Small and Her Worlds” an unpublished background paper for Parks Canada; Jennifer S.H. Brown – Personal Communication; Jack Nisbet – “Mapmaker’s Eye, David Thompson on the Columbia Plateau”, Washington State University Press, 2005.
Place Names through the Park
22 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Locals and visitors who drive through Kootenay National Park on a regular basis may be interested to learn the origin of some of the place names along the way.
Dolly Varden Campground: Dolly Varden and its picnic area were named after the rare type of fish that were caught there. Dolly Varden char is a type of fine-scaled trout. Much to the disappointment of local legend-tellers, researchers discovered that the fish that were being caught were not Dolly Varden char at all! The “real” Dollys are only found along the west coast, and it turns out all the anglers were catching was common bull trout.
Crooks Meadows Campground: This particular piece of property has particular historical interest and perhaps opportunity for an adventure. The campground is the original homestead of Charles Crook. Charles claimed the land in 1911, and he and his family lived on the site from 1933-1956. Ray Crook, the son of Charles, lives in Invermere to this day. In 1945, Charles Crook, who helped built the original highway, was killed in a roadway accident. You can visit his grave in the northwest corners of the meadows. Crooks Meadows Campground is open year round for camping and has a capacity of 75 people. Perfect for a family celebration, it has a playing field, fire pit, picnic tables, washrooms and roomy shelter.
Olive Lake Picnic Site: This site was a popular stop long before the days of Kootenay National Park. Artifacts indicate that Aboriginal people camped at lakeside up to 11,000 years ago. Olive Lake’s name comes from the beautiful color of its calm, tranquil waters. In 1993, Olive Lake was made completely accessible to people with disabilities. The improved site is wheelchair accessible and has a number of additions to the parks special exhibits making them available to the visually handicapped.
Paint Pots: Take a short hike up to a place where cold-mineral springs bubble up through small holes and stain the earth around them a deep reddish orange or ochre color. The 1.5-kilometre trail is filled with historical readings that tell just how important the site was to the Aboriginal people of the area. One particular tribe believed that a great thunder spirit resided in the springs. If you listen, maybe the thunder spirit will speak to you.
May 18, 2007
Numa Creek Picnic Area:
Marble Canyon Campground:
This site gets its name from the splendor that surrounds it. Numa Falls is only a stroll away from the parking lot and its beauty is best seen from the rustic bridge that overlooks the river. If you are in the mood for more than just a scenic stopover, you can hike beyond the bridge through beautiful greens to Numa Pass. The pass is the highest point on the Rockwall trail but the beautiful view is payoff enough for the 6.8-kilometre hike that precedes it. If you still are not ready to get back on the road, you can continue on a short while to stunning Lake Floe.
The name Marble Canyon comes from a stone found in the canyon called Dolomite, which is a type of limestone, but its white coloring resembles marble. This scenic campground has the highest elevation of any in the park and is an ideal spot for day trips to neighboring sights such as the Paint Pots, Icefield Parkway, Athabasca Glacier and even Banff. Marble Canyon’s history is not all roses; the campground was lucky to survive when the largest forest fires in park history, Tokumm, raged through Kootenay Park.
Red Streak Campground: Red Streak Campground got its name from the red rock fault that is visible on the nearby mountains. The reddish color of the rock comes from hematite (oxidized iron). The fault goes down several kilometers into the ground, extends as far north as Edgewater (10 km) and south as Fairmont Hot Springs (32 km). Red Streak Campground is the largest and most developed campground in Kootenay National Park. Complete with an open amphitheatre, this Campground is most likely to be filled on a long weekend. There are numerous short hikes in the area, including one to Radium Hot Springs Pools, Valley View Trail, Red Streak Campground Trail and Redstreak Loop Trail. Redstreak Campground Trail is a pleasant trail and is home to Kootenay’s own Place of Silence Peace Park. The Place of Silence is only of many peace parks across the nation designed to create public awareness of Canada’s commitment to world peace and environmental protection. Even more intriguing is the history behind this spot even before it was named a peace park. The Place of Silence once was a sacred spot for Aboriginal people. Boys on the verge of manhood came here seeking a sign from guardian spirits called “nipikas.”
McLeod Meadows Campground: One of the hidden gems of the Kootenay Park, McLeod Meadows is surrounded by grassy meadows. The campground is quiet and rarely filled to capacity. Each different season has different attractions for its campers. The early season is certainly more colorful. McLeod Meadows is home to at least four different types of orchids, numerous shooting stars and primrose. However, if you make a stop over in the fall, you may be able to catch a glimpse elk, which tend to gather in the meadows at the beginning of their mating season. Brightly colored kokanee salmon can also be spotted from one of two bridges over the Kootenay River. McLeod Meadows is also a popular takeout spot for canoeists in the park.
Kootenay Park Lodge: One of the park’s oldest lodges, Kootenay Park Lodge, was built in 1923 and originally named Vermillion River Camp. It was one of the many wilderness lodges owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway in an effort to attract tourism. In 2003, the Kootenay Park Lodge stood in the face of two raging forest fires and remains intact. The visitor information station located at the lodge represents the first time in history that the federal government allowed a private company to operate a Parks Information Centre.
Storm Mountain Lodge: Located at the base of Storm Mountain, the lodge was originally built by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1922 as one of eight Bungalow Camps used to promote tourism in the Rockies. Construction on the lodge began one year before the Banff-Windermere highway was officially open. Storm Mountain Lodge is located at the highest point on the highway, also known as Vermillion Pass. The lodge is located in an area with spectacular views, but also in an area common to forest fires. Storm Mountain Lodge has been in danger of being engulfed in flames twice, but both times was spared by a simple change in wind.
Settlers Road: As its name alludes, Settler’s Road was one of the first roads into the valley. These days, this road is a frequent route for trucks hauling magnesite and rafters and canoeists trying to reach the Kootenay River. You can also follow Settler’s Road to Nipika Mountain Resort, just outside of the park limits. The lodge is an eco-friendly place for its visitors to retreat and relax, particularly if you are interested in outdoor activities; as Nipika has an abundance of trails for anything from mountain biking to cross country skiing. For more information on the highlights in Kootenay National Park, you can pick up a copy of Bob Hahn’s Kootenay National Park at the Radium Visitor Information centre.
May 18, 2007
Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 23
Summer at Nipika R O C K Y M O U N TA I N E C O L O D G E
Offering unique outdoor activities for the whole family: ~ Wetlands Paddling / Birding Tours ~ ~ Paddle & Hike Adventure Week ~ ~ Guided Alpine Day Hikes ~ ~ Whitewater Rafting ~ Register now to experience Nipika, a one-of-akind escape into the heart of the natural world.
Simply Spectacular, Spectacularly Simple
www.nipika.com 1.877.647.4525
SUMMER AT NIPIKA - Log cabins are surrounded by mountain views for an ideal mountain getaway, just a few kilometres east of Radium Hot Springs.
24 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
Kountry Kitchen OPEN
Wednesday - Sunday
Soup & Sandwich Burgers & Fries Daily Special Wood Oven Pizza (Fri., Sat., Sun.) and of course
Fishy Friday Come in and check out our freezer of prepared meals See ya soon! Anne & Terry
Windermere
342-6437
MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK .
THE PIONEER MORE THAN TWICE THE READERS OF ANY OTHER LOCAL NEWSPAPER
May 18, 2007
Toby Bridge Historical Trail By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff The Toby Bridge Historical Trail is a walk back in time and an easy hike for anyone, young or old. Visitors will marvel at the sheer cliffs to the canyon bottom and delight in the story it tells as you imagine the harrowing ride of the pioneers who travelled the old road, hauling ore from Paradise Mine. On your way to the trail head, stop by Dave's Book Bar in downtown Invermere and pick up a copy of Hikes Around Invermere and the Columbia River Valley by Aaron Cameron and Matt Gunn (Rocky Mountain Books, $19.95). Ask the cashier how to get to David Thompson Secondary School or check page 88 of the 2007 Columbia Valley Map Book, available for free at locations up and down the valley. After you pass the school, on a hill above 14th Street, the road will bend to the left as the asphalt runs out. At the top of the hill, turn right onto Old Toby Creek Road. The road is rough in spots, but you can make it most of the way, even in a 15-year-old Toyota sedan. Follow the road onto the Grizzly Ridge property, stopping to read the rules of use on the sign at the gate and cattleguard. Keep an eye out for ATVs and dirt bikes that appear out of nowhere and disappear just the same. Continue past a gravel pit on the left side of the road. Stick
to the main road, avoiding any turnoffs until the hilly wooded terrain opens onto a vast fenced pasture on the left side of the road. You might have to park in the next available clearing, unless your vehicle has a high clearance. If so, proceed on under a high-tension power line. As Cameron and Gunn note in their book, trend to the right, staying right at Kreuter Creek Forest Service Road. Park 100 metres past this junction in a large clearing. The trail follows the old road, becoming more narrow and overgown as you go, until it dwindles to a densely-shaded footpath with only occasional reminders of its former life. With virtually no rise in elevation from beginning to end, you will meander into a lush grove of cedars and begin to hear the rush of water in the canyon below and the occasional passing car on newer, safer Toby Creek Road on the other side of the canyon. When you near the site of the old upper level bridge, which was dismantled a half-century ago, you will have to climb a rickety, pole ladder with one missing rung at the top. If you make it up the ladder, you will be rewarded with spectacular canyon views a scant 100 metres beyond. LOVER'S LEAP—Opposite, remnants of the old upper level bridge over Toby Canyon (inset) can still be seen on both sides of the narrow pass. Photo by Brian Geis
Swim, dine, golf, relax and stay at the four season, 4 1/2 star Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
1-800-663-4979 or 250-345-6311 www.fairmonthotsprings.com
May 18, 2007
Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 25
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tee times 1 (888) 211-8855
KARI’S KITCHEN is open for your convenience
Tee Times • (250) 342-3004
26 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
May 18, 2007
The Green Zone By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist Full service clubhouse and golf shop with unmatched friendly service.
Golf Digest **** Star Rating This is a must play picturesque 18 hole course with magnificent mountain views, cascading creeks and waterfalls.
Rated best value in B.C. by Score Magazine.
Call 1-866-727-7222 to book your tee time.
Located minutes from the junction of Hwy #1 & Hwy #95, Golden, B.C. www.golfgolden.com ~ teeoff@golfgolden.com
Here are a few more of those Golf Laws I stumbled across: Law 11: Golf carts always run out of juice at the farthest point from the clubhouse. Law 12: A golfer hitting into your group will always be bigger than anyone in your group. Likewise, a group you accidentally hit into will consist of a football player, a professional wrestler, a convicted murderer and a tax agent or some similar combination. Law 13: All three-woods are demon-possessed. So are three irons. Law 14: Golf balls from the same “sleeve” tend to follow one another, particularly out of bounds or into the water. Law 15: A severe slice is a thing of awesome power and beauty. Law 16: “Nice lag” can usually be translated to “lousy putt.” Similarly, “tough break” can usually be translated “way to miss an easy one, sucker.” Law 17: The person you would most hate to lose to will always be the
one who beats you. Law 18: The last three holes of a round will automatically adjust your score to what it really should be. Law 19: Golf should be given up at least twice per month. Law 20: All vows taken on a golf course shall be valid only until the sunset of the same day Law 21: During the first round with a brand new set of clubs, the ball has to be played from a road. Law 22: Curly, downhill, left-toright putts are usually followed by curly, uphill, right-to-left putts. Law 23: Delicate chip shots over bunkers always catch the top of the bank and fall back. Law 24: Handicaps are designed to keep you in your place. The Green Zone Quote of the Week is by Paul Harvey: “Golf is a game in which you yell ‘fore’, shoot six and write down five.”
Elevate Your Dining Experience
Elevate Your Game As if our view and course weren’t enough, the brand new Clubhouse at Eagle Ranch is now open featuring Saliken Fine Dining, Traders Lounge and a retail experience not to be missed! Add our commitment to Service Beyond and you’ll agree that, simply put, Eagle Ranch is a magical place offering the ultimate golf experience. Voted 4.5 stars by Golf Digest and proud winner of SCOREGolf Magazine’s “Best Course Conditions in B.C.”
call 1-877-877-3889 or locally 342-0562 to make a reservation today or visit www.eagleranchresort.com