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Mike Caissie and Lindsay Paul were married outdoors on August 25th at Brisco. For more information on outdoor weddings, see Page 2.

Photo by Kyla Brown

2 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 29, 2008

Bride Kyla Paluck chose to fly by helicopter to the top of Delphine Glacier to marry her beloved Jared Lalonde, shown here with the helicopter pilot Kim Hyllestad, and marriage commissioner Andy Stuart-Hill.

Getting married in the great outdoors

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Some people dream of that magical day when they walk down the aisle to and say “I do” to their perfect partner.

Some people, on the other hand, choose to tie the knot in a more informal but nonetheless spectacular setting, 9,200 feet above sea level, perhaps?

Whatever your fancy, a glacier wedding accessible via helicopter, a mountaintop wedding standing in two feet of perfect powder, a wilderness wedding set deep in the back country or a simple ceremony beside the calm waters of Lake Windermere, the Columbia Valley has it all.

“As long as you have a marriage licence, I will do any wedding, any time, anywhere,” said Andy Stuart-Hill, one of the Columbia Valley’s three marriage commissioners.

Andy has lived in Invermere for 40 years and has

helped couples from all over the globe tie the knot in their dream destinations in the Columbia Valley for the past four years.

It has taken him many unusual places.

“I would say the most interesting wedding was marrying a couple on top of the Delphine Glacier,” Andy said. “It was spectacular.”

Although his job has taken him to several interesting places, much to his disappointment Andy has not yet performed a wedding on all-terrain vehicles.

Rosemary Bradford, another marriage commissioner in the valley, has also gotten to some strange locations in her job. She even performed four different ceremonies in four different locations on the same day!

“On August 16th, with a shade temperature of 36 degrees, I conducted four outside ceremonies,” Rosemary said.

Continued on next page . . .

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneerr ~ 3

August 29, 2008 . . . Continued from previous page “I started at 1 p.m. at Panorama.

The ceremony was on a deck at the top of the chair lift. I then drove to a 3 p.m. wedding at Mountainside Golf Course in Fairmont, followed by a 5 p.m. ceremony at Creekside Gardens in Windermere. My final ceremony was at 6 p.m., in the gardens by Pynelogs. I arrived for the last ceremony with one minute to spare!”

Although it’s hectic, Rosemary admits that she loves her job.

“I always take a deep breath at the beginning of a ceremony and think: ‘Wow, isn’t life wonderful?’” she said.

Liz Robinson of Radium Hot Springs loved her outdoor wedding, which took place in the middle of winter.

She and her husband Bruce tied the knot with the help of marriage commis-

sioner Norma Harmsworth at Lake Lillian on February 20th, 2000.

“It was the warmest and sunniest day in February I have ever seen,” Liz said. “There were trees all around and there was lots of snow. The snow was piled high on the picnic tables and there was no one on the ice.”

Liz, a librarian at the Invermere Public Library, said that the location made the ceremony special.

“That’s what I liked about it – that it was so quiet and so private,” Liz said.

“It’s local and there are so many historical events that have happened in that area – now I feel like I am part of it.”

She also urges couples not to avoid a winter wedding.

“I think people shy away from winter weddings because it is so beautiful with the lake in the summertime, but it can also be as beautiful, if not more so, in the wintertime.”

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Chuli Anna Rowe and Marcel Cholo were married on property belonging to the bride’s parents near Harrogate. They live in Yellowknife with their baby Mia.

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Andy Stuart-Hill’s top ten spots to get married in the valley 1. Beside Kinsmen Beach at Pynelogs Cultural Center, Invermere 2. On the lush greens at Eagle Ranch Golf Resort, Invermere 3. In the snowy peaks at Panorama Mountain Resort, Invermere 4. Amongst the beauty of the forest at Nipika Mountain Lodge 5. Beside a tumbling waterfall at Sinclair Creek Falls, Radium 6. In the colorful floral gardens at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort 7. To the sounds of rushing water on the banks of the Dutch Creek 8. In the picture-perfect gazebo at Strand’s Restaurant, Invermere 9. Overlooking Lake Windermere on spectacular Mount Swansea 10. On the shores of placid Lake Lillian, on the way to Panorama

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 am - 5:00 pm

THE PIONEER The valley’s only locally-owned, locally-operated newspaper.

4 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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August 29, 2008

Jumping off Swansea

By Alex Cooper Pioneer Staff I was sitting on top of Mount Swansea, taking photos of paragliders and hang gliders jumping off for the annual Lakeside Event, when organizer and glider extraordinaire Max Fanderl came up to me and asked, “Hey Alex, how would you like to fly down tandem with me?”

“Are you serious? Hell, yeah!” I responded.

Two years ago I was in Turkey when I foolishly passed up the opportunity to go paragliding. There was no way I was going to miss out again.

5

Experience the valley at your own speed, with an affordable ride from MicRidge! next to Dairy Queen

ing as a test pilot, and last year he even participated in the X-Alps - a 1,000-kilometre race through the Alps by foot and in the air.

Max gave me a quick lesson before strapping me into the harness. It was pretty simple: when he says go, I run, and don’t stop running until he says stop.

I was handed a helmet that was way too small for me – the chin-guard only covered my nose – but I could see and breathe, so all was well. I just looked weird.

On Max’s command we started running. The canopy lifted up above us into the wind. We kept going even faster until our feet left the ground, and then we e

342-9700 Alex takes his first jump with veteran paraglider Max Fanderl, seen in the background; opposite page – coming in for a landing over the Lakeside Inn in Athalmer.

Photos by Alex Cooper

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneerr ~ 5

August 29 , 2008 Continued from Page 4 . . .

beach and came in to a smooth landing and cheers from spectators taking it all in.

After my ride I spent the rest of the day hanging out with a group of paragliders and hang gliders. Ev-

majestic

Soaring through the air was a thrill like I’ve never experienced before. I’m pretty sure I was slack-jawed

views up and down the valley, out to Mount Nelson, and of the Rocky Mountains. I could see boats zipping across Lake Windermere, the fairways of numerous golf courses, the entire town of Invermere, and

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6 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 29, 2008

Try your hand at fly fishing

WINDING DOWN THE SUMMER

By Pioneer Staff

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Fly fishing is an ancient angling method that uses artificial flies as bait. You don’t need a boat, since fly fishing is done mainly on streams and rivers.

Generally, people are fishing for trout in this valley – rainbow, brook, or cutthroat trout. But there are other species you can fish for, including whitefish, char, and bass.

Choosing the right fly is critical, according to local fly fisherman and guide Jason Smith, owner of Kootenay Troutfitters, since there are thousands of patterns of “flies” to choose from. “‘Match the hatch’ is an expression used when choosing the right fly: it means pick out something that looks like the bug that’s landed on your shirt or that you see swimming in the water,” he said.

Casting is an art in itself. There are various fly casts you can make depending on the conditions. Here are a few tips from Jason on the basic overhead cast: • Hold the handle in the centre and use one of two grips: a grip like you’d use for a key you’re unlocking a door with, or with the thumb on top of the grip and parallel to the rod.

Using the thumb on top may give you some more power during the cast, and it helps prevent dropping your rod too far back in your back cast.

• Cast using the same motion you’d use for throw-

ing a dart or a football. Try not to bend your wrist until you get to the end of the casting stroke. You have both a forward and back cast in fly fishing, so whatever you do for one has to be mirrored in the other.

• Practise! Either on the water or in your backyard aiming for a hula hoop on the grass. Jason prefers on the water; there's much more action that way!

Kootenay Troutfitters, in business since 2002, offers full or half-day guided fishing trips with certified and insured fishing guides. Owners Jason Smith and Bruce Devlin will take out anyone from expert to beginner, and offer rates for the kids as well.

“Fishing guides really are stewards for the waters they guide on regularly,” said Jason. “They know, and genuinely care about, the shape of the fishery from year to year and do what they can to protect it – from making stocking suggestions, to cleaning up around the lake or stream. We also practise catch and release fishing to keep the fishing here in our valley great.”

Anyone interested in going out for the day with a guide, or for information on current conditions or fishing in general, contact Kootenay Troutfitters at kootenaytroutfitters.com, 250-342-1414, or 250342-1144.

For more information on valley fishing holes, contact the Radium Chamber of Commerce at 250-3479331 or pick up a copy of the Back Country Recreation Map at the chamber office.

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The Clubhouse at Eagle Ranch is open year round with tempting, health conscious fare featured in Saliken Fine Dining and the Trader’s Lounge. A selection of designer resort wear is always on display in the Golf Shop. Add our commitment to Service Beyond™, and you’ll agree Eagle Ranch is a magical place and the ultimate golf experience.

Location: The Clubhouse at Eagle Ranch, 9581 Eagle Ranch Trail (From Hwy 93/95, turn at traffic lights. Entrance is on the right. From Invermere, turn left on Eagle Ranch Trail, off Athalmer Road)

Call 250-342-6560 for restaurant reservations • www.eagleranchresort.com

August 29, 2008

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneerr ~ 7

Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) $49 plus tax Weekends (Friday-Sunday, including Holidays) $59 plus tax

GOOD LUCK, BOYS – Colton, Conrad and Jordan Messerli of Invermere enjoy casting for fish in the Whiteswan area, southeast of Canal Flats.

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8~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 29, 2008

Pedley Pass: an easy climb for all hikers

V

By Pioneer Staff

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THE PIONEER

The valley’s only locally owned, locally operated newspaper

Most of the great hikes in the Columbia Valley require driving an hour into the bush on roads built for skid-loaders. The hike to Pedley Pass is an easy climb for the whole family and the trailhead is only 20 kilometres from town.

You might not need a four-wheel drive, but you will need something with high clearance to get over the washouts.

Before you go, stop at Dave’s Book Bar on 7th Avenue in Invermere and get a copy of Hikes Around Invermere and the Columbia River Valleyy by Aaron Cameron and Matt Gunn.

From Invermere, head south on Highway 95.

Look for Windermere Loop Road on the left just past the giant bowling pin sign at Valley Alley.

At the back of the loop, take the turn-off to Mount Swansea and immediately turn right onto the CertainTeed gyprock mine haul road. Give a wide berth to the Chief trucks with tandem trailers loaded down with gypsum on their way to market.

A few kilometres in, watch for a row of cars parked on the left side of the road. Look to the left to catch a

glimpse of the cliff divers plunging into the cold waters of the lake below.

Stay right at the only major fork in the road and keep going until you pass the entrance of the awesome mine on the right. Here, the smooth wide road you were cruising turns into the usual rugged, rutted, single-lane back-country Forest Service Road.

About 9.3 kilometres from the beginning of the mine haul road, make a quick left and right, that looks more like two forks in the road, one right after the other. You want the middle fork. Stop there and locate the guidepost on the left to confirm.

The road degrades for another 6.2 kilometres.

Make sure you stay left at the last fork in the road and pull over in the clearing on the right side of the road.

A sign in the parking lot marks the spot.

There are two steep climbs akin to climbing stairs, separated by the frost-heaved and appropriately named Bumpy Meadow, backed by a slate-grey limestone wall about 30 storeys tall.

A one- or two-hour day hike—less than two kilometres, gaining a mere 300 metres—ends at a subalpine pass 2,250 metres up. Side trails for the more adventurous head off to summits in both directions.

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Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneerr ~ 9

August 29, 2008

OPTIONS—Accessible after only a short but rugged drive from Invermere, Pedley Pass is an easy climb for most, offering more challenging routes for the gung-ho. The sign in the parking lot, left, marks the spot. A one- or two-hour day hike of just less than two kilometres, that gains a mere 300 metres in elevation, ends at a subalpine pass 2,250 metres up in the mountains west of the valley. From the pass, a great place to stop for a nap, side trails for the more adventurous hikers head off to summits in both directions.

Pioneer staff photos

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Our equity memberships allow you to join our exciting golf club and take advantage of the many special features, benefits and privileges that are only available to members: s Unlimited golf at the Copper Point course and The Ridge at Copper Point s Booking privileges s Annual driving ranges pass s Power carts s Discounts in the golf shop and View Restaurant s Club storage & locker room Plus enjoy use of all amenities at Copper Point Resort including fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, kids splash park, basketball cart and access to the spa and business center.

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10 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 29, 2008

Popular wife-carrying contest returns Some other items known to be beneficial are a bunch of birch switches, crash helmets, and sneakers.

Windermere will host the Fall Attitude: Fair and Scarecrow Festival on SaturWife carrying is an attitude today, September 13th. wards a successful life. The wives One of the highlights again this and the wife carriers are not afraid year will be the Wife Carrying Race, of challenges or burdens. similar to that held in Sonkajarve, They push their way persisFinland, every year at their fair. tently forward, holding tightly, The roots of the event go back to generally with a twinkle in the the early 19th century when stealing eyes, but focused firmly on the finwomen from neighbouring villages ish line. A successful wife carrying was common. couple makes excellent friends and Windermere’s race starts with business associates. the man being blindfolded, carrying Wife Choice: two tennis balls, who will then run Generally the best wife is the towards his woman. She may guide wife of one’s own, all the more if him by yelling. she is harmonious, gentle and able Once located, the blindfold is to keep her balance while riding on removed and the wife is hoisted onto the shoulders of her man. She posthe man’s back. sesses an inner strength and quiet The couples then race around a determination.

Contestants at last year's competition experimented with different carrying styles. short course which includes obstacles If a wife is not available, racers such as a low trestle, a sand pit and are encouraged to find a local lass rubber tires. The woman then places from the Windermere village!

5. The contestants run the race two at a time. Each the tennis balls in a basketball hoop.

Rhythm: contestant takes care of his/her safety, and if deemed The couples then dash to the finish line. The It is of great importance to find a mutual rhythm. necessary, insurance. couple with the fastest time wins a small keg of beer!

If the wife on the man’s back is rocking out of time, Carrying the Wife: Tradition was that you won the weight of your wife the speed slows down.

There are four customary styles to carry the wife: in beer!

When the rhythm is good, the wife and the carrier the traditional piggy-back, the ‘thrown-over-theA few simple rules apply: become one, accompanying the motions of each other. shoulder’ carry, cross-wise on the carrier’s shoulders, or 1. The wife must be over 19 years of age.

It is advisable to practise in order to find the mutual the famous ‘Estonian carry’, where the carrier firmly 2. The wife must weigh no more than 49 kilos rhythm before the competition on September 13th. grabs the wife’s thighs and dangles her upside down (108 lb.), and if not, she must be bulked up with a Training: on his back. weighted packsack. This rule has never been applied!

It is possible for couples to train for the wife carYou may create your own free-style. Dragging the 3. A 10-second penalty and probably a severe tellrying competition everywhere: for example, in the wife by the arm or hair is not permitted. ing-off is incurred should the wife be dropped durmiddle of your daily routines, in the shower, while Outfit: ing the race. No props are allowed except for a sturdy housepainting, in the store, at the playground or in It is preferable to wear clothes which won’t be man’s belt. the fitness centre. stripped off at full running speed, and which are easy 4. The wife to be carried may be your own, the Wife carrying is good for your relationship. to hold on to. The carrier’s belt is the only equipment neighbours, or you may find her further afield – in To register for the race, please call Bill Ayrton at allowed to help in keeping one’s grasp. fact, the couple need not be married.

250-342-3123.

Submitted by Bill Ayrton Windermere Fall Fair Organizing Committee

COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER SPECIAL PUBLICATION

To find your way around the valley, pick up the

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Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneerr ~ 11

August 29, 2008

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Judy Koss at Fresh Fidos, located on the way to Panorama, offers grooming to the smaller breeds of dog.

• snowmobiles • motorcycles • quads

While you're out playing, send your pet to the spa

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff A visit to the Columbia Valley is jam-packed with fun-filled activities for the entire family – even the four-legged members.

That means when you are golfing, hiking and exploring the beautiful outdoors, your pet doesn’t have to be stuck in a hotel room, or worse yet, your car.

When you embark on your daily adventure, why not treat your furry friend to a day at the spa?

For a basic grooming experience you can visit the Invermere Veterinary Hospital. The hospital provides their services to dogs and cats, and all grooming takes place under the supervision of the veterinarian. “That is one of the benefits of coming here,” said groomer Louise Platiel. “If there is something we notice about the dog, the vet is happy to take a look at it.”

Another benefit to working under the supervision of the vet is that if your animal is badly behaved, you have the option of having the grooming done while your pet is sedated.

The clinic also offers a “self-bath.” This is a chance for pet owners to come in and use the bathing facilities, towels, shampoos and dryers at the clinic. For more information call Louise at 250-342-7007. The Invermere Veterinary Hospital is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

For a fancier cut for your four-legged friend, you

can visit Lana Banham at Bow-Wow Meow Pet Services in Invermere. She offers everything from skunk treatment and burr removal, to breed clips and mutt cuts. “For older dogs and puppies, I let them take breaks,” Lana said. “And I don’t use cages.”

For more information on Bow-Wow Meow call Lana at 250-342-5859.

If you have a smaller dog, Judy Koss at Fresh Fidos offers grooming services specialized for smaller breeds.

To make an appointment call 250-342-9479.

Certified groomer Lil Engdahl of Edgewater also offers services at Fur Stylings. Pick-up and delivery of pets is available. Call 250-347-6370 for more info.

For a full-out spa experience for your pet, you can visit Rocky Mountain Pet Resort located east of Edgewater. The spa package includes hand wash with premium shampoo, conditioner, haircut to breed or owner’s choice, brush-out, pedicure complete with polish if desired, ear cleaning, sanitary trim and cologne. Call Wendy Bennett at 250-347-9911 to book your appointment.

If your pet is already looking good, there are plenty of day care establishments in the area. Rocky Mountain Pet Resort offers day care services, as does Bow-Wow Meow Pet Care Services.

Amber Schick at Unleashed! Pet Services in Invermere offers day care services, along with dog walking, dog training and boarding. For more info, call Amber at 250-342-7393.

8 out of 10 owners who expressed preference said their cats prefer reading…

N E W S PA P E R

Bring out the Pioneer in you.

12 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 29, 2008

Floe Lake in Kootenay National Park offers a spectacular hiking experience at this time of the year.

Photo by Joe Lucas

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