vol7issue27 - PNS

t ou

in the beautiful columbia valley

ll pu

PLAYSTAY N

Serving Spillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Edgewater, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

Entertainment and activity guide for the whole family!

ON TOP OF THE WORLD – Norm Funnell, Fe Saraiva and her dog Doroteia, with photographer Joe Lucas, hiked to the top of Pinto Mountain, behind Mount Swansea, and had this spectacular view of the Rockies all to themselves. The trail can be reached off the Westroc Mine haul road in Windermere.

For Inspired Properties in the Columbia Valley - We Believe You’ll Want to Know Us

SOLD! ED ENGLISH JAN KLIMEK 2503421194 2503421195

Maxwell Realty

Invermere • Fairmont • Panorama

MLS K190723

SOLD!

$349,000

MLS K193866

FAIRMONT

$159,500

SOLD! MLS K191834

$349,000

COLUMBIA LAKE

SOLD! MLS K184213

SOLD!

$219,000

MLS K190924

CANAL FLATS

#2 4985 Hotsprings Road, Fairmont Hot Springs (beside Smoking Water Coffee Co.) Office: (250) 345-6080 • Fax: (250) 345-6081 • www.edandjanslistings.com

$170,000

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

We supply parts and service FOR ALL MAKES of: • snowmobiles • motorcycles • quads

July 2, 2010

Try astronomy in your own backyard

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff

OPEN 7 days per week 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Mini Golf • Go Karts • Bumper Boats • Concession Windermere, BC • 250-342-3640

Windermere, BC • 250-342-3640

Blown Glass • Beads • Clay Metalwork • Photos • Paintings Cards • Prints

250-342-6816 • www.bavinglass.com

Whether you are a stargazing novice or an amateur astronomy buff, with a star chart and the occasional cup of coffee, you can stay up late to take in the night sky here in the valley.

Areas like this are excellent for backyard astronomers. With low light pollution and plentiful open spaces, stars appear brighter and constellations are easier to spot.

But before setting out to study the sky, it’s best to do a little homework. Being under prepared is the worst difficulty you are likely to encounter when out observing.

Fa m i l i a r i z i n g yourself with the constellations you hope to see, or taking a star chart along, will help you recognize what you are looking at.

Find a suitable observing site during the daytime, somewhere open and unobscured by trees and buildings, offering a wide view of the sky.

Before you set out, be sure to pack some layers, refreshments and a flashlight, preferably with a red filter so your eyes stay darkadapted.

Having somewhere to sit is desirable for longer observing trips; a basic folding chair will give back support and prevent a sore neck the next day.

It is best to start simply.

If you don’t have binoculars you can still see plenty with the naked eye.

By simply sitting outside and gazing up you can become acquainted with the brighter stars and constellations.

In addition, the moon and five planets are visible from Earth without the need for binoculars: Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus.

At dusk over the holiday weekend, you can see Mars, Saturn and Venus in the western sky.

After midnight the moon will rise, with Jupiter to the lower left, looking like a dazzling star. As the brightest thing in the eastern sky, the gas giant is easy to spot.

Once you’ve located the stars and planets by eye you can try with binoculars.

Expensive equipment isn’t necessary for backyard astronomy. It is better to spend a smaller amount on a great pair of binoculars than a lot on a poor quality telescope.

As well as being portable and easy to use, binoculars are lightweight and are the best investment for any amateur astronomer.

Models at 7x35 or 7x50 are the most popular for stargazing — the seven-times part meaning they magnify what you are looking at to seven times the size.

The 35 or 50 refers to the diameter of the lens in millimetres.

A seven-power pair of binoculars and a steady hand will reveal a multitude of stars not visible before.

With the right conditions you can also see the moon’s craters and glimpses of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons.

As well as the planets, an easy constellation to find will be the Big Dipper, Ursa Major, in the north-west.

Shaped like a saucepan, the two stars forming the pan’s “side”, opposite the handle, point towards the north star, Polaris.

Part of Ursa Minor, the Little Dipper, Polaris is the brightest star in the constellation.

By identifying these common stars, the sky is your playground, as you can “star hop”, using Ursa Major, or Polaris as a marker.

STAR CHART – The inset diagram — which shows the sky in Invermere at 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 3rd — is useful for finding your favourite constellations.

Used by permission of www.heavens-above.com.

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

July 2, 2010

Find the perfect book for lazy beach days

By Dave Sutherland Pioneer Staff The valley affords the avid reader lots of choices when it comes to finding a great vacation read. Herewith, a list of places to find choice reads in the Windermere Valley. Please note: this list is not exhaustive.

The Book Bar is the venerable choice in downtown Invermere. It serves up the most extensive selection of current fiction and non-fiction for sale in the valley.

There is an array of books about the area, and you may even be lucky enough to happen upon a book signing by one of our local literary lights. If, by chance, the book you’re looking for isn’t on the shelves, owners Josh Delasalle and James Lazarus will be happy to order it in for you.

Across the street, and downstairs from River Gems, you’ll find The Book Cellar. Owned and operated by Ray Taft, it’s full to burstin’ with used books for all tastes. Ray’s got everything from gently used newer stuff, to vintage ‘50s paperbacks, and audiophiles can revel in his huge selection of classic vinyl LPs. Bring a treat for Ray’s gentle border-collie, Tess, and you’re in like Flynn.

Pharmasave, in the Chisel Peak Medical Clinic,

has racks of best-sellers and a range of magazines that will please the whole family. Discounted books can also be found at Gone Hollywood. Downtown, at the Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy, you’ll find magazines, and a host of titles by regional and local authors.

At Sobeys you’ll find best-seller racks, and a huge selection of magazines. More magazines can be found at AG Valley Foods, plus you can pick up a copy of Sarah Lapointe’s cookbook, Favourite Recipes, the proceeds of which go to the Canadian Cancer Society.

You’ll find an eclectic and ever-changing selection of books at the Invermere Thrift Store, where the proceeds are used to buy equipment for our hospital.

Drive south of Invermere and you’ll find magazines and best-sellers at the Skookum Inn’s general store, near Windermere, and farther down the road in Fairmont, at Mountainside Market. At the Fairmont Village Gift Shop, you can choose from a mixed bag of regional and unusual titles. You can fulfil your magazine fix at Canal Flats Family Foods, or satisfy your book craving at the Canal Flats Community Library, open on Tuesday evenings. Call 250-349-5360.

North of Invermere, pop into Hobbit House, in Dry Gulch, to peruse their stockpile of miscellaneous books. In Radium, feed your hunger for books and

magazines at Mountainside Market, or get your fill of the same as you gas-up at Radium Hot Springs Esso, or the Radium Petro Can. If you are staying in or near Edgewater, stop in at the post office and ask if you can borrow the key to check out the community library, just around the back.

Last, but definitely not least, check out the local public libraries. You’ll be amazed at what the Invermere and Radium Public Libraries have to offer.

You can borrow classic books, put new bestsellers on hold, order obscure titles through inter-library loan, or download a multitude of audiobooks. Got kids?

Bring them in for storytime and special activity days.

Dropped a stitch? Need to fine-tune your hula-hooping technique? Have a burning desire to find out who played a certain character on Coronation Street, ten years ago? Believe me, our librarians can provide the expertise to help you find answers to these, and other, pressing questions you may have. B.C.’s libraries and librarians are among our most valuable resources. Find their operating hours by calling 250-342-6461 for Invermere, or 250-347-2434 for Radium.

The only problem facing book-lovers in the valley is an old familiar one; there are so many books, and so little time.

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

July 2, 2010

Plenty of spots to fly fish in the valley

Hot Tubs

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff

yourself and experience a Jacuzzi Hot Tub - leaders of hydrotherapy for 50+ years - For every lifestyle and budget.

Once you slip into the massaging waters, your muscles will relax and your mind will clear.

385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: (250) 342-7100 Fax: (250) 342-7103 Ask about our finance plan.

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

R

elax, You’re At…

• 20-Pass Punch Cards • Kids golf FREE every Wednesday 16 and under with paying adult!

• 20/20 Friday Date Night

($20 Green Fees/ 20% Off Food after 2 PM)

Fly fishing is an ancient method of angling popular among the Columbia Valley’s visitors and residents alike.

The quiet lakes and rivers in the area offer the tranquility needed for a day by the water, without the crowds often present at better-known fishing spots.

“The valley is great for fly fishing,” said local fly fisherman and guide Jason Smith, owner of Kootenay Troutfitters.

“It is a quiet fishery, not a shoulderto-shoulder kind of place and quiet is a good thing when fly fishing.”

Generally fishing in the area is done for trout – rainbow, brook and cutthroat – with bass, char and whitefish also found locally.

Now the fishing season is in full swing and run-off has subsided, anglers should turn their attention from the valley’s lakes and target streams and rivers.

The most important thing to do, after acquiring your B.C. fishing licence, is to choose the right type of fly.

“There are thousands of patterns to choose from,” Jason said. “What to use depends on time of year, where you are, and what bugs you see on the water.”

“Match the hatch” is a popular expression among fishermen. Study the insects at your fishing spot and try to match the fly to something swimming in the water or flying nearby.

Carrying a range of fishing gear is essential to cope with changing condi-

tions. Having both a floating and sinking line and variety of dry and wet flies will stand you in good stead.

“It’s a game of patience and finesse,” Jason added. “This isn’t a meat fishery like on the coast, where some folks go out to bag a limit and fill a freezer.

“Here is where you can still find a quiet piece of stream, or bay in a lake, and cast to trout that haven’t been hit in the head with hardware daily.”

As well as being a beautiful spot to fish, the Columbia Valley is also a sensitive one.

It is important to check the fishing regulations and restrictions for a certain lake or river before setting out for the day.

The small, serene lakes and streams of the region are incredibly sensitive to poachers, misuse and abuse.

“One person taking more than his limit, or even his limit more times than he needs to, affects the area exponentially,” Jason said.

“People need to respect regulations to keep sport fishing alive and well.”

If you fancy testing out the local waters, Kootenay Troutfitters offers full or half-day guided trips for anyone, from beginner to expert, young and old.

Owned by Jason Smith, the company was founded in 2002.

For information on guided trips, current conditions or fishing in general, contact Kootenay Troutfitters at 250342-1414 or visit their website, www. kootenaytroutfitters.com.

Escape The Everyday

• Breakfast Club… $3100 until 11 AM Monday-Friday

Boat and Trailer Storage

• Men’s Night – Thursday

n Access 7 Days a Week

n Video Surveillance Located on Highway 93/95

self storage solutions

Call Now

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

July 2, 2010

Fascinating history told at museum

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff The Windermere Valley Museum in Invermere is a collection of historic buildings housing displays about the valley’s past.

The collection of 10 buildings is built up around Invermere’s old Canadian Pacific Railway station, moved in 1975 from Athalmer.

Inside you can pick up a museum guidebook and examine the museum’s largest set of displays, covering the arrival of David Thompson, Father DeSmet and other explorers and missionaries.

There are several cases dedicated to the Shuswap and Ktunaxa Nations. The museum’s featured summer display, “Beads, Baskets and Buckskins” is on the building’s main floor with examples of jewellery, hand-woven baskets and traditionally made artifacts.

Behind the station is the Legion building, bought by the Windermere District Historical Society, who run the museum, for $1 in 1970.

Next door is the mining cabin built by trapper Jim Dilworth. Inside are all the museum’s mining artifacts, from examples of rocks to mining tools.

Back around to the front and the first building

you come to is a wagon shed, filled with buggies and carts from the early 1900s. Next door is the original one-room school building, the first schoolhouse in Brisco. It is set up like a late 18th/early 19th century school with rows of desks, a school bell and a strap used to discipline unruly students.

Next along the walkway is a pioneer cabin, built in 1945 as part of a tourist camp in the Kootenay National Park and arranged as it would have been back in the day.

The nearby notary building gives a taste of an old fashioned general store, with an original 1918 cash register.

The Blakley building, originally from Radium Hot Springs, has a display about local police, including an original cell door donated by the Columbia Valley R.C.M.P. and the hand-written jury verdict from a murder trial.

The last stop on the self-guided tour is the Lords’ recreation cabin. It contains a range of displays dedicated to recreation in the valley, with old fashioned skis, snowshoes and fishing rods.

The Pioneer Museum, located on 3rd Street, is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum has no fixed price, with entry by donation.

CLASSROOM – Built in 1906, the Brisco Schoolhouse is preserved at the museum. Photo by Sally MacDonald

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

July 2, 2010

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

July 2, 2010

WE PAY the HST Offer expires July 31st

Second home ownership made easy

1/17th, 1/8th, 1/4 & whole ownership options

Unit A

Unit B

Unit D

3 Bedroom

2 Bedroom

1 Bedroom

1798 Sq Ft

1,312 Sq Ft.

865 Sq Ft

Bighorn Meadows Resort is located within the gates of the Springs Golf Course ing Rd d along the 9th fairway Forsters Lan

• Luxury 1,2 & 3 bedrooms Completely finished Vacation Homes with quality • Amenities include Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub, furnishings, appliances, linens and dishes all included Playground and beautifully landscaped paths in the price!

93

rd leva Bou m u i St Rad ph Jose . t S ry ’s Ma St.

t

yS

le tan

S

St.

St Kay Mc

St. eiss w l e Ed

9

93 95

Springs Golf Course

www.bighornmeadows.ca 1-888-766-9637

Call us today for a customized quote

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

July 2, 2010

Invermere Campus

New! World Cup Soccer Camp Ages: 6-12 | July 5-9

Bike & Skate Camp Ages: 8-12 | July 12-16

RoboCamp

Ages: 8-12 | July 12-16

Way Cool

amer School

Ages: 9-13 | July 19-23

New! Art Adventure Camp Ages: 9-13 | Jul 26-30

New! ardens, Bugs and Beach!

Ages: 8-12 | Aug 9-13

Junior Directors, Movie Camp Ages: 9-13 | Aug 16-20

Register Today! Space is filling up fast.

Phone: 250 342-3210 | email: invermere@cotr.bc.ca

TRAIL GUIDE – The Columbia Valley Cycling Society has produced maps of local trails. The Johnson Trail is a 9.8 kilometre loop departing from Lake Lillian on Toby Creek Road. For more information, see Page 9.

Golf Shop Tent Sale

July 2 - 4th 10am - 4pm

Western BBQ 2pm - 9pm

AAA Angus 10oz Steak ~ $26 Beef Burger ~ $11 Buffalo Chicken Burger ~ $10 Chilli Bread Bowl ~ $9

• Baked Potato • Corn on the Cob • Egg & Potato Salad • Criss Cut Fries • Mixed Green Salad

250-341-4100 · 1-888 - 4 7 3 - 9 9 6 5 · w w w. Gre y w o l f Go lf . c o m

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

July 2, 2010

Official mountain bike trail maps released Johnson.

The reason for the lengthy process is the complex nature of land use issues in B.C. Today The Columbia Valit is common for private ley Cycling Society is very landholders, parks, mupleased to unveil the offinicipalities, First Nations cial mountain bike maps and other stakeholders for the “Along the Johnto be consulted and acson” trail near Lake Lillian commodated in order to and the Mount Swansea have a trail approved by trail network. the province. Despite this These trails are some drawn out process, the of the best in the valley cycling society believes and these maps are the the long-term benefits are culmination of four years worth the wait. of hard work by the CoOnce trails are lumbia Valley Cycling Somapped, the number of ciety and its allies. They riders visiting those spots are the first sanctioned will increase. Non-sancmountain bike trail maps tioned trails do not get the available in the Columbia necessary maintenance to Valley. It is hoped this will MOUNTAIN PATH – The Swansea Trail leaves from a withstand a great deal of mark the beginning of a parking area off Windermere Loop Road. use, and sending more cohesive, well-maintained riders to trails that may be and mapped network of on sensitive land – for exColumbia Valley trails that will rival some of the best ample, private land or land sensitive to First Nations – in the world. could realistically lead to those entire areas being shut With the help of our partners at the District of down and made off-limits to trail users.

Invermere and the provincial Ministry of Tourism, The trails at Mount Swansea and Along the JohnCulture and the Arts, the ultimate goal is to distribute son are maintained and trail marker signs have been the maps at no cost to locals and visitors to the valley. erected. As support for the club and local mountain Progress on these maps has been slow and deliber- bike trails grow, we plan to continue our work with ate: the concept has been in development since the stakeholders in the valley on increasing the number of cycling society was formed in 2006. Over that time, to sanctioned, mapped bike trails. meet the Columbia Valley Cycling Society’s mandate The cycling society wants to build the local mounof responsible and sustainable mountain bike advo- tain biking scene in a responsible and sustainable mancacy and promotion, the club has signed agreements ner. It is our belief that mapping well-maintained and with the province to maintain and develop the sanc- sanctioned trails will show off some of our area’s better tioned mountain bike trails at Swansea and Along the trails and build enthusiasm for riding in the valley.

Submitted by Adrian Bergles Columbia Valley Cycling Society

Plan Drafting Residential & Commercial (250) 342-8840 Suite 203, Frater Landing

cheryl@cwillarddesign.ca www.cwillarddesign.ca

SUMMER CELEBRATION

20% OFF STOREWIDE

(reg. priced items) Thursday July 1st – Sunday July 4th

901 - 7th Avenue, Invermere B.C. 250-342-7171 See you here!

ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE YOUR VACATION RENTAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY IS GIVING YOU? Are they managing hundreds of vacation homes with no emphasis on yours? We are Cobblestone Creek Cottage and Lodging Co. Our boutique and priority management services provide rental results for our clients and memorable experiences for our guests. We understand the dream of owning a vacation home and your need to generate income and to keep your property well maintained. Find out what makes us different.

Contact us today to be a part of the Cobblestone Creek Experience!

Call or visit online to reserve your booking…

PHONE: 1-888-711-ESCAPE (3722) • WEB: www.cobblestonecreek.ca

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

More Than Just Rocks!

Planting, Turf and Irrigation Solutions by a Certified Horticulturist and a Turf Management Graduate with over 25 years of Combined Experience.

250-342-5676 www.rockworkslandscape.com

www.charlottej.com

Healthy Home = Healthy Living This summer, CVJ and Fitness4Life are teaming up to provide their clients with a Healthy Lifestyle. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you can make; but with the professional real estate services of CVJ and personal training from Fitness4Life, we will strive to make this experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible!

Buy or Sell a home with Charlotte J & Vivian J this Summer and get 2 FREE PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS with Jill at Fitness4Life.

Contact Charlotte for more details!

250-341-5894 • www.charlottej.com

Rockies West Realty Independently Owned and Operated

We work so you can play

Tea Shoppe Is now

OPEN! We offer premium loose leaf tea & espresso to be enjoyed with freshly baked treats - To stay or go!

Long Weekend Special Any classic tea with cinnamon bun

4

$

95

Located in the Village Country Inn 7557 Canyon Ave, Radium Hot Springs 250-347-9392

For the latest financial tips, see Page 18 every week in…

N E W S PA P E R

Phone: (250) 341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 • Email: info@cv-pioneer.com

July 2, 2010

Simple hikes for summer scorchers James Chabot Dragonfly boardwalk, Athalmer

By Sally MacDonald Pioneer Staff When it’s smoking hot, you may want to get outdoors and enjoy it, but just the idea of a gruelling uphill hike makes you break into a sweat.

Fear not: there is a network of trails popping up along the Columbia Valley that will eventually stretch from Donald, north of Golden, to Canal Flats.

These straightforward hikes run alongside the valley’s waterways – creeks, rivers and lakes – so the terrain is flat and the temperature is cool.

Here is The Pioneer’s guide to the Columbia River Greenways.

This short, elevated boardwalk starts at the western end of James Chabot beach in Athalmer. Opened in 2003, the path takes walkers along 200 metres of the wetland and the head of Lake Windermere. Interpretive panels talk about the wildlife visible in the wetlands, while the view of the lake and mountains beyond it is top-notch.

SPOT IT – This symbol marks the entrance to each of the Greenways.

Sinclair Creek Trail, Radium Hot Springs Opened in 2008, this 2.5-kilometre trail loops around Sinclair Creek in the Sinclair Canyon which runs through Radium. There are three entry points to the trail: one from Rotary Park at the junction of Highways 93 and 95, one from Radium Vacation Resort north of the canyon, and the trail head by Canfor mill. Interpretive signs along the path tell the creek’s history, and explain how the Greenway is helping to improve the number of Kokanee salmon and native trout that use the creek. The trail follows beside the creek and is in shade most of the way, with two bridges over the water.

Old Coach Trail, Dry Gulch to Radium Hot Springs Meandering along the cliffs above the Columbia River Wetlands, this six-kilometre path is the perfect place to spot wildlife. Officially adopted as one of the Greenways in 2005, the Old Coach Trail has existed for decades. Like the river, it wends its way back and forth along the ridges over the wetlands, at eye level with eagles and osprey. The trail heads are at the south end of Main Street West in Radium, and at a pullout off Highway 93/95 in Dry Gulch, opposite Eacrett Road. You can see the information kiosk from the highway in a bowl on the west side of the highway.

Columbia Valley Botanical Gardens Trail, Invermere

Criss-crossing here and there all around the Kinsmen Beach area, this 350-metre, seven-year-old trail passes by Pynelogs Cultural Centre, the Botanical Gardens, the historic CPR lodge and Lake Dorothy.

Jump on the white, pebbled pathway at any point, but don’t miss the viewing dock on Dorothy Lake. From here you can often spot a western painted turtle, a species thriving in little Dorothy Lake but at risk in B.C. Source of the Columbia Greenway, Canal Flats The newest addition, the Source of the Columbia takes walkers right to the spot where the mighty Columbia River bubbles out of the ground in a series of springs that flow into Columbia Lake. The 1.5-kilometre, completely level walking trail was opened in 2008 and leads you on a loop, with the turning point a small wooden bridge over the wetlands. Signs tell the story of the Columbia River, the most dammed river in the world, and its humble origins here, as well as pointing out the place where Bailley Grohman built a short-lived canal linking the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers. The trail head is reached by turning right at the western end of Beatty Avenue.

During winter, the Columbia River Greenways Alliance also operates the Lake Windermere Whiteway, a 15-kilometre skating and skiing trail on the lake. For more information on the Greenways, including more trails planned for the area, visit www.greenways.ca.

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

July 2, 2010

CURVING PATH – The Source of the Columbia Greenway in Canal Flats is short and level.

Windermere’s Boating Professionals

2 Hour Family Boat Charter, $27000

Wakeboard Lessons $4900

250-342-8799 • www.shadybrookresort.com

Happy Canada Day Long Weekend We pride ourselves in using the finest quality products with natural ingredients to create traditional and entirely homemade dishes.

• Donair • Souvlaki • falafel • Spanakopita • kalamari • greek salad • Hamburgers and more!

• Fresh Fruit Smoothies • Frozen Yogurt • Hard Ice Cream • Milk Shakes Take out or Garden Seating. Open for Lunch and Dinner from April to October.

5009 Hot Springs Road (By Fairmont Vacation Villa Office)

250 -345-6661 Fairmont Hot Springs

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

July 2, 2010

Roughin’ It

5 STAR CAMPING REDEFINED AT COPPER POINT RESORT Own your piece of adventure with a resort condominium in Invermere, British Columbia.

Whole and Fractional Ownership Available.

For more info visit us at www.COPPERPOINT.ca