O U R FAV O U R I T E T H I N G S
Warm weather brings the best to the mid-island! HERE ON THE ISLAND, IT’S EASY TO GET CARRIED AWAY WITH BRAGGING ABOUT LIFE IN CANADA’S BANANA BELT. We are the earliest in the country when it comes to waking up our gardens and starting seeds, the first to put away snow shovels and bags of salt (if we even get those things out at all), and the quickest out the door when it comes to adventuring. Feeling a little smug about our long growing season and mild climate comes with the territory of living here. But what, specifically, makes this time of year fabulous? We’re glad you asked. Here are our top-ten mid-island warm weather musts.
1 SEED STARTING
Islanders are known for their green thumbs, and by now, gardeners have been planting up a storm! Seedy Saturday events have come and gone with their heritage seeds and with the participation of like-minded gardeners. Many went online this year, but remember to check your local event listings to find an in-person one near you in Spring 2022.
2 FIRST ICE CREAM
If you’re anything like us, you’re a year-round ice cream fan. But nothing compares to the first al fresco cone on a sunny late-spring or early summer day, and there are so many great spots to enjoy it! Nanaimo’s Burnt Honey or Cold Front, Coombs Ice Cream Parlour, and Blue Spruce in Courtenay are just a few great choices.
3 NATURE WALKS
Getting active outside regularly obviously has a host of health benefits, and there is something extra special about immersing oneself in the great outdoors when the warm weather arrives. The more often you do it, the more you notice the small changes that can happen so quickly: buds swelling and bursting into flower, shoots pushing their way through soil, and leaves unfurling. Magic!
22 PASSIONS | SPRING-SUMMER 2021
4 FAIR WINDS & CALM SEAS
For seafarers, nothing compares to getting out on the water on a brisk, sunny day. Whether you’re setting the first prawn traps of the season (be sure to check fishery regulations) or unfurling your main sail for a sun-warmed trip around local islets, the smell of the ocean is a welcome change from winter cabin fever.
5 BIRD WATCHING
We are lucky to have great bird watching opportunities year-round, but with the new season comes the return of winged favourites. For example, swallows are back and busily building their young families. The wonderful cacophony of a variety of bird calls is one of our favourite things about this seasonal shift.
6 NATURE WALKS
In early spring, Fairwinds golfers were shown on CTV news wearing shorts, a fashion choice available to us lucky Islanders earlier than anywhere else in the country. One of the most exciting things about this time of year is being able to integrate shorter sleeves and hem lines into our daily wardrobe again... but don’t forget that sunscreen!
