OUR FAVOURITE THINGS —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!

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!

7. LONGER DAYS

No warm-weather list of favourites is complete without mention of the shift to Daylight Savings in early spring. Sure, the adjustment may have been a little tough for some, but the extra time at the end of the day to work on projects in the garden, enjoy time in the fresh air with loved ones, or get some outdoor recreation in is worth its weight in gold.

8. ROOM TO SPREAD OUT

With such a long spring and summer, it makes sense for most Island homes to have outdoor space, in the form of a balcony, patio, or deck. And we take advantage of it! One of our favourite activities is getting that extra outdoor room ready for living. Shopping for pillows and patio décor, pressure-washing the deck and furniture, and laying out the all-season rug allows us to bring the comfort of indoors out.

9. FARMERS’ MARKETS

The return of warm weather also means a return for weekly farmers’ markets, one of our favourite Island pastimes. We could spend an entire day enjoying local artisan food and crafts, wandering from stall to stall, and taking in the ambiance. So get out your cloth shopping bags and your floppy hats because, barring new public health prohibitions, we should be continuing to enjoy these community events into the summer and fall.

10. CAMPING IT UP

With overnight temperatures in the double digits, many Islanders start their yearly camping trips in the spring. In fact, springtime and early summer camping can be some of the best, without typical mid-summer hassles like fire bans and crowds. Something about the smell of the year’s first campfire smoke, the feeling of the fresh air on your skin, and the taste of a fire- cooked meal is simultaneously thrilling and hugely comforting. Happy camping!

Play More. Play Preferred.

Join the Fairwinds Players Club program for only $249 and experience a host of perks and benefits including:

· Preferred green fee rates throughout the year · Two Complimentary golf round with power cart · Reduced cart and driving range pricing · 15 day advanced online booking privileges

$249 Plus Ta Annual x Fee Contact the golf shop today for details or visit fairwinds.ca for information.