Fernie Fix August 2017

AUGUST 2017 | ISSUE 128

the unplugged issue Experience Wapiti for the first time with Jesse Bell.

Take in the beauty of Heiko’s Trail with Ahmed Mumeni.

Feature Residents Rebecca Vaughan and Jeremy Grassick share their off-grid life and farm.

Dr. Taina Turcasso discusses the positive affects of “unplugging” with your family this summer.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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C e l e br at i n g o v e r 2 5 y e a r s o f s i g n at u r e l o d g e s , h o m e s , t i m be r f r a m e s , c a b i n s a n d d e v e l o p m e n t s i n F e r n i e

Polar Peak

Snow Creek

Built for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Gorgeous, executive ski cabin on a premiere ski slope location at Fernie Alpine Resort.

L O DG E S

CABINS

Three and four-bedroom homes, gourmet kitchens, spa inspired bathrooms, media room and over height garage, great gear storage.

Ski to your door.

Deb Trand, Remax 250-423-1471 Fernievacationproperties.com

4-bedrooms, 3-bathrooms, over 1900 square feet of luxurious living space, this one of a kind mountain home is priced at $1,299,000.

Pricing includes all appliances, fully finished walkout basement & private hot tub.

Floor layouts, interior design and features call: Lori Russell, Fernie Real Estate 250-278-6444

Fernie’s British Columbia Georgie Award Winner and Canadian National Award for Housing Excellence Winner. www.fernievacationproperties.com

AUGUST 2017 ISSUE 128 THE UNPLUGGED ISSUE

EDITOR’S FIX | 5 BUSINESS IN THE VALLEY | 7 Business News/New Business Business Advice with Patty Vadnais – Unplugged to Get Connected Money Matters - Claiming Business Use of Home

by Ken Macleod, CPA, CA, CGA

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT | 14 Feature Artist – Tyra Collombin Rental Fix – The Road Warrior by Andrew Vallance Musical Notes - Lucky Number Seven by Carolyn Nikodym

COMMUNITY AND EVENTS | 20 Feature Resident – Rebecca Vaughan and Jeremy Grassick

by Krista Turcasso You’ve Got Male: Dear Diary by Adam K MacDonald FernieFix.com Events Calendar / August at the Arts Station Family Stoke – Text Me by Shelby Cain Exchanging Ideas –Disconnect to Reconnect

by Santi Quiroga

OUTDOOR LIFE | 31 Between the Shores – Spontaneous Human Combustion Prevention by Gord Bunston FAR Adventures: Downhilling with Samantha Sedlowsky

by Karen Pepper Going Places by Ahmed Mumeni – Heiko’s Trail and the Bisaro Cave Never Have I Ever – A Weekend at Wapiti by Jesse Bell Spin to Win: Fernie Tears & Gears by Julie Kelly, FTA

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE | 43 Fit to Challenge – It’s All About Balance by Sarah Ingram, Practicing Kinesiologist Food Intelligence: Mason’s Mindful Eating

by Tiffany Schebesch, RD, BASc Family Wellness - Unplugging for Your Family’s Health

by Dr. Taina Turcasso, N.D., R.M.

BITS AND BYTES | 50 The Answer Guy – The Key to Safer Browsing is a Lock

by Kevin McIsaac Astrology with Yann Loranger

FERNIE FUN | 54 Fix Trivia COVER: Alexandra Simons taking full advantage of the summer school holidays relaxing under a golden Lake Koocanusa sunset Photo by Vince Mo THIS PAGE: Exploring Nature’s Echo.

Photo by Gabriela Escobar Ari, Gaesari.com

at the Fernie Aquatic Centre Splash Park

4th Annual

Ladies Night!

6pm-9pm • August 3rd wine & cheese discounts • closeout deals random prizes & more! all ladies welcome

Wednesday Concert Series

August 2

Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra (sponsored by Wapiti)

Folk with a little bit Gypsy, this Victoria band brings fun and soulful sounds to the stage.

August 9 Tiger Moon This Kelowna duo has a mandolinguitar-big-boot sound.

Join us this summer every Wednesday evening for FREE, family-friendly outdoor live concerts at the Fernie Arts Station!

August 16 Martin Harley

FOOD TRUCKS

August 23 Cecile Doo Kingue

REFRESHMENT GARDEN

A blues slide guitarist from the UK with seven albums to his name!

Worldy blues, incorporating oldtime soul, hard rock and hip-hop elements.

August 30 The Primes

Calgary based rock band featuring Fernie’s own Will Ripley.

Investing in B.C. Resort Communities

Circus Arts Face Painting

Bubble Dance Party Photo Booth

its free!

Sunday, August 13, 2017 Rotary Park, 10am-2pm FernieChildrensFestival

ElkRiverAlliance.ca

starting at 5:30pm

5:30-8:45pm

LIVE MUSIC 6:30-8:30pm

www.theartsstation.com Resort Municipality Initiative

Fernie’s Childrens Festival

Guest Speaker:

Bart Bonime Patagonia's Director of Fishing

Finding Fontinalis

film & fundraiser for the Elk River Alliance

Wed. August 30 at 7pm at the Vogue

Tickets:

$20 each

Available at Elk River Guiding Co., ERA Office, Polar Peek Books & the Vogue.

EDITOR’S FIX Let silence take you to the core of life. ~ Rumi

I

’ve often been asked how I find time for biking. It catches me off guard, and usually I don’t answer the question very well… feeling like I have to justify it somehow. Sitting down to this edition, the answer is so apparent to me. I don’t find time, I make time. Because my soul yearns for it. The time to myself, deep into nature, far from all things busy and loud and demanding. Time to feel connected. To feel alive.

It’s so interesting to me, that it takes disconnecting to reconnect. Cutting oneself off from everything, less you and your natural environment, and feeling the core of life. And as our lives become busier, and the use of technology increases, it becomes fundamental. It becomes a basic need.

As this summer approached, I anticipated it being a bit chaotic. We are building a home for our family. We have a lot of visitors headed our way. We have multiple summer camps and activities lined up for our wee ones. We have full time jobs. In an effort to enjoy our favourite time in Fernie, we sat down and decided how we could still be present this summer. What was important to us? We each have our own personal escapes, but as a family we also need to disconnect to reconnect. So we decided to set up our tent trailer, and spend as many weekends at the lake as possible. What we have noticed after just a few weekends, is how it so positively has affected our girls. There is no TV, no hand held devices, no phones.

Instead, sand and water and swimming and time. The time! It feels like there is so much of it out there.

While this summer has been different, it has been a great reminder of the importance of finding that silence. In whatever form it means to you. Perhaps you want to live

off grid like our feature residents Rebecca and Jeremy, or dive into art to offset a fast competitive lifestyle like Tyra. Maybe it’s journaling that will stir your soul, much like Adam. Or ditching the cellphone and being in the moment, like Shelby. Or maybe, it’s a bike ride that takes you deep into the woods.

Take time for you. For your family. And reconnect with the core of life.

Krista Turcasso Editor FERNIE FIX | FERNIEFIX.COM Published monthly by Claris Media. To advertise and for general inquiries: info@clarismedia.com Box 1124, 361A 1st Ave. Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 p: 250-423-4062 www.clarismedia.com Editor | Krista Turcasso Creative Director | Vanessa Croome Associate Editor | Carolyn Nikodym All content copyright Claris Media. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher.

Contributors ADAM K. MACDONALD cannot get the Golden Girls theme song out of his head... “... thank you for bein’ a friend.”

JULIE KELLY is the Manager for the Fernie Trails Alliance and loves spending time on the Fernie trails.

AHMED MUMENI is an engineer by day, and an avid traveler, photographer, and motorcyclist at other times. A recent transplant to Fernie, he enjoys capturing sounds and sights by camera, and preferably on two wheels.

KAREN PEPPER has worked at Fernie Alpine Resort for almost 15 years. She looks forward to sharing tidbits about the mountain with readers this summer.

ANDREW VALLANCE is a cinophile nerd who currently lives on the west coast. Girlfriendless, he spends his time going to movies, buying DVDs and flirting.

CAROLYN NIKODYM takes on the Wapiti lineup and finds it spectacular. You will too!

GORD BUNSTON has yet bought a bike, and keeps finding his feet in the water.

He can be found around the Kootenays teaching Swiftwater Rescue Courses to recreational paddlers, industry workers and to river professionals. Reach him at gordb@ rescuecanada.ca.

JESSE BELL reminisces on her first time at Wapiti Music Festival, with great food, even greater music, and meteor showers.

She hopes she will see you at the Annex Park on Aug. 11 - 12 for this year’s Wapiti dance party.

KEN MACLEOD can be found playing hockey, golf,curling,biking or enjoying the other activities and culture events that Fernie has to offer.

KEVIN MCISAAC haunts the coffee shops and streets of Fernie to find his column source material.

PATTY VADNAIS is the Executive Director of the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, a wintertime wanna-be ski bum, and summer-time golf slice professional.

SANTI QUIROGA is originally from Spain, and spent the last year in Fernie, BC on exchange. For more information on the Rocky Mountain International Student Program (RMISP) visit Rminternational.ca.

SARAH INGRAM, practicing kinesiologist, is unplugging from the usual fitness routine and getting personal. If you need help with your exercise program, call 250-423-9167 or visit Sarahsactiverehab.com.

SHELBY CAIN was raised in the East Kootenays. After spending a decade wandering the prairies - she’s back, baby.

Writing and mothering and enjoying her daily dose of #ferniestoke. Her first novel, Mountain Girl, is now available! Tweet her @ ShelbyCainWrote DR. TAINA TURCASSO is a naturopathic doctor and midwife practicing in Calgary, Alberta. She spends most of her time catching gorgeous babies, and is slowly inching her way back to Fernie.

TIFFANY SCHEBESCH is a registered dietitian and owner of Peak Nutrition Consulting located in Fernie, BC. With a basis in mindful and intuitive eating, she helps clients create lasting changes towards their nutrition goals.

YANN LORANGER from Happy-Culture Inc. is your local resource for Astrology, Tarot and Apitherapy. Astrology courses are offered at the College of the Rockies in Fernie. happycultureinc@gmail.com

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Come visit us at our new location!

641 7th Avenue Book your next appointment online www.sparrowhair.ca Phone 250-423-7175

INTERIORS

7 6 9 10 50 3 8 7 7 2 4 1 6 18

9 5 624382 3

GPI Chartered Professional Accountants in Fernie offers a full range of accounting and taxation services for the communities of Fernie, Elkford, Sparwood, throughout the Elk Valley and beyond for a wide variety of business and personal customers.

602 2nd Avenue Fernie, BC 250-423-6881 fernieaccountant.com

13 Kutenai Road, Fernie. (In the Ghost Rider Industrial park) | E-Mail: info@brecan.com | Tel # 778-519-1040

INTERIORS

Business in the Valley

BUSINESS NEWS

Brecan Interiors 13 Kutenai Road, 778-519-1040

B

recan Interiors is now serving the Elk Valley communities with all their home interior needs. They represent reliable leading suppliers from fixture brands like Kohler, Delta, Moen, and Aquabrass or tiles SUBMITTED PHOTO from Daltile, StoneTile, Julian Tile and EuroTile. For kitchens, they deal with Merit Kitchens, Kekuli Bay and Cascade Crest Cabinets. Brecan supplies countertops in maple, laminate, quartz or granite. Flooring from Divine to Twelve Oaks, and appliances through Electrolux, Frigidaire.

Brecan Interiors has knowledgeable and experienced staff who are ready to help customers with any interior project, from design to installation.

Located in the Ghost Rider Industrial Park just off the highway, Brecan Interiors is open Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, weekends and evenings by appointment.

Drop by, call them directly or email info@brecan.ca for more details.

JUDY MCMAHON PHOTO

Fernie Trails Alliance Fernietrailsalliance.com

T

his August 13, the Fernie Trails Alliance and Island Lake Lodge are hosting Heiko’s Commemorative Hike and Dine, in celebration of the Mountain Lakes Trail officially taking the name of its builder - Heiko Socher.

The event includes a choice of hikes.

The Full Heiko’s trail, 25km with a pickup at 7:30am at the Information centre/Chamber of Commerce.

Roughly 8-9 hours of hiking. The Cave and Back, 8km with pick up at 9:30am at the Information Centre/Chamber of Commerce. Roughly three hours of hiking. Island Lake to Windy Pass, 16km of hiking and roughly five hours of hiking. Or Tamarack View, with pick up at 1pm at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre, roughly three hours of hiking.

Interior Envy 441 2nd Ave 250-430-7883

A

s of July 1, 2017 Interior Envy Fernie is under new ownership. Familiar faces in the valley already, Laura Kabel and Melissa Davenport are excited to have been handed the torch to continue the Interior Envy journey.

Being a part of the Fernie business scene has always been a dream of theirs and Interior Envy perfectly fit the mould. They are excited to share their passion with all of you.

Love Interior Envy’s style? Don’t fret! Interior Envy will keep its current styles with some added touches reflecting both Laura and Melissa’s taste. New and exciting items are arriving daily and Christmas will have the store bursting at the seams – a real winter wonderland.

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Make sure to head down and say hello. This main street shop front is full of unique and trending items. They look forward to meeting you and helping with all your home décor and gifting needs.

Following the hike is a three-course dinner at Island Lake and a silent auction. Tickets are $100 and include shuttles, gratuities, and the post event at the lodge, and are available at the Island Lake Office or the Guide’s Hut - only 90 are available. All funds raised will go towards a bench for Heiko and his wife Linda which will be placed on the trail.

Visit Fernietrailsalliance.com for more details.

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Heiko’s Commemorative Hike and Dine Sunday, August 13th, 2017 Come and join us for a day of hiking, socializing, breathtaking views and honouring a trail building legend.

Photo: Judy McMahon

Choice of Hikes:

Dinner:

Full Heiko’s - 25km Pick up at 7:30am at the Visitor’s Information Centre, highway location (8-9 hours of hiking)

Three course dinner at Island Lake Lodge 5:30pm/6pm $100 include 3 course meal, shuttle, gratuities, technical set up (90 tickets available). Call Katie Hamar: toll free: 1.888.422.8754 or 250.423.3700 ext 3012 or email: islandlakelodge.com for special requests.

To the Cave and Back - 8km Pick up at 8:45am at the Visitor’s Information Centre, highway location (3 hours of hiking) From Island Lake to Windy Pass 16km Pick up at 1pm at Nordic Centre parking lot at the Provincial Park (5 hours of hiking) Tamarack View Pick up at 1pm at Nordic Centre parking lot at the Provincial Park (three hours of hiking)

Silent auction at dinner. Proceeds from the silent auction go towards a memorial bench on one of Heiko’s iconic trails.

Tickets: Full tickets include shuttle, three course meal, gratuities, technical set up: $100 Shuttle tickets only: $20

NO DOGS, GRIZZLY COUNTRY

Purchase tickets at: Island Lake reservation office on 2nd Avenue, (cash only) Guide’s Hut, (cash or card) Tickets are not be available on day of event

FERNIE TRAILS ALLIANCE

For more detailed information, visit www.fernietrailsalliance.com

est. 1988

Business in the Valley

NEW BUSINESS

Kootenay Chiropractic and Sports Performance 1301-7th Ave 778-519-5287

S

tephanie Bryant, formerly Hornquist, was born and raised in Fernie, BC and is now the chiropractor and owner at Kootenay Chiropractic and Sport Performance. Dr. Stephanie completed her education at the University of Western States in Portland, OR earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, a Master of Science in Sports Medicine, and a Doctorate in Chiropractic. She is also an Internationally Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner and has completed additional training in pediatrics, taping, athletic development, training, and rehabilitation.

Dr. Stephanie believes in a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare with emphasis on empowering her clients to be active in their care and in their lives. She believes that everyone is different and individually tailors her care utilizing a variety of techniques. She is incredibly excited to be able to practice in her hometown, give back, and share the knowledge she has gained to help others in the community reach their goals.

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Essentially Abundant Weareessentiallyabundant.com 778-584-5683

A

TWO LOCATIONS Fernie: 561B, Hwy 3 Cranbrook: 307-535 Victoria Ave N.

Open 11-10pm The Happy Truck is at the Info Centre in Sparwood Thursday-Monday!

fast growing team of entrepreneurs, Essentially Abundant is currently looking for three heart centred leaders local to the Kootenays! The right person must be self motivated, committed to self development, DRMARIZA.COM PHOTO natural health minded, and enjoy meeting new people. A perfect job for a stay at home mom with a passion for living life to its fullest... with kids in tow!

Essentially Abundant offers powerful, top of the line wellness products, great compensation plans, and is a family-oriented wellness company.

If you are interested in setting up an appointment for a short telephone or in person interview, email weareessentiallyabundant@gmail.com or text Jocelyn directly.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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COMING SOON New Custom Home Lots in Montane Stage 4

your next adventure starts here UNDER CONSTRUCTION 5 Modern Mountain Homes - 2 BR and 3 BR Designs Contact us for more details!

www.montanefernie.ca | 250-423-4136 | info@parastone.ca

By

Business in the Valley

BUSINESS ADVICE

Unplugged to Get Connected

by PATTY VADNAIS

M

y thesis research looked at the impact of social capital on the effectiveness of non-profit organizations.

I argued that the more social capital held within the board, the more effective the organization. I found support for this argument. A board that has built social capital makes better decisions, faster decisions, has better discussion, and has more fun. This benefit is not restricted to non-profits. Research shows social capital is found to build better businesses, stronger and safer communities, and great countries.

Without getting too deep into the research, social capital is the connection between two people (social) that holds assets that can be used (capital); the capital may be work, knowledge, money, time, or other resources. Social capital is often described in two ways internal (bonds) and external (bridging). It might be best to describe the two through examples. Internal social capital is the connections built within a group of people – board of directors, a committee, or a work team. External social capital is built through connections outside the group or in a broader context – board member and elected official, fundraiser and donor, or shop owner and supplier representative. Put another way, social capital is a network that you can call on to get things done (raise money, meet, get work done, learn something) and that is a valuable asset.

Like obtaining any sort of capital, it takes work. It is built through connecting, building trust, and collaborating. This is where we get to the unplug part. Social capital is built through face-to-face interactions. Spending time together and interactions are key factors to building social capital. Perhaps you have had the experience where your board often meets together outside a formal meeting and great conversation ensues about a variety of

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Social capital is a network that you can call on to get things done. topics. This provides opportunity to build trust.You get to see how your network connections react in different situations.

Then, when the board is called together for a board meeting, the group is ready to converse with one another, they are willing to call on opinions of others and build on each other’s ideas. Another great example of building social capital is the Friday afternoon team refreshments. Providing this time for the team to gather face-toface without the demands of the work allows them to build internal social capital with each other.

External social capital is harder to build because the opportunity for face-toface interactions is not as frequent or as structured. This shows the importance of networking events and attending public meetings, workshops, training seminars, or other public gatherings. Short interactions at networking events or meetings give you

that chance to talk with a larger sphere of people. The work is then on you to followup with the connections made.

In a business world where much emphasis is being put on the virtual office, we can lose the value of being in the office with others and connecting on a personal level.

Part of the lure of co-working spaces is that freelance and soloprenuers can work in a space with others and have an opportunity to build social capital. Time must be invested, whether connections are internal or external, in building the connection, developing trust, and fostering collaboration. As noted in Harvard Business Review, “social capital grows when team members meet face-to-face and work sideby-side” (2001). Are you providing time and taking time to meet with those on your team and those in your network?

One word of caution – social capital and networks are not the same thing.

Networking to collect 100 business cards without any effort in building a relationship does not make social capital. I encourage all of you to unplug, get out of the virtual office, and meet with others.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Fernie Mountain Spirits Hwy 3 near Starbucks and Boston Pizza 250-423-6522

9am-11pm 7 days a week

Coldest Beer in Town Tasty New Thirst Quenching Stuff for Summer!

Drop By and Check it Out or Visit ferniemountainspirits.com

Call today to learn the locals secret.....

When you need a mortgage, you call Zonya!

Zonya Knooihuizen mortgage broker 250.423.1864 zonya@shaw.ca www.eastkootenaymortgage.ca

photo: Robin Siggers 0 20 80 0

0 10 40 0

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100 70 0 30

Purchase | Pre-Approval | Non-Residence Equity Take Out | Refinance | Self Employed Dominion Lending Centres East Kootenay Mortgage | 462 2nd Ave, Fernie BC Independently Owned and Operated

Business in the Valley

Claiming Business Use of Home

will be deducted as business expenses or depreciated depending on the costs.

The question is often asked if depreciation can be claimed. The simple answer is that it is not recommended as it impairs your ability to sell your principal residence without facing potential tax implications.

by KEN MACLEOD, CPA, CA, CGA

D

o you earn money working from home? Whether you are selfemployed or an employee, if you meet conditions laid out by Canada Revenue Agency, you may be able to deduct some of your housing operating costs against income earned.

An employee who works from or uses their home has greater restrictions than a home based business.You must meet one of the following conditions: 1.You mainly do more then 50% of your work in the work space.

A person whom operates a business as a proprietor or as part of a partnership can claim a portion of their home expenses if the home is used to conduct the business operations. A claim cannot be made unless at least one of the two specific restrictions are met:

2.You use the workspace exclusively to earn your employment income.You also have to use it on a regular and continuous basis for meeting clients, customers or other people in the course of your employment duties.

1. The work space is your principal place of business.

2. The work space is used exclusively for the purpose of earning income and is used on a regular and continuous basis for meeting clients or customers.

To clarify, if the only place you have business activities is in your home, you qualify to deduct expenses even if the work space doubles as personal living space.

If you have another work location outside of your home, a claim for home expenses is available only if the work space is not used for personal living.

If you meet one of the two requirements above, you will be allowed to deduct a portion of the normal household expenses which include taxes, insurance, interest, utilities, and perhaps repairs if they relate to the work space. The normal basis for determining the business portion is on a square footage basis.Your total home footage is 1500 square feet and you use 300 sq. ft. for your work space enables you to deduct 20% of your expenses.You should be ready to defend this determination with

MONEY MATTERS

STOCK PHOTO

If you have another work location outside of your home, a claim for home expenses is available only if the work space is not used for personal living. a detailed drawing etc. if Canada Revenue Agency asks for your calculations.

Repairs to the work space such as painting, shelving, flooring or lighting to name a few may be directly claimed as a business expense and not claimed as part of home expenses. Office supplies and cleaning supplies for the work area will also be claimed as direct expenses. Repairs and normal household cleaning and other expenses are not usually deductible. The purchase of printers, computers and other office furniture and equipment

3.You must have Form T2200 Declaration of Conditions of Employment completed and signed by your employer.You may deduct all the operating expenses as the home based business, however you may not deduct mortgage interest costs.

Upon qualifying you may now deduct the calculated business home expenses from your business income. However, you may only deduct the expenses to the extent that you have a profit. For instance, in the first year of operation you have a profit of $500 and $700 of home expenses.You deduct $500 to have a nil income and $200 of home expenses carried. This carry forward does not expire but must be deducted at the first opportunity. Be advised that if you change your business activities from one style of business to another you cannot claim your carry forwards against the new business income. There are more specific rules for day cares and bed and breakfasts.

As in most cases, you should always refer to your professional tax advisor to ensure that you are following the required tax regulations.

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Arts and Entertainment

FEATURE ARTIST

Tyra Collumbin Racer ready? 3. 2. 1. Go! I kick out of the start gate, propelling my entire body forward, leaving my legs behind to strike the timing wand at the last possible moment. My greatest competitor is the clock.

With art, time is an asset. Every new layer of paint gradually illuminates new definitions of my piece, taking shape over a period of time. These two seemingly opposite passions have allowed me to remain balanced. As my passion for skiing came from my dad, I have also always been inspired by my mom’s artistic abilities. Growing up skiing in Fernie and in the Kootenays I have been

surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in the world; the central inspirations of my artwork. Having the opportunity to travel around the world for ski racing has allowed me to express where I am from and my experiences through art.

Art, you can say, is my way of getting “unplugged” from competitive sport and the stress and focus that comes with it. I have always been drawing and painting, and as a kid one of my teachers encouraged me to explore different types of art and to create a portfolio.

Expressing myself with visual media has always been my favourite tool of com-

munication, over reading or writing, so I decided to see where it would take me.

Fernie is so full of creative people and beautiful vistas. Many of the paintings are inspired by places here, like Cedar Bowl, the Head Wall, my latest mountain bike ride or the animals that often visit our back yard.

Unfortunately the sport I love and the subsequent travel is a large financial cost. In order to continue in my passion for ski racing and compete at such a high level, I have found a way to use my other passion, art. It not only allows me to achieve a sense of balance, but helps me financially on top of the

considerable generosity of my parents and supporters. Because I understand the demands of amateur sport, I have been paying it forward by donating 5% of proceeds from my artwork to fellow athletes. I also collect bottles from the community in order to reduce my ecological footprint and promote recycling.

These commitments have both allowed me to give back to the community of Fernie, which has always supported me.

Racing on the Fernie Alpine Ski Team gave me the starting platform from which I continued to race in Western Canada for three years of FIS. I have now moved to Sweden and am attend-

ing Tärnaby Skidhem to further my dreams of eventually competing with the best in the world. I am back in Fernie for part of the summer where I am focusing on my art and dry-land training.

I always have a pad of paper with me so I can draw wherever I am, as you never know what can inspire you to create your next painting.

I am very lucky to be part of the Fernie Arts Co-op and excited to be one of the artists selected for this year’s banner project.

Fernie will always be “home base” as there is nothing like enjoying my

favourite powder run on the ski hill, followed by a Big Bang bagel. Hike to Castle Rock, bike the Lazy Lizard and go cliff jumping at Silver Springs with my friends. Fernie to me is where the family gathers and memories are made, and it’s one of my favourite places to just sit and paint.

My artwork can be found at Big Bang Bagels, the Fernie Arts Co-op, Fernie Alpine Resort, The Fernie Mountain Market, Silver Tree Studios in Canmore, All About Canada in Banff, On a Lark in Okotoks and online at Artbytyra.com.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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TOKYO POLICE CLUB ROYAL CANOE THE DEAD SOUTH SAM WEBER VELLE FIVE ALARM FUNK SCENIC ROUTE TO ALASKA BELLE GAME TWIN PEAKS DAWSON RUTLEDGE

August 11th & 12th | wapitimusicfestival.com

Skills.Thrills.

Hills.

Join us for guided mountain biking clinics.

s to experienced From beginners and kid to summer riders, we’re your guide ching, coa for us n Joi . ure advent custom or ps cam instruction, clinics, . you for just ed ign des rides guideshut.ca 250-423-3650 info@the

FernieBikeGuides.ca

Arts and Entertainment

THE RENTAL FIX

The Road Warrior

by ANDREW VALLANCE

A 8TH ANNUAL DUATHLON SUNDAY SEPT. 3RD TEAM • SOLO • YOUTH

fter a stint at the Australian National Institute of Dramatic Arts, Mel Gibson had a few performances in live theatre and starred in several Australian TV shows. His big break came when he was chosen to star in the small budget movie Mad Max (1979). The movie won him a Best Actor award from the Australian Film Institute. He went on to star in Gallipoli (1981), which earned him a second Best Actor award. After his American film debut in The Bounty (1984), he starred in his signature series, Lethal Weapon (1987), which gained him widespread recognition in the American film industry; however, his most famous role was as Sir William Wallace in Braveheart (1995), for which he won Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director.

The original Mad Max was an action film based on the post-apocalyptic collapse of society in a futuristic Australia where gasoline and water are scarce commodities.

It tells the story of a vengeful policeman (“Mad” Max Rockatansky) whose wife and child have been murdered by a vicious motorcycle gang, and who becomes embroiled in a feud between the gangs and the few remaining pockets of civilized society. Although Mad Max had mixed reviews initially, it attracted a cult following, earned more than $100 million worldwide and opened up the global market for Australian film.

fernietearsandgears.com

It was the first, and arguably the weakest, in a series of films that included Mad Max 2:The Road Warrior (1981), Beyond Thunderdome (1985) and Fury Road (2015), all of which were based upon the premise of societal collapse. Noteworthy elements of the films included the widescreen photography of Australia’s vast desert landscapes, the bondage gear of the bikers and the fast-paced violent fight and chase scenes.

The Road Warrior takes place several years after Mad Max. Max, now accompanied by a scruffy and adorable dog, remains isolated from the rest of humanity, but bonds with a mechanically talented gyro-captain (played

by Bruce Spence), who introduces some humour into what is otherwise a bleak story. Max struggles to protect a colony of survivalist innocents against the predations of the sadistic gang leader Lord Humungus.

The Road Warrior is considered one of the best sequels ever made. Mel Gibson reprises the role of Max, winning a best actor award, and a best supporting actor award was won by Bruce Spence. Gibson also starred in Beyond Thunderdome but relinquished the role to Tom Hardy in Fury Road, which was released in 2015.

The Road Warrior and Fury Road are often considered to be amongst the greatest action films of all time, and there is no doubt that much of the success of the entire series is due to the work of Australian film director, George Miller, who co-wrote and directed all of the films. He briefly considered a computergenerated version of Fury Road but wisely abandoned the idea in favour of liveaction. He hired Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult to star in the movie, which won six academy awards and grossed over $378 million worldwide, making it the highest grossing film in the Mad Max franchise.

Two thumbs up for The Road Warrior.

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Arts and Entertainment

MUSICAL NOTES

Lucky Number Seven

by CAROLYN NIKODYM

I

t’s hard to believe that Wapiti is seven years old this year! What isn’t hard to believe, by now, is the caliber of the lineup.

It’s a solid mix of seasoned music veterans and up-and-comers. Check out this quick and dirty rundown on what to expect from this spectacular fest.

Belle Game. You just have to listen to one song by this Vancouver band to be taken with lead singer Andrea Lo’s voice.

It is aching and yearning. But Belle Game is not just her voice – it is also a band that pushes its pop guitars and keys to their limits. Together, the soundscape is beautiful and mesmerizing. This is indie pop that challenges the notions of the genre in all of the best possible ways.

Four albums and a couple of other shorter releases later, Royal Canoe will hit the Wapiti stage on their shared 7th birthday. It will definitely be a party.

Dawson Rutledge. Hailing from sunny Cranbrook, this fine young gent is a singer-songwriter on the rise. He released his debut album at the tender age of 18, whose song “Mysterious Woman” reached CBC Music Searchlight’s top 10 last year.

It is difficult to reconcile his youthful 19-year-old looks with the maturity of his songwriting and his talent on guitar.

Sam Weber. This band is the perfect soundtrack to a warm Saturday afternoon.

Roots rock with longing lyrics, Sam Weber makes heartache feel pretty okay – especially when it results in such beautiful melodies. Based in Victoria, the band released its debut in 2014 and has since been compared to Jackson Browne and the Eagles.

Five Alarm Funk. Although this Vancouver band probably doesn’t need any introductions to many Fernie-ites, one of the best ways to describe the band is in the name these guys decided to call themselves.

It is five-alarm and it is funk. It is blasting horns and explosive percussion that drags you up to the dance-floor. Wapiti is just one of FAF’s many tour stops in support of its March release, Sweat. And, oh, you will.

Scenic Route to Alaska. This band has a song called “Love Keeps” that has the chorus line, “Your love keeps calling me back.” Substitute “love” with “music” and it’s the perfect hook for what this Edmonton band accomplishes. Catchy pop with crunchy guitar and deep percussion, Scenic Route to Alaska’s music would provide the perfect music for a, well, scenic route to Alaska.

Royal Canoe. From the flatlands of Manitoba, Royal Canoe plays music that is full of fun, poppy rhythms and beautiful harmonies. There are no empty spaces in the band’s compositions. After releasing its debut band seven years ago, this six-piece has toured, toured and toured some more.

The Dead South. Even though the subject matter of the Dead South’s lyrics is dark and murderous, this Regina band’s old-timey bluegrass will coerce finger snapping and boot tapping to songs like “In Hell I’ll be in Good Company.” The four-piece acoustic band has played from

TOKYO POLICE CLUB | Soundcheckentertainment.ca

Big Valley Jamboree to SXSW, and pull out all of the stops in their live show.

Tokyo Police Club. At the forefront of indie pop, Tokyo Police Club’s decadeplus career has seen the band play some of the world’s biggest festivals, from Coachella to Glastonbury, and appear on soundtracks from Gossip Girl to The Five-Year Engagement. The quartet pumps out true dance-floor fillers, complete with hard-hitting drums and sing-able choruses.

Wapiti organizers are hitting it out of the park with putting TPC on the line-up.

Make sure you are primed to dance, dance, dance.

Twin Peaks. The combined voices Naomi Shore and Lindsay Pratt are like a gentle, sleepy caress on a picnic blanket in a field of daisies. Theirs is folk-roots inspired from the living northern part of the province. Whether it’s their singing or their musicianship, there is never a missed opportunity to make something beautiful.

Velle. Finally, allow Wapiti to introduce you to Creston chanteuse Velle. When listening to her, it’s hard not to imagine her gracing the stage of a 1890’s saloon or a Depression-era blues bar. Her voice is full of both longing and vexation and will hit right out of Annex Park.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Community and Events

FEATURE RESIDENT

Rebecca Vaughan and Jeremy Grassick

by KRISTA TURCASSO

H

ave you ever wanted to live off the land, to be completely self-sustainable and conservative in life? Rebecca Vaughan and Jeremy Grassick have been working towards this for some time. Their original plan was to buy property in Baynes Lake and build an Earthship – a “passive solar house that is made of both natural and upcycled materials such as earth-packed tires, pioneered by architect Michael Reynolds.”Yes, I had to look it up… and it’s pretty cool. But, life had other plans for them.

Rebecca and Jeremy met in Victoria, BC while they were both attending school for massage therapy. After they completed their program in 2008, they were looking to live in a mountain town. “Jeremy had completed the MAST program in 2002 in Fernie, and said to me well if we move there I’ll have like 20 friends, so Fernie it was,” says Rebecca. They originally lived in the Beavertail Lodge at the Ski Hill, looking after it for the owners during the ski season. They then moved to “Little Italy” just off downtown, where Rebecca worked as an RMT out of her home and Jeremy at Fernie Physio. Around this time, they knew they wanted to start a family and put energy towards their own home and gardens. They were researching the Earthship, when Susan Sim approached them with an idea and an opportunity of a lifetime.

Susan has owned 250 acres on Hartley Lake Road since 1965 with her husband Duncan. They spent the summer of 1970 on the land, testing out garden spaces and chose the area where Spruce Spring Stream Farms (SSSF) is today. In 1972, they returned and continued to develop the gardens and shelters, using organic

KRISTA TURCASSO PHOTO

gardening techniques, which included working the land by hand, composting, companion planting, mulching, crop rotation, white Dutch clover for ground cover, compost teas and cover crops. SSSF’s main garden was the smallest of them all.

This was part of the “back to the land movement” so it attracted a lot of interest, with people coming to the farm each summer to help, creating a land-based community.

“What makes it so special is that there are over 20 springs and two creeks that feed water right into our home and garden,” Rebecca tells me. It all sounds pretty remarkable to me. Power generated by spring fed micro hydro solar panels, chicken droppings and plant based compost teas to enrich the soil, water from artesian springs, the use of simple machines… it also sounds like a lot of work.

Susan continued to live on this property for many years, but came to a point where she needed help with the land. Local Craig Walker and his wife Kylie moved onto half of the property, which is now known as Wakita Springs. When Susan felt it was time to move on from the farm, she wanted this young family to be able to still live there. This is when she approached Rebecca and Jeremy with a Tenant in Common Agreement, sharing the 69 acres with Kylie and Craig. Just like that, the Earthship was off the table and the off-thegrid living on Hartley Lake was on.

“We feel like we’ve inherited this land.

Susan really wanted someone who shared her ethics and had her energy, it was really important to her. We have this responsibility to maintain and live up to the practices she put in place,” they tell me.

“It was already a farm, but had not been a farm for ten years. So we wanted to revive that, and get farm status right away. We opened up another acre and a half of land for produce growing, a small orchard and a 1000 square foot green house.” Rebecca and Jeremy began by selling at the markets last year, and this year they started to sell to

families as it was too challenging with their newest addition, Nadia. “Every Wednesday, we wake up at 5:30/6am and harvest the produce and provide food for 30 families,” Rebecca says. And the demand is there.

When they posted the opportunity, they had over 75 requests immediately but they can’t support that size.

It is a lot of work, but these two feel as though it’s worth it. With hopes to grow their family, they are happy with the size of the farm as it is still manageable alongside their jobs as massage therapists. They do plan on refining what they do, working on the efficiencies so they can do more for less.

In the end, Rebecca and Jeremy want to provide a great product and service and they admit that they do make sacrifices to ensure they can. “We don’t go to the lake, do yoga or go mountain biking. Farming is beautiful but it’s a lot of hard work. We just feel like we owe the land something, and producing this awesome produce makes it all worth while.”

and everyone supports us as well. The young families show how great this community is, putting down roots here.

5. Do you have a favourite Fernie memory?

The Ski Patrol party at the Beaver Tail Lodge. We did the most epic Hootenanny themed party. It was legendary. We had to repaint the walls, re-grout the tile, but it was so much fun.

6. What is your favourite time of the year in Fernie and why?

J. I like the fall. Because of the transition and it’s super beautiful.You can still do everything. R. Fall and winter, mainly because all of the farm work is done. And I love cross-country skiing on our road.

Fresh powder tracks and so quiet.

7. Where do you see Fernie in 5 to 10 years?

Hopefully with a new elementary school or two, and a rec centre.

8. How do you start your day or what is one of your daily rituals?

R. My pants are ready at the door like a fireman’s. I hop into them, and work in them for a good hour before anyone is up. And hopefully try to eat and drink something within the first two hours.

Jeremy starts his day by hanging out with Nadia, reading her books.

9. Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.

R. I am three courses away from my wildlife biology degree and for seven years I did wildlife biology field work. Tracked grizzly bears, studied moose… I’ve done it all. Jeremy tree planted for 11 years and used to own a rock climbing gym in Calgary.

10. Quote to live by: R. No matter where you go, there you are. J. There’s a fine line between a free spirit and a lost soul.

Thank you, Rebecca and Jeremy for your hard work and continuing a very impressive tradition. For more information on SSSF visit Sprucespringstreamfarms.ca.

1. When did you first arrive in Fernie and what brought you here?

We came in 2010, to start a practice in a mountain town.

2. Where did you first live in town?

Beaver Tail Lodge, at the Ski Hill.

3. What was your first impression?

Well, our very first impression was Dano Cutts. We met him at the Annex Park with his septic truck, the base was pumping and he was dancing. It was so funny, he was the first person we met in Fernie.

4. What keeps you in Fernie?

The community. Whatever we do, everyone is so supportive of us, so encouraging. I love that people know us.

We really try to support local businesses,

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Community and Events

YOU’VE GOT MALE

Dear Diary

by ADAM K MACDONALD

T

his past June, I turned 40. Forty isn’t very different than 39, but I do find myself reflecting a lot on family and friends and the other important things in my life. One of those friends, Benny, gave me a journal as a birthday gift. I had been thinking about getting back into journaling, so the timing of the gift was great.

I have an on-again-off-again relationship with journaling. I started around 13 years of age, keeping a diary-style journal, much like I’m doing with the one Benny gave me. My journaling has taken many forms; I’ve had stints with tiny notebooks and large notebooks, cellphones and computers.

I’ve written daily poetry, dream-tracking, professional reflections, gratitude lists, blogs, and running logs. To me, all of the above fall under journaling – the regular recording of things happening in my life.

I am far from a perfect journal keeper. I have lost several journals. I have gone long stretches of time, maybe years, without journaling – but I am always happy when I return to the habit. The benefits that journaling provides always surprises me.

Obviously yet importantly, journaling provides a record of my past. Reading old entries gives me clues as to who I was (both what I wrote about and how I wrote about it). Reading what I did last week, last month, or last year, is not just insightful, it is also fun. I enjoy how journaling helps me remember events, whether it be lifechanging event, or silly things my kids say.

Writing my thoughts on paper helps me to focus on what is important; sometimes we have to unplug from distractions in order to plug in to our lives. Journaling helps me to remember the highlights of my day, and to work through the lowlights.

My memory, mindfulness, and goal-setting improve. Plus, having the journal and knowing that I had the self-discipline

FIND YOUR JOURNAL | V. CROOME PHOTO

Start today. Habits are like airplanes: changing direction requires less energy than the initial take off. Start now. You don’t need to write neatly, you don’t need to fill pages, you just need to start. feels good. I feel my sleep improve too; writing out my thoughts and worries and reminders helps me to “let go” and enter a more sound sleep.

I am far from being a journaling expert and the process is very individual, but I have learned some things that might help any readers thinking about getting into (or back into) journaling. First, realize that finding the balance between flexibility and commitment is on going. Realize that lapses don’t need to be full-blown

relapses; realize that lapses can be part of the process. Be gentle on yourself, yet be demanding too. Demand that you journal as often as you want to, but be gentle in allowing yourself times when you only scribble down a few key words rather than long, beautiful paragraphs. Second, find your fit. There are so many choices: apps, technologies, pen or pencil, lined or unlined. Don’t let the choice overwhelm you. And that leads into the third and most important tip... Start.You can always adjust. Start today. Habits are like airplanes: changing direction requires less energy than the initial take off. Start now.You don’t need to write neatly, you don’t need to fill pages, you just need to start. Three words are better than none. Start.

As I have mentioned, I’ve stopped journaling countless times. Thanks to Benny, I have started again. Maybe this is the time I keep it going. Maybe not.

Perhaps I’ll still be going on my current streak when my fiftieth birthday arrives.

Perhaps not. For now, thanks Benny.

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Community and Events

Text Me

by SHELBY CAIN

J

ust a sec. I just have to do one last thing.

Okay, sorry, what did you say? Unplug?

We are living behind glass. Like bulging orange fish in a thick, captive bubble. We look up, disoriented and irritated, if we hear tapping from the outside world. How dare you? What do you want? Text me.

It’s happened slowly, like erosion or global warming or the growth of a beard.You might not even notice how out-of-control it’s actually gotten. Until you start asking people you’re having a conversation with to text you what they just told you. A phone number or a restaurant suggestion.

Text me. Then I’ll pay attention to the valuable information you are giving me.

The information I asked you for, then immediately grew tired of your sloth-like answer, and Googled it anyway. While you describe what the food actually tasted like – about the salty, melty cheese and how the cumin smelled, freshly ground in a mortar and pestle so the limey, nutty fragrance crept into your nostrils and erupted on your tongue – I’ll find out what TripAdvisor gave it. Four stars.Yes. It’s good. Text me.

As most major catastrophes do, this began with the best of intentions. Let’s make the Hindenburg of communication devices.

More is better. More is better. But in the pursuit of unprecedented hand-held convenience by the world’s most brilliant and entrepreneurial minds, I think we may have overshot it. Just a tad. We have managed to invent the Titanic of telephones. But there might be an iceberg.

Dead ahead.

To call this mobile handheld computer/ digital camera/bank/weather station/spy device/lady who knows everything/GPS a phone, is like calling Fernie a ski town.

You’re missing the most impressive parts.

FAMILY STOKE

And then, the tragic part.

Faces falling the second the camera turns off, concentration creasing our brows as we post the epic moment to our followers while the band plays the encore we were just “humble-bragging” about. Maybe not so humbly.

So, where are we going?

Can we take a step backwards? And, if it’s possible to break these habits, stop posting and start participating, do we actually want to? There is no question that along with the negatives of all this new technology riding around in our back pocket, there are some amazing benefits.

We’re more connected to people that were vacant in our lives. We can find SHELBY CAIN PHOTO a friend on a trail in the middle of nowhere and And yet, with all the good intentions that tell them exactly what stars are blanketing have led us to carry a device Marty McFly the sky overhead and then call a tow truck and Doc couldn’t even dream up – we when a porcupine chews the wires out have found ourselves on the proverbial of their car. We can save lives that would road to hell. Paved with re-tweets and have been lost. I can send a video of my Rotten Tomatoes and virtual reality. The daughters dancing in the sprinkler to their road to not actually participating, but Nanny and Grampa in another province. rather, being once removed from, well, The sounds of their joyful squeals and the everything. If you happen to find yourself silhouette of the Three Sisters behind them at a memorable event with other people, are as vibrant and real as if they were here. take a look around.You will rarely find How cool is that? everyone enjoying the experience in the moment. Rather, you will see screens.

So, maybe we’ll continue to live in the grey Fishbowls obscuring the view of what’s between virtual and reality. Maybe we’ll hit happening right in front of us. Filters that the iceberg. I’m not sure. But after writing make the lights a little brighter and the this, I’ve had a cathartic realization that this people better looking. The video proof pocket distraction has been bothering me of a life well lived. Cameras turned on more than I wanted to admit. I’m going our own faces, our artificially white teeth outside. I’ll see you out there. Or text me. beaming for the screen in a testimony to our Facebook friends that – yes, we are having the time of our lives. Watch this!

FERNIEFIX.COM

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NEW GRIZ RANGERS PROGRAM

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Mini Griz Rangers Daily program (half or full day) for ages 3-5 Fernie Rangers Fri/Sat/Sun afternoons for ages 6-8

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Community and Events

EXCHANGING IDEAS

Disconnect to Reconnect

by SANTI QUIROGA

“

Get offline, free your mind, go outside and disconnect to reconnect.”

My name is Santi Quiroga, I come from a coastal city in the northwest of Spain.

When I made the decision to spend a year in Canada, I had mixed feelings. I was quite frightened but also facing the year with a lot of excitement and looking forward to learning, not just in an academic aspect, in a cultural way too. Even though I have had some hard moments being away from my family and friends, this year has been an experience of a lifetime and did not disappoint.

Friends are the first thing that come to mind when deciding to spend a year abroad. I’ve been lucky as I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of new people, who I now call my friends. One of the most important insights I can give to someone considering an exchange is to be yourself and to not to be afraid of making mistakes, because you learn from them, improve and become more confident. It is amazing how an experience like this can make strangers became so important in someone’s life in such a short period of time. The best thing about these friendships is that, although we are not going to see each other for a long time, I know that I could always count on them in the same way they can count on me.

Boredom should also not be a concern, because of the people you meet and the plans that occur because of them. One of the best places to come is Fernie. There are a lot of things to do such as skiing, hiking, baseball and everything related to outdoor activities. Extracurricular activities are a good way to keep busy. This year I joined basketball, and in fact we made provincials and had the opportunity to go to Langley and to play against the best teams in the province. Another amazing sport to practice

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

have nowadays, keeping up with my loved ones has not been that easy, because as I mentioned before, there have been so many things to do, so many experiences to live and no time to lose. Despite being busy, I have always found a moment to call my parents to tell them I am okay and to assure them I am treated well by my host family and friends.

in Fernie is skiing. Thanks to the awesome local ski hill, I had the chance to learn and enjoy this sport for the first time. It was a great experience and I am sure I will keep doing it and improving in Spain.

Recently I looked at the calendar, only to realize my departure was just two months away… leaving the place that has been home for a year. There is a lot of emotion around this date, going back to share all of the fantastic moments I have lived.

Despite all of the new technology we

Overall all, this has been a great experience for many reasons. One being the amazing family I have stayed with; they really care about me and this would have been way different without them. Another reason, is that I would have never thought it possible to make such a good group of real friends or that these friends would make such a big difference in my life. In fact, I am going to miss them every single day back home. I want to thank all the people that I have shared moments with because they have defined my stay. As my stay in Canada comes to a close, I realize an exchange is not a year in my life, it is a lifetime worth of experiences in a year. And that I was able to get offline, free my mind and go outside to disconnect and reconnect this year in Fernie.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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August 2017 MONTHLY EVENTS WEDNESDAY 2.8.2017 Movie’nPlay @ The Play Room, 12:30-4:30pm. facebook. com/theplayroomfernie Eliza Mary Doyle Trio Live @ Infinitea, 8pm Wednesday Concert Series: Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra @ Station Square, 6:30pm THURSDAY 3.8.2017 Eirin Amundsen Memorial Golf Tournament @ Fernie Golf and Country Club, 12:30-9pm. An 18-hole scramble format followed by dinner, prizes, raffle and auction. All proceeds go towards the Eirin Amundsen Memorial Pavilion at the Max Turyk Community Sport Field. Limited to 80 players, call 250-423-7773 to reserve your ticket today!

Fourth Annual Ladies Night @ Elevation Showcase, 6-9pm. Enjoy wine, cheese, discounts, closeout deals, prizes and more.

West Hammock Live @ Infinitea, 8pm FRIDAY 4.8.2017 Horsemanship for Young Equestrians @ Love it or Leave Ranch, ages 5-10 10am-12pm, ages 11-16 1-3pm. Give your kids a chance to be exposed some practical fun horsemanship.

Seany J and the Boys @ The Northern, local rippers covering epic Rock n’Roll bangers.

B-Syde (Aus) Playing Live Loop Beats @ Infinitea, 8pm SATURDAY 5.8.2017 – SUNDAY 6.8.2017 Kids Howl at the Moon Sleepover @ Lost Boys Café, Fernie Alpine Resort. Skifernie.com SATURDAY 5.8.2017 He/She Tournament @ Fernie Golf and Country Club, Golffernie.com Totally Tom Petty Hosts the Women of Rock @ The Northern, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benetar and Chrissie Hynde tribute show.

SUNDAY 6.8.2017 Historic Walking Tour – Rum Running @ Fernie Museum, 2pm BBQ & Beats with Chris Donnely @ Infinitea, 6-9pm MONDAY 7.8.2019 Elk and Timber Chairs Open @ Fernie Alpine Resort, Skifernie.com Essential Oils in the Sun @ Infinitea, enjoy a cold drink, delicious $6 meal and a hands on Essential Oils class, 6pm. Weareessentiallyabundant.com WEDNESDAY 9.8.2017 Make’nTake’nPlay @ The Play Room, 10am-12:30pm. Make fun essential oil blends together with your kids.

Paint’nPlay @ The Play Room, 12:30-4:30pm, facebook. com/theplayroomfernie Wednesday Concert Series: Tiger Moon @ Station Square, 6:30pm Forage in the Forest @ Wildsight, 6pm. Hosted by Wild Nature Tours Midnight Vesta & Brooklyn Doran @ The Valley Social, 8pm THURSDAY 10.8.2017 Beautea Night with Spa 901 @ Infinitea, 6-9pm. $10 massages/manicures OM Sound (Montreal) live @ Infinitea, 8pm

FRIDAY 11.8.2017 – SATURDAY 12.8.2017 Wapiti Music Festival @ Annex Park. Showcasing Canada’s best Indie music, featuring Tokyo Police Club, Five Alarm Funk, Scenic Route to Alaska and more, alongside vendors, art, kids activities and crafts, refreshment gardens and fantastic views. Wapitimusicfestival.com FRIDAY 11.8.2017 – SUNDAY 13.8.2017 Mini Acro Immersion Fernie @ Essential Yoga Studio, define and refine your skills in Acro Yoga as a base, flyer and spotter. Essentialyogastudio.com SATURDAY 12.8.2017 Historic Cemetery Tours – Disasters and Delinquents @ Fernie Museum, 2:30-3:30pm. A short trip to the St. Margaret’s Cemetery to learn about the various disasters, traumas and crimes that faced Fernie.

Guys Named Franz @ Mountainside Community Church, 7:30pm. Music by Franz Liszt, Franz Joseph Haydn and Franz Schubert.

The Dudes @ The Northern, Wapiti After Party SUNDAY 13.8.2017 Bibbity Bobbity Boo Children’s Festival @ Rotary Park, 10am – 2pm. Enjoy a host of events and activities for kids, alongside the Mountain Market.

Show n Shine @ Downtown Fernie Specialty Hike – Berries and Other Useful Plants @ Fernie Alpine Resort, Skifernie.com Heiko’s Commemorative Hike and Dine @ Heiko’s Trail and Island Lake Lodge. Choose from multiple options of hikes: Full Heiko’s, Bisaro Cave and back, Island Lake to Windy Pass or Tamarack View, followed by a three-course dinner and silent auction. 90 tickets available, $100 includes shuttle, hike, meal, and gratuities. Shuttle tickets also available. Fernietrailsalliance.com BBQ & Beats with DJ Jay Ray @ Infinitea, 6-9pm TUESDAY 15.8.2017 – THURSDAY 17.8.2017 Horsemanship & Liberty Clinic @ Love it or Leave it Ranch, email liliranchfernie@gmail.com for more details.

TUESDAY 15.8.2017 Ladies Special – Golf Fore the Cure @ Fernie Golf and Country Club, Golffernie.com Aroma Yoga @ Vitality, 6:30-8pm. $25, weave Essential Oils into your yoga practice. Bring a metal or glass water bottle. Weareessentiallyabundant.com WEDNESDAY 16.8.2017 Top Men Live @ Infinitea, 8pm Wednesday Concert Series: Martin Harley @ Station Square, 6:30pm FRIDAY 18.8.2017 Leeroy Stagger @ The Northern, alternative country/ Indie Rock n’ Roll SATURDAY 19.8.2017 Disco’nPlay @ The Play Room, 3-5:40pm, facebook.com/ theplayroomfernie SUNDAY 20.8.2017 BBQ & Beats with DJ Jenn Frost @ Infinitea, 6-9pm Horsemanship & Liberty Clinic @ Love it or Leave it Ranch, email liliranchfernie@gmail.com for more information MONDAY 21.8.2017 Essential Oils in the Sun @ Infinitea, enjoy a cold drink,

CHECK OUT THE FERNIE FIX EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE AT FERNIEFIX.COM

delicious $6 meal and a hands on Essential Oils class, 6pm. Weareessentiallyabundant.com TUESDAY 22.8.2017 Horsemanship & Liberty Clinic @ Love it or Leave it Ranch, email liliranchfernie@gmail.com for more information MONDAY 21.8.2017 Cooking Class @ Infinitea, 6pm WEDNESDAY 23.8.2017 Wednesday Concert Series: Cecile Doo Kingue @ Station Square, 6:30pm SATURDAY 26.8.2017 – SUNDAY 27.8.2017 Ladies Downhill Weekend @ Fernie Alpine Resort, skifernie.com SATURDAY 26.8.2017 Historic Cemetery Tours – Fernie Families Remain @ Fernie Museum, 2-3:30pm. Visit St. Margaret’s Cemetery.

SUNDAY 27.8.2017 Specialty Hike – Forestry @ Fernie Alpine Resort, skifernie.com BBQ & Beats with DJ Syraz @ Infinitea, 6-9pm TUESDAY 29.8.2017 Fernie Wineclub Patio Event – “No Way Rose” @ Infinitea, 6pm WEDNESDAY 30.8.2017 Movie’nPlay @ The Play Room, 12:30-4:30pm, facebook. com/theplayroomfernie Men’s Special @ Fernie Golf and Country Club, Golffernie. com Wednesday Concert Series: The Primes @ Station Square, 6:30pm Finding Fontinalis @ The Vogue Theatre, 7pm. A film and fundraiser for the Elk River Alliance, with guest speaker Bart Bonnie, Patagonia’s Director of Fishing. $20, tickets available at Elk River Guiding Co., Polar Peek Books, The Vogue and ERA office.

THURSDAY 31.8.2017 Scott Thursday Night Race Final @ Fernie Alpine Resort, Skifernie.com Gallery Opening: Becca Musso @ The Arts Station, 7pm

THE ARTS STATION www.theartsstation.com info@theartsstation.com 250-423-4842

CLUB CR8 4 KIDS!

Club Cre8 returns this summer with Rachel and Heather!

The workshops are suitable for kids aged K-G6. They run every Monday, beginning July 3 until August 28.

Full and Half day options available. To book your child a place, visit Theartsstation.com or contact The Arts Station.

WEDNESDAY CONCERT SERIES

August 2 Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra August 9 Tiger Moon August 16 Martin Harley August 23 Cecile Doo Kingue August 30 The Primes

IN THE GALLERY

In the Gallery - Colleen Routley. Until August 28 Gallery Opening: Becca Musso @ The Arts Station, 7pm, August 31

CONTACT INFO@CLARISMEDIA.COM TO SHARE YOUR EVENTS, BOTH ONLINE AND IN PRINT. IT’S FREE!

August 2017 WEEKLY EVENTS

DINING, NIGHTLIFE & SPECIALS MONDAYS Pair it up Appies @ Boston Pizza Fernie Jugs of Beer on Special @ The Brickhouse Lasagna Specials @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Wing Night @ The Fernie Hotel Free Movie and Popcorn and $6 meals @ Infinitea, 7pm Mexican Mondays! Chicken or Beef Tacos $3 Happy Hour Corona (Bottles) $5.25 @ The Pub Bar & Grill Massage Mondays @ Trillium Day Spa, $60 for 60 min, $90 for 90 min Ladies Night: $4 House Red or White Wine, $5 $12 Mussels and $4 Wine @ The Northern Local Jam Night @ The Kodiak Lounge Free Pool and $4.50 Spice Rum @ The Royal Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing Company, 10am – 6pm $10 house-smoked wings and a draft beer @ The Loaf Margarita Night @ Frida, $7 2 for 1 Burgers @ Clubhouse Restaurant Happy Hour @ Cirque Restaurant, 4-6pm TUESDAYS Gourmet Pasta $11.99 @ Boston Pizza Kokanee Bottle on Special @ The Brickhouse Wing Night @ The Pub Bar & Grill $12 Pizza Night @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Two for Tuesdays @ Trillium Day Spa, 2 pedicures for $100, 2 manicures for $70, 2 facials for $130, all three for $275 $10 Beer, Burger and Bingo Night @ The Northern

THURSDAYS Large Pizza for Price of Medium @ Boston Pizza Jam Night @ The Brickhouse Spiced Rum Specials @ Kodiak Lounge Featured Pub Burgers @ Max Restaurant & The Pub Bar & Grill Burger and Beer Special @ The Fernie 2 Medium Pizza Special @ Elk Valley Pizza 6oz Cocktail Jugs $20 @ The Northern 2oz Espresso martinis $8 (1st & 3rd Thur @ Infinitea Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing WEDNESDAYS Company, 10am – 6pm Wings 50% Off Single Order @ Boston Pizza Pub Team Trivia @ The Pub Bar & Grill Wine Evenings @ The Brickhouse Taco Thursday @ Frida, any three tacos for $12 Trivia Night @ The Fernie Hotel. 8pm Happy Hour 3-6pm @ Rusty Edge Pint night @ Kodiak Lounge Naturalist/Aurora DJs @ The Royal, alternating Build Your Own Poutine @ The Pub Bar & Grill weeks Waxing Wednesday @ Trillium Day Spa, free underam Happy Hour @ Cirque Restaurant, 4-6pm wax with any other hair removal FRIDAYS $15 Jugs and $8 Wings @ The Northern Cactus Cut Nachos $12.50 @ Boston Pizza Wax On Wednesday @ 901 Spa, 30% off waxing Live Music Fridays @ Infinitea 8pm services.

TGIF & Chicken dinner draw @ Kodiak Lounge Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing Fish & Chips @ The Pub Bar & Grill Company, 10am – 6pm Zak’s Jam Night @ The Royal, with PBR and Old Mill $13 Fish and Chips, Meat Draw and Members Draw @ The Fernie Hotel. Supporting FTA. specials.

Margherita pizza and two glasses of wine for $20 Live bands and DJs @ The Royal Date Night Special @ Spa 901 @ The Loaf Live music from 6-9pm @ The Loaf Wednesdays 1/2 Price Ice Bar 4-9pm @ Lizard Fish & Chip Night @ The Pub Creek Lodge Ice Bar Happy Hour 3-6pm @ Rusty Edge Happy Hour @ Cirque Restaurant, 4-6pm Happy Hour $15 Jugs and $3 Highballs @ Club-

Cheap Night @ The Vogue Theatre Dinner & Swim Special @ Fernie Stanford Resort Jameson Shotgon Karaoke @ The Royal Half Price Appy’s @ The Fernie Hotel. 5pm Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing Company, 10am – 6pm Closed @ Infinitea, available for private functions Tasting Night @ The Loaf. A four course tasting menu paired with wines for $40 Industry Bingo @ The Northern, 9pm $20 Pasta and Wine Night @ Cirque Restaurant

OUTDOOR & FAMILY MONDAYS •Dominoes @ The Seniors Drop in Centre 1pm •Mahjong @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7pm •Special Olympics Athletes Bowling @ Sparwood. 4pm •Duplicate Bridge Game @ The Seniors Drop-in Centre, 6pm •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Pickleball @ Fernie Community Centre, 10-11:30am ••Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Celebrate Recovery @ Mountainside Church, 7pm, open to everyone •Community Climb Night @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 7pm •Ladies Night Boxing @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Discover Yoga @ Essential Yoga Studio, 7:30-8:30pm •Parent Tot Funtimes @ Knox United Church, 9:30am-12pm •Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station, for kids K – Grade 6 •Group Ride with Caleb and Rob @ Gearhub, 6pm •Drop In Play @ The Play Room, 9-1pm (except July 3 & August 7) •Club Cre8 @ The Fernie Arts Station, 9am-12pm and/or 1pm-4pm TheArtsStation.eventbrite.com TUESDAYS •Cheap Night @ The Vogue Theatre. $6.50 - 2D & $8.50 - 3D •Crib/Whist @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7pm •Storytime @ Library, 11:15-12pm for ages 3–5.

•Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Adaptive Yoga @ Senior’s Drop In Centre 2:30pm •Chess Group @ Fernie Seniors Centre, 7pm •Ladies Archery @ The Elks Hall, 6:30pm •Mixed Boxing Recreational @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm ••Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 8:30-10:30am •Open Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym ••Never Bored for Tweens @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45pm for Grades 5-7.

•Knits, Knots & Yarns @ Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45pm, ages 8+.

•Kids Coding Club @ Library, 3:45-4:45pm, 8+. Registration required.

•Ladies Day @ Fernie Golf and Country Club •English Conversation Cafe @ CBAL office 9:30am-11:30am, Free •English Conversation Cafe, Evening Class @ CBAL office 6-7:30pm •Public Climbing @ College of the Rockies, 7-10pm, $7 •Summer Reading Camp @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1-3pm for ages 7+.

•Two-knee Tuesday Race Series @ Fernie Trails, hosted by Fernie Mountain Bike Club

Bike

Seniors Programming

Kids Programming

•Forage and Feast @ Lizard Creek Lodge, 5-7:30pm •Ladies Ride with Jenny and Ashley @ Gear Hub, 6pm •Drop in @ The Play Room, 10:30am – 2:30pm, facebook.com/theplayroomfernie WEDNESDAYS •Crib @ Seniors Drop in Centre 1pm •Gentle Exercise @ Seniors Drop In Centre 10:45am ••Adult Badminton @ The Community Centre. Drop in for $5 •AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm •Water Flow Yoga & Tea @ Infinitea, 10:30am •Mixed Boxing Recreational @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm ••Toddlertime @ Fernie Heritage Library, 11:15am for ages 0-2.

••Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 8:30-10:30am •Open Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym ••Unplugged @ Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45pm for ages 8+, drop in •Tai Chi @ Seniors Drop In Centre 6:30pm •Read it First Book/Movie Club @ Library, 3:45-4:45pm for ages 10+.

•Men’s Night @ Fernie Golf and Country Club •Fernie Women on Wheels @ Bike Park Gazebo, Fernie Aquatic Centre at 6:30pm. All levels welcome.

•English Conversation Cafe @ CBAL office 9:30am-11:30am, Free •Summer Reading Camp @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1-3pm for ages 7+.

•Wednesday Concert Series @ Station Square, 5:30-9pm •Drop in @ The Play Room, 12:30-4:30pm, facebook.com/theplayroomfernie THURSDAYS •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Morning Yoga @ Seniors Drop In Centre 8:00am •Canasta / Cards @ Seniors Drop In Centre 1pm •Pickleball @ Fernie Community Centre, 10-11:30am •Yoga @ Fernie Seniors Centre, 11:30am •Seniors Drop in Library Club @ Rocky Mountain Village, 11am •Reading with Seniors @ Rocky Mountain Village, 11am •RC Club @ Fernie Community Centre. 7-9pm.

•Community Basketball @ Fernie Secondary School, 8:30-10:30pm •Mixed Boxing Competitive @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Kids Sing Along & Play Group @ Infinitea, 11:30am •Youth Archery @ The Elks Hall, 6pm •Bellies to Babies @ Fernie Women’s Centre, 1-3pm every 2nd Thursday.

•Open Roller Skating Evening @ Max Turyk Gym, $2 6-7pm •Kids Boxing Boot Camp @ Old School Boxing Club, ages 8-16 5pm.

Golf

house Restaurant, 3-6pm Happy Hour @ Cirque Restaurant, 4-6pm SATURDAYS Desserts $2 off @ Boston Pizza Meat Draw & Bar Quiz @ The Legion Tequila Specials @ Kodiak Lounge Rib Night @ Max Restaurant & The Pub Open Mix and Live Music @ The Fernie Live bands and DJs@ The Royal Coffee and Baileys Special @ The Bridge Bistro Taco and Marg Night @ Fridas, enjoy three tacos and a margarita for $20 Vinyl Appreciation Night @ Infinitea, bring your records and enjoy $6 glasses of wine Happy Hour 3-6pm @ Rusty Edge Happy Hour $2 off Cocktails @ Clubhouse Restaurant, 3-6pm Happy Hour @ Cirque Restaurant, 4-6pm SUNDAYS $4.99 Kids Meals @ Boston Pizza Caesars on Special @ The Brickhouse All day breakfast @ The Fernie. 9am-4pm $10 BBQ & Beats, 6-9pm @ Infinitea Dinner & Swim Special @ Fernie Stanford Resort Steak Sandwich & Caesar Specials @ The Pub Bar & Grill Caesars Special @ The Bridge Bistro Roast dinner, family-style from 3-10pm @ The Loaf. $15 adults, $7.50 for kids Happy Hour 3-6pm @ Rusty Edge Happy Hour @ Cirque Restaurant, 4-6pm

Swim

Library Program

Other

••Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 8:30-10:30am •Bellies to Babies @ Fernie Women’s Resource Centre, 1-3pm every 2nd Thursday.

••Lego Club @ Library, 3:30-4:45pm for ages 7+, must register •Junior’s Night @ Fernie Golf and Country Club •Fernie Mountain Bike Club Work Party Night @ Bike Park, 6:30pm. Come out and support the trails.

•Public Climbing @ College of the Rockies, 7-10pm, $7 •Mountain Kids @ Rotary Park, 9:30-11:30am by Fernie Early Years. A fun summer program for kids under six and their parents.

•Summer Reading Camp @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1-3pm for ages 7+.

•Fernie Book Bike @ Rocky Mountain Village (11am), Tom Uphill (11:45am) and Trinity Lodge (12:15pm) •Thursday Night Race Series @ Fernie Alpine Resort •Twilight Sessions: Adult MTB Camp @ Fernie Alpine Resort FRIDAYS •Cribbage @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7pm •Jitney Darts @ Fernie Legion, 7:30pm ••Kids Sing Along & Play Group @ Infinitea, 11:30am ••Toddlertime @ Fernie Heritage Library Ages 0-2 11:15am •Breastfeeding Mammas @ Library, first Friday of the month.

•AFRoS @ Fernie Heritage Library, 10-11am. Sing and play in French.

•Senior’s Day @ Fernie Golf and Country Club •Summer Reading Camp @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1-3pm for ages 7+.

•Peak to Park to Pint Bike Tour @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 1:30-4:30pm •Drop in @ The Play Room, 12:30-4:30pm, facebook.com/theplayroomfernie SATURDAYS •Karma Meditation Class @ Essential Yoga Studio 8:00am-8:45am •Open Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym •Prenatal Yoga @ Essential Yoga, 11:30am-12:30pm •Peak to Park to Pint Bike Tour @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 1:30-4:30pm •Morning Yoga @ Lizard Creek Lodge, 8-9am •Kids Nature Hike & BBQ @ Lizard Creek Lodge, 5-7:30pm •Heritage Walking Tour @ Fernie Museum, 11-12:30pm SUNDAYS •Fernie Pets Society Group Walk @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9am.

•AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm •Birding and Breakfast @ Lizard Creek Lodge, 8-10am •Dirt Devils Bike Camp #1 @ Fernie Alpine Resort, skifernie.com •Heritage Walking Tour @ Fernie Museum, 11-12:30pm

FERNIEFIX.COM

29

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Outdoor Life

BETWEEN THE SHORES

Spontaneous Human Combustion Prevention

by GORD BUNSTON

W

hat a summer, it’s hot and the rivers are not! If you want to float, boat, fish or soak it’s time to unplug, put the phone down and head out to one of our beautiful rivers.

This time of year we can do just about anything in the river and it is awesome!

Walk down after work with a lawn chair and beverage, tie a fly on and work the runs, or just float from bridge to bridge; whatever you choose, water between the toes is the only solution.

There are loads of little spots on the Elk to go for a private or semi-private swim, sneak into the local’s beach or find a nook behind the Annex, just watch out for the floaters if you’re getting rid of those tan lines! If you’re looking for a different venue within 20 minutes of town, may I suggest a few?

My personal favourite place to go for a swim is up Coal Creek, you can find tons of little nooks to get your soak on, and if you turn left at the right bridge you might just find a place that has everything a swim hole needs including a six foot jump rock!

If you’re feeling up for a bit of a drive and more seclusion, work your way south away from Fernie and up Morrissey FSR and look for the spray painted boulder around the 20km mark, park and go for a walk… if you’re in need of a cool shower.

Now it’s definitely more then 20 minutes but it’s worth the drive up Beese Road. If you take your time, look at a map you may find a cascade waterfall entering the Elk River across from the Elk Valley Provincial Park… it may just be McCool Creek.

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If you want to float, boat, fish or soak it’s time to unplug, put the phone down and head out to one of our beautiful rivers.

Finally, there is a place I’ve never run into another person and it’s really close to town.

It’s got a deep hole, big beach and for the most part, seclusion. I’ll give you a hint, it’s down river from the frolf course, and you can access it from the walking trail behind the marsh when the moose isn’t on the loose.

Remember, August is an amazing time to unplug, jump in and enjoy the rivers and creeks, get out in the river and cool off, and to take the bike shoes off and soak those feet! Just remember that just about everyone knows about our sweet swim holes, so go a bit further and stiffen that lip.

However you choose to relax, don’t forget to smile. Go for a soak and thanks for staying safe out there.

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Outdoor Life

GOING PLACES

BISARO CAVE | AHMED MUMENI PHOTO

Heiko’s Trail and the Bisaro Cave

access not only to this wondrous other world, but also to both Mount Bisaro, and the Three Sisters.

by AHMED MUMENI

The “Mountain Lakes Trail,” known to Fernie locals as “Heiko’s Trail,” was pioneered by Heiko in 2000. After selling the Fernie Ski Resort in 1997, he took up trail building, and created the grueling 20 km trail over three summers. The trail starts at the end of Sulphur Creek Road, skirts valleys and mountain tops, and heads all the way to the Island Lake Lodge.

T

here is an otherworldly place just outside of Fernie. In this place, water carves its way out of the earth, and over geologic timespans, creates a massive hole in the side of a mountain. At this interface, darkness intermingles with light effortlessly to create an entirely separate ecosystem from the surroundings.

Speleogenesis, or the formation and development of caves, is responsible for creating Bisaro Cave. And a man by the name of Heiko Socher pioneered the trail that allows Fernie residents and visitors

Heiko did many great things for the town of Fernie, and he can be credited for placing Fernie on the world map. A German forester, he and his wife Linda bought the local ski hill in 1972 and created what is now known as Fernie Alpine Resort.

Ever heard of the Griz? The legendary man that lives in the mountains and brings wonderful champagne powder to the hill in the winter? Yep. That was Heiko’s discovery.

Ever heard of Emily Brydon? She represented Canada proudly in the Winter Olympics in 2002, 2006, and 2010.Yep. Heiko supported her ski career too.

In 2012, Heiko was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for his philanthropy and community service.

Regrettably, the town of Fernie said goodbye to Heiko one last time in 2016, as he passed at the age of 86.

This summer, the trail will be officially renamed to “Heiko’s Trail” – a befitting name for a legendary trail.

Trail and Cave Access Six kilometres east of Fernie, turn off Highway 3 and left onto Dicken Road. In 500m, turn right onto Hartley Lake Road.

Stay on this road for 10.5 km (you’ll pass Hartley Lake and Hartley Pass). At the 10.5 km mark, turn left onto Sulphur Creek Road (you’ll see a yellow 7 km marker on the side of the road). Follow Sulphur Creek Road for approximately 3 km to a dead end (you’ll need a 4x4 vehicle for this section).

The hike begins at the trailhead to Heiko’s Trail. Bisaro Cave is approximately 1.5 km on this trail. Expect a 300m elevation gain over this short distance, beautiful vistas along upper alpine forest, and wooden ladders carved fallen logs by the legend himself.

On August 13, the Fernie Trails Alliance and Island Lake Lodge are organizing a celebration to honour Heiko and the renaming of this trail.

The day will include guided hikes, from both ends of the trail including shuttles and multiple distances, and dinner at Island Lake Lodge.Visit Fernietrails.com for further details.

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Outdoor Life

FAR ADVENTURES

Downhilling with Samantha Sedlowsky

by KAREN PEPPER

S

ummer in Fernie is mountain biking.

Or hiking, or fishing. Or trail running, or paddling, or tennis, or... The possibilities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors really are endless.

But let’s get back to mountain biking. With over 109 trails to choose from in town and at FAR, Fernie provides the full spectrum for mountain bikers. However, it’s not always the easiest sport to get started in.

Roots, rocks, logs, skinny trails – it can all be a bit intimidating to someone new to the sport. Luckily, Fernie is blessed with amazing bike coaches to help newbies gain skills and confidence, and progress intermediate and advanced riders to reach their personal riding goals.

Just a few hours with one of these professional coaches can make a huge difference to your riding enjoyment!

Fernie Alpine Resort offers a multitude of programs for both downhilling and cross country riding, including Discover Mountain Biking, Kids Freeride Camps, Ladies Downhill Weekends, Weekday Trail Warriors Camps and more. New this year – check out the Peak to Park to Pint Tour, consisting of an afternoon downhill ride from the top of the chairlift (Elk or Timber), through the Mount Fernie Provincial Park, and on to a local watering hole to enjoy a sampling of cold beers from the Fernie Brewing Company.

Samantha Sedlowsky is one of our talented veteran coaches who can help take your riding to the next level. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Sam and her family relocated to Fernie in the fall of 2012 and have never looked back!

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Why did you move to Fernie?

We moved to Fernie because it has it all.

The best biking and skiing anywhere! It’s also a wonderful place to raise our son and the community is beyond amazing.

What did you do before coming to Fernie?

I worked in Oil & Gas in Calgary.

Where do you currently work in Fernie?

I work for Nonstop Ski & Snowboard year round and in the summer I also coach mountain biking for FAR, Fernie Bike Guides, the College of the Rockies and the Trek Dirt Series.

Tell us a bit about your mountain biking background.

I’ve been mountain biking since the early 90s and downhilling since 2000. Biking has changed a lot since then! In the early days I loved to ride the Edmonton river valley and Jasper but I remember riding Fernie for the first time in 1999. We weren’t able to ride at the resort because we missed closing day by one day! I remember thinking how challenging everything was, but also that Black Forest was the prettiest place I’d ever been. I still think that fairies might leap out at anytime when I ride from the resort through to the provincial park. continued on next page FERNIEFIX.COM

35

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How long have you been coaching mountain biking?

What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?

This is my fifth season!

I’m learning to garden!

What is the best thing about coaching mountain biking?

What’s your overall impression of mountain biking in Fernie?

There is a lot! I meet amazing people from around the world and get to share a sport I love. I get to show off a town I am proud to call home and that I believe is the best mountain biking in the world (no bias!).

It’s a privilege to help people do something they never thought they could do but I also love giving a little tip that helps a long time rider progress their skills.

I really can’t stress enough how much I love this community and our devotion to mountain biking. I just came home from the Little Critter Race at James White Park where we had 46 kids under eight years old; watching the next generation ride at such a young age makes me so happy! I was a part of Little Women on Wheels this June where we had a dozen young women out to ride each week, just having fun and ripping the trails! Fernie Women on Wheels is seeing the biggest turnouts ever each Wednesday, and the same goes for the SCOTT Thursday Night Race Series and the Toonie races.

What is / are your favourite trails to ride at FAR and in town? Why do you like these trails?

Picking a favourite trail at FAR or in town is really hard! It depends on my mood and who I’m riding with! Mr. Berms to Trac3 to Duff Dynasty has it all (but I also really love Aggravated Assault). If I’m leaving the resort though, pedaling home

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via Black Forest to Megahurtz to Old Goat to Happy Gilmar is the perfect end to a perfect day. In town Stove/Mushroom Head/Red Sonya is my favourite, and if you still want more you can always go back up Phat Bastard for Black Betty!

Get your season pass, join the Fernie Mountain Bike Club…. get out and ride. And don’t forget to thank your trail builders!

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Outdoor Life

NEVER HAVE I EVER

KYLE HAMILTON PHOTO/WAPITI

A Weekend at Wapiti

by JESSE BELL

I

’m wrapped in my sleeping bag on the dewy grass beneath the stars outside the glow of street lights. There is dirt in my nose, and between my toes, and my hair is dishevelled from the day. This weekend is Wapiti Music Festival in Fernie, and though the music has stopped and the crowd dispersed, friends and I decide we aren’t ready for the night to end—it has been far too good. Armed with sleeping bags, and past midnight, we bike from the festival in search of a quiet place to watch a meteor shower.

If every music festival started in the mountains, and ended with star-gazing and grassy naps, I would never do anything else.

Fernie is most notably a ski town, where mismatched houses and brick storefronts converge with glorious mountains. But there is a summery side to Fernie; coffee shops, bike trails, and mid-day river floats.

There are mountain markets and patio cocktails. And now, in its seventh year, there is Wapiti Music Festival.

In January of 2012 I moved back to Fernie.

By the time summer arrived I had a small collection of friends, a larger collection of new adventures, and a new appreciation for home – it hadn’t really changed that much, but I had. I’d left the city, and unplugged from a busy life.

Wapiti was something I only heard whisperings of; a new weekend-long music festival in the Annex Park; the park where I would play as a kid until the streetlights came on. And so, I buy myself a ticket, and on the Friday of the festival meet friends

for drinks at a backyard patio. It is a quick five-minute walk to the park.

Indie beats blend with a light breeze as I enter the festival gates; fairy lights glitter in the trees. People are scattered amongst the grass – kids wearing earmuffs, young 20-somethings speckled with stick-on jewels. It’s funny how music has a way of bringing people together.

Born Ruffians, an indie-rock band, plays Little Garcon, and no sooner do they begin than I feel nostalgic. For a little mountain music festival, this moment feels big. My feet move a little, a lot, and I sway in the grass.

I grab a drink, and visit with a rowdy group of soon-to-be Fernie friends. I am happy to add Wapiti Music Festival to my list of things I have never done, and now to check it off.

The next day, following a float the river in a blow-up boat (the water is icy cold, but incredible against sun-kissed skin) we head back on our bicycles to day two of Wapiti.

The park is close to nearly everywhere in town, all trails connect here. But we aren’t the only ones who’ve decided that biking is brilliant; 100 other townie bikes with baskets, and mountain bikes are jammed between bike racks, their owners 100 feet away. The hot heat and great music have brought everyone out.

Before leaping into the beer tent I peruse the vendors; crepes, sushi, and ice cream tempt even the least hungry crowd-goers.

I order a melty-cheese, gravy-smothered Cook’s Cabin poutine, alongside a bubbly cold Coke. Followed by a Fernie Brewing Co. beer, and I find myself feeling a little tingly, a lot more confident.

I head to the front of the stage for Five Alarm Funk. Excited because I have never seen them live, the eight-man Vancouver-

based funk band pushes me into a dancing rampage. Trumpets, saxophones, and guitars vibrate against the ground. As though the music were contagious, the crowd jumps, foot-stomps, whirls. The stars twinkle – a little magic overhead. And my heart flutters for Fernie, and Wapiti.

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Much later, away from the festival and in a field in the dark, I stir in my sleeping bag.

It feels good to be home. The sun lightens the sky – we fell asleep beneath the meteor shower. I wipe the dew from my face, pack up my bed, and gently nudge my friends to do the same before biking off in different directions on quiet streets.

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert & Drinks

There is dirt in my nose, and between my toes, and my hair is dishevelled, tangled, even filthy, from the night. But I can’t wait for the next Wapiti.

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For tickets to Wapiti, or for more information, visit Wapitimusicfestival.com.

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To book a tour please call: 250-423-0212 451 2nd Avenue, Fernie B.C. CONTACT OUR PRINCIPAL Jocelyn Sombrowski at: jocelyn@igsco.ca

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Outdoor Life

Fernie Tears & Gears

SPIN TO WIN

by JULIE KELLY, FTA

T

his month’s Spin to Win contest is for the Fernie Tears & Gears Trail Running/Mountain Biking Duathlon on September 3. Race as a Soloist or in a Team of Two.You can also choose to just run or bike. To win a free entry post your Strava route or images out on the course on social media, tagging Fernie Fix, Fernie Trails Alliance and Fernie Tears and Gears. Let’s take you through the tentative bike route.

Starting at the Aquatic Centre head over to Sidewinder to get your legs warmed up on this fun switchback climb. Continue on Ecoterrorist for some rolling terrain and up Broken Derailleur from a touch more climbing. Head to R-Trail from some more ups and downs travelling over numerous roots. Cross Ridgemont Road and continue on the Kushes where you will enjoy great views (if you have a chance to look up) and various terrain. After finishing all four Kushes, you head onto the last segment of the course on the new Coal Discovery Trail (part of the Trans Canada Trail), which has tons of berms and will leave you smiling.

RAVEN EYE PHOTOGRAPHY/TEARS AND GEARS

The run route will also take place on various trails in Ridgemont. Watch the Tears & Gears website for further details.

Distance: Approx. 16 km Elevation Gain: 700 meters Time: Approx. 1.25-1.75 hour Difficulty: Blue/Black

To win a free entry to Tears and Gears post your Strava route or images out on the course on social media, tagging Fernie Fix, Fernie Trails Alliance and Fernie Tears and Gears.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Health and Lifestyle

It’s All About Balance SARAH INGRAM, BSC.HONS.KINESIOLOGY, BCAK PRACTICING KINESIOLOGIST

I

have to confess, being unplugged is definitely my comfort zone. Despite working in a gym for 18 years, to me there is no better way to spend time than hiking up a mountain in the middle of nowhere, biking the local trails, swimming in a remote lake or canoeing a river. No noise other than nature. No devices other than a camera. I am the kind of gal who sleeps with a backcountry map beside my bed, circling dream adventures of places I want to explore. Over the last eight weekends, I have spent seven unplugged in the dirt with my family.

Last weekend we took our six and nineyear-old backpacking to an alpine lake with some friends. It was steep, the kids were a bit whiney, and my pack was feeling

FIT TO CHALLENGE

SARAH INGRAM PHOTO

heavy, but these moments are fleeting and the stories, views, animal sightings and chocolate kept us going. After getting lost (high alpine snow covered our trail) and finding our way, we arrived at our destination for the night four hours later.

The lake was refreshingly swimmable, the kids caught fish, we watched eagles mating, ate delicious food, and slept looking at the stars. I made a point at this moment to tell the kids that if their day ever gets tough, all they need to do is close their eyes, take a breath and remember that this lake will always be peacefully here.

Our hike out the next day was beautiful.

As I helped my six-year-old navigate some steep terrain, I appreciated how great it felt to be able to do this. I don’t dare take being “fit to play” for granted. All those workouts to keep my old injuries in check have paid off. I was also very appreciative of the made-it-to-the-summit-lollipops we bribed the kids with.

During the week between getaways, the workouts are back on the roster. There is no need for an old knee injury or lower

back pain to slow you down. My workout routines are all business and specific to what I didn’t do on the weekend to help balance out my body. For instance, this week will include hamstring bridging to open up my hips from all the hill climbing, single leg ¼ squats to strengthen the knee stabilizers, rear delts and back extensions to prevent me from rounding my shoulders due to a heavy pack, and of course calf and IT band stretching and rolling to ease the legs. Usually at some point while plugged in replying to emails I take that moment to breathe and think of places like last weekend’s lake. Balance.

Quick and to the point – summer workouts truly allow you to be fit to play and do whatever you want, whenever you can. It also helps you to feel good, which is another by product of “goodsore” weekday muscles that help you stand straighter and re-balance the body for the coming weekend adventure. We are hoping to go canoe tripping this weekend, which I actually find challenging with the prolonged sitting… don’t worry, I’ll pack a hacky sack…

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Health and Lifestyle

FOOD INTELLIGENCE

Mason’s Mindful Eating

by TIFFANY SCHEBESCH, RD, BASC

M

ason loves to eat. He has always been cooking, trying new recipes and flavours, and would never turn down a treat. He makes an effort to eat a healthy breakfast and pack his lunches the night before. By the time dinner time rolls around, he often finds himself eating quick bites between trying to feed his two young children – one of whom is running off to get to her toys and the other has taken an interest in playing with the dog. Mason is determined to have family meals, however, so he’s found the solution – turn the TV on so that everyone is amused and sitting at the table. Once the munchkins have gone to bed, Mason enjoys his “me” time where he dives into his ritual treat – a bowl of chips and bag of chocolate chips to snack on while he watches a movie. The first handful of chips tastes amazing, and then somehow halfway through the movie he looks down and notices the entire bag of chips is gone. And half the chocolate chips.

He honestly can’t remember the last bite he took; however, his chip-stained hands and empty bowl provide proof that it happened.

Disappointment sets in, he’s made such an effort to fuel his body properly all day and now he feels like he’s wasted it all.

As we make an effort to unplug and remove ourselves from the increasing technology we have at our fingertips, have we considered how these may be affecting our relationship with food? Almost every one of my clients has expressed an unhealthy habit they’ve had with food. We’ve all been The discussion around there, whether it be late night snacking, mindful, or intuitive, portion control at meals, or obsessively eating is complex and counting calories to manage their weight.

The discussion around mindful, or intuitive, multifactorial. eating is complex and multifactorial. The way we eat is rooted in our values, beliefs, of kindness and the spice of curiosity. culture and family history. The recipe for There’s no quick fix to altering our eating mindful eating calls for the warming effect habits; however, these tips can be a great

SUBMITTED PHOTO

start to getting back in tune with your hunger cues.

Think like a kid Children have an amazing ability to self-regulate their hunger cues. Watch a child eat their next meal, they will choose continued on next page FERNIEFIX.COM

45

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their foods carefully as they learn their preferences. And if they’re full when dinner is done? They likely won’t want the dessert placed in front of them, they would rather go and play. Children are also great at pacing themselves. In North America, we often eat quickly in front of our desks at lunch, or scarf down dinner because we’ve let ourselves become over hungry. Now, watch how long it takes a child to eat. This is often another source of frustration for parents, waiting around at the dinner table while their child’s carrot stick has become an impromptu airplane buzzing above their plate. This lengthy eating time allows their body time to signal to their brain once they’re full. So go ahead, think like a kid again and enjoy a slow, mindful meal!

Take 30 (seconds) Beginning to eat mindfully can quickly feel like a daunting task. Where to start?

What if I fail? The great aspect of taking control of your eating habits is that there’s no wrong, or right, way to do it. One day

Kooca

30

years

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sa Ca nu est. 1987

life is better at the lake

you might feel like you’re fully in control, and the next you’re at a birthday party and can’t seem to moderate yourself – and that’s okay. Accepting that you’re not always going to be perfect is the first step to intuitive eating. Try this: at your next meal, take 30 seconds to make sure your environment is distraction free – shut off the TV, put your phone away etc. Then, smell the aromas of your meal, and finally take a bite. How does it taste? Is it cold, hot, crunchy, sweet, smooth? Really enjoy that bite and stay present in the moment.

Congratulations, you’ve just begun your intuitive eating journey!

Find an accountability buddy How we eat is very closely linked to whom we’re eating with, and that can be an asset or a hindrance at meal times. For example, Mason could use his partner as an ally at dinner. Halfway through the meal, she could remind him to take a mindful bite and check in with his hunger cues.

To clarify, this shouldn’t be confused with

Koocanusa

using your accountability buddy to tell you to stop eating halfway through the meal, which may create hostility. They simply serve as a reminder to check in with your personal hunger cues. Whether this be your spouse, sibling or as a last resort, an alarm on your phone – having a physical reminder to get in touch with your hunger while eating is especially helpful when you’re starting your intuitive eating journey.

Mason’s next meal will be the start of regaining control over his eating habits.

He will be kind with himself and allow his body and mind to be fully immersed in the flavours, textures, colours and smells.

Not sure how to integrate this into your lifestyle? Seek guidance from a nutrition professional in regaining control of your relationship with food. Food should be uncomplicated and pleasurable – cheers to healthy habits!

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Children’s vision is so important and proper care starts with an eye exam.

Eye health and vision exams for children are covered by Provincial Health Care.

Book eye exams for your children today!

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Health and Lifestyle

Unplugging for Your Family’s Health

easy to convince your children that less screen time is better, so it’s important to have everyone be on the same page about the rules and when you are taking a break, keep the devices out of sight (and out of mind!). Remember that the rules apply to everyone, though appropriately adults may be exceptions to the rules (as occasionally they have to do things like take calls from clients in labour). Be consistent.

by DR. TAINA TURCASSO, N.D., R.M.

W

e live in a complicated time when advancements in technology are occurring at lightning speed, and most of us have to keep up with the new developments to stay current in our jobs, in managing our exposure to and interaction with the media, and in communicating with one another. These advancements have changed so much about our world, from enabling us to “see” our family and friends from across the globe, to getting the most current news updates as events unfold and having all of this information and potential at our fingertips is incredible but it inevitably has a downside. Never before has built-in entertainment in the form of games, movies, television, and social media been so accessible and literally in our back pockets. Checking our phone several times throughout the day has become the norm and it is not uncommon to see people glancing at their phones while walking across the street, eating dinner at a restaurant, and even driving their cars.

This constant pull to the world inside our phone takes us away from the world right before our eyes, and undoubtedly impacts our relationships with one another, and if we are not careful, these effects carry over to our children. Children are great modellers of behaviour and they model what they are most exposed to, which is generally the people they live with.

You. When they see nothing but people checking emails, texting, watching videos or posting photos on Instagram, they want to be involved in it as well. It is innocuous enough, with them watching educational videos (or cartoons), playing games that are designed to assist development, looking at photos or listening to music, but it quickly escalates into children spending several hours a day with a screen in front of them.

FAMILY WELLNESS

V. CROOME PHOTO

Our younger generations learn much about how to behave from us, so we need to demonstrate the value in truly spending time together Some of the concerns that are coming up with respect to screen time include an impaired ability to read human emotions and nonverbal cues, as well as an increase of childhood obesity, behavioural problems, and sleep disorders, which then brings up a longer list of risks. While use of iPad’s and computers in a school setting have a lot of educational benefits, there is clear evidence to support limiting exposure to screens and incorporating face-to-face interactions.

In this part of the world, we are blessed with beautiful summers with no end to the offerings in the great outdoors, ranging from relaxing to exhilarating.

While monitoring screen time should be something to be aware of at all times, summer is a great time to create opportunities to get your whole family to unplug and enjoy time together outside, establishing screen-free habits. It won’t be

Start slowly, and plan some fun outings for your family, leaving any non-essential devices at home. Go for a family bike ride (and grab some ice cream on your way home), go spend the day at the lake, or even just plan a family barbecue outside.

Prepare for resistance, because our devices are addictive and we ALL get used to having those amazing little computers in our hand, but push through it. Talk about why it’s hard, which is also what makes it so important to ration. Spending dedicated device-free time together will help your family to spend some quality time together, to be more active, and potentially develop some new interests. Setting limits on device time will go one step further and cultivate your children’s ability to form better relationships, perform better in school, and even sleep better at night.

As a member of the newly minted “Xennial” generation, I have the unique perspective of having grown up with no devices (other than a television) and then becoming an adult in a device-driven world. I can see the difference in terms of how we communicate with one another, how we spend our time alone, and perhaps most importantly, how we spend our time together. Our younger generations learn much about how to behave from us, so we need to demonstrate the value in truly spending time together, having conversations face-to-face, and not always having half of our brain thinking about our game, or social media, or that work email.

They need to learn the beauty of being “unplugged” and the simplicity of just being present in a moment, alone or with company, and they need to learn it from us.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Bits and Bytes

THE ANSWER GUY

The Key to Safer Browsing is a Lock his month I want to talk about browsing the web securely. Over the last couple of years a number of the large web players, such as Google, have started to push websites and web users to secure websites.

The second part is knowing that the information that you send and receive from a website is not being examined by a third party. In security parlance this is known as the ‘man-in-the-middle’. I think at this point most people understand that your link to a website is not direct. The connection is made through a series of hosts starting with your internet service provider (ISP). Those hosts have the capability to examine the traffic passing through them. By encrypting the traffic between the website and you, the traffic is rendered unintelligible.

What is a secure website? The answer is in two parts. First there’s having confidence in knowing that the website that you are visiting is the one you intended to visit.

For example if you were sent a link that looked like this: http://goog1e.com/ would you have noticed right away that the ‘l’ is not a letter, but the number ‘1’? It can be very tough to tell with certain fonts, especially if you’re a reading glass wearer.

The vast majority of the time your confidence in the end host and security of your transmissions doesn’t matter.

No one cares how many “cat’s scared by cucumbers” videos you’re watching. But when you’re reading email, shopping, or banking online you definitely want to know that you’re in the right place and not sharing your personal information with unintended parties.

T

Y A M A G O Y A

I won’t go too far into exactly how this works, just know that there are organizations which issue certificates that verify the public signatures of organizations. Those organizations can be queried about the certificate that your browser just received and will verify if it matches their records. This process uses some fancy math to make it difficult to

COAL TOWN 591 b 2nd Ave

Artwork: Merlijne Marell

by KEVIN MCISAAC

The way the web does this is through the use of SSL certificates. Whenever you are browsing a website where the protocol used at the beginning is HTTPS:// instead of HTTP://, and you notice the little lock, that’s browsing securely. The website that you’re browsing has registered their domain and proved their ownership of the domain. There is also an extended validation where the organization has to prove they exist at a physical address, perform the business they say they do, etc., but the difference doesn’t matter too much from a look and feel in your browser perspective.

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fake and the browser manufactures build into your browser the trusted certificate authorities. If a website uses certificates from an unrecognized authority they won’t work.

Think of it like your car’s catalytic converter.You don’t need to know how it works, just that you have one and it’s working.

What does it all mean? If a website can convince you that you are somewhere other than where you want to be all kinds of nefarious opportunities arise. This is why Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc. have all moved to full time HTTPS. And also, why Google is starting to punish websites which don’t support HTTPS properly by moving those that do support it up in the page rankings.

The good news for you is that there are some very powerful corporations working to make browsing the web safer. The bad news is that there is an onus on you to pay attention.

Majic, Purdy Law Corporation

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Providing a full range of legal services, including:

Real Estate, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Criminal Defence, Family Law, Business and Corporate, Wills and Estates Fernie Office 592-2nd Avenue P.O. Box 369 Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0 T: (250) 423-4497 F: (250) 423-6714

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If you’re online take a look at the URL at the top of the page. That’s the one that says something line www.ferniefix.com.

There should be a little lock, in the locked position, next to the URL. Also, most browsers will colour the lock, HTTPS, or the entire URL green as an indication that the SSL certificate matches and is valid. At the higher levels of proof you may see the name of the website in green next to the lock as well. This won’t be present on all websites, but should be on any where you enter or store personal information.

Always check that this is in place before entering any personal information on a website!

With the current push you can expect to see most if not all of the websites you use move to HTTPS over the next couple of years. Welcome to a safer web.

Happy Computing

FERNIEFIX.COM

51

Permaculture Design Certificate This course delivers the international standard curriculum for permaculture design certification, while paying special attention to the regional context and climate of the East Kootenay. Through classroom instruction, site tours, and hands-on projects you will discover design solutions for food security, environmental, social, and energy-supply problems. Delivering a systems thinking approach, this course will provide the strategies and understanding of a regenerative, ecologically informed, and socially empowering design system to be applied at home and in your community. Join GaĂŤtane Carignan, M.Sc., P. Ag.

Sat & Sun / Sep 9 & 10, Sep 23 & 24, Oct 14 & 15, Oct 28 & 29, Nov 11 & 12 / 9am-5pm $995 + GST

Small Water Systems Operation This 2 day course covers the required material for taking the EOCP small water systems certification exam. Participants earn 1.2 Continuing Education Units from EOCP. Course topics include: Regulations and standards for water systems; Understanding water quality information; Proper sampling and testing procedures; Treatment plant and distribution components and operation; Chlorine handling and disinfection procedures; Pump operation and maintenance; Math calculations required for water operators. Exam must be booked through EOCP to be invigilated on day three. Join Scott Jameson AScT

Tue & Wed / Oct 17 & 18 / 8am-5pm $750 To register contact Fernie Campus at 250-423-4691 or email fernie@cotr.bc.ca

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Bits and Bytes

August 2017

by YANN LORANGER

T

here are two major astrological events in August. One is the ending of nine months with Jupiter square Pluto. The aspect is still strong early in the month and will probably give a last burst of influence before vanishing in the nightly sky. The other is the famous total solar eclipse (August 21) that will be visible across the United States and partially visible for us in Canada. This is rather rare and its influence combined with the last burst of Jupiter Square Pluto seems important, especially if we recall that, nine months ago, at the beginning of this aspect, the United States elected their new President. A total solar eclipse is a time where our consciousness is veiled, where the usually obvious and visible isn’t anymore. What has been shown to the public during these last nine months will become more hidden. New preoccupations will take place and the way our government and authorities lead our countries will again sink in the vast public forgetfulness.

One could ask: why is this happening if we are meant to forget about it? The key is to rejoice in today since it helps the cells of our body to store what we know as memory. Those cells keep the intelligence coming from this momentous awareness, guiding us throughout our lives by increasing our intuition’s sharpness in most needed times.

There are two more important aspects in August. One is a series of three connected squares: Pluto square Jupiter, square Venus, square Uranus. As the Jupiter square Pluto ends, its last burst will put a strong tension on Venus.Venus being in Cancer at this point, our usual pleasant and comfortable life will be shaken to allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the power of women.

The other is made of harmonious connections between Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. This tells us about the potential for intelligent collaboration that might deal with the new concerns arising around the eclipse (21 days before and after). Some kind of organization will do the work our known authorities won’t be able to carry on.

Since we all have a little bit of each sign within us, consider each of the following as addressing a specific part of yourself.

Read it all for every aspect within yourself.

Aries (March 21 - April 29) Darkness The eclipse is hiding the landmarks you know. You feel a bit lost and it makes you nervous. Avoid making decisions when you can’t find peace in your heart.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Naive You are calm and well, but be careful about your surrounding’s reactions as they might compromise your interests.

ASTROLOGY

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Security You have the privilege of becoming extremely useful! All are after your skills!

Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Choice This is your last chance to make the move you’ve wanted to make for so long! Think it over one more time, make your decision and apply it.

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Power Power issues are up in the air and you kind of love it. It is your world, great intensity!

People unused to it will seek your advice.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Centred You keep your head cool and your feet on the ground away from all centrifugal forces that get most people this month.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Dignity

Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Observation

Your word is important and people will want to know on which side you stand.

You have a chance to observe how everyone is behaving and you can make connections and draw conclusions.

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Opening

Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Alchemist You will feel lots of pressure. The solution is hidden in qualities such as humility, patience, compassion and love.

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22) Ignored

The path is cleared and you can make a move. Make sure to stick to your values!

Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20) People While everyone gets excited about politics and world issues, you keep an open heart for the people around you and share your love.

All goes well and the sun keeps shining, till the eclipse makes you fade out, disappearing behind the preoccupations of your surroundings.You can still work and everything, but you won’t be as noticed as you used to be.

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Fernie Fun

FIX TRIVIA

ferniefix

FernieFixMag

FernieFix

NAME THE TRAIL

FIND THE

Can you figure out what the Fernie trail or area is?

Somewhere in this issue is a little flower. Can you find it?

Have a picture to submit for Fernie Fun? Send it to info@clarismedia.com

1

2

G

T m

Ev El

To Ca Ad Al

Ev Fo 3

To Ca To To

4

1. Which mountain is this bench located on?

2. One of Fernie’s best known benches is on this mountain.

3. You are looking at this view from which bench in Fernie?

4. Which lake are you headed to on this rocky trail?

JULY FIX - NAME THAT TRAIL ANSWERS 2 1

3 4

1. Old Goat 2. Cemetery Bypass 3. Broken Deraileur 4. Old Roots 5. The trail to the Ammonite

5

ix

Going Further Together Tour one of Teck’s five open pit steelmaking coal mines in the Elk Valley: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in August: Elkview Operations Tour bus departs from Sparwood Chamber of Commerce at 1 p.m.

Call 250.425.2423 to reserve a seat.

Adults: $10; Seniors/Students: $8; Children under five are free.

All proceeds go to Sparwood Chamber of Commerce.

Every Saturday in August: Fording River Operations/Greenhills Operations Tour bus departs Elkford Visitor Centre at 10:30 a.m.

Call 250.865.4015 to reserve a seat.

Tours are free of charge. Minimum five people for tour to operate Tour length approximately two hours.

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Explore Your Happy Place

Dine . Stay . Spa . Hike . Bike Sangria Sundays! What could be a better patio cocktail on a hot summer Sunday? $6 Sangrias every Sunday all summer! Come early - limited quantities available!

The Take a Hike Après Special – 2 meals off the Bear Bistro menu and a 650ml Take a Hike Bavarian Pilsner for $35 from 5pm to 8pm. Until September 4th.

The Bear Bistro is open 11am - 8pm until Sept 4th and the Tamarack Dining Room from 5pm - 9pm * Spa Special - book 2 spa treatments - get 15% off both treatments * Must be 1 hour treatments and booked for the same person on the same day.

Avoid disappointment - call ahead to inquire about reservations and availability.

Check our website for Spa Specials, Guided Hiking and Accommodation Packages.

islandlakelodge.com 1.250.423.3700