JUNE 2017 | ISSUE 126
The Getaway Issue
PATTY VADNAIS DISCUSSES FINDING WORK/LIFE BALANCE | FEATURE ARTIST RAVEN EYE PHOTOGRAPHY ON WHAT DRIVES THEIR ADVENTURES ABROAD | TODD LOEWEN TALKS ABOUT A SPECIAL COMMUNITY PROJECT | SHELBY AND ADAM BOTH DISCUSS THEIR TAKES ON GETTING AWAY AND COMING HOME | CHECK OUT THE NEW SUMMER COLUMNS, WITH MORE IN JULY! FERNIEFIX.COM
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General Contracting • Construction • Renovations Residential Construction • Landscaping • Mine Services • Irrigation • Fencing • Retaining Walls • Excavation • Site Prep • Building and Property Maintenance • Snow Removal
For over 25 years, Clarkson Contracting has serviced homeowners in and around the Elk Valley area as well as Lethbridge, Alberta and all the way to Kelowna, B.C.
Efficient and cost-effective, we get the job done. And done right, the first time around.
Call or email us today for a FREE quote if you’re considering any outdoor beautification project, repair or maintenance requirement
info@clarksoncontracting.com Clarkson Contracting Ltd.
JUNE 2017 ISSUE 126 THE GETAWAY ISSUE
EDITOR’S FIX | 5 BUSINESS IN THE VALLEY | 7 Business News/New Business Money Matters - Selling A Home by Jaime Hanson, CPA, CGA Business Advice with Patty Vadnais – Finding Balance
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT | 16 Feature Artist – Raven Eye Photography Rental Fix – Logan by Andrew Vallance Musical Notes - Myrle Journeys to Fernie by Carolyn Nikodym
COMMUNITY AND EVENTS | 22 Feature Resident – Todd Loewen by Krista Turcasso
You’ve Got Male: Something Special by Adam K MacDonald FernieFix.com Events Calendar / June at the Arts Station Family Stoke – Fernogamous by Shelby Cain Exchanging Ideas – Getting Away by Saga Ahlstrand
OUTDOOR LIFE | 33 Between the Shore – Brown Town by Gord Bunston FAR Adventures: Lift Accessed Hiking with Jono Leonard by Karen Pepper Never Have I Ever – The Bugaboos by Jesse Bell Ride and Win: Fernie Lucky 7’s Loop by Julie Kelly, FTA
HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE | 41 Fit to Challenge – Third Annual Ab Challenge by Sarah Ingram, Practicing Kinesiologist
Food Intelligence: Gut Health by Tiffany Schebesch, RD, BASc Family Wellness Preparing for Your Family Vacation by Dr. Taina Turcasso, N.D., R.M.
BITS AND BYTES | 47 The Answer Guy – WannaCry Ransomware by Kevin McIsaac Astrology with Yann Loranger
FERNIE FUN | 50 Fix Trivia COVER: Motorbikes and camping, simple pleasures. Photo by Matt Kuhn, Mkuhnphoto.com THIS PAGE: You don’t have to go far for great fishing in Fernie. Photo by Nick Nault, Nicknaultphotography.ca
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Event Schedule CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA
Celebrate Canada Day at the Fernie Aquatic Centre Fernie Leisure Services 250-423-2245 | www.fernie.ca
11am 12pm 1pm 1:15pm 1:30pm 1:15pm 2–5pm 2pm 3pm Dusk All Day
Elks Cardboard Boat Race at Maiden Lake Mountain Market Open Canada Day Kick Off – O’Canada Annual Bike and Pet Parade Cake Cutting and Refreshments Entertainment Starts - All Day FREE Swim Kids Bike Demos and Races Dog Agility Demos Fireworks Bouncy Houses, Sandbox, Games, Crafts, Splash Park, Music, Face Painting, Mountain Market, 150 Art Displays, 3 on 3 Basketball, Refreshments and Food
EDITOR’S FIX
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used to spend hours studying different corners of the world. These dreams took me to amazing places, with my sisters, with my friends, often on my own. I had no real roots to plant me in any one place. I was still discovering who I was and where I wanted to be. Now, firmly rooted in Fernie with two wee ones we still manage to take trips here and there. But, travelling has changed for the time being. It doesn’t quite provide that reflective, unpredictable, all-unknown experience it once did. And that’s okay, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will return from “vacation” completely exhausted, but full of great memories. Fortunately, we live in a place where it is easy to “getaway.” We all have that place or pastime we go to when we need a little
solace, a little self-discovery, a little piece of mind. Perhaps it’s a secret camping spot, or a cabin on one of the nearby lakes. The evening creeps up on you, as you sip your glass of wine by the fire and enjoy the colours of the night’s sky. And the morning, it’s extremely quiet and peaceful, wrapped in a blanket and enjoying a strong cowboy’s coffee. Or, maybe it’s the mountains you retreat to. On foot. On bike. On skis. Just you, and the sound of your breath as you make your way along the trail or run.You have been going at a steady, rhythmic pace and suddenly find yourself confronted with a vista that slows your stride. And somehow, you barely remember the process of getting there. This June, we challenge you to find a new Fernie getaway. Somewhere you’ve never been, or something you have yet to try. There are so many options, from a trip to Island Lake to meditation at a studio in
town. Scaling a mountain top, to paddling downstream. Walking through the Old Growth Forest, or sitting next to one of the many natural waterfalls found here. The only problem will be deciding! Our columnists have a lot of suggestions, so read on and enjoy your time and retreat this month. 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 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 writes about music because she wishes she could play as well as this month’s musician, Myrle. PATTY VADNAIS is the Executive Director of the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, a winter-time wanna-be ski bum, and summer-time golf slice professional. JAIME HANSON is a staff accountant at GPI Chartered Professional Accountants. When she is not busy bean counting, she enjoys the great outdoors and experiencing all that Fernie life has to offer. 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 SAGA AHLSTRAND is an exchange student from Åre, Sweden, completing Grade 12 in Fernie. Although, she admits she’s mostly here for the skiing…
JESSE BELL knows that the mountains are the best place to get away, and this month heads to the incredible Bugaboo Provincial Park. It’s summer, and time for adventures! GORD BUNSTON is trying to justify buying a bike, but keeps finding his feet in the water. He can be found around the Kootenays teaching Swiftwater Rescue Courses to recreational paddlers, industry workers to river professionals. He does check his email at the put-in or take-out, and can be reached at gordb@ rescuecanada.ca. 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. SARAH INGRAM thinks June just wouldn’t be the same without the ab challenge to help you get ready for summer! If you need help developing a program individual to you, call 250-423-9167 or visit www. sarahsactiverehab.com. JULIE KELLY is the Manager for the Fernie Trails Alliance and loves spending time on the Fernie trails.
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. 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. ADAM K. MACDONALD was born the same year the Toronto Blue Jays joined Major League Baseball. KEVIN MCISAAC haunts the coffee shops and streets of Fernie to find his column source material. 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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Host an International Student!
In partnership with School District 5, the Rocky Mountain International Student Program invites your family in Fernie or Sparwood to host one or two international students in your home starting this September. Most students come from Germany, Spain and Mexico and will be studying at Fernie or Sparwood Secondary Schools for either one semester or one school year. Placements for September are finalized in June.
For more information please contact Wanda MacDonald, Homestay Coordinator, at (250) 423-1760 or wanda.macdonald@sd6.bc.ca.
What About Hosting Two Students? We encourage families to consider hosting two students from different countries. Such double placements are consistently very successful. Host families come in all shapes and sizes from nuclear families with school-aged children to retired couples and single parents. We’re always on a special lookout for families able to host students who are vegetarians or might have allergies to pets. Host families receive a tax-free allowance of $705 per student per 30-day month, and vacation and/or weekend coverage is available.
Business in the Valley
BUSINESS NEWS
Avalanche City Roller Girls Fernierollderderby. com
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he Avalanche City Roller Girls have a jam-packed season this year. It kicked off at the end of April in Calgary, AB with a win and a loss and continued the very next weekend in Washington with their first two sanctioned games as members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, coming away with two solid wins against the Rodeo City Roller Girls in Ellensburg and Lilac’s City’s SASS of Spokane.
The Rusty Edge
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5369 Fernie Ski HIll Road, 778-519-5206
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This season also includes the return of home-turf derby as they host their first annual Snow Valley Slam tournament on June 10, 2017. Teams from Calgary, Chiliwack and Prince George will make their way to see if they can Slam! their way to the top in a full day of live derby action.Visit their website or Facebook page for more details and to stay up to date on all things derby.
he Rusty Edge, located at the Griz Inn at Fernie Alpine Resort and locally owned and operated, is opening for the summer season this June 29, running through to September 3. Enjoy their beautiful patio after a day riding or hiking the hill, Thursdays through Sundays from 12 to 9pm. This summer they are featuring a fresh, house-made BBQ menu. The Rusty Edge is also available for private events, and is a popular location for weddings.
The Curry Bowl 931 7th Ave 250-423-2695
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he Curry Bowl, featuring enlightened Asian Cuisine including Thai, Indian, Japanese and Vietnamese flavours, is known for consistently serving some of the best food in town yearround, but summer is definitely the best time to enjoy a visit to The Curry Bowl, especially now, with its extended hours and expanded cocktail menu. Best known for its fresh and nourishing Asianinspired cuisine, The Curry Bowl also offers over 50 different beers from local microbreweries and more than a dozen countries. Owner Doug McDougall is excited to be opening for lunch and is putting together an enticing variety of daily specials, whether you’re in the mood for a cold drink, a savoury meal, or a sweet treat. With a 360° view of the Elk Valley from its rooftop patio, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy an afternoon or an evening!
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Celebrating 20 Years! The team at Snow Valley Spa thanks their clients throughout the Elk Valley for their continued support over the past 20 years.
Come in and check out the spectacular brand new 980 series Sundance spa! Great specials all month on products and accessories.
1541 9th Ave. Fernie, B.C. • 250-423-3370 snowvalleyspa@shaw.ca • ferniehottubs.com SUNDANCE SPAS • WATER CARE PRODUCTS • SERVICE WEEKLY • MAINTENANCE • PRE-OWNED SPAS
Business in the Valley
BUSINESS NEWS
Fernie Therapeutic Horse and Pony Club
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ring your cowboy hats and boots and whoop it up at the Fernie Theraputic Horse and Pony Club to celebrate their first Community Day at the Coal Creek Montane Barn where you’ll meet the volunteers and sponsors and learn about the programs they offer. The miniature horses Daphne, Sher and Cowboy and the SUBMITTED PHOTO Icelandic horse named Skerpa can’t wait to meet you! Come for games, a BBQ, face painting, silent auction and tons of family fun! Bring your “pardner” for a three-legged race, or race him or her in a potato sack. Try to win the chicken poop lottery! It’s a fun fundraising day to help support the equine therapy club that strives to enhance the life of children and families in the Elk Valley region.
perfectcirclemgt.com
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June 24 12-4 pm at the Coal Creek Barn.
s there just not enough time in the day to manage your bookkeeping? Would you rather be out on your bike or hitting the river? Perfect Circle Management provides bookkeeping and tax services so you can spend your spare time living the dream. That is why we all live in Fernie isn’t it?
Snow Valley Spa & Leisure 1541 9th Ave 250-423-3370
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wenty years ago, Clinton was President, The English Patient won Best Picture, the Spice Girls were top ten on the Billboard Chart, and Snow Valley Spa & Leisure opened its doors in Fernie. This locally owned Sundance Spa dealer has become an important part of our community – from participation in many local clubs, including the Fernie Lions and sponsorship of the Demo Derby.
Perfect Circle Management
With experience in the private sector, as well as time working as an Auditor for CRA, Teresa Caufield has valuable tools to bring to your business. Also equipped with a Diploma and Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, she has the technical and theoretical background to tackle the boring stuff so you can go and have some fun. V. CROOME PHOTO
Dave Bergeron moved from Calgary after selling his automotive business to become owner of the store; like many new Fernie residents, he came for the lifestyle and loves living here full time after years of being a “Califernian.” Dave is excited to celebrate this business milestone with Fernie!
Email teresa@perfectcirclemgt.com or call 250-423-8655 to talk about customized solutions for you and your lifestyle.
In honour of the 20th Anniversary, they are planning a big June sale. Everyone in the Elk Valley is invited to celebrate by coming into the store and finding great deals on hot tubs, accessories, and products. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Fernie Puppy School Cathy Smith-Clark, CAPPDT • Professional Dog Training Instructor • over 25 years experience Start Your Puppy off Right. Prevent Behavioural Problems.
SPRING PUPPY CLASSES Private house calls encouraged.
Don’t miss the BEST day of your summer!
r e v i r e h t
Wild
…
or
theriver
Mild
LETS GO PADDLEBOARDING
1.888.423.7226 or 250.423.7226 csmithclark2002@yahoo.ca 250.423.7257
www.canyonraft.com
RELIABLE • KNOWLEDGEABLE • EXPERIENCED
Lori Russell 250-278-6444 • lori@fernierealestate.com
Helping you make the right move.
6256 Highway 95A - TaTa Creek, BC 254 Acres with stunning Rocky Mountain & Kootenay River views. 1602 - 9th Ave., Fernie BC Toll Free: 1.877.423.2001 Phone: 250.423.2000
Custom 3 bedroom home with self contained suite. $3,199,999
Business in the Valley
NEW BUSINESS
Black Diamond Electrical 250-946-6150
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lack Diamond Electrical is Fernie’s newest electrical contractor. Focusing on small jobs, renovations and strata maintenance, owner/operator and Fernie resident Ronan Mac Con is ready to find solutions to your electrical needs. Licensed, bonded, insured and Red Seal qualified, you will always deal with the owner when planning a project so give him a call and get started. Black Diamond Electrical can be reached at 250-946-6150, on Facebook or at blackdiamondfernie@gmail.com.
First Peak Home Inspections Firstpeakhomeinspectioncs.ca 250-423-0424
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urchasing a home is one of the biggest expenditures of your life. Let First Peak Home Inspections help ensure you know what condition your home is in before you purchase.
Fernie Youth Action Network Fernieyan.ca
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he Fernie Youth Action Network is a new program of the City of Fernie, through grant funding from the Columbia Basin Trust. It has been recognized that when youth are engaged in decisionmaking processes, they are more likely to actively participate in activities. It is an organization for the youth, by the youth, to connect the youth and the community together.
Owner Stu Robbins provides an onsite visual evaluation of the condition of the property, identifying the components of the house that are significantly deficient, unsafe or nearing the end of their life span. First Peak Home Inspections will provide you with a clear, concise report of the house systems, including sound advice and relevant information about your home. Based in Fernie, First Peak is happy to provide home inspections to the Elk Valley as well as the Columbia Valley and all areas in between.
The objectives of the program are to: 1. Provide local youth with diverse opportunities to learn new skills and to engage more with each other and their community 2. Support youth-driven projects and 3. Create collaborative partnerships to build community capacity related to youth-focused activities. Organizers are on the lookout for spaces to run programs, specialized skills and opportunities from community members, prizes, donations and support! If this is something you or your business can help with, please email yancoordinator@fernie. ca.
AVERY SIIKES, WINNER OF THE YOUTH INPUT SURVEY WITH YAN COORDINATOR CHRISTINE CARLSON | SUBMITTED PHOTO
For your professional home inspection, contact First Peak Home Inspections licensed inspector Stu Robbins, CPBC # 73199 by phone or email.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram at Fernie YAN.
FERNIEFIX.COM
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Real Mountain Living Inc.
Marilyn Brock Broker/Owner 250.423.8650
Toll Free: 877.423.8650
marilyn@marilynbrock.com marilynbrock.com
Are you ready to Buy or Sell? We’re ready to help! Watch for our new downtown office in July!
Nancy J McNay, PREC Manager/Owner 250.423.8882
Toll Free: 877.423.8882
nancy@nancymcnay.com nancymcnay.com
Score a Hole in One with Dad! Pick up your Father’s Day Bombs or Sports Peak Box Chocolates Today!
581A 2nd Ave., Downtown Fernie 250.423.2680
OPEN DAILY Locally owned and operated.
Business in the Valley
MONEY MATTERS
Selling A Home by JAIME HANSON, CPA, CGA
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ost of us know that the sale of your principle residence is exempt from capital gains tax. While this income tax benefit has not changed, what has changed is the reporting requirement. Failure to report the sale of your principle residence can result in potentially large penalties, even if you don’t owe capital gains tax! On October 3, 2016 the federal government announced changes to tighten the rules on the Principle Residence Exemption (PRE). Prior to the new rules, the Canada Revenue Agency did not have a system to track principle residence exemption claims. The new reporting requirements have been implemented to improve compliance with existing rules. The PRE is available on a one-propertyper family limit and applies to each year that the property is designated as the principle residence. Generally, to designate a property for a given year the taxpayer, spouse, common-law partner or child of the taxpayer must have ordinarily inhabited the home at some point during the year. The Income Tax Act does not specify that “ordinarily inhabited” has to be the residence you spent the majority of your time in; only that it was lived in at some point during the year by a qualifying family member. In cases where two properties are owned, this allows for some tax planning opportunity through the ability to determine which residence to designate for a particular year. The new reporting requirements apply to the sale of a principle residence after January 1, 2016. If the home is designated as the principle residence for every year the home was owned the sale must be reported on Schedule 3 of your personal income tax return. If the home was designated for some, but not all years then Schedule 3 must be completed as well as Schedule T2091, which calculates the taxable portion of the capital gain. The
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information disclosed on Schedule 3 is the address of the property, proceeds of disposition and year of acquisition. The reporting requirements also apply to a deemed disposition of property. A deemed disposition occurs when there is a change in use of the home, for example from a principle residence to a rental property or vice versa. If your home was used both as a primary residence and as a rental property, you may still qualify for the full PRE in the year of sale if certain criteria are met. So, what are the consequences of not reporting the sale of your principle residence? First, failure to report the sale and make the principle residence claim could result in the sale being subject to capital gains. Second, while the CRA is able to accept late filing designations, penalties can be levied. The penalty for late filing is $100 per month x the months from the original due date to a maximum of $8,000! For properties sold in 2016, generally the due date for filing is the personal income tax filing deadline of April 30, 2017. If you sold your home in 2016 and have not made the designation, we strongly recommend amending your return immediately.
For more information and professional advice on the principle residence exemption rules and other tax matters, contact your personal accountant.
Hourglass Window Cleaning Don’t let dirty windows be a pane in the glass!
250-430-7598
hourglasswindowsfernie@gmail.com www.hourglasswindowcleaning.com
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100%
GMO FREE MENU
JOIN US THIS SUMMER AT THE BRICKHOUSE A GREAT PLACE TO CHILL AFTER A DAY ON THE TRAILS
• featuring a 100% BC only wine list and beer on tap • lunch and dinner menu with homemade burgers • open 7 days a week, 11:30am to close • live music • thursday jam night www.thebrickhousefernie.com
401 2nd avenue 250.423.0009
4th Annual Sunglasses Sale during May and June Enjoy 25% off most sunglasses, prescription and nonprescription! Please call or drop by for all of the details.
FERNIE 250-423-4467 • BLAIRMORE 403-562-7144 • ELKFORD 250-865-2022
Business in the Valley
BUSINESS ADVICE
Finding Balance by PATTY VADNAIS
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Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” Confucius. HA. No, I shouldn’t be so cynical, but not all of us get the luxury of finding a job we love and never feeling like we have to work. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, and I know many people that love their jobs. But sometimes jobs just feel like work and sometimes we need a break. Sometimes we need to work on the ever-elusive work/life balance. What is work/life balance? For each individual, it is unique, but it is balancing work energy with everything else. Without it we see burn out, less productivity, and high tension. Work/life balance is part of a sustainable workforce, one where employees have positive energy, capabilities, vitality, and resources to meet the organization’s needs and demands. Employers should be focused on providing balance to their employees and employees should make decisions that bring them closer to a balance. Achieving balance is about making choices, and as employees there are some choices we can make to achieve balance. 1. Define Success for You – It’s your life, choose your success goals, at work and at home. Do you see success as being home every evening to read kids a bedtime story, or is it making every youth soccer game? What are your success factors for family time, volunteer time, or income earned? Define it and work towards it. Planning tip – add personal plans to your work calendar and schedule time for yourself. Knowing what success looks like for you will also help you manage the expectations of others. 2. Manage Technology – Do you manage yours? With smart phones and laptops it’s easy to always be working. Throw in managing your company’s social
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media stream and you are now on call 24/7, because the Internet will not wait. With constant access to work, you must decide when, where, and how you will be accessible for work. 3. Build Support Networks at Home and at Work – Do you have support at home to discuss ideas and vent? It is important to have a safe place to talk about the challenges you are facing or to get a fresh perspective on an idea. Seek out sounding boards at work that you can bounce ideas off of and find colleagues you can trust that help you reach your goals. 4. Collaborate with your Partner – Does your partner and family share your vision of career success? Setting career goals together gives you the support needed to achieve them. This may be your partner reminding you of the goals, or calling you to task when you start taking too much on. While life will not go exactly as planned, knowing what you want and scheduling time for your goals, personal and career, will help you reach work/life balance.
Roberta Milne Registered Massage Therapist
250 278 0537 robertamilnermt@gmail.com ferniermt.com online booking available FERNIEFIX.COM
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Arts and Entertainment
FEATURE ARTIST GREENLAND
RAVEN EYE PHOTOGRAPHY by Todd Weselake TODD
When I started Raven Eye Photography in the early 2000s, it was simply to share my love of mountain adventure through photography. At the time it included snowboarding, hiking and mountain biking in our beautiful back yard. As time went on, the business grew to include events, weddings, and international adventure travel. I knew someone else was needed that held the same values and sense of adventure to help expand. Enter Martina. With a strong outdoor lifestyle engraved into
her from birth, I knew Martina would be the perfect fit to grow the business, not scared to get dirty and more than okay with working 20 hour days when needed. Both very important traits for the work we do! Photography is a way for us to get away and share just how beautiful, and how much this world has to offer. Be it adventure, culture, lifestyle or nature, there is just so much to this amazing planet. Our work has taken us to many amazing far away places, such as travelling around Africa,
MARTINA
biking, hiking, horseback riding, and watersports in the Azores, trekking in China, biking in Costa Rica, rock climbing in Cuba, biking in Ecuador, doing it all in Greenland, rock climbing in Greece, biking in Guatemala, 30 days of bike packing in the Himalayas of Nepal, exploring the remote cultures of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and getting deep into Venezuela. Our desire to get away doesn’t just happen overseas, the mountains we call home also offer some amazing options.
Both of us have strong points when it comes to travelling and photography. I prefer to use my bike, and getting deep into remote parts of developing countries. I’ve done multiple month-long bike backing trips, which is in my mind the best way to explore the very remote, hard-toreach locations I love. Martina likes the epics – week-long mountaineering trips, rock climbing around the globe, and adventures full of type-three suffering, like spending six months ski touring the entire length of the Coast Range
CHINA
GUATEMALA
AZORES
NEPAL
THAILAND
NEPAL
with her Mom. This is another story in itself that can be seen at CoastMountainEpic.ca.
to visit, or even just where the nicest wildflowers grow along the walking paths.
We love to share our photography and stories. People “get away” to Fernie every year, for weddings, relaxation, biking, hiking, or adventure alike. When couples come to Fernie to get married, that’s where our experience can shine. Striving to make mountain getaways amazing, we know the best mountaintops to fly to, the best waterfalls
No matter where our photography takes us, coming back to the Elk Valley is always a relief. The world is crazy, and to experience it is a must, but the calm, friendly, surreal lifestyle being based in Fernie offers is simply amazing, and we love it! Our stories, and work are available at RavenEyePhotography.com, or on Facebook and Instagram. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Wednesday Concert Series
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REFRESHMENT
FOOKDS GARDE TRTIUNC G at 5:30 STAR
Resort Municipality Initiative Investing in B.C. Resort Communities
ENTERTAINMENT
0-8:30pm :3 6 m p 5 :4 -8 5:30
Arts and Entertainment
Logan by ANDREW VALLANCE
Hugh Jackman turns 50 next year. This film marks his ninth outing as Wolverine and the seventeenth year since he appeared in the original X Men movie in 2000. Logan also marks the last time Jackman will reprise his role as the Wolverine and as such he deserves a cinematic swan song. Rest assured, it is an excellent ending. The film, set in 2029, details the adventures of an ageing Wolverine (Logan) and 90-year-old, nearly senile Professor X as they travel cross country in an effort to reach the Canadian border while desperately protecting a nine-year-old girl with the same regenerative powers and penchant for savagery as Logan. They are being hunted by a band of blood-thirsty mercenaries who work for a multinational corporation seeking biological samples from the mutants.
THE RENTAL FIX
Boyd Holbrook is best known for Gone Girl, Milk, Run All Night, and the Netflix series Narcos, and he is convincing in the role of an oily mercenary known only as Pierce, the main villain in Logan. He inspires the audience’s disdain. Another excellent performance is given by Stephen Merchant as Caliban, the albino. Merchant is a writer and producer of such shows as The Office (2005), Cemetery Junction (2010) and The Ricky Gervais Show (2010). James Mangold is the director, and he also wrote the story. He has been directing quality films for over 20 years with previous credits including Walk the Line, The Wolverine, Kate and Leopold and Girl Interrupted. Logan is a rare thing, a super hero movie about mortality. It is also heavily influenced by the Western genre with touching references to the film Shane (1953). The movie also brings to mind
Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven in that it deals with an ageing warrior called out of retirement for one last job, after striving to finally achieve a peaceful existence in a perpetually violent world. It is a sad film but unlike The Wrestler, a film with a similar theme, you can watch this more than once.
Jackman’s acting talent is more obvious in this film since this particular role is more demanding than it has been in any of the previous X Men films. The movie shines a light on the more complex parts of Logan’s personality, and it shows us a man who is finally starting to show signs of aging after so many years of being effectively immortal. Patrick Stewart does a terrific turn as a dementia-afflicted Professor X who struggles with his own demons while trying to provide counsel to both Logan and their young charge. The young girl in this fine film is played by Dafne Keen. She is the daughter of British actor Will Keen and Spanish actress, director and writer Maria Fernandez Ache, and at the age of nine Dafne has already appeared as Ana in the TV series The Refugees (2014). She is wonderful in this role partially due to her impressive gymnastic skills, but also to her believable portrayal of a small bundle of rage and feral instinct. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Arts and Entertainment
MUSICAL NOTES
Myrle Journeys to Fernie by CAROLYN NIKODYM
I
f it takes courage to create art, to dig into the depths, actively turn off the internal editor, it takes the biggest kind of bravery to put that art out there, to show everyone how your singular brain processes the world. I don’t know if Ontario singersongwriter Jamie Clark thought exactly this when he decided to write and record under the name Myrle. But aside from needing a Google-able name that didn’t bring up a whole host of others, he chose the name for his grandfather Myrle, who displayed another kind of bravery as a part of the WWII sniper unit made famous by Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Bastards. (Brad Pitt even wore grandfather Myrle’s uniform.) So, as they might say, even the brave apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. Clark’s music is intimate and his voice is raw. He’s the kind of musician you could picture playing in a movie scene of a whisky-soaked bar, full of lost souls wearing scuffed jeans and boots. It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. As Myrle, Clark started out as a lone wolf, writing and recording songs, and releasing two albums – a self-titled debut and A Dozen Hearts – before slowly putting together a band. In an old interview, he says that he’s happy as a solo artist, but he would put together a band if he found the right musicians to play with. “I don’t even remember that,” he laughs. “But I would have said that. So, initially, when I first started out, if you listen to my first record, it’s pretty – it’s almost melancholy. It’s slow; it’s very singersongwriter-y. That was just my headspace. I was just going to go out with an acoustic guitar and I was going to have full band representation on the record of these songs.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO
When it came to do a release for A Dozen Hearts, he had the backup of Ron Hawkins’ the Do-Good Assassins, minus Hawkins’ bass player. Clark invited a bass player he’d met and Brandon Munday had all the right stuff. “He’s a stellar bass player and I said to my other half, ‘This guy’s almost too good. I should almost go find a drummer. He’s into the tunes and he’s just fantastic. He’s the whole package,’” Clark explains. “Then I met a drummer [Michael Burke] who was perfect and fit in with us great. Like, we became really close friends right away. And we became a three-piece, and then I was hiring out that fourth member if I needed it and eventually we found a guy and he [Brian Hawley] became the fourth.” The fully realized Myrle released Hi-Lo – a three-song 45 record late last year, recorded at the venerable Union Sound studios in Toronto with Ron Hawkins (Lowest of the Low, the Do-Good Assassins). It features album art by Clark’s good friend Jason Beam, who also did Myrle’s first two albums, which not only means that there
is continuity between each of the album covers, but it also means it gives Myrle’s music another dimension: it just suits the recordings it cloaks. “He does all of my stuff, including any photographs I send,” Clark says. “Everybody asks, ‘What are you going to do for your next album?’, and I’m like, ‘I dunno, whatever he decides!’ Don’t tell an artist how to be an artist. “He of course knows me really well and he wouldn’t do anything … he is trying to represent me,” he adds. “So when you say it represents me, you’re right. Because he’s drawing to me, but not with any restrictions from me, if that makes any sense.” Myrle is embarking on an ambitious tour of Western Canada, but Clark will be flying solo for it. Although the band is starting to save for a full-band tour, right now we’ll have Clark and his voice all to ourselves. Myrle performs at Infinitea June 11.
FERNIEFIX.COM
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Community and Events
FEATURE RESIDENT
Todd Loewen by KRISTA TURCASSO
L
ike most youth in Fernie, I grew up playing soccer.Youth Soccer, High School soccer, Ladies’ Soccer. It’s what you did every spring and summer, and it was a lot of fun. Especially playing at the Joseph Caufield and July Fest tournaments. I remember a time when I thought I wasn’t too bad… and then I saw Eirin Amundsen take the field. Completely mesmerized by her agility and ball control, she was on a completely different level. But, the benefit of being on a team with Eirin is that she made us all better. On January 7, 2015 Eirin was killed in a tragic motor vehicle accident. As a dedicated soccer coach and athlete, a Registered Nurse at the Elk Valley Hospital, family member and friend, the entire community felt this loss and many were searching of a way to honour her memory. Todd Loewen, a physician in Fernie who is heavily involved with Fernie Youth Soccer was one of these individuals. He was connected with Eirin on multiple levels, from being a neighbour on Anderson Road to working with her at the hospital. It wasn’t until he was coaching the U17 Girls team that he was able to appreciate her talent as a soccer player. “I was refereeing and the girls team I was coaching was mixed in playing with the women’s team, and I was impressed with how skilled she was on the field and had no idea that she was such a great player and team player,” he says. “After she passed away, we were at a medical staff meeting and the physicians of the hospital were talking about the loss that everyone was suffering from and we were wondering what we could do. I suggested that maybe, thinking about her love and involvement in soccer, and that those fields needed a shade structure, that maybe we could fundraise for something like that.”
ANDRE, VANESSA, TODD AND AMANDA | V. CROOME PHOTO
[Fundraising is] a good opportunity to not only get the project done, but it also could be an exercise that brings everyone in the community together in a positive way. The nurses who worked closely with Eirin were also looking for a way to express their grief and remember her by. “Vanessa Stamler and Amanda Green thought a pavilion was a great idea too, and we started a committee to see if it was something we could do.” At first they thought $15,000 would cover their needs, but they decided they needed someone with more project management and carpentry skills so approached Andre Bloemink. “Laura wheeled him in, and I got him to commit,” says Todd. Shirley Mercier was also a key addition, as the Hospital Administrator and once they discussed the project with Eirin’s family, her mom Shirley and brother Nels also
became part of the team. “Recently Randal Macnair has been helping out. It’s been two years, and it’s time to get it done,” he adds. The group started having meetings every month, to iron out the grant applications, fundraising events, attracting individual donations. To date, they have raised over $100,000 but ideally need another $50,000 to complete the project. The scale of the pavilion will allow the community to host numerous soccer tournaments that will draw people to the community during the shoulder seasons. It is also a multiuse structure, providing washrooms for those hiking, biking or running nearby, shelter for a picnic, and will even be large enough for ceremonies, events, and photos. “The scenery from the fields is amazing, and the structure will be impressive,” says Todd. He believes that we have a unique environment here and with the pavilion, can offer the community and those visiting a special space. Everyone the group has discussed the project with wants to get on board. It’s the coordinating, creating a timeline
and finalizing the fundraising that are the final challenges. “When we start, we want to finish. I am optimistic that we can get it there this fall,” says Todd. This dream team is running out of fundraising energy, so are looking to the community for support and donations to help get the Eirin Amundsen Memorial Pavilion off the ground. “It’s a good opportunity to not only get the project done, but it also could be an exercise that brings everyone in the community together in a positive way.” Todd recalls Amish Barn Raising, saying it could be “a common goal that we can all work towards, that will benefit Fernie and help us all to remember Eirin.” For those keen to offer support of any kind, please email eirinamundsenpavilion@ gmail.com or call 250-423-8944. There is also a go fund me page for donations, Gofundme.com/eirinamundsen. The Eirin Amundsen Memorial Pavilion Committee would like to recognize partners and contributors including the City of Fernie, TECK, Columbia Basin Trust, RDEK, Highline 100, Fernie Rotary, Fernie Brewing Company, College of the Rockies and numerous other local businesses and residents who have helped them get so close to reaching their goal. Let’s make this happen, Fernie! See you at the barn raising this fall. 1. When did you first arrive in Fernie and what brought you here?
a welcoming, active community that felt like home. 4. What keeps you in Fernie? It continues to be that community. 5. Do you have a favourite Fernie memory? We have an annual thing we do at the end of the ski season, where we ski out the bottom of Cedar Bowl to Gorbie Trail and find a place to picnic, build a ski jump and spend the afternoon with chips, pop, beer, sunshine and snow with family and friends. 6. What is your favourite time of the year in Fernie and why? I love Fernie for its distinct four seasons, each one of which has its own highlight. Growing up in North Vancouver, I really missed winter. I pined for it!
Hopefully growing into a diverse, sustainable community that still has coal mining and logging at its heart but an economy diversified enough that it can withstand economic downturns and eventual depletion of natural resources… while maintaining its community feel. 8. How do you start your day or what is one of your daily rituals? The way I would like to start my day is with a swim or bike or a ski... but that only happens 20% of the time. Otherwise it starts with coffee, family breakfast and driving the kids to school. 9. Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you. I like to garden. 10. Quote to live by: Carpe Diem – seize the day.
7. Where do you see Fernie in 5 to 10 years?
COAL TOWN 591 b 2nd Ave
Artwork: Merlijne Marell
I first came for residency training in 1993, but then moved here in 1997… for a combination of work and skiing. What else is new? 2. Where did you first live in town? We first lived in what was called Suddaby Manor on 5th Ave. And then eventually moved up to Anderson Road, bought a trailer on 5 acres and built a house there. 3. What was your first impression?
Handcrafted + Handpicked Quality Goods
My first impression on the community developed over a year of living here. It was
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23
Project Management Professional | $1215 with Dr. Dale Christenson
July 24, 2017 to July 28, 2017 Do you want to advance your career? This 35 hour Project Management Professional (PMP) course provides participants with practical guidance in how projects are actually managed as well as explaining how these practical processes align with the latest PMBOK. Participants will prepare to successfully take the PMP® or CAPM® examination at the College of the Rockies, attain their professional certification and put this knowledge to work in managing real projects.
To register contact Fernie Campus at 250-423-4691 or email fernie@cotr.bc.ca
TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL
Class 1 - Commercial Driver
Starts July 24 – August 11, 2017 Cost: $7500
To register contact Fernie Campus at 250-423-4691 or email fernie@cotr.bc.ca
cotr.ca/driving-school
Community and Events
YOU’VE GOT MALE
Something Special by ADAM K MACDONALD
A
s a kid, I didn’t travel much. Or at least, not far.You might think of Nova Scotia as a small province, but after loading eight people into a 1985 Grand Marquis and driving several hours to the province’s southern tip, you might change your mind (bonus detail: we never had air conditioning in any of my childhood cars). Looking back, I can understand why my parents averaged about one big road trip per year. Driving was the only option though, as flying was unaffordable for our large family. My first time on an airplane, I was in my twenties. I remember being shocked at how casual people were as the attendants reviewed life-saving safety information. Yet, I never felt the need to “get away.” I felt the need to escape boredom sometimes, but that always meant exploring the hundred acres of rural land my parents owned. Or playing road hockey with my siblings in the yard (note, playing goalie during road hockey on a gravel driveway is an adventure, and not recommended by optometrists). Reading was another “get away” activity. I read everything I could get my hands on. I read just about every Hardy Boys book there was, then I went on to read Nancy Drew. I read most of my mother’s Agatha Christie mystery novels (I doubt twelve-year-old boys were her target audience). Sport and reading are still big parts of my life (though most of my reading now involves kids’ picture books). Don’t get me wrong. If someone offered me a tropical vacation as as a child, I would have taken it. Travel is a great way to explore the world and our perspective of it; travel is a great educator. I just never felt like I was missing out. I never felt the need to get away. I had my family and my hobbies. I had time and space to explore. As I grew older, I fully appreciated the
V. CROOME PHOTO
...I already know I will get a homey feeling when I return to Fernie after the trip, driving back through the familiar streets to our house. piece of paradise we grew up in. But even as a kid, I understood that our country house, at the end of a half-mile driveway, at the end of a rural road, at the end of another rural road, was pretty special. I understood, at least to some extent, why Mum and Dad avoided driving into town, having to leave their hidden heaven to do earthly chores like grocery shop. The more I travel, the more I learn just how awesome my childhood home was. I love the many trips I have taken with my wife and now with our kids. We have been all over Canada, to Mexico, to Hawaii, and to Costa Rica. Still, that half-mile driveway into my parents’ home is one of my favourite drives in the world. I love the rare time that I meet someone else
driving on that road, and we have a silent conversation to decide who needs to back up to the nearest safe pullover. Now Fernie is my home. My wife and I have lived here for ten years. We have owned our first house, we have gotten married, we have had two kids, and we are expecting another one. The way I feel about my childhood home is the way I feel about the community of Fernie. I know this is something special. The times we do drive out of Fernie, I always notice how many cars are driving in its direction. I consider myself blessed to live in a place that people look forward to spending their vacations. This month, I am travelling to celebrate my fortieth birthday by watching the Blue Jays play in Seattle (an awesome gift!). And I already know I will get a homey feeling when I return to Fernie after the trip, driving back through the familiar streets to our house. And when I get back to our house, I will think of my parents, of their satisfied sighs as they put the car in park, after a trip to the grocery store. I will think of their words. Ahh… home, nothing like it. FERNIEFIX.COM
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June 2017 MONTHLY EVENTS
CHECK OUT THE FERNIE FIX EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE AT FERNIEFIX.COM
THURSDAY 1.6.2017 – SUNDAY 4.6.2017 Aerial Yoga Teacher Training @ Essential Yoga Studio. Essentialyogastudio.com THURSDAY 1.6.2017 Beautea Night @ Infinitea, 6-9pm. Treats and treatments for $10. Banner Launch @ The Arts Station, 7pm. This popular annual event unveils the work of numerous artists within our community, before the banners are displayed in downtown Fernie. FRIDAY 2.6.2017 Fun Friday: Bike Fix-it @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1pm. Learn simple bike maintenance and repair, drop-in for anyone over the age of 7 years. Laughin’ Louie @ The Royal, 9pm Tim Ketchum and Relief Committee Live @ Infinitea, 8pm SATURDAY 3.6.2017 Community Yard Sale @ Fernie, 9am – 1pm. Hosted by Wildsight Elk Valley, check the Free Press June 1 edition for the map or head to the Wildsight office for the White Elephant yard sale. Email elkvalley@wildsight.ca or call 250-423-3322 for info. Trail Razr II @ Fernie Community Centre, from 7pm to late. Who doesn’t love the amazing trails we have in Fernie? Show your support by attending this fundraiser, and have a great evening enjoying food from the Himilayan Bistro, live and silent auction, raffle, music, dancing and more. $35, tickets available at Fernie bike shops. Freebooter AKA Goffle Waffles @ The Royal, 9pm Ladies Zone Championship @ Fernie Golf and Country Club, Golfernie.com SUNDAY 4.6.2017 Elkford Triathlon @ Elkford, BC 2nd Annual Cocktail Throwdown @ Cirque Restaurant, Lizard Creek Lodge 12-5pm. Celebrate the start of summer with a bartender’s challenge and all ages pool party. MONDAY 5.6.2017 Essential Oils Workshop 101 @ Infinitea, 6pm TUESDAY 6.6.2017 Golf Clinic @ Fernie Golf and Country Club, Golffernie. com THURSDAY 8.6.2017 – SUNDAY 11.6.2017 Sparwood Coal Miner Days @ Sparwood, BC. Celebrating community spirit, location and legacy at this family friendly event. FRIDAY 9.6.2017 Summer Opening Day @ Island Lake Lodge. Escape to this sanctuary just 20 minutes from town, to enjoy worldclass cuisine, hiking, spa treatments and views. Beers & Queers @ The Valley Social, 7:30pm. A monthly social event for the LGBTQ community hosted by the Fernie Pride Society and the Valley Social Co. Seany J and the Boyz @ The Royal, Local Rock N Roll cover band SATURDAY 10.6.2017 – SUNDAY 11.6.2017 Wasa Lake Triathlon @ Wasa Lake Provincial Park, a fun event for the whole family. Rmevents.com/triathlon SATURDAY 10.6.2017 Snow Valley Slam @ Fernie Memorial Arena. A four-team tournament, come out and support Fernie’s local team,
Nemkae @ The Royal, turntablism/scratches/beats/ breaks SATURDAY 24.6.2017 Fernie Therapy Horse and Pony Club Open House Fundraiser @ Coal Creek Barn, 12-4pm. Family friendly event, come out to meet the ponies, play fun games and enjoy a hotdog BBQ. Summer Opening Day @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 10:30am. Full summer operation begins, enjoy lift-access biking, hiking and more. Skifernie.com Fernie Lucky 7’s Mountain Bike Race @ Fernie Aquatic Centre. A 7 hour race on a 15km loop to be challenged solo or on a team. Get Down/Disco/Hip Hop Party @ The Royal SUNDAY 25.6.2017 East Kootenay Junior Open @ Fernie Golf and Country Club, 1pm. THURSDAY 29.6.2017 Scott Thursday Night Race Series Begins @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 7pm Gallery Opening: Beulah Limber’s Life Works @ The Arts Station, 7pm. FRIDAY 30.6.207 Emerald @ The Royal, house and tech
the Avalanche City Roller Girls. Vibespredah @ The Royal, Hip hop and funk SUNDAY 11.6.2017 Snow Valley Slam Camp @ Fernie. Train with some derby heroes, both on and off skates activities for all levels (1, 2 and 3) followed by a scrimmage. Fernierollerderby.com Jamie Clarke Live @ Infinitea, 6pm. MONDAY 12.6.2017 Little Critter Criterium Ride @ Fernie Trails, 6pm. A fun circuit for kids on striders, pedals or tagalongs. No training wheels please. Bikefernie.ca Ladies Special @ Fernie Golf and Country Club, Golffernie.com TUESDAY 13.6.2017 Me Inc. Workshop @ Fernie Chamber of Commerce, by Basin Business Advisors Program. Provides all of the critical considerations of becoming an entrepreneur. 6:30-8:30pm WEDNESDAY 14.6.2017 Lemonade Social @ Fernie Heritage Library, 4-5:30pm. Celebrating another successful year of after school programs! THURSDAY 15.6.2017 Fly Fishing Seasons Begins @ Elk River Exhibit Opening: Artography @ The Fernie Museum, 7pm. How wanderlust and resident artists contribute to our understanding of Fernie’s natural, socio-cultural and built landscapes. FRIDAY 16.6.2017 – SUNDAY 18.6.2017 Untamed Kootenays Culinary Weekend @ Island Lake Lodge, celebrating locally sourced and foraged ingredients, BC wines, FBC beers, and more in a location unlike any other. Islandlakecatskiing.com FRIDAY 16.6.2017 James Gray Live @ Infinitea, 8pm Syraz @ The Royal, breaks, house and d’n’b SATURDAY 17.6.2017 Sophistrocrats and Racket @ The Royal, upbeat R&B and pop SUNDAY 18.6.2017 Father’s Day Brunch and/or Hike @ Island Lake Lodge, 10am. Enjoy a hike, and/or brunch at Island Lake to celebrate Father’s Day! Chelsey Waring, Emily Rowed and Sam Lynch Live @ Infinitea, from 6pm MONDAY 19.6.2017 Essential Oils Workshop 101 @ Infinitea, 6pm WEDNESDAY 21.6.2017 Ancient Ammonite Hike @ Elk Wildsight Office, 6pm. Hosted by Wild Nature Tours, join naturalist Lee-Anne Walker to discover the ancient geological history of the Elk Valley and its best preserved ammonite fossil. Men’s Special @ Fernie Golf and Country Club, 5:30pm. THURSDAY 22.6.2017 Fernie Ambassador Program @ College of the Rockies, 6pm. Learn all things Fernie and get a great refresher on customer service with instructor Christine Grimble. Ferniechamber.com/fernie/ambassadorprogram FRIDAY 23.6.2017 Luke Wallace Live @ Infinitea, 8pm
Canada Day Celebrations! July 1st Fernie Aquatic Centre Starting 11am at Maiden Lake, noon at the Mountain Market and Canada Day kick-off at the Aquatic Centre at 1pm until late.
THE ARTS STATION www.theartsstation.com info@theartsstation.com 250-423-4842
SPECIAL EVENT June 1st, 7pm Banner Project Launch WORKSHOPS Pottery Workshops: Taste of Clay. 3 week set Mondays June 5, 12 and 19. Wine and Wheel. 7th June and 21st June 6-9pm IN THE GALLERY Gallery Opening Beulah Limber Life’s Work June 29th, 7pm Visual Arts Guild In the Gallery until June 26
June 2017 WEEKLY EVENTS
CONTACT INFO@CLARISMEDIA.COM TO SHARE YOUR EVENTS, BOTH ONLINE AND IN PRINT. IT’S FREE!
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 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 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 WEDNESDAYS Wings 50% Off Single Order @ Boston Pizza Wine Evenings @ The Brickhouse Trivia Night @ The Fernie Hotel. 8pm Pint night @ Kodiak Lounge Build Your Own Poutine @ The Pub Bar & Grill Waxing Wednesday @ Trillium Day Spa, free underam wax with any other hair removal $15 Jugs and $8 Wings @ The Northern Wax On Wednesday @ 901 Spa, 30% off waxing services. Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing Company, 10am – 6pm Zak’s Jam Night @ The Royal, with PBR and Old Mill specials. Margherita pizza and two glasses of wine for $20 @ The Loaf
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 •Strong Start @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School, 9am-12pm •Parent Tot Funtimes @ Knox United Church, 9:30am-12pm 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 •Strong Start @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School, 9am-12pm •Kindergym @ Fernie Family Centre, 10-11am ••Never Bored for Tweens @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45pm for Grades 5-7. •Knits, Knots & Yarns @ Fernie 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
Bike
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 Company, 10am – 6pm Pub Team Trivia @ The Pub Bar & Grill Naturalist/Jenn Frost Jam @ The Royal, alternate weeks Pop Up Art Expo @ The Royal, 9-11pm. Featuring a different artist Taco Thursday @ Frida, any three tacos for $12 FRIDAYS Cactus Cut Nachos $12.50 @ Boston Pizza Live Music Fridays @ Infinitea 8pm TGIF & Chicken dinner draw @ Kodiak Lounge Fish & Chips @ The Pub Bar & Grill $13 Fish and Chips, Meat Draw and Members Draw @ The Fernie Hotel. Supporting FTA. Live bands and DJs @ The Royal Date Night Special @ Spa 901 Live music from 6-9pm @ The Loaf
Seniors Programming
Kids Programming
6-7:30pm, Free •Public Climbing @ College of the Rockies, 7-10pm, $7 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 •Strong Start @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School, 9am-12pm •Kindergym @ Fernie Family Centre, 10-11am ••Unplugged @ Fernie 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 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 Upstairs Lounge, 11am •Reading with Seniors @ Rocky Mountain Village, Upstairs Lounge. 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
Golf
Fish & Chip Night @ The Pub 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 Talk like a Pirate Day @ Rusty Edge, Fish n Chips for $13 Taco and Marg Night @ Friday, enjoy three tacos and a margarita for $20 Vinyl Appreciation Night @ Infinitea, bring your records and enjoy $6 glasses of wine SUNDAYS $4.99 Kids Meals @ Boston Pizza Caesars on Special @ The Brickhouse All day breakfast @ The Fernie. 9am-4pm $10 Roast, 6-9pm @ Infinitea Dinner & Swim Special @ Fernie Stanford Resort Steak Sandwich & Caesar Specials @ The Pub Bar & Grill Caesars Special @ The Bridge Bistro Fernie Friendship Club @ The Royal, games prizes and great music. Roast dinner, family-style from 3-10pm @ The Loaf. $15 adults, $7.50 for kids
Swim
Library Program
Other
•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 drop-in fee. 6-7pm •Kids Boxing Boot Camp @ Old School Boxing Club, ages 8-16 5pm. ••Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 8:3010:30am •Strong Start @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School, 9am-12pm •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 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 •Women’s Writing Group @ Fernie Women’s Resource Centre, 2-4pm. •Breastfeeding Mammas @ Library, first Friday of the month. •Strong Start @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School, 9am-12pm •Kindergym @ Fernie Family Centre, 10-11am •AFRoS @ Fernie Heritage Library, 10-11am. Sing and play in French. •Senior’s Day @ Fernie Golf and Country Club SATURDAYS •Karma Meditation Class @ Essential Yoga Studio 8:00am-8:45am •Open Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym •Prenatal Yoga @ Essential Yoga, 11:30am-12:30pm SUNDAYS •Fernie Pets Society Group Walk @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9am. •AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm
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FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL: Sunday, June 18th
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Community and Events
FAMILY STOKE
Fernogamous by SHELBY CAIN
O
nce in a while, everyone needs a vacation. I think it’s in our DNA. I’ve heard cave-people used to pack a few rations of dried meat, tie on their best fur cloak, and go visit their cousins in the next valley over. I wonder if they also set a weight loss goal and splurged on a pedicure before they went. Probably. It’s a strange thing to need a vacation while living in a town where there is a constant influx of vacationers. Travellers save their euros for years to make the epic voyage to our special little town. So, the question has to be asked – what the hell are we trying to get away from? Is the powder too deep? The river too frothy and fish-filled? Can’t find a mountain bike trail you like? Oh wait – I know what it has to be – scenery. We just need something pretty to look at. Like I said, it’s genetics. Humans need change. We were nomads once, following the animals or warmer weather or just checking to see if there’s something better over the next hill. If we stay in the same place too long, most of us start to get a little itchy. We need to try some different runs, different eats, maybe even a new ale. Being Fernogamous just isn’t natural. When you’re looking to spice things up, most people’s first choice is to go exotic. Sand and sun and a place that doesn’t even speak your language. Just smile and nod. It’s all good. If you’re not up for a huge splurge, you may have to settle for something a little closer to home. A lot of us end up in Calgary. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. It seems that nothing can satisfy a little case of wanderlust faster than finding yourself stuck on the Deerfoot at 5pm on a Friday. Yup. That pretty much does it. And if we Fernie-ites happen to run into each other there? We grin sheepishly from inside the maze of PAX wardrobes, or blush if we get caught sampling a butter chicken-skewer
V. CROOME PHOTO
It’s a strange thing to need a vacation while living in a town where there is a constant influx of vacationers. while fondling the cases of perfectly ripe, economically priced, mangoes. Busted. But it’s ok! Let’s embrace our need for variety. Everybody wants it, whether they admit it or not. And just because we are fully aware we can’t beat what we already have at home, doesn’t mean we’re not allowed to check out the competition. I don’t know about you, but when I decide to venture out of the Fernie city limits in search of a new conquest, it goes something like this. For several days leading up to my departure date I become more and more agitated with life’s little annoyances. It’s too rainy. I’ve been to the grocery store way too often. I keep running into that person who wants me to help with that thing. Oh, and it’s too
rainy. I believe that bears repeating. So by Friday afternoon when I pick up my kids at school and we hit the road it’s all woohoo’s and high fives. Road trip! Let’s get outta here. Fast forward three hours and we’re on the Deerfoot even though I knew I should’ve taken Stoney Trail and the kids keep saying, “If we’re IN Calgary, why aren’t we stopping?” and I don’t know and I have to turn down the radio to think. Just like my dad used to do. An action I SWORE I’d never repeat as an adult. But I have. The next day I circle the parking lot of Chinook Mall for forty-five minutes, wondering if they’re having a Boxing Day sale in April, and look for a spot that wasn’t designed for a Mini Cooper while my kids yell out, “If we’re AT the mall, why aren’t we stopping?” The radio volume takes another hit. We round out the day by “saving” money at Ikea and Costco and I think I might have to take out a loan when I get home because I saved so much. In only twenty-four hours this shiny seductress has managed to stress me out and steal my money and all I can think of is heading for home. Where my heart is. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Aerial Park now open from June 1 to Sept 30!
Earlybird Summer Season Pass Sale On Now Until June 24, 2017 • Mountain Bike Season Pass • Summer Sightseeing Season Pass
photos: Nick Nault, Henry Georgi & Nicole Matei
Advanced booking required in June & Sept
Open June 24th - September 3rd
Hiking - Biking - Scenic Chairlift Rides & Sightseeing - Aerial Park - Zipline Interpretive Centre - Lift Accessed Camping - Kids, Youth & Family Programs Kids Freeride Bike Camps - July 5 & 6, July 15 & 16, Aug 9 & 10 and Aug 19 & 20 Dirt Devils Multi-Week Bike Camps - July 9, 16, 23 & 30 and Aug 6,13, 20 & 27 Kids Outdoor Adventure Camps - July 10-12, July 17-19, July 31-Aug 2 and Aug 21-23 Kids Howl at the Moon Campout @ Lost Boys Café - July 15 & 16 and Aug 5 & 6
Open Friday & Saturday 4pm - 9pm Chef's Choice 3 Course Menu $49 Book ahead & SAVE 20% Starting June 23rd - Open 4-9pm Daily with new summer menu! Call now 250-423-2056 or online
Community and Events
EXCHANGING IDEAS
Getting Away by SAGA AHLSTRAND
S
ome people want to buy a van and take the journey by the day, others make thoughtful plans where every visit has its own purpose, and some put the responsibilities in the hands of others and relax for a change. But we all have felt it, the urge to travel. Even though the motives vary, all travels share one simple fact, a distance has been created between us and our everyday lives. Something that allows us to gain perspective of what has become our routine, and explore those of others. I’m from Sweden, and last year decided to go on an exchange, somewhere new with a trade of lifestyles.You get thrown right in to the core of a new community. You are “assigned” a new family, school and friends from which you will gain new ideas, habits and experiences, but only if you are willing to share some of your own. It’s an exchange of cultures, benefitting everyone involved, in small or big ways. I know that my year in Fernie has made and will keep making a huge impact on my life. Looking back over my year, it has been beyond any expectations. Being part of a community with such a pure mountain culture has opened my eyes even more to the endless possibilities that nature holds. I am extremely thankful for an amazing host family and friends that generously have shared their everyday life with me. Growing up, my family spent a lot of time in the Swedish mountains, skiing and hiking, so naturally I ended up meeting people with similar interests to mine. Thanks to many of these friends I was able to experience and be a part of the junior big mountain competitions around BC. Introducing me to a scene of skiing that seems more like a way of life than the basic concept of winning or losing. It’s an appreciation of the outdoors. An apparition reaching beyond skiing, taking all kinds of forms like fishing, biking, skiing, climbing or paddling. Seeing how the community shares its love for these
SUBMITTED PHOTO
sports by coming together and organizing different events like the PPP, Hot Dog Day and Wam Bam has made my experience here even more memorable. One of the hardest questions people ask is what the biggest differences between Canada and Sweden are. I like thorough answers, but a question like that is so versatile. At first, I would just say material things, many times food related. For example, that you put mayo on your sandwiches while Swedes stick to the simplicity of butter. Or the importance of turkey as a North American meal – a dish I hadn’t tasted before but now seems as natural to me as meatballs. Later, I moved on to social interactions, the way that Canadians (or Fernie people at least) greet each other on the streets. This was a huge mystery to me the first couple of months. What I am about to say must be taken with a pinch of salt but Swedes, especially up north where I come from, are not known to be the most talkative. A “yes, of course” is more often than not replaced with a simple nod, and greetings are usually restricted to a wave or hello. Imagine my confusion when people I only met once or twice approached with, “How’s it going?”, “What’s up?” or
”What’s happening?” – questions or phrases that don’t necessarily have to be answered with the actual answer. It makes me laugh (and my friends) to remember how hard it was for me to not full heartedly respond with my actual concerns or doings. If someone would ask me about the differences of Canada and Sweden today, I would probably still answer with food or the social interactions, but the longer I am here a simple answer becomes more and more complex. The similarities have long ago outnumbered the differences. I connect Sweden with family, community, friends, sports, simply a reliable foundation where I feel belonging. Fernie has now become a place where I am able to relate to all of these things, knowing now that I can always call Fernie home. The decision to come here is something I will never regret. All the things that I have learned mentally and physically have made me appreciate the many wonders of travelling, the connections I have made, and my self-growth. Cheers, Fernie! Thanks for all the good times! FERNIEFIX.COM
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Burmis Roof top tents
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Also Available: Yeti’s, Helinox Chairs & Cots as well as other Coolers & Bags We are much more than a fly shop, come check out our gear for all your Fernie Adventures! 791 - 7 th Ave. • 250-423-7239
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Trusted Legal Advice for over 30 years
Join us on Father’s Day and spin the wheel. Every Dad gets a gift. Plus lots of food & drink specials.
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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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Our new menu lauches Mon. June 12th!
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Outdoor Life
BETWEEN THE SHORE
Spending some serious time on your feet?
CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS improve comfort, enhance sport performance and are covered by most health plans.
LOG JAM NEAR GOLF COURSE | SUBMITTED PHOTO
Brown Town by GORD BUNSTON
S
• Reduces or eliminates foot, knee, hip and back pain
pring is one of my favourite times of the year.You can bike, hike, ski and paddle, becoming overwhelmed with the options it offers!
• Improves posture, stance and balance
As we watch the rivers “wake up,” we see the ice break, the first little trickle, then more flow enters and soon enough the river is high and brown, game on!
• Injury rehabilitation • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
FernieAthleticTherapy.com
250-423-4800 1-888-423-9006
Located within Fernie Chiropractic Rocky Mountain Health Centre 901 5th Avenue, Fernie
This is when it gets fun! Brown, high, fast, and cold water is my powder season and church all rolled into one. Where else would you want to be? However, this isn’t for everyone, and it does come with a unique set of hazards we (you and I) are all prone to. I hope my first article ever will help you see the river in a different light, and to stay safe for another summer of swimming, tubing, fishing, canoeing, SUPing and kayaking. High water and floods are two different things; high-water stays within the banks and floods do not. The only thing they have in common is that you should respect each as you do a high avalanche risk hazard. Would you have a picnic in a slide path or let your dog jump off a cornice?
As any river’s water level rises, so does its speed, often doubling without getting much higher. It doesn’t take much to be swept away, and it’s much stronger than you. The current is a very excellent excavator, strong enough to change the landscape. If you do get knocked off your feet, don’t try to stand up, try to swim to shore. High water brings change and growth to a river environment. Logs migrate down river, get stuck, create new baby jams, which create a new hazard. Fish hunker down and make more fish. Riverbanks erode and cause soil to darken the colour, rain saturates the soil, and hillsides can fail, causing landslides. This can happen right at your feet, in the form of bank erosion, when the river undercuts the riverside and it’s only held together by roots and grass! I’ve seen a lot of dogs fall in the river this way. Finally, high water can also begin to change a river’s flow, or direction. It won’t make it go in a circle, but it can wander between the shores. This can lead to a quick swim if you choose to step into the river. To stay on the safe side, stay away from the river when it’s high, and please, don’t throw a ball in for your dog.
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Outdoor Life
FAR ADVENTURES
Lift Accessed Hiking with Jono Leonard by KAREN PEPPER
T
he hiking program at Fernie Alpine Resort is becoming more and more popular these days, with the recent addition of Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre, guided nature hikes, and specialty hikes (focusing on fossils, wildflowers, or trees). New this year, the resort will have bird watching programs, and off-site hikes and heritage tours. Another new hiking experience this summer is called “Forage and Feast” - our naturalist will lead you on a foraging walk to harvest food from the forest, which will then be incorporated into the Chef ’s creation for your evening meal at the Cirque Restaurant! Bob Livsey (Nature Bob) has been instrumental in this increased interest in hiking and nature programming at the resort. Nature Bob has been guiding hikers of all ages around the resort for over 14 years. Last summer, Jono Leonard was hired on as the resort’s second hiking guide / naturalist. Bob and Jono’s knowledge and passion for the outdoors is contagious – every time I chat with either one of them, I find out a new little nature fact, and am inspired to get out there to hike and learn! Here’s a little bit about our newest hiking guide – Jono Leonard. Where are you from? I am from and grew up on the outskirts of Sydney, Australia. What did you do before coming to Fernie? I studied geophysics at school and worked lots of jobs such as a research and teaching assistant. My parents encouraged me to get outside, be active and keep trying new things - principles I try to live by now.
JONO LEONARD | SUBMITTED PHOTO
When and why did you come to Fernie?
also see me bringing out your food at The Pub at the Park Place Lodge.
I came to Fernie in 2015. Like most Australians I came for the skiing but fell in love with the area after the snow melted. I chose Fernie because it was recommended by a friend who lived in the mountains. It was exactly what I wanted. Great skiing, great town and not as touristy as other mountain towns can be.
What’s your favourite activity to do on your days off?
What jobs have you had since you’ve been in Fernie? I currently work as a naturalist and hiking guide with Nature Bob up here at the ski hill. In winter I work with the Winter Sports School as a ski instructor.You might
Believe it or not, hiking. I love doing overnight trips way out into the wilderness. The nature around here truly is amazing and there’s no better way to see it than getting as far away from civilization as possible. I also have a goal to ski every month of the year in Canada, so I’ll be doing plenty of ski touring too. What is your favourite hiking trail at FAR? What are the highlights of this hike?
This is a hard question as the resort has so much diversity. There is great hiking over all three life zones: montane, subalpine and alpine. My favourite hike would have to be the ridge walk from Lost Boys to Polar Peak. You start on the Lost Boys Pass trail where you walk past colourful subalpine meadows. From here you ascend up the Timber Headwall towards Elephant Head, walk right across the top of the Currie Headwall all the way to Polar Peak. The views along here are absolutely stunning! One fun fact that a lot of people don’t know is that the saddle between the Currie Headwall and Polar Peak is made up of a type of rock that marks a mass extinction event from about 370 million years ago, which may have been caused by plants with roots first appearing on land! Nature Bob’s favourite hike (and my second favourite) is the Old Growth Grove, which is located at the bottom of Cedar bowl. This forest is special as we’ve lost nearly all our Old Growth Forest around Fernie to logging or fire. Some of the trees here are up to 800 years old and 33 feet in diameter. This hike is also much easier on the body, so if you’re not quite up for the more strenuous ridge walk, definitely check out the Old Growth Grove (or any of our awesome hiking trails for that matter). If you’re interested in learning more about the nature, I highly recommend booking a hike with myself or Nature Bob. We can show you lots of cool things you may have just walked right past if you were hiking on your own.
LOST BOYS TO POLAR RIDGE WALK | SUBMITTED PHOTO
COLDEST BEER IN TOWN 9am-11pm 7 days a week
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35
Outdoor Life
NEVER HAVE I EVER
JESSE BELL PHOTOS
The Bugaboos by JESSE BELL
“
We are in the most amazing place in the world.”
I often feel this way when hiking in the Rockies; mile-high cliffs, emerald-green forests, lakes so quiet you can hear ripples from the wind on their surface. Today, as I stand beneath the Bugaboo Glacier, I know it must be true. Packed with a splitboard, snowboard boots, sleeping bag, beer and food, my friend Dayna and I drive an old logging road to the trailhead for the Conrad Kain Hut on a weekend in June. We are set to meet friends from Fernie, and to indulge in late-season skiing at Bugaboo Glacier Provincial Park.
A few weeks previous I took a crevasse rescue course with Alpine Air Adventures; the training is fresh in my mind. “The Bugs” is a collection of granite spires and ancient glaciers in the Purcells, home to world-class climbing, and wilderness skiing. First explored by Austrian climber Conrad Kain in 1910, the Alpine Club of Canada built a hut here in 1972, and today manages the park. When the Hounds Tooth peak and Bugaboo Glacier come into view from the road, our hearts flutter. This place is special – you can feel it.
We set up chicken wire around the car to prevent porcupines from chewing brake lines, and then begin a 4-kilometre hike. “When you start to get tired, just think of the beers,” says Dayna. Boot beers. The trail is a relatively pleasant climb, if not for a few steep ladder ascents, and precipice cable holds. As we near the top we meet Henry, asleep on the trail. He carries fireworks, a 24pack of beer, skis, climbing rope, ice axes, crampons and whiskey. He also wears a unicorn mask, for fun. It is always a pleasant surprise running into Henry. We reach the hut and, happy to meet with everyone, cheers our beers while overlooking the valley at sunset. It feels good to be in the mountains, and out of touch with the rest of the world.
In the morning we begin our ascent up the Bugaboo Glacier. I join Ben and Tomas through an icy graveyard of jutting seracs (ice pinnacles). We wear harnesses and rope up together, Ben probing for crevasses along the route. The sky is the clearest blue, the air warm with a summer breeze. I am nervous, but confident. A few weeks previous I took a crevasse rescue course with Alpine Air Adventures; the training is fresh in my mind. I’m careful to maintain rope tension, the steps of a potential rescue running through my head. We cross a snow bridge that extends over a crevasse, and I can hear the groans and creaks beneath my feet. We move swiftly past deep-blue ice, and bergschrunds, with views of the towering Pigeon Spire to our right. When we reach the Pigeon-Howser Col for lunch, I think about the importance of
going where you feel the most alive – for me, it has always been at high altitudes. There is an open toilet at the col, a perfect place for an alpine pee. The glaciers blend into mountains like watercolours do. The rest of the group gathers, all the friends with a constant taste for adventure. We switch over to ski-mode, and then it is a sweet but schmooey ride, filled with hoots and hollers, back to the hut.
turquoise-blue lakes, the same blue as the roof of the hut. The boys pond-skim on their skis. When the weekend’s end approaches, we ski down, pack up, and hike out. As we drive away from the Bugaboos, the Hounds Tooth shrinking smaller in my rearview mirror, fatigue sets in. My body aches with the bustle of a weekend in the alpine, but my heart is so contented.
Later that afternoon we sit atop a giant rock adjacent to the hut and sunbathe. At dark, Henry lights his fireworks on that same rock. We watch as the sparks ignite the sky, the mountains silhouetted against the moon – magical.
The Bugaboos truly is one of the most amazing places in the world.
I awake at sunrise, and drink my coffee below the pink glow on the Hounds Tooth. The hut sleeps 40, but nobody stirs.
For more information about the Bugaboos visit env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks or book the Conrad Kain Hut through alpineclubofcanada.ca.
“I swear to you, there are divine things more beautiful than words can tell.” - Walt Whitman.
Later, we ski-tour up a part of the Crescent Glacier. Spires overlook the melting of
Embrace the
Outdoors Team Elevation product testing on Castle Mountain, Fernie, BC.
598 2nd Ave. Fernie BC | 250-423-3709 elevationindustries.com FERNIEFIX.COM
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Outdoor Life
Fernie Lucky 7’s Loop by JULIE KELLY, FTA
E
veryone likes a contest especially when there’s a chance to win a race entry for a Fernie event! Starting this month through September, you can enter a draw each month for an entry to a local event. All you have to do is complete the route listed each month and either post a pic of your Strava loop, or photos at each trail head along the way on Facebook or Instagram, tagging the Fernie Fix and Fernie Trails Alliance. This month, in preparation for the first annual Fernie Lucky 7’s event taking place on June
24, we’re taking you out on the fun course set for this race! A seven-hour mountain biking event, that can be challenged solo or on teams of two to three, the Lucky 7’s includes fun trails located in Ridgemont and on Castle Mountain. Here’s the lowdown. From the Aquatic Centre warm the legs up on Coal Heritage Trail towards Cemetery By-Pass. Climb from there up to Kiddy Up and Queen V, on a gentle grade with a number of switchbacks. Continue on EcoTerrorist crossing a number of boardwalks. Turn left on Ridgemont Road for some more climbing on Deadfall. Take R-Trail for some ups and down then the fun downhill begins on Kid’s Stuff and Eric’s
RIDE AND WIN
Trail. Once you exit Eric’s turn right up Ridgemont Road for a short climb and take the refurbished Broken Hip (also known as Vortex) for a ripper of a downhill. Continue on the new Elk Valley Trail behind the old dump and alongside River Road to Ruby’s Way, and descend Uprooted for some fun cornering. Finish on Montane taking it back to Coal Heritage and to the start. Distance: 15 km Elevation Gain: 350 metres Time: See how fast you can go Difficulty: Green/Blue
Starting this month through September, you can enter a draw each month for an entry to a local event. MIKE BRAGG ON THE LUCKY 7’S COURSE OVER MAY LONG WEEKEND | SELFIE
FERNIEFIX.COM
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bikes, beers & Fbc cheers. register on-line or drop in!
ferniebrewing.com
www.thecastleonfirst.com 461 1st Avenue | 250.278.8478
rockies notary & legal A Division of Rockies Law Corporation
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Fernie
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PO Box 490, Suite 202, 502 Third avenue Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 Tel: (250) 423-4446 | Fax: (250) 423-4065
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Health and Lifestyle
FIT TO CHALLENGE
Third Annual Ab Challenge SARAH INGRAM, BSC.HONS.KINESIOLOGY, BCAK PRACTICING KINESIOLOGIST
J
une is the perfect time to get your core strong and abs toned, in preparation for the getaways you have planned this summer. Mark off each date as you finish, and remember to keep breathing during each abdominal exercise and to consult a health care professional if you have any concerns prior to commencing the challenge. Good luck! Plank: In seconds. On your forearms and toes, body straight, abs in, and face square to ground. Breathe. Any back discomfort, lift hips.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
Side plank: On your forearm with your other arm in the air and body in a straight line. If you need to make it easier, drop your lower knee to the ground. Push up: Bend and straighten your elbows while keeping your abs tight and body straight.You may need to drop to your knees as you fatigue or if you are a beginner.
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1 Calf raises
5
6
30s plank 10 push ups 30s/side, side plank 3x
40s plank 10 push ups 30s/side, side plank 2x
rest
11
12
13
60s plank 20 push ups 50s/side, side plank 3x
18
rest
19
90s plank 25 push ups 90s/side, side plank 2x
20
7 40s plank 15 push ups 40s/side, side plank 3x
14 90s plank 25 push ups 90s/side, side plank 3x
21 180s plank 40 push ups 180s/side, side plank 2x
SATURDAY
2
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15 100s plank 30 push ups 100s/side, side plank 2x
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210s plank rest 50 push ups 210s/side, side plank 2x
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150s plank 40 push ups 150s/side, side plank 2x
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210s plank 50 push ups 210s/side, side plank 2x
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260s plank 60 push ups 260s/side, side plank 2x
280s plank 60 push ups 280s/side, side plank 2x
280s plank 60 push ups 280s/side, side plank 3x
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Health and Lifestyle
FOOD INTELLIGENCE
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Gut Health by TIFFANY SCHEBESCH, RD, BASC
G
race is an active young lady who is excited for the upcoming season of road trips, biking and lazy Saturdays spent on patios. She and her partner make an effort to eat a healthy, balanced diet to help fuel them through their busy lifestyle. From the outside, she appears to be living a holistic lifestyle; however, on the inside, she has an embarrassing secret: she finds after most of her meals she’s running to the bathroom, and she constantly feels gassy and bloated. Her friends think she might have celiac disease, and that she should try a gluten free diet. Grace however, feels wary to change her entire diet when she isn’t sure what’s causing her tummy troubles. She decides instead to visit a health professional to find some answers. Grace discovers she has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and is relived that she can finally take control of her body.
It’s no surprise that what we put into our bellies will affect what goes on in there.
can be managed through controlling diet, lifestyle and stress. Here are three simple steps:
1. Probiotics Did you know that bacteria outnumber cells in your body 10:1? Your gut flora consists of hundreds of different It’s no surprise that what we put into our bellies will affect what goes on in there. IBS microorganisms. The majority of these is very different from celiac disease, which is bacteria are healthy and help with weight management, improved immune function a true gluten allergy and can be diagnosed and reduced risk of many diseases. through a blood test. Grace made the Probiotics are foods or supplements smart choice to get a proper diagnosis so that contain these friendly bacteria, and that she can start managing her symptoms. are supposed to help colonize our guts What the heck is IBS anyway? Currently, there’s no known cause of IBS, however we with health-boosting microorganisms. In IBS, many large studies have shown know it’s a complex condition involving that a specific probiotic, bifidobacterium both environmental and genetic factors. infantis, can drastically improve gas and IBS affects over 15% of adults in North bloating related to IBS. Eating foods like America, and is often under diagnosed as kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut and kombucha “normal tummy troubles.” For those with can provide a wide array of probiotics. IBS, they’ll tell you that there is nothing Supplements are also available to target a normal about feeling like your food is specific probiotic strain. going right through and still somehow being as bloated as a balloon. Luckily, IBS
1.Stress Often forgotten about, stress can have a major impact on our gut function – this is especially important in IBS as it directly involves the brain-gut connection. Stress can arise from a perceived or actual event, and we’re often not even consciously feeling stressed. This disturbs the balance between mind, brain, and body. Think about a time you were nervous for a race or exam and your stomach felt like it was on a roller coaster ride. IBS can make your tummy especially sensitive to stressors. This creates a negative cycle of increased stress, symptoms and additional stress from the embarrassment and uncomfortable nature of belly upset. The solution? Set in place a relaxation plan, even enter it in your work planner, to make sure to fit in your “me” time!
chain carbohydrates, which some people find hard to digest. This poor digestion can lead to the yucky symptom of IBS like gas, bloating and diarrhea. Limiting FODMAPs may be the single most effective treatment for IBS, and has been shown to provide relief in 75% those with IBS. Unfortunately, this is also the most complicated part of the plan to implement. It usually involves eliminating all FODMAP foods for a short period of time and then slowly re-introducing them to help determine which are “trigger” foods for each individual. To avoid nutritional deficiencies during this time, it can be best to begin these steps with the help of nutrition professional. Now that Grace has an accurate diagnosis, she can manage her IBS symptoms through some simple lifestyle changes. Grace would benefit from choosing a probiotics yogurt or supplement, actively seeking relaxation techniques for her stress, and trying a FODMAP elimination diet. So grab that kombucha and take ten minutes to meditate – your belly will thank you for it!
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1. FODMAPs FODMAPS are fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols – have I lost you yet? What this means in human terms is short-
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Health and Lifestyle
Preparing for Your Family Vacation
have wipes and a small bottle of liquid soap to wash those hands regularly.
by DR. TAINA TURCASSO, N.D., R.M.
W
e are finally heading into the warm, summer months after a long winter and many of us are planning vacations with our families. Road trips, airplanes, camping, hotels; vacations come in many different shapes and sizes. Regardless of what type of trip you may be planning for your family, they can be exhausting and fraught with colds, allergies, bug bites, bee stings, tummy trouble and so on. Though you can’t plan for every eventuality (always plan to be surprised, right?), you can prepare yourself so you will be better able to manage the surprises that pop up on your trip, and possibly even prevent some of them. Here are five ways you can plan ahead to make your family vacation happier and healthier for everyone. Happy Meals Food is probably the biggest consideration when planning a vacation. We are lucky to live in (and often travel to) places where food is available anywhere and anytime, but convenience does not equal quality. In preparation for your trip, plan meals ahead of time and pack healthy, whole foods with you for your trip. If you will be road-tripping, bring sandwiches, pre-cut veggies and dip, fruit, and healthier options. If camping, map out where you can stop for meals and where you can buy your groceries. If you are flying, pack portable snacks like dehydrated fruit, oatmeal that reconstitutes with the addition of hot water, crackers, and gummy snacks. Plan at least one splurge meal out because it is a holiday, after all. Keep it Clean Though we are provided with cleaning products in most hotels, bathrooms, and laundromats, travelling with your own
FAMILY WELLNESS
V. CROOME PHOTO
products will ensure that you and your family don’t have any reactions to using different products and more importantly, that you have them when you need them. Bring your own shampoo/conditioner, laundry pods, liquid soap, toothpaste, and lotion, avoiding products with fragrances and toxic ingredients. Buy a little packet of eco-friendly wipes (baby wipes work) to use in a pinch. Guard Yourself When travelling, we are often exposed to a lot of different viruses and often they are bugs our systems aren’t used to. If your immune system is working at top speed, you have a lower chance of picking up any of these bugs and having them ruin your vacation. Keep your family’s immunity boosted by taking extra vitamin C prior to and during your travels, carry echinacea or elderberry to take during periods of increased exposure (like airplane travel or if someone around you is sick), take your vitamin D, and ensure you get adequate sleep. As always, keeping your hands clean is paramount to avoiding infection, and can be trickier while traveling, so ensure you
Entertainment iPads and other types of tablets are a terrific invention, and work like a charm in a pinch when you have an unhappy traveller (of any age), but are not ideal on the daily (and they won’t work as well in a pinch if they are the usual form of entertainment), so plan a variety of cheap and portable entertainment options for your trip. Have your kids pick some books, and bring some music and games to play as a family. Pick a few movies to enjoy together for “movie night.” Encourage older kids to keep a journal of the holiday and send a few postcards to family members or friends back at home. Keep their brains engaged in the time you are spending together, and introduce them to something new that down the road will always remind them of your trip. Critters It’s summer and there are bugs everywhere. Mosquitoes, wasps, bees…. luckily to most of us, these pests are a minor nuisance but to some their stings can be lethal. Find out what diseases mosquitoes carry in the area you are traveling to (in Canada we are pretty lucky but the same is not true of warmer climates) and protect your family accordingly. Here we can get by with a natural topical mosquito repellant made of a combination of essential oils. If anyone in your family is allergic to bee stings, ensure that you are carrying both benadryl and an EpiPen, if appropriate. Always check the expiration date of medications, especially before vacations, and ensure that you know the appropriate dose and method of administration. Whatever it is that you and your family decide to do together - even if it is simply staying home and enjoying Fernie in its summer splendor - stay safe and enjoy every moment. Summer is short.
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Bits and Bytes
WannaCry Ransomware by KEVIN MCISAAC
A
few weeks ago WannaCry ransomware made a lot of headlines around the world. People were waking up to a scary looking red and white screen that informed them that their files were encrypted and if they wanted them back they had to send $300 in Bitcoin to a specified address. I discussed Bitcoin a few columns ago. One of the attributes of Bitcoin that makes it desirable to use in a situation like this is that it is very difficult to track transactions. Typically the end user will have several Bitcoin wallets and as money is put into the publicized wallet it is being transferred out to anonymous wallets to make it more difficult to track. So, what is ransomware and why is this happening? Ransomware is a type of malware. Malware being any program that is intended to do something to your computer that you don’t want: steal data, delete files, interrupt communications, etc. Ransomware is malware designed to hold your files hostage until money is paid. Usually the files remain on your computer, but they are encrypted. The encryption used can be extremely powerful, so that even state agencies are unable to retrieve your files. Why are people doing this? Money. Plain and simple. This is no different than someone taking a person hostage and demanding a ransom. They don’t care about you or your files. They just want to extract some money from you. Why $300? Well, it’s enough money to be of value, but small enough that the vast majority of people and organizations affected will simply pay. It cost ten times that amount to hire a computer professional to recover data from your hard drive (assuming that’s even possible), so you just pay.
How do you protect yourself? There are two things you need to do. Keep your computer updated with the latest security patches and backup. The technique that WannaCry is using to spread to computers was discovered by the National Security Agency (NSA) in the USA and stolen by a hacker organization known as The Shadow Brokers. The hackers then released the exploit. The exploit was known about and patched by Microsoft months ago, but older operating systems like Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 no longer receive security patches and as such were vulnerable. Also at risk were people that turned off automatic updates and weren’t diligent at installing patches. This is part of the reason why WannaCry has had less impact in North America where computers are more likely to be newer and more up to date than the more heavily impacted countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and India among others. North America was also saved somewhat because a British anti-malware researcher spotted and activated a built-in URL “kill switch” that slowed the spread considerably. This is another example where a backup would save you. Once you’ve eliminated the malware from your computer, which is straightforward, you simply restore your files and carry on. Without a backup, however, you have two choices, pay or forfeit your files. In some cases of ransomware the files themselves are not entirely encrypted, but instead the file system is encrypted. In these cases it may be possible to recover the files using data recovery software such as the EaseUs Data Recovery software I’ve discussed in previous columns. I wouldn’t want to bet on it though. A backup is better. It is good practice to plan for malware exactly the same as you would plan for any computer outage as the results will be essentially the same.Your computer has limited operation and your files are gone.
THE ANSWER GUY
If you followed along on my story about my dead harddrive in a previous column, the results with WannaCry would have been exactly the same, with the addition of removing WannaCry and the Double Pulsar backdoor that it installs at the same time. There is a lengthy, but clear process on Bleeping Computer (https://tinyurl. com/kcs7c2e) that will let you remove the malware, but it may be worth hiring an expert. Finally, one last comment. WannaCry will encrypt DropBox files too, but DropBox does versioning, so you can go backwards and restore encrypted files to previous unencrypted versions. This is laborious though, so a backup restore is better. p.s. If you have any specific questions for the Answer Guy send them to info@ clarismedia.com. Chances are good that if you want to know others do too.
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Bits and Bytes
June 2017 by YANN LORANGER
J
une evokes the power of people rising, growing slowly out of strong shared emotions arising from difficult decisions taken by government authorities. It encourages a group of people to bond together, give their time, money and other contributions towards a greater cause. This is an opportunity to deploy campaigns about inspiring works and great initiatives to make the world better. Our hearts will be open, although there may be a strange feeling in the air. This tension is due to the Jupiter square Pluto that underlines the very thin, almost non-existent faith we have in established authorities. This small amount of trust and connection will continue to shrink to the point of being comparable to the horsehair we find in the story of Damocles. If this horsehair fails, the connection between the head of our countries and/or organizations will be cut off. When we sense such danger, it is our heart that takes the lead, either through fear or compassion. The role of our heart during June is key, providing a chance to make the best of the first summer month of the year. The good influences that will work on our hearts come from a series of sextiles and trines happening in water and earth signs, all feminine signs: Cancer, Taurus, Pisces and Capricorn. The most active sextile will be formed by Venus in Taurus (Ruler) and Mars in Cancer (Detriment).Venus starts the month with a direct encounter with Uranus, just before entering her ruling sign Taurus. This encounter gives Venus an extra shine, stimulating everyone. Our desire to reach or achieve what we truly want, what we truly like will be very strong and will get more and more concrete as Venus progresses in Taurus. The motivation will come to a climax on June 20 as it will be in conjunction with the Moon in Taurus, in sextile with Neptune in Pisces and just starting its sextile with
This is an opportunity to deploy campaigns about inspiring works and great initiatives to make the world better. Mars in Cancer. From that day on, Mars will take the lead and an action will come out of this heart dynamic during the last third of the month. 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) Activation
ASTROLOGY
Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Down-To-Earth What you witness goes beyond your expectations. The reactions of everyone so attracted by what they seek surprises you. What do “you” want?
Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Beauty You appreciate the fuzz around emotions. Don’t imagine you can master it! Stay focused on the beautiful part of what everyone wants and let them deal with it as they wish.
Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Mindfulness
There will be a spark that will trigger inspiration - keep your eyes open for it!
The emotional build up is appealing to you since you know how to use this power. Don’t forget that with power comes responsibility.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Longing
Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Patriot
What you usually like or want will start shining more than ever before.You will cultivate an urge to get it, to reach it.
You are known to be wise and to give your support to the righteous. This time, you will give it to the heart, wise or not.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Recalculating
Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Grounded
Lots of thinking! Your reflection process is rushed by all those feelings arising, and it’s difficult to reach a clear solution.
As you bring your strength to the overall happenings of June, stay connected to your deepest interests. After all, they are the ones that triggered all this.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Bravery You are often called a dreamer, but this time, you are the one who calls for action!
Leo (July 23 - Aug 22) Uplifted It may be difficult to be proud of who you are as you feel you lost your power in the hands of others. Find pride in a cause greater then yourself.
Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Self-Growth You are ready for revolution! Make sure you apply this revolution within yourself first.
Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20) Immensity You are very happy to see everyone involved in this great emotional movement, like the water currents flowing throughout the sea. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Fernie Fun
FIX TRIVIA ferniefix
FernieFixMag
FernieFix
NAME THE TRAIL Can you figure out what the Fernie trail or area is? Have a picture to submit for Fernie Fun? Send it to info@clarismedia.com
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1. What area of Fernie will you find this section of the dike trail? 2. One of Fernie’s epic bike trails. 3. From which trail will you find this view? 4. Where is this family friendly hike?
SPOT THE DIFFERENCES MAY ANSWERS
MAY WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWERS community, family, museum, library, spring, volunteer, spring clean, birds
FIND THE Somewhere in this issue is a little soccer ball. Can you find it?
Committed to Community Teck is proud to be part of Sparwood Coal Miner Days, June 8–11 2017. Don’t miss the Teck Bike Rodeo, in partnership with Elk Valley RCMP: Thursday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Frank J Mitchell Elementary Free entry to riders of all ages For more information please visit www.coalminerdays.com
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Explore Your Happy Place
Dine . Stay . Spa . Hike . Bike
Photos: @mattglastonbury and @mcphoto99
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