VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1 - SPRING | 2013
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Living CAREFREE OCEANFRONT
CRAIG BAY ESTATES
P L AY
LIVE
E AT
S T AY
SHOP
EXPERIENCE
COMMUNITY
SACRED WATERFALL
Secret Waterfall at Sombrio Beach, Pacific Rim
CASTLE OF DREAMS
Craigdarroch - The Legacy of Robert Dunsmuir
GOING UNDERGROUND
A lesson from the next generation of Cavers
CELEBRATING COURAGE WITH MAKE-A-WISH BC Duncan resident meets his hockey hero
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contents COVER PHOTO:
Westcoast Sea Otter. A common site around Craig Bay and the rest of Vancouver Island.
Photo by Artez Photo Group www.artezphoto.com
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Hiking along Sombrio beach, along the Pacific Marine Circle Route, we discovered a secret waterfall hidden in the rocks.
Duncan residents is granted his dream to meet his longtime hockey hero Alexander Ovechkin.
CRAIG BAY ESTATES: Showcasing the history and lifestYLE
A unique carefree living community by the sea has everything you need for a maintenance-free lifetyle.
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CASTLE OF DREAMS
Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria was built by the wealthiest man in Western Canada, Robert Dunsmuir.
THE SACRED WATERFALL
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JOIN US!
GOING UNDERGROUND WITH THE NEXT GENERATION OF CAVERS
11 year old Ryles Forrest inspires us all to experience the variety of caving adventures across the Island.
w w w.2i s l a n d t i m e s m a g a z i n e . c a
celebrating courage with Make A Wish BC
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te o N Publisher’s
e t o N
Spring has arrived! The weather has started warming up and everything is in bloom. This is such an inspiring time of year, a great time to showcase some of the wonderful places we live and places to visit on our beautiful Vancouver Island. The island has such a wealth of history that as always, we had no trouble finding an interesting subject close to home. In this issue we focus on the history of the fabulous Craig Bay Estates south of Parksville. This lovely seaside village is beautifully presented by our new photography partners with the Artez Photo Group. They truly captured the appeal of this stunning little community, and the maintenancefree seaside lifestyle which is so popular. If you would like to learn more about this development, feel free to contact me any time or visit the Craig Bay website: http://www.lifestyles.craigbay.com/
Contact OUR T E AM SPRING | 2013 Island Times Magazine Box 956, 135 Alberni Hwy, Parksville, BC V9P 2G9 Ph: (250) 228-0995 Fax: (250) 248-8084 www.islandtimesmagazine.ca
Publisher
Jolene Aarbo publisher@islandtimesmagazine.ca
Editor
Tom Szauer
Adventure Writer & Photographer Dona Naylor dona.naylor@gmail.com
History Writer & Professor Dave Hobson Vancouver Island University
Community Writer Brenda Gough
Sales & Marketing
Joseph Ghetler joseph@islandtimesmagazine.ca Dorthy Roi itimesmag@gmail.com
Contributing Writers Jill Collins Kim Heron
Continuing on with the concept of great (and unique!) homes on Vancouver Island, we step back in time to join Robert Dunsmuir, the wealthiest person in Western Canada in his day, as he builds his beloved Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria. Vancouver Island University Professor Dave Hobson leads the way as we revisit this fascinating piece of Island history.
The views expressed by columnists are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Island Times Magazine.
Our adventure continues with a rewarding hike along Sombrio Beach to a spectacular hidden waterfall with our Adventure Writer & Photographer, Dona Naylor. Then perhaps your appetite for exploring is whetted enough to tackle a truly unique undertaking: caving! This wonderful story takes us into the Horne Lake Caves, our trusty guide a ten year old caver who knows more about what’s deep underground than most people ever will! Our community spotlight is a heartwarming story about a courageous Make-A-Wish BC recipient and Vancouver Island resident. He achieved his lifetime dream of meeting his hockey hero Alexander Ovechkin. With 1,500 wishes granted, Make-A-Wish BC is truly an organization worthy of our support. To learn more about this organization and how to help, please visit www.makeawishbc.ca. I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine as much as I. I am so honoured and proud to have such wonderful support from the team. It wouldn’t be possible without the support of our advertisers and all of our talented writers and dedicated Marketing Consultants. Thank you all for your continued contributions and input! Feel free to interact with us on Facebook, Twitter, online or by email. We are always open to suggestions. Do you have a favourite place on the Island? A must-see or do? Have an inspirational story to tell? We would love to hear from you about them. You can email us at publisher@islandtimesmagazine.ca.
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Here's to Spring on the Island! Enjoy. islandtimesmagazine.ca | 5
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Lifest yle Sea Side
Ask anyone who lives at Craig Bay Estates and they will tell you that not only is the location beautiful there is also a true sense of community spirit that permeates the unique neighbourhood by the sea.
The Best of Carefree Oceanfront Living Ask anyone who lives at Craig Bay Estates and they will tell you, not only is the location beautiful, but there is also a true sense of community spirit that permeates their unique neighbourhood by the sea. Located on the south end of Parksville, the Craig Bay community is made up of 426 cozy homes. The people who live in them say it’s a welcoming, friendly place that they are happy to call home for many reasons. The multi-million dollar Craig Bay Beach Club facility includes a pristine swimming pool, hot tub, tennis courts, billiards table, party rooms, library and gym, and is the centre of social events year round. The activities are endless, and every day there is something going on at the Beach Club, from yoga to woodworking, dances, painting, bridge, poker, crafts, cooking and even wine club gatherings, just to name a few. A website dedicated to the residents of Craig Bay (www.lifestyles.craigbay.com) as well as a monthly newsletter called Tidelines help keep everyone up-to-date and involved in the myriad of community events and activities. Photos by Artez Photo Group www.artezphoto.com
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Photos by Artez Photo Group www.artezphoto.com
Photo by Dave Toms. Courtesy of Craig Bay Estates.
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With their homes fronting on provincial land and with 1700 feet of waterfront, Craig Bay Estates truly is “A Seaside Village.” There is a rich history surrounding this stunning location. Development of the site began in 1995 and was completed in 2007. The land that now houses Craig Bay Estates is much different from when it was first settled by the original owner, James Craig. In 1882 James, and his brother Robert, made their way from Prince Edward Island where they were born, and traveled across Canada eventually arriving in Victoria. The pair purchased a canoe with plans to load it up with supplies and travel up-island to farm. In 1886 they paddled north for Campbell River. But a storm destroyed their canoe in Comox, and they drifted to French Creek where they spent the winter. The next spring, they again were hampered by stormy weather, and with a leaky boat the brothers drifted ashore just south of Englishman River in 1987. Regarding it as fate, James decided to settle by a pretty little cove nearby. There he staked out 160 acres and established a homestead at what became Craig Bay.
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www.homepropainting.ca islandtimesmagazine.ca | 9
Photo by Dave Toms. Courtesy of resident Wally Chin and Craig Bay Estates.
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Photo by Artez Photo Group www.artezphoto.com
Photo by Dave Toms. Courtesy of resident Wally Chin and Craig Bay Estates.
rbutus Grove M O T E L
Maximum Comfort &Value Minutes away from Rathtrevor Provincial Park Just a block North of the Information Centre across from Parksville Heritage Centre Mall. We are a small cozy motel located in Parksville, Photo by Artez Photo Group www.artezphoto.com
James “Cougar” Craig quickly earned a reputation as a renowned cougar hunter and used his Coon Hounds to track down cougars in the area to protect livestock on neighbouring farms. In 1889 Parksville became an official settlement. Population: 38. That same year James married his wife Gertrude. They started a family and had four children.
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A cabin was built for the engineer of the Canadian Pacific Railroad and rented out as Montrose School. When Gertrude passed away in 1928, James and his two sons opened an auto camp on the property and built 15 cabins as accommodations which became one of the first facilities for tourists in the area. James was 82 years old when he passed away in 1946, but his sons continued taking care of the land. The adjoining 16 acre parcel of land was owned by the Parkhurst and Hall families. Earle and Billie Parkhurst and their two children Nancy and Paul, had bought the parcel in 1951 with the Hall family. Intracorp, the developer of Craig Bay, was interested in developing the area and purchased the entire Craig property and eight additional acres from the Halls, where Arbutus Grove Motel is now situated (www. arbutusgrovemotel.ca).
1182 East Island Hwy, Parksville, B.C. V9P 1W3 arbutusgrovemotel@shaw.ca 1.250.248.6422 1.888.667.7250
www.arbutusgrovemotel.com islandtimesmagazine.ca | 11
The original development plans for Craig Bay were quite different from what exists today. At first Intracorp had intended to construct three condominium units, the Seawinds and the Beach Club with its amenities, to be where heritage lands now exist. After sudden interest by the First Nations people as numerous bones and artifacts were unearthed in the area, and a lengthy subsequent court battle, in 1995 the Provincial Government purchased 14 acres of waterfront property for protection of this significant and large archaeological site dating back approximately 3500 years. Craig Bay residents and the public have pedestrian access to the heritage lands but because it is a burial site protected by the BC Heritage Conservation Act, certain activities are prohibited including: setting of any fires, playing of sports, digging, picnicking, camping or any overnight activities. Paul Parkhurst still owns the remaining eight acres situated beside Arbutus Grove, where he lives with his wife Catherine. Thank you to our sponsor Craig Bay preferred businesses Classic Kitchens and Home Pro Painting. See ads Page 9-13 for more.
Photo by Artez Photo Group www.artezphoto.com
Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. If you would like to more about this community visit http://www.lifestyles. craigbay.com. Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca.
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by Dave Hobson
OF DREAMS
Photo courtesy of www.thecastle.ca.
T
his tale begins with a death and ends with one. It’s a story not only about a castle but also the story of those who lived within its walls. The castle is Craigdarroch Castle and was built by the wealthiest man in Western Canada, Robert Dunsmuir. He was the owner of coal mines, fully one-fifth of Vancouver Island, the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway, the Albion Iron Works, the Victoria Theatre, the Driard Hotel, etc. and one unfinished castle.
Robert Dunsmuir's home. Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria. Photo courtesy of the BC Museum Archives.
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When Robert Dunsmuir died suddenly and unexpectedly on April 12, 1889, the deep sorrow of his adult sons, James and Alexander, turned to bitterness. Their father’s vast estate, promised to them, had gone to their mother, Joan Olive Dunsmuir. Robert had not signed his new Will before his death. James and Alexander felt deeply betrayed by their father, and later, by their mother.
With Robert Dunsmuir’s passing, the castle became his memorial rather than his home. Robert Dunsmuir had begun to acquire the 28 acres atop the Rockland Heights in the early 1880s. He chose an exquisite site with views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State, and which overlooked the city of Victoria including the Lieutenant.-Governor’s residence: Cary Castle. Dunsmuir had hired Portland, Oregon architect, Warren Heywood Williams to design the most expensive and extravagant home in Western Canada. The Scottish baronial style castle would have 39 rooms and over 20,000 square feet of interior space. It was built of brick with a sandstone façade, granite, terracotta tile from San Francisco, an oak staircase prefabricated in Chicago, magnificent stained glass windows, Italian marble and Vermont slate. The interior had all the trappings of 19th century Victorian mansions with an elegant dining room, library, smoking room, a room for dances and a billiard room.
Photo courtesy of www.thecastle.ca.
Joan Dunsmuir left her sons, James and Alexander, with the task of finishing the castle while she and her three unmarried daughters left for England and Europe. Returning in the fall of 1890, Joan Dunsmuir, with her three unmarried daughters: Jessie Sophia, Annie Euphemia (Effie), Henrietta Maud (Maud) and two grandchildren: Elizabeth Georgina Harvey and Robert Dunsmuir Harvey took up residence in the now finished castle. Jessie was the first to marry and the first to leave the Dunsmuir home. (It was said that living in a castle attracted a better class of suitors.) At Christ Church Cathedral on September 23, 1891 Jessie wed Sir Richard Musgrave, Baronet, of Tourin, Lismore, Waterford, Ireland. The groom, who descended from an old aristocratic Anglo-Irish family, held several offices including Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Waterford and the county’s High Sheriff. The Dunsmuirs were now in Burke’s Peerage! A reception was held at the castle for some 200 or 300 friends. The Colonist described the wedding as “being the most fashionable and brilliant witnessed in Victoria for many months.” A bit of an understatement! Photo courtesy of www.thecastle.ca.
…The Irish Census of 1911 shows Sir and Lady Richard and their two daughters, 8 visitors, a 36 year old nephew and 10 servants including a Lady’s maid, 2 footmen, jewellery maid, a female governess and a butler as residents of the Tourin Demesne. A veritable Irish Downton Abbey! …Sir Richard and Lady Musgrave shared their time between Victoria and Ireland. In the summer of 1896, Effie and Effie’s close friend Kathleen O’Reilly travelled back to Ireland with the Musgraves from Victoria. Kathleen wrote that Effie had thrown herself into the social life of the Dublin elite among whom she eventually found her future husband, Captain Somerset Arthur Gough-Calthorpe. Arthur was the second son of the seventh Baron Calthorpe and had proven himself an earnest and capable naval officer in the Royal Navy. Miss O’Reilly also reported that people thought Effie was mad to hunt all day and dance all night and in her spare time to bicycle and skate and host parties. Effie said that she never had a better time in her life but Kathleen worried because Effie was becoming “as thin as a knife”.
Photo courtesy of www.thecastle.ca.
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Robert Dunsmuir's home. Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria. Photo courtesy of the BC Museum Archives.
Robert Dunsmuir. died 13 Apr 1889 . Photo courtesy of the BC Museum Archives.
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Elizabeth Maude Dunsmuir in her presentation gown. Photo courtesy of the BC Museum Archives.
Lady Musgrave, nee Jessie Dunsmuir. Photo courtesy of the BC Museum Archives.
Arthur and Effie married on February 27 at St. George’s, Hanover Square, London. Sir Richard gave the bride away. “The presents were numerous and very handsome.” (Her mother had already settled a $100,000 trust on Effie when she and Arthur announced their engagement!) The young couple then left for Paris and the Riviera. Arthur was posted to St Petersburg in 1904 as a military attaché. Their picture- perfect life unravelled (according to the story) when, during a riot in St. Petersburg, a severed hand was thrown into Effie’s carriage landing on her lap. The shock unhinged her mind. Thereafter, all efforts to bring back the vivacious Effie failed and in 1908 she was declared legally insane. She spent the remainder of her long life in nursing care homes in England. Effie died on March 13, 1952 in Hayes Park Nursing Home, Hayes, Middlesex leaving an estate of 59,048 pounds 14 shillings and 6 pence sterling.
? w o n K DID YOU
1
The same Warren Heywood Williams designed the Bank of British Columbia building on the corner of Government and Fort in Victoria built in 1885-1886.
2
We have no exact figure as to the final cost of building Craigdarroch Castle but estimates run from a low of $185,000 to a high of $500,000 in 1880s dollars, of course.
Her husband completed an enormously successful naval career as Second Sea Lord and Commander of the Mediterranean Fleet and finally Naval Aide-de-Camp to the King. He retired in 1924, living on his estate, Woodlands Vale, Ryde, Isle of Wight until his death in 1937 leaving an estate of over 150,000 pounds. Henrietta, the youngest daughter, married a young lieutenant from the 10th Hussars on June 8, 1898 at St. Peter’s Church, Eaton Square, London. Lt. Reginald Spencer Chaplin was the aide-de-camp to Field Marshall Lord Roberts who was serving as Commander of Her Majesty’s forces stationed in Ireland. After Reginald retired from the army, the couple moved to Victoria, staying with and nursing Mary Croft (Maud’s eldest sister) until Mary’s death in 1928. Moving to Vancouver and living in the fashionable Point Grey, Reggie spent his time playing polo, hunting and shooting. Just before the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, Reggie and Maud decided to
3
You could buy a suburban sea-side Estate of some 35 acres with house, garden, orchard, stabling all conveniences for a mere $35,000 in 1890 dollars.
4
Sir Richard Musgrave popularized Campbell River as one of his favourite fishing spots after writing an article for “The Field Magazine” in 1896-97. The magazine is the oldest country and field magazine in the world.
5
And, by the way, I have been told by most reliable sources that there are no ghosts haunting Craigdarroch. A pity really!
Photo courtesy of www.thecastle.ca.
islandtimesmagazine.ca | 17
NO ADMISSION FEE
relocate to South Africa. On the way, they visited Jessie (Lady Musgrave) in Ireland and stayed until 1946! Sir Richard had died at the estate in 1930 at the age of 80. Then, in May of 1940, Reggie passed away never having reached South Africa. Maud stayed on at Tourin caring for her sister, who had become ill. Maud nursed Jessie until Jessie’s death in 1946. Four years later, Maud died in England and was buried in Ardmore Cemetery, Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland next to Reggie. Elizabeth Georgina Harvey, daughter of James Harvey and Agnes Crooks Dunsmuir, was born in Nanaimo B.C. on February 16, 1878. The Harvey children, Elizabeth and Robert Dunsmuir, were orphaned by the deaths of their mother, Agnes (Dunsmuir), in September, 1889 and their father, James, in February, 1890. In 1890, Elizabeth and Robert (the youngest of the Harvey children) moved to the castle with their grandmother, Joan. Elizabeth later married George Alan Kirk on September 30, 1903, a managing director and stockholder in the wholesale firm of Turner, Beeton and Company in Victoria. The couple sailed on the Empress of India for China, then travelled to India and other parts of the Orient, afterwards visiting England and finally making their way back to Victoria. Once back in Victoria, they threw themselves into the whirlwind social life of Victoria’s elite with endless garden parties, croquet tournaments, receptions given by the Lieutenant-Governor, society weddings and frequent sea voyages.
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Elizabeth’s brother’s life seemed somehow less charmed. Within a year of moving into the castle, Robert Dunsmuir Harvey was sent to Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario. The prestigious school (still operating!) offered an education for young gentlemen along the lines of an English public school. According to school records, Robert was a “well-known sportsman and very popular in the station.” Upon his graduation in 1896, he entered the Royal Military College at Kingston, Ontario and graduated as a Gentleman Cadet in June of 1899. Robert joined the 4th Hussars as a Second Lieutenant and was promoted quickly to full lieutenant in 1900. Did he have thoughts of serving in South Africa as an active member of her Majesty’s armed forces fighting the Boers? Instead of glory in war, however, Lt. Dunsmuir was sent to India. Sadly, at the young age of 23, he died while stationed at Trimulgherry (Secundarbad), India in 1901 of an abscess of the liver. His belongings were returned to his sister, Elizabeth at Craigdarroch Castle and may be seen there today. Joan Olive Dunsmuir, the mistress of Craigdarroch Castle, was now alone at the castle with her servants and memories. She died aged 82 on October 2, 1908 The castle’s furnishings were all auctioned off. The castle and its 28 acre grounds were sold to a property developer who subdivided the property into 144 lots. The fabulously wealthy estate was then divided equally between the five remaining daughters. The castle is still there and is being restored to its former glory and open to all who love history.
122 Fern Road West, Qualicum Beach 250-752-6133 www.theoldschoolhouse.org 18 | islandtimesmagazine.ca
Acknowledgements: I wish to thank the following for their help with this article: The British Colonist on line (UVic), Terry Reksten and her excellent books on the Dunsmuirs, Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society and especial Bruce Davies, the Curator and Viola Lyons, Library/Archives of Trinity College School, Port Hope, Ontario.
Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. If you would like to more about the castle visit www.thecastle.ca. Send your comments or questions to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca.
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l l a f r e t a W the SACRED
by Dona Naylor
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Photo courtesy of Dona Naylor.
T
he search for waterfalls is a continuous and pleasurable pursuit and provides immense joy when successful. Sometimes you fail but the adventure is always pleasing. On the Pacific Marine Circle Route you are dwarfed by the rainforest of magnificent trees that date hundreds of years old; they rival skyscrapers and if they could tell stories, all would listen. We chased waves, we found sea caves and we followed the creek to a sacred waterfall. As our trip navigating the Pacific Marine Circle Route continues from last edition; we ventured on to Sombrio Beach where there is a waterfall to be found.
Photo courtesy of Dona Naylor.
The Pacific Marine Circle Route is manageable in a day’s drive from midisland, Parksville, Qualicum, Nanaimo, easy from Victoria, but too long for travelers further north. In this case I would suggest an overnight stay. I wanted to see every tree, creek, river, rock, or mountain on the trip. It is also a route that is well traveled so daylight provides a safer trip. Drivers beware. (This road is also an active logging road, proceed with caution.) To continue my story from Botanical Beach, Botany Bay and Port Renfrew we carried on to Sombrio Beach.
Photo courtesy of Dona Naylor.
It was a busy Sunday and the parking lot was packed with hikers and surfers. We hiked the path down to the beach. Many were surfing as the massive west coast rollers crashed onto the shore, so powerful as they then pulled rocks and anything back with the undertow. It is hard to imagine many people lived on this beach and was not long ago that they were forced to move. In 1997 the Government served eviction notices to the many people living in hand hewn homes built along the shore of this and other beaches. With the onset of the new Juan de Fuca trail plans; the beaches needed to be cleaned up. When we reached the shoreline we turned south to find the creek. The hike was about twenty minutes although we were distracted by amazing waves and at times, had to wait and run, timing ourselves with the pull of tide. We reached the creek and walked the short distance up. In moments I was seriously transported. I looked at the girls, my daughters Katie and Meg and could see we all felt the same. Words cannot describe walking through these canyon type walls of green when suddenly, the water appears to drop from the sky, a waterfall like no other. I believe we sat and listened and watched, for, I am not sure how long…. At times there is more water, at other times, I suspect rainbows happen. Plays of light…. However, I know, this waterfall is like no other I have met thus far. It is beyond beautiful, it is spiritual and it is sacred. Reluctantly, we move on…next to China Beach!! Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca.
Photo courtesy of Dona Naylor.
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d n u o r g r e d n U GOING
With The Next Generation of Cavers
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by Jill Collins
Photo courtesy of Peter Curtis.
Photo courtesy of Charlene Forrest.
P
ulling on the red coveralls made especially for him, Ryles Forrest prepares for another cave excursion. He dons a hard hat with his nickname “Emerald” stamped on the back, straps on a headlamp, and packs his buddy bag with backup batteries and a spare light. A routine he has done regularly for the past 19 months. At 10 years old, Forrest has ascended to the top of the Vancouver Island caving scene accomplishing in one year what most cavers do in their entire career. One of the oldest caving organizations in Canada, the Vancouver Island Cave Exploration Group (VICEG) is open to anyone interested in speleology. VICEG works to conserve caves for the appreciation of future generations. Members are not thrill seekers, rather they explore, study, and locate caves while promoting safe caving practices, fellowship, and bring awareness to
Photo courtesy of Charlene Forrest.
cave conservation. In fact, it was key VICEG executive members that were first engaged by Ryles’ enthusiasm and dedication to caving. They began to mentor and encourage the young caver, passing along valuable knowledge to him to build a future for caving on Vancouver Island. Pushing deeper into the darkness not knowing what lies ahead is exhilarating for some and terrifying for others. I have explored a few cave networks, being the outdoor enthusiast that I am. I figured crawling into the depths of the earth with Ryles would help me understand what it takes to succeed as a Canadian caver. I met Ryles (now 11 years old) and his mom Charlene Forrest mid-morning on a cool day in December 2012 at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.
Explore the dark side; visit the spectacular Horne Lake Caverns! Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park offers year-round guided tours and self-guided caves. Unsure about going in a cave? Then check out Canada’s only Cave Theatre and Museum and walk the new Geology Trail to learn more about these underground rivers without having to venture into the darkness. Visit: www.hornelake.com Call: (250) 248-7829 Email: reservations@hornelake.com Directions: From Hwy 19, turn west at Exit 75. Follow the blue Provincial Park signs for 13 km on a gravel road. Horne Lake Caves 1km past the campground entrance. Horne Lake was voted “Best Natural Outdoor Site” in B.C. by Attractions Canada and also named as one of the “Seven Wonders of Oceanside.” Come see why!
Facts about Vancouver Island Caves Karst topography is a unique landscape shaped by dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock like limestone, dolomite or marble. Vancouver Island’s high rainfall, dense vegetation, soil cover and mountainous topography create ideal conditions for limestone caves to develop. 4% of Vancouver Island’s surface area is karst landscape making it the highest concentration of caves in North America. Vancouver Island, or as cavers like to call “Island of the Caves”, has more explored limestone caves than all other Canadian provinces combined. The British Columbia Speleological Federation has documented close to 1000 caves on Vancouver Island and it is likely the number could reach as high as 3000. Source: www.cancaver.ca
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Charlene, who was an on call Park Operator tour guide at the time and now the Park Manager of Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, quickly greeted me and my family before setting off to prepare for our tour of Riverbend Cave. This marked the first guided tour given by Ryles and although he was nervous at first, he quickly settled into his role. Ryles spends most of his caving time at Horne Lake Caves where he has earned the title of youngest volunteer in their history. He also claims the youngest to bottom Riverbend cave with Park Director Richard Varela. Ryles quickly proved to be far more mature and competent than his age. As he led us along the interpretive trail to Riverbend Cave he dutifully passed on his knowledge to my children. In his teacher voice (as Charlene proudly called it) Ryles began to educate us on karst topography and showed us how mildly acidic rainwater dissolves limestone to reveal fossils. His knowledge in caving was demonstrated in the language used. Words like calcite formations, stalagmites, speleothem, and gryke flowed off his tongue with ease. He was keenly aware of our movement inside the caves and made every effort to ensure that my husband Joel, my son Ben (7), daughter Liv (5) and I were comfortable and safe. As the tour went on I found Ryles to be a natural mentor to my children. In a few short hours Ben and Liv were acquiring skills, knowledge, and attitudes to be more successful in caving. There was definite jostling of position between Ben and Liv as to who would follow Ryles down the next cave. Ryles’ success in mentorship comes from his own personal experiences being mentored himself. He has had the opportunity to cave alongside some of BC’s top cavers. Phil Whitield, President of the BC Speleological Federation and BC Provincial Coordinator for the Alberta/BC Cave Rescue Service (among many other national and international titles) first met Ryles in February 2012. In the months following, Whitfield had instructed the Forrests in a Companion
Photo courtesy of Melissa Horn.
Rescue Workshop and led them in a Family and Friends weekend cave trip at Horne Lake Caves. Whitfield reluctantly aborted this trip part way due to SRT (single rope techniques) gear for rope descents and accents required at the 20m Rainbarrel pitch of Riverbend Cave, which had not been expected. Many of the cavers had not packed in the necessary gear. Whitfield recalls Ryles being disappointed at the trip being cut short. To make it up to Ryles, he decided to enlist the Forrests in a photomonitoring project at Horne Lake Caves. A Canadian Cave Conservancy project that provides cave managers information on cave impact and if there is a need to protect the natural processes in caves. Through Whitfield’s commitment to creating a positive caving experience and recognizing the importance of developing future cavers, Ryles and his mom Charlene became instrumental in assisting with the project. They photographed 24 stations, helped set up shots to replicate those taken in 1988, worked well as a team, and gained valuable expertise in cave management. Whitfield was quick to continue working with the Forrests. “I find it very rewarding to mentor and support those who are keen to pursue caving,” says Whitfield teaming up a second time with the Forrests for a photomonitoring project at Candlestick Cave. A rare opportunity for cavers as access to Candlestick Cave is strictly controlled to protect its unique and fragile formations. Whitfield, who has been caving since 1964, knows that Ryles will gain valuable life lessons from caving. “Self –awareness, teamwork, risk assessment, appreciation for nature just to name a few. He is such a mature lad that I’ve never considered his age to be an issue – he’s just a small caver.”
Photo courtesy of Melissa Horn.
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Before our tour ended Ryles and I spoke about surveying caves. “It was up by Patterson Lake, it was our first cave survey, and we did it with Nancy and Trevor Moelaert. He is the “Mad Mapper.” He surveys a lot of caves,” Ryles tells me. The caving environment is both dangerous and pristine; therefore conservation and safety are always at the forefront. Mapping a cave is crucial for cavers. Trevor Moelaert, the president of VICEG and Deputy Provincial Coordinator for BC Cave Rescue, recognized that at Ryles’ young age he will no doubt be exploring undiscovered caves. Moelaert wanted to pass on the knowledge of cave exploration to Ryles. “One of the responsibilities when you explore a cave that has never been explored before is to map as you go, a sort of unwritten code amongst cavers,” stresses Moelaert. He had a couple projects underway, one near Patterson Lake, which he thought would be suitable for the Forrests. “It is a relatively small cave network but perfect as an introduction to him,” tells Moelaert, referring to the cave now known as Emerald Forrest Cave. Moelaert noted that Ryles was just as focused as any other caver and wanted to understand the entire process of mapping a cave network. Mentoring is a huge part of caving and Moelaert reiterated this, “The young ones are the future and it is great to instill the values in these people and passing it on to future generations.” Building a future for caving on Vancouver Island means looking to the next generation and Ryles Forrest is part of the next generation of Canadian
Photo courtesy of Melissa Horn.
cavers. My family and I enjoyed our time underground with Ryles. He is very much like any boy his age. A delight to be around, looks to his mom for guidance, and enjoys spending time with friends. He is supported by his mother Charlene, who caves alongside him, a diverse community of cavers who encourage his growth, and numerous family and friends who cave alongside him when they can. Even his own grandmother, who first introduced caving to him at the age of 5, supports and encourages his caving pursuits. Ryles and Charlene ended the 2012 caving season by winning the VICEG Underground Award. I asked him what he plans on accomplishing in 2013 and he answered with, “I like exploration best. Try and visit more caves. Maybe do some more rescue training? All we learned was how to set up anchors, how to ascend, and descend.� I realized just how determined this young man is after researching the caves he wants to explore next on Vancouver Island. Top of his list is Thanksgiving Cave. It is an impressive cavern and the deepest known cave on Vancouver Island (416 metres deep and 8.3 km long). I have no doubt that Ryles will make it happen.
Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. Send your comments or questions to comments@ islandtimesmagazine.ca. islandtimesmagazine.ca | 27
e g a r u Co CELEBRATING
With 1,500 wishes granted, what Make-A-Wish BC is really celebrating is courage.
B
Although he thought about it for months, nothing could have prepared Ryan Rowlinson for the day when his wish to meet his hockey hero Alexander Ovechkin was granted. This boy from Duncan could not have imagined the outpouring of generosity from the entire Washington Capitals team that included highlights like watching the practice from the penalty box, having his own locker in the dressing room, making the announcements prior to the game or riding the Zamboni. Coming face to face with his childhood hero will be forever etched in Ryan’s mind, replacing many of the more painful memories in coping with a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis; an often painful life-threatening illness. Back in 1983, when Make-A-Wish first came to British Columbia from Phoenix Arizona, few could have imagined that 29 years and 1,500 wishes later, the foundation would still be granting over 100 very special wishes, to BC kids like Ryan, each and every year.
While it’s nice to chalk up an impressive milestone of 1,500 joyous wishes, what we’re really celebrating is courage. Wish kids and their families demonstrate courage daily as together they endure difficult treatments. 9 year old Ashton Combdon from Sooke has already faced 36 surgeries. You would think by now that his spirit would be a little weary. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ashton celebrates life. While on his wish to Walt Disney World last year, Ashton was just another kid having a great day, smiling and laughing and forgetting about the hospital that has become such a large part of his life. Since he was 4 years old, Victoria resident Rene Soto Taylor has been coping with stage IV neuroblastoma; a tumor that started on his adrenal gland and metastasized to 90% of the bones in his body before diagnosis. Difficult treatments and a frightening relapse over the past two years have 28 | islandtimesmagazine.ca
taken a toll, not only on Rene, but on his parents Luis and Julia as well. “For a whole week, I forgot to be scared,” remarked Julia upon their return from their wish to Walt Disney World. The week was jam-packed with fun. Instead of anxietyproducing hospital visits, Rene’s days were filled with private meetings with Disney characters, buffets, ice cream all day, every day, not to mention the excitement of the Disney theme parks.
Nanaimo resident Mary Ella Latrides was diagnosed with leukemia at just 14 months old; the same disease that took the life of her namesake grandmother. The very next day, Mary Ella was on a helicopter being airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital where she began an aggressive course of chemotherapy for the next six months. In February, with her treatment behind finally her, Mary Ella and her parents Peter and Tanya set off on her wish to Walt Disney World in Florida. “That first hug from Mickey brought tears to Mommy and Daddy's eyes. It was like the final realization that it was time to celebrate our family’s triumph over cancer” said Peter. What does it take to still be going strong as an organization 1,500 wishes later? It takes people understanding and embracing the mission to deliver hope, strength and joy to families when they need it most. It takes financial commitment by both long-term and new donors. It takes the unending dedication of an army of volunteer wish grantors, volunteer board members and a small, but dedicated staff, who want to make a lifechanging difference in the life of a sick child. We do it, not only because we can, but because we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact of a wish. Not just on the child or their family, but on entire communities who want to see something good come from something bad.
Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC, including how you can refer a child or make a donation, please visit www.makeawishbc.ca. Send your comments or questions to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca.
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In desirable "RiversV Edge", ThisC H U R E S I R located T UAminutes L TOsouth U RofSParksville , V I DandEnorth O S of, Nanaimo F LO OonRCentral P LVancouver A N S , Island. B RO wonderful country home with south facing yard has plenty of outdoor living space and includes an impressive wrap-around timber frame veranda, with hot tub. Set up for horses w/2 paddocks, approx. 2 acres pasture, this 3 bed home w/4th bedroom included in above garage suite. Expansive windows bring in the outdoors providing country vistas from all rooms. A large kitchen has patio doors which open to lovely gardens. A wide staircase leads to the upper level family room has views of Mt. Arrowsmith, 2 bedrooms and 4 pc bath. An in-law/bonus suite has 3 pc bath, kitchenette. Numerous additional features have been included, ready for you to enjoy this wonderful country lifestyle.
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