4 - 2012 - Spring 2012 by Island Times Magazine - Vancouver Island Lifestyle Magazine

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 - SPRING | 2012

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JAMIE'S WHALING STATION CELEBRATES

NANAIMO'S MOUNTAIN

How Mount Benson Got Its Name

Island Spotlight

Nootka Island, Friendly Cove & Calvin Falls

ALL HAIL KALE

A Must-Use Super Vegetable

DID YOU KNOW? Facts About Man's Best Friend

NANAIMO'S JEWEL

The Nanaimo Child Development Centre

SIGNATURE RECIPE Port Alberni's Signature Salmon

OCEANSIDE WONDER Rathtrevor Beach Nature House

Enter to WIN

Island Events

One Of Two Whale Watching Adventures Go Online To Enter! P L AY

LIVE

E AT

S T AY

SHOP

EXPERIENCE

See Our Events Section Starting On Page 24

COMMUNITY

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COVER PHOTO Courtesy of Matthew Maran www.matthewmaran.com. Visit www.jamies.com to book your Whale Watching Adventure.

LIVE

NANAIMO'S CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Assisting children and families in Nanaimo and surrounding areas since 1967.

EAT 19

ALL HAIL KALE

Photo taken on a Jamie's Whaling Station Adventure. Page 12. Photos Courtesy of Matthew Maran www.matthewmaran.com

EXPERIENCE 18 ANIMAL STORY 6

NANAIMO'S MOUNTAIN Take a look back in time and find out how Mount Benson got its name.

ISLAND SPOTLIGHT: NOOTKA ISLAND & FRIENDLY COVE

Friendly Cove on Nootka Island has a good mix of wild, west coast shoreline and a protected bay. It's stunning!

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF WHALE WATCHING West Coast's original whale watching company, Jamie's Whaling Station, turns 30.

A new column which celebrates the animals in our lives, starting with an Arabian horse.

PORT ALBERNI'S SIGNATURE SALMON The Alberni Valley now has its own signature recipe.

A CULINARY ADVENTURE

BILL'S POPPIES Bill Yirell, A wonderful story teller and long term resident of the Coombs Community.

PLAY

Experiencing Parksvi;;e's Uncorked Event 2012.

COMMUNITY ISLAND ADVENTURES

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DID YOU KNOW? A few things you might not have known about dogs (until today).

SOUTH CENTRAL COMOX VALLEY/CAMPBELL RIVER WEST COAST

RATHTREVOR BEACH NATURE HOUSE Once a farmhouse, this place is now a landmark.

w w w. i s l a n d t i m e s m a g a z i n e . c a

A highly nutritious plant and a tasty staple in a vegan diet.

ONLINE

Victoria Harbour Boat Festival. Page 24.

All articles and more available online

te ot e Editor’s NoN

As our readers are already aware, the staff at Island Times Magazine loves all things related to Island living. Since smartphones are everywhere these days, we thought we'd include a round-up of some of our favourite smartphone apps you might want to use during your next visit. Below is a list of what we believe appear to be the most useful – depending on what you like to do, of course! This short list is just an example of all the different types of apps out there. • Vancouver Island Exploration Guide by Surton Media – This app for iPhones is being considered the Island’s most complete app guide out there. Want to know the best spots to land a huge salmon or watch thousands spawn? Need help navigating the island’s wine trail? Looking for fun kid-friendly activities? It’s all available through this app. • myPQB by Discover Anywhere Mobile – myPQB stands for My Parksville Qualicum Beach and it is a free app for Blackberry users. Save money and compare Parksville and Qualicum Beach restaurants, hotels, shops, events, and attractions using myPQB. • Comox Go-Guide by SnowSeekers Inc. – Unlock the best of Comox and Mount Washington with this app for iPhone. Over 40 years of industry expertise has gone into the construction of the SnowSeekers Go-Guides, which also promote the dozens of retails shops, restaurants, cafés, and accommodations Comox Valley has to offer. • MultiCam BC Ferries by Stanton Software – An iPhone app providing access to all 16 of BC Ferries’ web cams. Heading to the ferry and want to know if you'll be able to drive straight on, or if the lineup is already too long? Use this app to view the cams that show the action happening at the docks. • BC Ferries by NeededApz – A free app available for Android owners. Use for instant access to ferry schedules and current sailing conditions. This app provides fast-loading, no-frills schedules and only covers basic needs. Because it’s a freebie, be prepared for a few ads along the way. • Go Play Golf by Goplaygolf.ca – This free golf app covers over 30 golf courses in BC, and includes info on weather, special deals, and the “Possibility of Sun” (instead of the possibility of precipitation). • Wine Tripper BC by Bennalsoft Technologies – The BC version of the popular Wine Tripper smartphone app helps you explore our region’s fabulous wineries, from the Okanagan to Vancouver Island to around Vancouver itself. • Victoria BC Canada Transit Application by CDR Enterprises – This application provides information on the Transit System of City of Victoria and the nearby regions on Vancouver Island. Very handy! • Tourism Victoria by Discover Anywhere Mobile – This app can help you explore BC’s capital city and plan your activities. Find what is nearby, get directions, maps, activity ideas, and upcoming events. • The Tofino App – Use this free mobile travel guide for the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Explore the Tofino and Ucluelet area from the palm of your hand and find info on shops, restaurants, whale watching companies, surf shops, accommodations, art galleries, and more. This app was made by locals. • Tofino Guide – This handy travel companion goes beyond helping you find out where to eat, sleep and surf with tips and Top Ten lists of what to do when it rains, what to do with the kids, and where to find the biggest trees. • Nanaimo2Go! – This app is used in conjunction with the social networking platform Twitter. It allows easy access to organized local information such as news headlines, sports, traffic, weather, jobs, and more. Nanaimo2Go! is the ultimate means of staying connected to the City of Nanaimo, British Columbia. Before going and checking out some of these apps, take a look through the spring issue of Island Times, which presents a profile on the man Mount Benson is named after. We also include a feature on Nootka Island and Friendly Cove. Other stories include a spotlight on the Nanaimo Child Development Centre, a local salmon recipe, a write-up on Rathtrevor Beach Nature House, and more! As always, we welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and story ideas. Please email us at publisher@islandtimesmagazine.ca to get in touch, or contact a staff member directly. Happy sunshine, everyone!

Juli e nus McMa

Contact OUR TEAM SPRING | 2012 Island Times Magazine Box 956, Parksville, BC V9P 2G9 Ph: (250) 228-0995 Fax: (250) 586-4405 www.islandtimesmagazine.ca

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Jolene Aarbo publisher@islandtimesmagazine.ca

Editor

Julie McManus julie@islandtimesmagazine.ca

Writer & Photographer Dona Naylor dona.naylor@gmail.com

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Contributing Writers Andrew S. Brown Steve Crabb Brenda Gough David Hobson Corene Inouye Lillian Sue

The views expressed by columnists are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Island Times Magazine.

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Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, 1824 to 1920. Courtesy of Royal BC Museum, BC Archives.

Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Robson Benson. Courtesy of Royal BC Museum, BC Archives.

6 | islandtimesmagazine.ca

Flora Langford, wife of Captain Edward E. Langford. Courtesy of Royal BC Museum, BC Archives.

Nanaimo's n i a t n u o M by David Hobson

Are you curious to know where Mount Benson got its name?

t is hard to arrive in Nanaimo by air, sea, or road without noticing

Hudson’s Bay Company in the shape of Mr. Douglas.”

the 1,023-metre-high mountain on the western edge of the city.

Mount Benson is Nanaimo’s weather vane. Winter begins with

appearance and often looked slovenly. Helmcken recalled being

snow on the top of Mount Benson and spring begins with the melting

shown the sights of the fort with Benson dressed in his dirty sea

of the last snow. It’s difficult to imagine, but few in the city know

boots, pants tucked in his boots, while Helmcken looked the perfect

anything about Dr. Alfred Robson Benson after whom the mountain

greenhorn with his London-made thin-soled highly polished

is named. Just to make it clear, Benson was not the first name given

footwear. But Benson had a sense of humour. Once at dinner in

to the mountain. To the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the mountain was

the mess room of the fort, Douglas asked Dr. Benson why so many

“Taitookton”or Te’tuxw’tun (uncovered mountain) and later named

of the Hudson’s Bay officers were bald. The doctor replied “pro pelle

Wakesiah, a Chinook Jargon phrase meaning ‘not far away.’

cutum’’... they had sent their furs home. Douglas was not amused by

Alfred Robson Benson was born on Nov. 21, 1815 in Whitby,

“the poetry of the thing” asking him once for the prose – the cause.

Yorkshire and was the ninth child of William and Elizabeth Benson’s 12

Benson was unable to answer.

children. Whitby is a seaport on the northeast coast of England with

Dr. Benson was a collector of books, First Nations artifacts, and

a long history of seafaring men. Benson, however, chose medicine,

geological specimens, and had a passion for photography and pipe

having attended Guy’s Teaching Hospital in London and graduating

smoking. What he photographed I have no idea and I even wonder if

in May of 1848. [Graduating in March of 1848 was John Sebastian

any of his photos are still in existence. They would be quite the find.

Helmcken, a friend and Benson’s future colleague in Fort Victoria].

Fort Victoria’s first doctor was a man of unusual pursuits.

In 1848, Benson joined the Hudson’s Bay Company and in mid-

In the fort, there were two types of people – the Hudson’s Bay

December of the same year set off to Vancouver Island aboard the

employees who were loyal and obedient to the Chief Factor, James

barque, Harpooner. She was a 213-ton brigantine (barque) chartered

Douglas, and those who sided with the first governor of the island

by the Honourable Hudson’s Bay Company to transport the oversman

colony, Richard Blanchard. Benson, outspoken and witty, favoured

John Muir, his family, and seven Scottish labourers to the coal fields

Blanchard’s approach to governing. It was not likely the cleverest tact

of Fort Rupert near present-day Port Hardy. Also on board were the

to take especially after Blanchard’s departure (retreat?) in 1850 and

workmen recruited by Captain Walter Colquhoun Grant and James

Douglas’s subsequent appointment as governor.

Yates, amongst others. [Grant is credited incidentally with bringing the

first Scotch broom plant life to Vancouver Island, although “credited”

Bay post at Fort Vancouver, Oregon Territory, US. Benson was both

may not be the first word that pops into your head].

surgeon and clerk, and later from 1854-1855, surgeon for the Western

Fort Victoria was sighted on May 31, 1849. The doctor who had

Oregon Department. It was at Fort Vancouver that he made the

cared for the passengers on the Harpooner now cared for the residents

acquaintance of Ulysses S. Grant, Regimental Quartermaster for the

of the small fort. He was described by Doctor Helmcken in as “sterling,

fourth US Infantry stationed at the fort. Grant owed him money

honest, kind-hearted and upright” but also a grumbler and a bit

apparently!

of a radical. Helmcken thought that Benson “did not fit in” and that

“possibly he (Benson) could not serve two masters – Blanchard and the

still in his blood and he returned to Vancouver Island – this time being

Frequently it was pointed out that Benson took little care of his

Later in 1850 the good doctor was sent (exiled?) to the Hudson’s

In May of 1855, Benson retired back to England but doctoring was islandtimesmagazine.ca | 7

posted to Nanaimo in 1857. His life was busy with caring for the sick as

Company was formed with the Honourable Horace Douglas Lascelles,

well as performing civic duties such as acting as the returning officer

the seventh son of the third Earl of Harewood. [Incidentally, “Harewood”

for the District of Nanaimo. In the election of May 20, 1859, held at the

was pronounced ‘Harwood’!]

Bastion at no particular time, Mr. John George Barnston of Victoria was

elected to the House of Assembly by Charles E. Stuart. Yes, Stuart was

stationed at Esquimalt. The company sought and obtained almost

the only voter. The election was done “peaceably, quietly and without

9,000 additional acres. To operate the company, Benson and Lascelles

any rioting or fighting,” according to a tongue-in-cheek letter to the

hired a Nanaimo man, a canny Scot with years of experience in the coal

British Colonist.

business on the Island. The company soon faltered mainly because

Lascelles was the captain of Her Majesty’s gunboat called Forward

Marriage finally fit into Benson’s life when he married Ellen Phillips,

there was no sea access for the company’s coal and it was sold to

the sister of Mrs. Edward E. Langford (née Flora Phillips), in Esquimalt

another captain, Thomas Bulkey. The manager was, of course, the

in 1860. It may not have been the most politically astute choice for Dr.

famous Robert Dunsmuir who had left the firm after a year realizing

Benson as Mr. Langford, the bailiff of Colwood Farm, had become a

the state it was in. [If you’re not sure who Dunsmuir was, then, I would

bitter foe of Governor Douglas. Sadly, after two years, Ellen Benson died

suggest visiting Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria].

leaving him once again an eccentric bachelor.

It was also around this time that Benson, from April 7 to April 9, 1892,

died of diabetes, valvular disease of the heart, and exhaustion on

aided by the Reverend J.B. Good, vaccinated 165 Snuneymuxw for smallpox.

December 9, 1886. He was 71 years old. Captain Lascelles died on June

On December 8, 1862, Benson was given a choice of returning to

17, 1869 at the Naval Hospital in Esquimalt.

Fort Victoria or accepting a new post with the Vancouver Coal and Land

Mount Benson received its third name from one of Dr. Benson’s

Company. The Hudson’s Bay Company had sold their mining operations

friends, Captain G.H. Richards R.N., captain of the survey ships known as

to the new company leaving Benson in the lurch. The choice was made. He stayed in Nanaimo and also opened his own medical practice.

HMS Plummer and HMS Hecate. IT Acknowledgements: Black Diamond City, British Colonist, The Nanaimo

Free Press, and The Reminiscences of Doctor John Sebastian Helmcken.

In 1863, coal was discovered near Chase River, south of Nanaimo, and

Benson applied to lease 3,000 acres. It was the beginning of Benson’s coal mining adventure. He needed someone with deeper pockets and found a naval officer to form a partnership with. The Harewood Coal

Dr. Benson returned to his old home in Whitby (in 1864?) and later

Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca.

Victoria Times Colonist, December 25th, 1861

8 | islandtimesmagazine.ca

Visit www.islandtimesmagazine.ca to read this article and more. Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca.

? w o n K

Photo courtesy of Dona Naylor.

DID YOU

by Julie McManus

MAN'S BEST FRIEND EDITION

With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, we've sure noticed a lot more dog walkers out and about these days. We figured this was a good time to do a little research on our furry friends. Below are some things you might not have known about dogs – until today.

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A dogs is about as smart as a two- or three-year-old child. This means they can understand about 150-200 words, including signals and hand movements with the same meaning as words. The most popular male dog names are Max and Jake, and the most popular female dog names are Maggie and Molly.

The average dog can run about 19mph. Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on earth and can run at speeds of 45mph. Speaking of Greyhounds, the breed appears to be the most ancient dog breed. The name “Greyhound” comes from a mistake in translating the early German name Greishund, which means “old (or ancient) dog,” – not from the color grey. It's a dog's world. Dogs have lived with humans for over 14,000 years, although they've been around much longer. All dogs can be traced back 40 million years to a weasel-like animal called the Miacis, which dwelled in trees and dens. (Cats have lived with people for only 7,000 years). The phrase “raining cats and dogs” originated in seventeenth-century England. During heavy rainstorms, many homeless animals would drown and float down the streets, giving the appearance that it had actually rained cats and dogs. Another popular doggie phrase “dog days of summer” was coined by the ancient Greeks and Romans to describe the hottest days of summer that coincided with the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. A study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science by Mendel University in Brno reveals that dogs are friendlier when a woman is holding the leash. The study looked at about 2,000 interactions between dogs during their walks in 30 different areas of their city, cataloging the effects of age, sex, size, and other factors such as who was taking the dog on the walk. Dogs being walked by a male were four times more likely to bite or attack other dogs than those walked by women, the study found.

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This same study also claims that leashed dogs are twice as likely to threaten another dog as those running free. “Leash aggression” is most likely a reflection of the frustration dogs feel when the leash prohibits them from expressing normal greeting behaviors, the Humane Society's Inga Fricke explained in an interview with Discovery News. Dogs like to run around each other when they first meet and they can't do this runaround behavior when on a leash. Owning a pet is expensive, warns the SPCA. On its website it states that the one-time cost of adopting a new pet can be as much as $525, which includes the cost of adoption, spaying, food and water dishes, collar and leash, brush and comb, toys, and a crate. This doesn't factor in emergency medical expenses. Annual expenses can be as high as $1,200 each year, and includes such things as food, grooming, and licensing. It can be worth it though. Petting dogs is proven to lower blood pressure of dog owners, not to mention the benefits of taking Fido for daily walks. There will surely be a lot of dogs in attendance at the 2012 Vancouver Island Pet Expo taking place on May 26-27, 2012 at Pearkes Recreation Centre in Victoria. At the Expo there will be a wide variety of pet-related exhibitors, such as vendors selling pet products, supplies and accessories, representatives from breeder clubs, veterinary and medical services, pet adoption agencies, and much more. In addition there will be fun entertainment and hands-on attractions for the whole family. Learn more at www.vancouverislandpetexpo.com. IT If you're travelling with your dog this season, you can look up online which Island accommodations are best suited for pets. At www.meetpaws.com, simply search British Columbia for a list of popular places on Vancouver Island that are completely pet-friendly. The website also lists some questions to ask of each place, such as: Are there additional fees? What types, size, and maximum number of pets are accepted? Are there others pets living there? And, what other services are available for pets?

Visit www.islandtimesmagazine.ca to read this article and more. Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca. islandtimesmagazine.ca | 9

d n a l Is t h g i l t o p S by Dona Naylor

NOOTKA ISLAND, FRIENDLY COVE, & CALVIN FALLS

Photo courtesy of Dona Naylor.

First Nations people came to Yuquot over 4,000 years ago, and in March 1778, Captain James Cook, the first European to step on British Columbia soil, sailed into Nootka Sound.

ootka Island sparkles like a gem clustered among the crown of islands that nestle off the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. Youqot, or Friendly Cove, is the jewel – unlike anything I have discovered thus far and quite possibly my favourite location. The cove has a good mix of wild west coast shoreline and a protected bay with smooth wave-washed pebbles and ancient totems returning to the earth where they fell, gobbled up by wild roses and blackberries. A grassy knoll separates the shorelines while huge rollers crash onto the sand on one side and waves lap the other more protected side. (Storms do also hit the cove). Nootka Island is largely unpopulated. However, there are a few options available for travelling to Nootka, which are subject to seasonal service and inclement weather at any given time of year. 10 | islandtimesmagazine.ca

For example, around these areas, August is known as Fogust. On one of my trips to Nootka Island, I needed to return before my fellow hikers and asked Air Nootka, based out of Gold River, if there would be a possibility of flying me out earlier. Air Nootka responded with, “Well sure, we can meet you at Bajo Point on the west side, but due to severe fog in August, if we aren’t there, just wait for us and we will be, as soon as the fog lifts, it might be a few hours or up to two weeks!” When we inquired if dogs were able to go in the seaplane, we were told by another tour company, “Sure, you can bring your giraffe if you want to!” There seemed to be a sense of humour among the tour operators. Air Nootka serves many of the locations throughout the Muchalat Inlet. There are also flights from Tofino, which is only 70 km south of

Photo courtesy of Dona Naylor.

Nootka Island. Each flight, however, is chartered, but what incredible views of the coastline they offer! Another option for travel is the MV Uchuck III, which is a converted minesweeper and departs from Gold River. Guests that travel on the Uchuck are served freshly baked muffins and other delicious homemade meals while the vessel delivers necessary supplies to various camps and fishing lodges that are located among the steep fjords of the Inlet. This ship is also equipped to let kayakers off anywhere they choose to explore the many waters. The Uchuck III offers several tour options for visiting Nootka Sound and is well worth the journey. I was very fortunate to have been on the Uchuck III in June of 2001 when the vessel turned off its motor and drifted to allow Luna, a young Killer Whale, to perform. Luna became separated from his pod months before, and for a while, found a happy home in Nootka Sound. He loved to play around boats and seaplanes and the First Nations believed he embodied the spirit of Chief Ambrose Maquinna. He seemed to know when he had an audience as he leapt out of the water and then scooted to the other side of the ship and performed there also. Sadly, his playfulness led to his early death when he came too close to the propellers of a tugboat. Nootka Island is well known for its history. First Nations people came to Yuquot over 4,000 years ago, and in March 1778, Captain James Cook, the first European to step on British Columbia soil, sailed into Nootka Sound. The area quickly became a major source of trade and exploration, with otters becoming drastically over hunted and almost extinct due to the demand of their remarkable pelts. The Nootka Island Lighthouse is located on an islet slightly south of Friendly Cove and remains one of the few manned lighthouses on the West Coast. This Lighthouse has witnessed tragic weather and many maydays since it was built in 1911. My goal initially was to find Calvin Falls in my continued search for waterfalls. I had read a story about Calvin Falls and how they drop onto the sand, similar to Tsusiat Falls on the West Coast Trail. Imagine our delight as we flew over Nootka Island and watched the river from its headwaters until it splashed down onto the sand, creating a crystal clear pool before it washed out to sea. We then landed at Friendly Cove and spent three hours wandering and sharing a picnic while the seaplane operator took a nap lying on the wings of his aircraft. The Nootka Island trail is becoming more and more popular. A couple friends and I once hiked it and had an incredible adventure. I had one pack on my back and my camera bag on my front, which kept me pretty upright. No chance of me ending up turtling! Many of the fallen logs were taller than me, so yes, we laughed and cried as we traversed

endless sandy beaches, massive trees, seaweed covered shoreline, rocky and mussel-coated bays, and scenery that was unbelievable. I have also visited Nootka Island Fishing Lodge several times. We met our hosts, the Cyr family, mid-ocean as we climbed down a ladder from the Uchuck III onto their boat, amid cheers from the Uchuck staff and fellow guests who had quickly become friends in the few hours we shared. While staying at the lodge they took us to Friendly Cove several times so we could hike and explore. I think on one of those trips I laughed so hard my stomach muscles were aching; they treat their guests very well! There are many ways to visit and enjoy the area ranging from kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping. Places like Critter Cove, Moutcha Bay Resort, the towns of Tahsis and Zeballos, Bligh Island, and so many more, continue to draw me back again and again. IT Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca.

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Photos courtesy of Matthew Maran www.matthewmaran.com.

JAMIE'S WHALING STATION CELEBRATES

"Your deepest roots are in nature,” says author Charles Cook. And on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Jamie’s Whaling Station has been connecting visitors to nature since 1982. The coast’s original whale watching company, which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, is the place to visit for your next adventure. There is nothing mundane or average about the rugged West Coast. The abundance of wildlife and intact rainforests excite travellers of all ages, especially in the pristine coastal environments of Tofino and Ucluelet. In addition to whale watching, Jamie’s has a variety of excursions on its roster, including bear watching, day trips to Hot Springs Cove, kayaking, sunset cruises, private charters, and trips to view the lush old growth rainforest of Meares Island, to name a few. The waters of Clayoquot Sound in Tofino and Barkley Sound in Ucluelet host gray whales, humpback whales, and transient orcas. Twenty thousand gray whales pass through this area during their long migration period, and about 200 known as ‘residents’ remain from March through October, offering an extended period for guaranteed sightings. Humpback whales display a variety of surface behaviors making them photogenic subjects. A spectacular breach, lunge feed, or tail slap can happen at any moment, which is why whale watching is so addictive! Orcas in BC are some of the most studied and sought-after cetaceans worldwide. 12 | islandtimesmagazine.ca

Courtesy of Corene Inouye

OF WHALE WATCHING The most commonly seen orcas in this region are ‘transients’, which are mammal-hunting and rely on stealth to catch large prey such as seals and sea lions. Seasonally, there are thousands of Steller and California sea lions that congregate around the islands. The local waters are also home to sea otters, river otters, harbour seals, porpoise, and a myriad of other marine life. The area is also known for its bird watching, boasting one of the healthiest populations of bald eagles in North America, averaging an active nest every square kilometre. Every year from late April through May, flocks of sandpipers, plovers, Whimbrels, and many other shorebirds pass through the Tofino area. The protected forests, expansive mudflats, beaches, and rocky shorelines create the perfect combination of habitats that draw 40 species of shorebirds to the area. Bear watching tours travel up calm inlet waters to see black bears foraging along the shorelines in search of tiny rock crabs and other delicacies, from April through October. The Vancouver Island black bear population is thought to be around 10,000. “We are so extremely fortunate to live, work & play in such an amazing place, with breathtaking scenery, nature and wildlife - we really do have it all,” says Corene Inouye, general manager of Jamie’s Whaling Station. Tofino’s rich beauty is not only visible by land and sea, but also by air, and Jamie’s works with Tofino Air to offer combination tours that include scenic flights and wildlife viewing. An ‘Air Waves & Whales’ package and a Hot Springs ‘Sea to Sky’ package are extremely popular. Hot Springs

Photo courtesy of Matthew Maran www.matthewmaran.com.

rbutus Grove

Cove lies 26 nautical miles from Tofino and is accessible only by boat or plane. The 107 degree Fahrenheit (41C) natural hot springs are perched right at the water’s edge overlooking the open ocean. It is totally undeveloped and a ‘hot’ spot for visitors and locals alike. But Jamie’s Whaling Station is not just a tour company. Part of its success is built on its commitment to guest satisfaction and wildlife protection. Jamie was one of the founding members of the Pacific Rim Association of Tourism Operators (PRATO). And starting in 1997, Jamie’s added a $2 per passenger non-taxable fee to all tour fares, which is donated directly to support local wildlife research, rescue, and educational societies. Over $600,000 has been raised and donated to non-profit organizations such as the Pacific Wildlife Foundation, Strawberry Island Marine Research Society, Raincoast Education Society, Ucluelet Aquarium, and the Ucluelet Volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary. Jamie’s employs over 40 certified crew, many of whom are life-long west coast residents, who pride themselves on sharing engaging stories and facts about the area and its inhabitants. Jamie’s has the largest fleet of adventure vessels on the west coast, including two 65-foot-long cruisers suitable for all ages. These vessels include heated indoor seating, upper and lower viewing decks, restrooms, snack bar, liquor license, wheelchair accessibility, and room for up to 49 passengers to comfortably move around. Also among the fleet are a number of high-speed zodiac-style vessels for those seeking more excitement in their adventures. For Jamie’s 30th anniversary, the company collaborated with award-winning wildlife photographer Matthew Maran to produce a special anniversary edition of Maran’s book Vancouver Island: Barkley to Clayoquot. The book is filled with breathtaking photographs, a lot of which were taken by Maran while on board Jamie’s tours. The book is available for purchase in person at Jamie’s gift shops in Tofino and Ucluelet, or by calling 1.800.667.9913. When considering your next adventure, think of Jamie’s Whaling Station and ask, “What in the wild do you want to do?” IT

1182 East Island Hwy, Parksville

For more information or to book a tour please email info@jamies.com or call 1-800-667-9913. Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Maran www.matthewmaran.com.

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by Julie McManus

nanaimo's THE NANAIMO

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

he Nanaimo Child Development Centre (CDC) has been around since 1967, so chances are you know someone who has greatly benefitted from its services. The CDC assists children and families in Nanaimo and surrounding areas, including Ladysmith and Lantzville. It also provides specialized tier three assessments for Port Alberni, Ucluelet/Tofino, and Parksville/Qualicumareas. CDC resource development coordinator, Michelle Kocourek says the centre, which covers over 15,000 square feet and includes a gymnasium and an onsite integrated preschool, does much more than supports children with developing needs. It also provides services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, infant development, family development, family support, and therapeutic playgroups, among others. Kocourek, who considers the CDC the ‘Jewel of Nanaimo’, highly believes in the work the centre does for children and families and has experienced firsthand how it benefits people. “It was a CDC Physiotherapist who recommended a very specialized wheelchair for my grandson. The service groups that I connected with through the Minutes away from centre enabled our family to obtain this new chair that hasBeach made all Rathtrevor the difference in the world,” she says. Provincial Park Last year, the CDC injected over $3.5 million into Nanaimo’s economy and employed 82 people. Kocourek explains that although the centre receives some government funding, there are no programs or services provided that aren’t supported in some way by fundraised dollars. “We are a not for profit agency and we rely heavily on community support,” she says. The next big fundraiser for the CDC is the third annual Run, Walk & Roll event which is a 2, 5, 10 km event happening May 6 at Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo. The Run Walk & Roll event is open to athletes of all abilities and accommodates runners, walkers, baby strollers, wheelchairs, and power chairs. Participants collect donations and have fun while making a difference that matters to children with developmental needs and their families. Last year’s participants

raised $11,000, and the goal this year is $15,000. Entry fee is $25 for adults and seniors, $10 for children ages 6–12, Free for children ages 5 and under. Cost includes one free Woodgrove Centre $10 gift card and a t-shirt for the first 250 registered participants (six years old and up). Visit www.nanaimorun.com for registration details. If boating is more your thing, consider signing up a team for this year’s Coast Capital Savings Silly Boat Regatta in July. Silly Boats is fantastic event because the boats are constructed of any recycled material and must be able to float, hold at least two people and be assembled on site in downtown Nanaimo in less than four hours. Silly Boats must be powered by people or wind. No motors are allowed. This popular event draws a crowd of 10,000 people to Nanaiomo’s waterfront every year. Visit www.sillyboat.com for more. Learn more about the CDC, which mandates that no child with identified needs should have to wait for help, by visiting www. nanaimocdc.com, or contact the centre at info@nanaimocdc.com. The CDC is recognized internationally by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, (CARF) for its business practices. IT

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Rathtrevor Beach B Nature House by Steve Crabb

Photo courtesy of Steve Crabb.

A LANDMARK FOR OCEANSIDE AREA HISTORY & EDUCATION

16 | islandtimesmagazine.ca

ecause of the array of natural beauty, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is described as one of Oceansideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seven wonders by the Oceanside Tourism Association. But even after numerous visits to the park, one may still walk right past a little-known feature of Rathtrevor Provincial Park. Perhaps it goes unnoticed because at first glance, it looks like an ordinary old farmhouse, which is in fact, exactly what it used to be. However this farmhouse is now the unintentional (but charming) disguise for the Rathtrevor Beach Nature House. Its four walls contain many natural wonders as well as an interesting history.

Photo courtesy of Steve Crabb.

As is the case with many of our parks, the journey from private to public ownership can be a complicated and arduous business with many deals and compromises (for good or bad) being negotiated along the way. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park was no different, and transitioned to becoming a ‘Class A’ Provincial Park by first being sold to a forestry company and then traded for logging rights in Strathcona and Wells Gray Provincial Park. The Rath family, which built the house in 1942 and eventually sold the property, had no idea how many pairs of feet would walk through what was once the family's front door, into what is now the Nature House. In its early days, the farm house was used as housing for park employees who fondly recount tales of sharing accommodation with other ‘critters’ that also lived in the old farm house. From day one, the popularity and heavy use of the park by visitors and locals alike created the need to provide conservation education within the park, to ensure the sustainability and preservation of Rathtrevor Park. This role fell to park naturalists, also known as Park Interpreters. But what is a Park Interpreter? By definition, "Interpretation is a communication process, designed to reveal meanings and relationships of our cultural and natural heritage, through involvement with objects, artifacts, landscapes and sites," as per Interpretation Canada. Simply put, interpretation is educating others about nature in an entertaining and informative way. In the 1990s interpretive programs were flourishing, with events at provincial parks across BC seeing thousands of visitors participating annually. Participating in these engaging and educational programs while camping in a Provincial Park became synonymous with earning certificates and stickers such as garbage gobbler, history hound, and nature nut, and of course, earning the final crowning adornment of the highly coveted ‘Jerry the Moose’ cardboard antlers. Since the 1990s there were two contracts in the Provincial Parks, one for maintenance and operation of the parks, and one for the provision of interpretation and visitor services. In 2002, drastic cuts to BC Parks saw all government funding for interpretive, educational and conservation services in Provincial Parks eliminated virtually "overnight." Ironically, park interpretation throughout BC, which was known for its lively reenactments of historical events and storytelling, had now become a ghost story itself. However, for those who visit BC Provincial Parks on Vancouver Island, the story does not end there. RLC Park Services holds the contracts to manage many of Vancouver Island’s Provincial Parks and although these contracts do not include any government funding for park interpretation, RLC continues to dig into its own pockets and find ways to keep the Nature House alive. Rick Carswell,

the owner of RLC, has spent his entire working career in provincial parks and his passion for parks is evident in his commitment to park interpretation. He continues to employ interpreters and maintain the infrastructure that keeps not only the Rathtrevor Beach Nature House doors open, but also its sister nature houses at Goldstream Provincial Park in Victoria and Miracle Beach in Black Creek, with zero funding from the government. RLC employee and biologist/Park Interpreter Allison Roberts, who manages the three nature houses, is also passionate about making sure these houses remain viable and open for visitors to enjoy. In order to make that happen, says Allison, “unfortunately, without core funding, fundraising has become a huge portion of my job, but I continue because it is becoming increasingly evident that children (and adults) need an opportunity to be connected to nature. And that is my job as a park naturalist – facilitating the connection” It is a sad reality that across BC, park amphitheatres sit silently and nature houses remain closed to the public. This would surely be the case on Vancouver Island if not for the dedication of RLC Park Services. Oceanside is very fortunate to retain this valuable resource. The Rathtrevor Beach Nature House continues to vibrate with the hum of children and adults alike, whether they are campers or local residents. Come dig into the interactive displays, be entertained and informed by a Park Interpreter, be wowed by the amazing nature that is our ‘backyard’, and peruse the diverse collection of books displayed in the gift shop. All proceeds go towards funding the educational programs. RLC’s Park Interpreters are busy leading school classes from School District 69 in May and June, hosting the Brant Festival Kids Camp in March, as well as hosting community events such as BC Day and introducing park visitors to ‘edu-tainment’, through the many interpretive programs they offer. The Rathtrevor Beach Nature House is open to the public all summer long and also part-time in the spring and fall. So if you visit Rathtrevor Beach during these seasons, keep your eyes open for the peach stucco farm house and make sure you stop by to say hello and perhaps learn something new about our much loved Rathtrevor Beach. Want to find out how you can help? Interested in Volunteering? Wish to make a donation? Visit: www.naturehouse.ca. IT Many thanks to Allison Roberts for her help with this article. Allison, as well as being a biologist and park naturalist, is also a gifted Park Interpreter. Watch for her on Shaw Community Television; her segments about Vancouver Island Parks make learning about nature fun and informative. Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. islandtimesmagazine.ca | 17

l a m i n A y r o t S

We at Island Times Magazine are excited to present a new column which celebrates the animals in our lives. We honour their honesty, their acceptance, and the joy they bring to us. Some animals are remarkable in what they can overcome. Sometimes they are heroes, but sometimes they are victims. This column is without judgment or blame, but an effort to celebrate the amazing qualities animals possess in dealing with the moment, and persevering against odds that seem insurmountable. It is a place for stories that need telling. Do you have a story you would like to share? Do you have a remarkable animal you wish to tell us about? Send comments and inquiries to d o n a . n ay l o r @ g m a i l. c o m . Please keep in mind we cannot print all the stories you send us, but we will try! 18 | islandtimesmagazine.ca

by Dona Naylor

Photo courtesy of Dona Naylor.

watch as the horse strides with purpose and curiosity through the creek and over logs on the trail. The young girl riding him has a huge smile on her face, as she knows she can trust this animal while enjoying her time in the forest, weaving through birch stands and breathing in the smells of earth and evergreens. I smile to myself as I watch the sweet expression on her horse’s dished Arabian face, because I know what he has been through. He is a schoolmaster and a favourite in the barn. He knows his job and does it with enthusiasm. He will be 22 years old this May, but last year was nearly the end of his life. He suffered from severe caloric deprivation. In short, he almost starved to death. When a horse is let out on a free lease, sometimes things go wrong, in this case, severely wrong. However, please know, it is my belief that people make mistakes not from a lack of caring, but maybe from not having enough information about correct and necessary care. A year ago, the owner of the Arabian mentioned above received a Warmblood mare from her daughter to allow her to move to a higher level in her dressage skills. It is costly to board two horses and difficult to ride both. A good friend suggested she lease to someone who was looking for a horse to ride at the time. To begin with, the brave Arabian had some existing health issues and needed to be treated as if he were a diabetic. His specialized diet may have seemed complicated but was clearly laid out by the owner. However, for reasons unknown, it was too much for the woman who was leasing. The Arabian was kept in a stall with another horse and a sheep. Given the gentle nature of this animal, he was most likely non-aggressive in his approach to food. Therefore, what was given to him did not likely make it into his mouth. He lost over two hundred pounds in three months and his skin sagged and wrinkled over bone and without meat or muscle. When his owner visited him after three months she was shocked and acted quickly in hiring the vet and a dietician. The vet did immediate tests for all organs in order to determine the extent of damage, and the dietician provided meals specific to his requirements. This meant soaking fibre max and alfalfa cubes twice a day with grain and daily supplements. When he came to my barn he had put on some weight but it had to be slowly. And he needed regular exercise. He soon thrived. His weight has returned to normal and his coat is shiny, his eyes sparkle, and he is a wee bit cheeky! He is adored by the kids and adults in the barn and gets tons of attention. He is a perfect guy and we feel fortunate to have played a role in the survival of this animal. Sometimes, I look at him and see his past in his eyes and I believe he shows us his thank-you every day. IT Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca.

e l a K

ALL HAIL by Andrew S. Brown

A SUPER VEGETABLE

s kale the new beef? Probably not, but it is a highly nutritious plant that is a tasty staple in a vegan diet. It has great appeal to gardeners who want to have a year-round plot, with its ease of growing and ability to acclimatize to different environments. With food prices on the rise, and a increased need for a localized food supply, kale meets most needs for productivity and health benefits. The term â&#x20AC;&#x153;superfoodâ&#x20AC;? comes up quite often when describing foods like hemp seeds, quinoa, and goji berries; with its dense nutritional value, kale can easily be added to the list. Studies have even shown that if kale is eaten regularly, between two to five times per week, can significantly reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, act as an antiinflammatory, lower cholesterol, and help in body detoxification. In a steamed cup of kale, the nutrient levels are exceptional, with daily values of over 1300% of vitamin K, over 350% of vitamin A, 88% of vitamin C, 27% of manganese, nearly 10% of calcium, and has about 25% of the daily recommended omega 3 fatty acids in only 100 calories of kale. Steaming the kale helps the body access certain nutrients more easily, though juicing it with other vegetables and fruit also holds numerous benefits. There are many types or cultivars of kale, with different attributes

such as curly leaves, plain leaves, or speared leaves. Most types will grow well on Vancouver Island, though local seed companies, such as Salt Spring Seeds, have varieties like Red Russian kale (with the Russian kale mix a favourite) that seem to do particularly well in our climate. Kale should be planted between March and early July in full or nearly-full sun, but will also benefit from light shade in intense summer heat. Most soil types will work well, with organic compost being ideal for the best flavour and production. Simply plant seeds about a half-inch deep, when the ground is workable, about an inch apart then thin them to eight to 12 inches apart when small leaves appear. Be careful not to grow them too close together, as they are susceptible to mould. Aphids tend to be attracted to kale, so planting aphid resistant plants (like onions, garlic, chives, or flowers like marigolds or petunias) is helpful, while also releasing ladybugs into the garden. Enjoy your garden! IT Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca.

islandtimesmagazine.ca | 21 islandtimesmagazine.ca | 19

Photo courtesy of Brenda Gough.

PORT ALBERNI'S

by Brenda Gough

SALMON RECIPE The Nanaimo bar is legendary. There is no denying that it is Vancouver Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best known confection, but the little slice of dessert may have some competition. The Alberni Valley now has its own signature recipe and if the chef who created it has her way, it will put Port Alberni on the map as a destination for foodies who appreciate mouth-watering cuisine. 10 | islandtimesmagazine.ca 20 | islandtimesmagazine.ca

Dining on Vancouver Island is an epicurean delight particularly for seafood lovers thanks to a year-round supply of fresh fish. Gail McCully who lives in Port Alberni loves to cook with fresh, locally sourced food. For almost a decade, the culinary ace who holds a French Culinary Degree from the Pierre Dubrulle Culinary School has been creating to-die-for recipes in her Port Alberni home and selling mouth-watering seasoning rubs on the side. The woman who created each rub recipe herself has propelled her business, Metropolitan Chef, into a global success with online orders from all over the world. McCully now hopes her Alberni Valley Signature Salmon dish will become just as famous as the Nanaimo bar. Port Alberni isn't usually considered a hotbed of fine cuisine, but McCully wants to change that perception. At home in her kitchen she is constantly concocting new recipes and one of those recipes includes a salmon dish that won McCully the Master Chef 2009 award at the South Cariboo Garlic Festival. Her West Coast Salmon Saltimboca beat out recipes submitted from around North America. Though she's a formidable cook, McCully is quick to point

This serving of Alberni Valley Signature Salmon was prepared by Bruce Gillis of the Cypress Restaurant at Chances Rim Rock Casino in Port Alberni. He presented it to Gail McCully, the creator of the award-winning recipe, which has been adopted by Alberni Valley Tourism as its official recipe. Photo courtesy of Brenda Gough.

The Pacific Rim Banquet Room exudes elegance and can be booked for parties with up to 150 people. Photo courtesy of Brenda Gough.

out that she's not a chef. Instead, she's a food lover with a gift for creating award-winning recipes. McCully also loves to travel the world seeking out inspiration for her recipes and it was during a trip to Cambodia where she was giving a lecture at a cooking school that she had an ah-ha moment. While she was talking about her homeland and what types of food are eaten and grown locally, one student asked her for a recipe that reflected where she was from. "I downloaded a copy of the Nanaimo bar from the Internet," McCully explained. "That led to me thinking of having a dish for the Salmon Capital of the World." When McCully moved to the Alberni Valley, she spoke with the city's manager of economic development, Pat Deakin, about promoting tourism. She then met with tourism and marketing co-ordinator, Sabrina Zimmermann, and decided to pair up and promote culinary tourism. After teaming with Alberni Valley Tourism, McCully's recipe got a name change. Now known as Alberni Valley Signature Salmon, it has been sent to many restaurants across the Valley. The first to launch the recipe was Chances Rim Rock Casino and according to food and

beverage manager, Vishal Dewli, the dish has been a huge hit. He says the creation, which consists of a sautéed proscuitto and sage wrapped salmon fillet served on a grilled rustic French bread slathered with fresh garlic aioli, topped with an Okanagan Sauvignon Blanc/roasted garlic sauce, is perfect for tourists who come to the West Coast. “It’s refreshing. It’s really light. The flavour combination is amazing,” he says, adding “it has been well received by our guests.” Dewli says they currently serve the salmon dish for special occasions and when they have banquets but during tourist season it will be a regular feature on their menu. “It is one of our choices for the buffet menu and special events. Everyone loves it.” Like McCully, he too would like to see the recipe in the spotlight just like the layered bar which put Nanaimo on the dessert map of the world. “It would be great if it could get same notoriety as the Nanaimo Bar. It has more complexity than a Nanaimo Bar,” Dewli admits. Launching the signature dish will take time, McCully explained, because restaurants have to meet criteria to ensure consistency. "I’m pleased that people can dine on something I created," she says. "To see something that just started as a simple idea go fullcircle, and to bring it back home and donate it and have it become an official recipe for the city, is an honour." Along with Alberni Valley Signature Salmon, the Cypress Restaurant offers an innovative menu that is ever evolving. Dewli says their goal is to do the 100 Mile Diet as much as possible and include signature dishes that honour local farmers, fishermen, and food producers. But the food is only part of the unique dining experience offered at Chances Rim Rock Casino. Guests are in for a memorable evening of fine West Coast dining from the moment they stand before the 500-year-old sentinels framing the fireplace in the Cypress Lounge. The intimate grace of the Cypress Restaurant is mirrored in the Pacific Rim banquet room which seats 150. Designed with elegance, the room is handsomely appointed. The oversized light fixtures that once hung at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas give the room a dramatic flare. Dewli, who worked for one of Toronto’s high end restaurants before he fell in love with Port Alberni and decided to stay four years ago, says the atmosphere they provide in their dining venues is equal to the fine dining establishments you can only find in major cities. “Suzan Coulson designed the place. She has a great vision,” he says. The dining areas are designed with a quintessentially West Coast flavour and every tree that grows in the Alberni Valley is represented in the distinctive décor. With an award-winning signature salmon dish among the many creative entrées, and dining areas that are a feast for the eyes, Chances Rim Rock Casino in Port Alberni is a dining destination that should not be missed by travellers seeking a great food experience. Visit www.islandtimesmagazine.ca to read this article and more. Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca. islandtimesmagazine.ca | 21

Salmon Recipe DESCRIPTION:

Sauteed proscuitto and sage-wrapped salmon filet served on a grilled rustic french bread slathered with fresh garlic aioli, topped with a Okanagan Sauvignon Blanc/roasted garlic sauce. Serves: 4. Time to prepare: 1.5 hours

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Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Cut the tops of the whole garlic heads off, exposing the cloves. Place the heads on a baking dish. Drizzle 1 tbsp. of roasted garlic oil over the top of each head, reserving the remaining 2 tbsp. for later. Bake for 1 hour or until the cloves are tender. Once cooked, remove the cloves from the skins and set aside. While the garlic is roasting, prepare the garlic aioli. Combine the peeled and chopped garlic, egg, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a blender and puree. Turn the blender down to its slowest speed. Slowly add the olive oil (in a thin stream) and continue to process until the mixture forms an emulsion and is thick in consistency. Transfer the aioli to a small bowl and refrigerate.

Turn down oven to 200 F. Wrap each of the salmon fillets in prosciutto, loose ends to the bottom. Place 2 sage leaves on top of each of the fillets and gently attach with tooth picks. Reserve the remaining sage leaves for later.

Heat a non-stick frying pan to medium high heat. Brush remaining 2 tbsp. of roasted garlic oil on both sides of the 8 french bread slices. Fry in batches until golden brown. Once done, place on a baking sheet and put in the oven to keep warm. Wipe out the Frying pan with a paper towel.

Place 2 tbsp. of butter into the non-stick frying pan, re-heat to medium high heat or until the butter starts to foam. Place the wrapped salmon fillets sage side down. Saute for 2 minutes. Gently turn over and continue to saute for another 30 seconds or until prosciutto is crispy. Once done, remove the toothpicks, place salmon filets on an oven proof platter. Place in the oven to keep warm.

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Remove the browned butter from the frying pan and wipe the pan clean with a paper towel. Add the 4 remaining tbsp. of butter to the frying pan and melt until the butter just starts to brown. Add in the Sauvignon Blanc and the roasted garlic cloves. Saute for 1 minute. When done, turn the element to low to keep the sauce warm.

HARVEST by Ken Cameron

CELEBRATING 20 SEASONS!

ALL SHOOK UP featuring the songs of Elvis Presley ®, book by Joe DiPietro

To assemble, remove the french bread from the oven and spread 1 tbsp. of aioli on each of the slices. Place the 2 slices of french bread, side by side, on each of 4 plates. Place the proscuitto wrapped salmon across the french bread. Divide the roasted garlic/sauvinon sauce between the 4 plates drizzling the sauce both on top of the salmon and around the sides of the french bread.

NOISES OFF by Michael Frayn

(contains strong language)

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR® DREAMCOAT lyrics by Tim Rice, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

CHICKENS by Lucia Frangione, music by Royal Sproule, Lewis Frere, Mark Lewandowski and Jason Bertsch

Divide the remaining aioli into 4 ramekins, garnish with the remaining sage leaves. Place the ramekin along with a demitasse spoon on each of the plates.

WINGFIELD’S FOLLY by Dan Needles, starring Rod Beattie (Bonus Show!)

THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI from O. Henry stories, book & lyrics by Mark St. Germain, music & lyrics by Randy Courts

10 Serve immediately.

INGREDIENTS: For the aioli: 4 – Medium fresh garlic cloves, peeled, chopped 1 – Large egg 1 Tbsp. – Freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 Tsp. – Salt 1/4 Tsp. – Fresh ground pepper 1/2 cup – Extra virgin olive oil For the Alberni Valley Signature Salmon: 4 – Whole medium sized heads of garlic 6 Tbsp. – Roasted garlic oil (extra virgin olive oil may be substituted), divided 4 – 6 oz. salmon fillets, approximately 1/2 inch thick 150g – Proscuitto, thinly sliced

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2012

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y r a n i l u C A

e r u t n e v Ad

Photo courtesy of Greg Howard Photography & Tigh-Na-Mara.

by Lillian Sue

Experiencing parksville uncorked 2012

16 | islandtimesmagazine.ca

Photo courtesy of Lillian Sue

hen you think of culinary destinations in North America, you conjure up images of New York, Vancouver or Boston. Vancouver Island as a culinary destination might not automatically come to your mind, but it may surprise you. With great local products such as Little Qualicum Cheeseworks in Qualicum Beach and Blue Moon Winery in Courtenay, Vancouver Island is definitely on its way to making an impact on the culinary map. After living on the island for nearly four years, I can definitely attest to the fact that there are some amazing products and culinary experiences, from the amazing dessert wine at Dragonfly Hill Vineyard to the cheese from Salt Spring Island Cheese and everything in between. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the reasons I was so excited to personally receive the invite from Jenn Houtby-Ferguson, Director of Sales &

Photo courtesy of Lillian Sue.

Marketing for Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre to attend and cover Parksville Uncorked 2012. I’d stayed at Tigh-NaMara previously but never attended an event at the resort so I was eager to see what Parksville Uncorked would have in store. I attended Parksville Untapped and the festival’s signature event, Swirl and they were two of the best culinary events I’d ever attended both for the value and for the vendors. Parksville Untapped is in its 2nd year, but you would never know that it was a 2nd year event. Held at the Beach Club Resort, Untapped had over 18 microbreweries and 10 food vendors in attendance. The venue was packed, filled to the brim with people in cowboy gear, fitting in with the Western theme. I sampled decadent chocolate truffles supplied by the Beach Club Resort as well as shrimp “spoons” chilled on an elaborately hand carved ice shelf. The food highlights for me included the porcini mushroom risotto ball made by Sysco Foods and the chocolate fountain supplied by Tigh-Na-Mara. Dipping strawberries into the fountain was just divine but I also loved the chocolate covered pretzels supplied by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. I never knew that salty and sweet could work together so well in one item. The big four Island breweries of Driftwood, Lighthouse, Vancouver Island & Phillips were definitely well represented and in attendance and there was also a Lower Mainland presence for breweries with Stanley Park Brewing, Granville Island & Whistler Beer in attendance. Though I’m not a beer drinker, I did manage to find a beer that I ended up enjoying. The Beach Club Resort had an ice luge that allowed beer to flow through it and directly into the glass. I just had to try it, as I’d never had what I call a “drink performance” before. I tried the Ephemere Pomme Beer after it flowed through the luge and the delivery method did impact on the taste of the beer, it was definitely more refreshing. I also discovered a cider that has become my favorite. Although I’m usually not much of cider drinker, I was attracted to the board at Merridale Cider’s table that described their Meri-Beri cider with apples and variety of BC berries. It sounded intriguing and I couldn’t wait to try it. With each sip that I had, I could taste the distinct flavours of raspberry, strawberry and blueberry. To cap off the night at Parksville Untapped, a country cover band performed a variety of songs, my favourite of which was “Time of Your Life” by Green Day, which was also their best cover, in my opinion. As someone who is learning day by day to love wine, Swirl definitely fit my tastes even more than Untapped did. With over 150

BC wines being poured at the event and over 50 wineries showcasing their wines, I couldn’t wait to find some new favourites. I was happy to see some standby favourites on the vendor list, including Jackson Triggs, Inniskillin, Mission Hill and Sumac Ridge, but I also noticed the presence of a few smaller wineries that I’d tried before like Elephant Island and St. Hubertus and I wanted to try more varieties from them as well. With a jazz band playing and over 500 people sampling the wine as well as the chocolate fountain with desserts and strawberries to dip, I wanted to sample as much as I could and avoid the crowds. I loved the grilled cheese sandwich that Tigh-Na-Mara supplied and it paired beautifully with the Cranberry wine from Mooberry Winery. On the list of wineries that I tried, I would have to say that my ultimate favourite was Elephant Island’s 2010 Framboise which was sweet without being overpowering and had just the right amount of tartness. It paired wonderfully with dessert and was followed by a close second, MooBerry’s Cranberry Wine and then St. Hubertus’s Gewürztraminer. Rounding out the tip five I had Muse’s Pinot Gris, Summerhill’s Rose and Calliope Wines’ Rose. For a festival that’s four years old, it’s definitely impressive that Parksville Uncorked has attracted so many different food vendors and wineries but how does a four-year old festival continue to grow and become more successful? According to Wendy Sears, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Beach Club Resort, it’s all about partnership. “The cornerstone to the success of Parksville Uncorked is partnership and not just the partnership between Tigh-Na-Mara and the Beach Club Resort,” she tells me over drinks at Parksville Untapped. “It’s the collaboration between so many partners such as wineries, restaurants, breweries and food suppliers. We are all working together to support not only tourism in the Oceanside Region but to showcase the diversity of our food & beverage.” So what’s next for a culinary festival that wants to make Parksville & the Oceanside region the go-to destination for the tourism offseason? Jenn had this to say when I asked her. ““Parksville Uncorked is truly a celebration of all things BC. The spectacular wines and amazing cuisine come together in this festival of tastes. Our goal is to continue to provide festival goers with the opportunity to experience the incredible products right in their own backyard.” And that’s definitely something I want to be a part of. IT Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca. islandtimesmagazine.ca | 25

Poppies Bill's

ill Yirrell was born 80 years ago in the old log home on Ward Road in Coombs. It is just down the road from where Yirrell lives now. He recalls seeing photos of it being built years earlier. He tells me, “ They had an old tarp over it.” That stuck me funny as I wouldn’t have thought tarps would have been around, and so handy in 1906. I asked him, “Are you sure it was a tarp?” He shook his head and laughed. “Well it sure looked like one.” Last year (2010), Yirrell decided to throw down some poppy seeds into his vegetable garden to see what would happen. He had planted this patch of garden for 24 years now and was thinking about moving it. Some blooms came up then, but this year, he had an abundant crop of bouncing poppies, blowing above the cabbage and potatoes and smothering the carrots and beets with their whimsical joy. Tall fireweed stands against the fence like guards dropping and watching over the crop. I love that Yirrell honours the fireweed, known for its importance to honey bees. They were volunteers but he watered them and that seemed to make them want to stay and make a permanent home. Yirrell is full of wonderful stories. Like the time they went out hunting and friends were having a nap back at the cabin while the clam chowder boiled on the camp stove. It was a great oppourtunity for the black bear to pick up the burning pot and carry it off for a feast. Or the bear sitting on the stump and as soon as they weren’t looking he scooted into the cabin and grabbed the ham and took off with it into the bush, drooling I am sure. Mostly Yirrell recalls how much fun they had as kids. Even when they were young they explored the woods and followed the creek all the way up to its source on the mountain. They knew Dudley Marsh intimately and skated there often. Cascara tree bark was picked by everyone and sold for it’s medicinal properties. 26 | islandtimesmagazine.ca

by Dona Naylor Photos courtesy of Dona Naylor

One of the big differences of then and now, Yirrell says, “There was always work.” He made 50 cents an hour and worked ten- hour days in the bush. Often Yirrell drove the team of workhorses hauling out logs. Yirrell has a couple beauties hiding in his shed. I have to say, I love old machines and vehicles but prefer them before they have been restored, when the rust is gritty and paint peels off like arbutus bark. Well my eyes lit upon the old Willies Jeep and also a tractor. Both were built in 1947. And the piano Bill Yirrell keeps at the Coombs Country Market? Well, apparently, there is a story about that, how it came down from the Klondike and is dated 1899. But nobody seems to know the story, or if they do, maybe they don’t want to share it? Yirrell was once a member of the Velvetones, a band that played dances at the Errington Hall and other venues around the community. He played guitar and drums. He loved to tell me about how he had two hours of high school education. Once he had graduated from French Creek Elementary School he had to attend grade eight in Qualicum. He had rides apparently but the first day when school finished the ride wasn’t there. So he walked all the way back to Coombs and called up work to tell them he wanted a job. And the train was a daily visit. He would ride his bike down and pick up the mail every day off the train. “Yeah, the train was great.” Yirrel is still active with his visits to the Coombs Country Market daily, as well as working his portable sawmill. His eyes sparkled with pride and delight as I gingerly stepped among tender, whimsical poppies taking photos, but they really lit up when I suggested a portrait of Bill! IT Read this article and more at www.islandtimesmagazine.ca Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca

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SOUTH VANCOUVER ISLAND EVENTS

Photo courtesy of Dona Naylor.

ISLAND Adventures Chemainus Theatre Festival Presents: NOISES OFF APRIL 27 - JUNE 2 For show times, visit: www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca

It's chaos backstage at Chemainus Theatre. A haphazard acting troupe is taking Broadway by storm, if they make their 6th-century British sex comedy, "Nothing On", a cross-country hit. But everything that can go wrong does amid a fastflying plate of sardines, many slamming doors, and actors tripping over love lives and lost lines. Will they finally "kill it" on Broadway - or just kill each other by closing night? See the "funniest farce ever written" (New York Post) at The Chemainus Theatre Festival. Tickets are available at https://tickets.chemainustheatrefestival.ca/.

Victoria Harbour Boat Show April 19 - April 22 Thurs/Fri: 11:00am-6:00pm, Sat/Sun: 10:00am-5:00pm The 2012 Victoria Harbour Boat Show is coming to the pristine waters of Victoria's Inner Harbour. Vancouver Island's premiere in-water boat show is the place to get great deals on all your boating needs, just in time to hit the open water this summer. Located in the historic centre of beautiful Victoria, the Inner Harbour will play host to upwards of 200 new and pre-owned boats for sale. Whether your looking to upgrade your current model or buy your first boat, the staff and exhibitors a the Victoria Harbour Floating Boat Show will make sure you sail away satisfied. 28 | islandtimesmagazine.ca

Belfry Theatre Presents: God of Carnage

April 6-9 Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street, Victoria 1-778-679-1423 www.grandpacificopen.com

April 17-22 Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone, Victoria 1-250-385-6815 www.belfry.bc.ca

Just for Laughs presents: JOHN PINETTE

April 21-22, April 21: 10am to 6pm April 22: 10am to 5pm Pearkes Recreation Centre 3100 Tillicum Road, Victoria 1-250-923-0939 www.vancouverislandoutdoorexpo.com

Kaleidoscope Theatre presents: AMADEUS - A Tale of Obsession

April 26, 6:30pm Crystal Garden 713 Douglas Street, Victoria 1-250-386-5311 Tol-free 1-866-386-5311 http://vcm.bc.ca/

VI Outdoor Adventure Expo

April 11, 7:30pm Mcpherson Playhouse, #3 Centennial Square, Victoria 1-888-717-6121 Box Office www.rmts.bc.ca

April 13-14, 8:00pm Mcpherson Playhouse #3 Centennial Square, Victoria 1-888-717-6121 Box Office www.rmts.bc.ca

Pacific Brant Carving & Art Show 2012

April 14 to15 Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney 250- 479-9165 www.thebrant.ca

Sooke River 10K

April 15, 11:00am Various Locations - Sooke www.vira.bc.ca

Uncork your Palate 2012

SPIN Intensive: Urban food for health and profit

April 22, 9:00am to 5:00pm Fernwood Community Centre 1240 Gladstone Avenue, Victoria 1-250-709-7014 www.permaculturebc.com/SPIN-Farming-Intensive-2012

Ron James LIVE in Victoria

May 13, 8:00pm Royal Theatre 805 Broughton St., Victoria 1-888-717-6121 Box Office www.rmts.bc.ca

Stars on Ice 2012

May 16, 7:00pm Save On Foods Memorial Centre 1925 Blanshard Street, Victoria 1-250-220-7777 www.selectyourtickets.com

149th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival May 19-20 Topaz Park Blanshard and Finlayson, Victoria http://victoriahighlandgames.com

69th Swiftsure International Yacht Race May 26- 28 Various Venues, Victoria 1-250-592-9098 http://www.swiftsure.org/

Vancouver Island Pet Expo

May 26- 27, May 26: 10am to 6pm, May 27: 10am to 5pm Pearkes Recreation Centre 3100 Tillicum Road, Victoria 1-250-514-2921 www.vancouverislandpetexpo.com

Ballet Victoria: A Midsummer Night's Dream

May 31-June 1, 7:30pm Mcpherson Playhouse #3 Centennial Square, Victoria 1-888-717-6121 Box Office www.rmts.bc.ca

This is a listing of just some of the events on Vancouver Island. Visit harbourliving.ca for even more events. Submit your events to events@islandtimesmagazine.com

3RD L A ANNU

April 21 & 22 • 2012

Pearkes Arena • Tillicum Centre • Victoria, BC EXHIBITOR CATEGORIES INCLUDE: • Adventure Travel • Fishing Retailers • Boating & Water Sports • • Health, Fitness & Nutrition • Canoe & Kayaking • Camping • • Running • Cycling/Mountain Biking • Destination Lodges & Resorts • • Backyard Adventures • Outdoor Clubs & Associations • Marketplace • • Ziplining • Tourism Boards • Whale Watching • RV Adventures •