Route 3 Summer 2013

P e o p l e A rts H o m e s F o o d c u lt u r e r e c r e at i o n H i s to ry Summer 2013

Life in the West Kootenay/Boundary Region

Take a Hike!

There’s no shortage of beautiful trails in the Kootenay/Boundary

Above it all

You too can fly the friendly skies of our beautiful region

WWoofing for your supper

World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms links volunteers with farmers

AMazing seniors

The words powerful, political and protagonists describe today’s retirees

Welcome Home to Christina Lake, Where Families Play!

Christina Lake Homecoming July 19 & 20, 2013 www.facebook.com/christinalakehomecoming

Grace McGreGor rDKB area director – christina Lake

Page 2

Route 3 Summer 2013

contents

Publisher Chuck Bennett publisher@ grandforksgazette.ca

Amazing Seniors by Kate Harrison Whiteside

Account Manager Chris Hammett route3@ grandforksgazette.ca

The words powerful, political and protagonists describe today’s retirees, page 5

Take a Hike! by Tara Howse

Editor & Art Director Shelley Ackerman sackerman@telus.net

There’s no shortage of beautiful trails in the Kootenay/Boundary, page 8

Back in the Day by Sascha Porteous Take time to explore the museums of the Boundary region, page 15

Winging It by Greg Nesteroff Spend a weekend in one of Wing Creek Resort’s cozy cottages, page 19

WWOOFING for Your Supper by Kirsten Hildebrand World-Wide Opportunities for Organic Farms links volunteers with farmers, page 22

Above it All by Art Harrison

ROUTE 3 is published by Black Press 250-442-2191 or 1-877-443-2191 Box 700, 7255 Riverside Dr. Grand Forks, B.C. V0H 1H0 Printed in Canada on recyclable paper.

Copyright 2013 by Black Press.

All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any article, photograph, or artwork without written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. The publisher can assume no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Cover photo by David R. Gluns Hiking the beautiful Idaho Peak.

You too can fly the friendly skies of our beautiful region, page 27

Q&A with Ricardo Hubbs by Timothy Schafer, page 30

FSC LOGO

To us, green means more than money.

Kootenay Savings is pleased to announce our Crossroads location has been awarded LEED® Silver Certification by the Canada Green Building Council. Green in design, construction and operation, Crossroads looks to the future with sustainable features such as irrigation-free landscaping, optimal energy and water conservation, and a living roof on its canopy. As well as using low-emitting materials in its construction, the building maintains a scent-free environment and housekeeping program making it a healthy place to work and bank. Green banking, just one of the many ways we’re making the Kootenays better together.

Crossroads Financial Centre 605 20th Street, Castlegar

kscu.com

Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 3

Tidbits – a taste of what’s happening in the West Kootenay/Boundary Concerts in the Park

Wednesdays to Aug 28, 7pm Kinnaird Park, Castlegar Twoonie collection. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concession.

Gold Fever Follies

3pm & 7:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday to Aug 24 Miners’ Hall, Rossland Musical play of Rossland's early gold rush days.

Castlegar Art Walk

To Sept 15 Throughout Castlegar Artists to show their work at local business 'mini-galleries' throughout the summer.

Starbelly Jam Music Festival

July 19–21, Crawford Bay Park Musical acts from around the world, children's activities, craft and food vendors and more.

Kettle river Festival of the Arts

July 26–Aug 11 Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Midway, Rock Creek

Kootenay Festival

Saturday, July 27, Castlegar Entertainment, cuisine, displays, performance and more.

Kaslo Jazz Summer Music Festival Kootenay Lake

Aug 2–4 Stunning vistas, great acoustics and superb jazz musicians.

Boundary Bash

Aug 3 - 5, Barb Collin Memorial Park, Greenwood Social 10's rugby tournament.

Cyswog 'n' Fun Triathlon

Sunday, Aug 4 Nelson Lakeside Park 31st annual one quarter Ironman triathlon.

Pirate Day on the SS Moyie

Friday, Aug 9 324 Front St, Kaslo We be holdin’ grand piratical games, treasure hunts, and more!

Columbia Basin Culture Tour

Aug 10–11, Various communities in the region

MARKETS:

Explore artists' studios, art galleries and more.

Cottonwood Falls Market

Saturdays to Oct 26 Nelson Cottonwood Falls Park

Chevelle/Beaumont Car Rally

Aug 16-18 Market Avenue, Grand Forks Show and shine, poker run.

Nakusp Farmer's Market

Saturdays to Oct 12, Downtown Winlaw Farmers' Market

Grand Forks Fall Fair

Sundays to Sept 15 Hwy 6 Spicer Centre

Aug 24–25 Dick Bartlett Park

New Denver Friday Market

SUnshine Quilters Quilt Show

Fridays to Sept 27, Main St

Aug 30–Sept 1 Grand Forks Curling Rink

Wednesdays to Sept 25, Baker St

Nelson Downtown Market Trail Downtown Market

Golden City Days

Sept 6–8, Rossland Parade, inflatable fun park, food and craft vendors, music and more!

Queen City Cruise

Saturday, Sept 7, Baker St, Nelson Car collectors from far and wide.

Fridays to Sept 20 Downtown on the esplanade

Rossland Mountain Market

Thursdays to Sept 26, Downtown Nelson Market Fest

Fri July 26 and Aug 23, Baker St Silverton Farmers Market

Hills Garlic Festival

Sunday, Sept 8 Centennial Park, New Denver 150 vendors, local crafts, great food and entertainment.

Saturdays to Oct 12, Town Square Park Grand Forks Farmers Market

Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday Gyro Park

CORRECTION In the article on the Doukhobor Suspension Bridge in the Spring 2013 issue of Route 3, there was an error and an omission.

The error: Although the "official" report of the completion of the bridge indicated there were no deaths, some Doukhobors remember otherwise, John Fomenoff and Harry Voykin among them, who stated in separate interviews that several men died and a number were injured during blasting for the bridge. Mr. Fomenoff was present during this disaster. Mr. Voykin said in 1992 "As a monument, [the bridge] is a reminder of the people who died working on the project, and at least seven others were severely injured."

The omission: Third paragraph on page 21 should read: The Bridge Restoration Committee collected funds and kept the bridge restoration idea alive for some years, but there was little progress until Larry A. Ewashen, longtime curator of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, made a motion in a Council of Doukhobors meeting to reactivate the project. Mr. Ewashen also restarted negotiations with the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) to determine the final plaque wording. This was duly completed with the participation of the Council of Doukhobors in Canada.

Our apologies to Mr. Ewashen and the historical record.

Kootenay Women

{ Page 4

Representing Kootenay Values Katrine Conroy, MLA Kootenay West 1-888-755-0556

Katrine.conroy.mla@leg.bc.ca www.katrineconroy.ca

Route 3 Summer 2013

Michelle Mungall, MLA

Nelson-Creston 1-877-388-4498

Michelle.mungall.mla@leg.bc.ca www.michellemungall.ca

}

A St Standin

www.mi

People

Polly Chernoff at the Hospital Auxiliary Treasures Shop in Castlegar.

Amazing seniors

The words powerful, political and protagonists describe today’s retirees

story and photos by

Kate Harrison Whiteside

M

otivated. Competitive. Active. All terms that easily apply to youth. But, in the Kootenays, they are just as likely to describe seniors, a population that now exceeds the number of children living in the region. Out skiing, racing in triathlons, spending more time volunteering than they did working, seniors are creating a new vision and version of retirement.

“Baby boomers are now 67 and older and there’s a revolution happening, “ says Liz Gillis, CBAL (Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy) community literacy coordinator and seniors advocate.

“The generation turning 65 now were part of the ’60s revolution. They decided they wanted to change society. And they are not going to be complacent, and that’s is a cool thing.”

Kootenay’s retirement age group grew from 35 per cent in 2002 to 44 per cent in 2012, and is growing.

Rino Dibiasio, Trail Rino Dibiasio, who turns 79 this year, lives at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Trail. He lives, however, a not-so-quiet life as a senior. Rino’s actions speak much louder than words. He is wellknown in the community and the province for his cycling, skiing, organizing and competing for medals in B.C.’s Seniors Games, helping out with Red Mountain ski patrol, the list goes on. Not ➤

Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 5

to 79 years. Although one has recently passed away and a couple of the others are ill.”

He’s competed in several Seniors Games in B.C., Utah, Nevada and California. Last year he won Silver in the cycling event, and this year he’s going for gold.

“I’m just trying to keep the body going and the joints moving,” says Rino, “and, so far they are. I just do my exercise — hiking, fishing — and just enjoy it.”

How does he do it? Eats healthy — good breakfast, fruits, vegetables and meat. He also has family history on side — his mother lived to be 93.

Looking out the window at the heavy white snowfall Rino says, “I’m supposed to be cross-country skiing tomorrow. Think I’ll have to change that to downhill.”

With all that’s out there in the community, there’s ‘no reason to be a couch potato’ he says. “I’m just going to keep on with what I’m doing.” many can claim to be honoured with a Seniors’ Games silver medal in cycling or have a ski run named after them — Rino’s Run at Red Mountain. But, Rino doesn’t do it for the glory.

The son of Italian immigrants who came to Canada in the early 1930s, Rino didn’t speak English when he started school. He worked hard all his life; now in retirement he plays hard. Sitting back, with one arm stretched along the back of his couch, the fit retiree looks relaxed. But, you can tell he’s itching to get back outside to do something.

Rino started skiing at 14 and is now a regular downhill and x-country skier – “chomping through woods to cabins” he helped establish. In 1955, he became involved with the ski patrol, using first aid skills learned at Cominco. Red Mountain and the ski patrol celebrated his 50 years of involvement — by naming Rino’s Run — during his retirement party.

“They thought I was going to retire,” Rino says, smiling. “But, I’m still there.”

“I remember Old Granite and doing high-span rescues off the eighty-five-foot chair,” says Rino. “We even did some cliff rescues in the back country.”

Although he started skiing at a young age, Rino only began cycling, racing and mountain biking after he retired from work in 1993. Two ski patrol friends inspired him, and what started out as a fun pastime is now adding trophies to his mantel.

“I hadn’t done anything competitive until I retired 21 years ago. I enjoy taking part, win or lose,” says Rino. “ “We call ourselves the Italian Cycling Team,” he says of the others he’s met in the Seniors Games. “There are nine or ten who compete in my age group — 75 Page 6

Route 3 Summer 2013

Polly Chernoff, Castlegar Polly Chernoff, 78, is busier now than in her days as a mother, wife and employee. A tour of the main places she volunteers: the Hospital Auxiliary Treasure Shop — where she has been a volunteer for 45 years; the Seniors Group Soup Day — where she helps out and knows practically everyone; and, the Senior Citizens Branch Dew Drop Inn with its full, daily activities calendar. And, there are more.

Polly’s daughter Cindy couldn’t help adding that her mother has recruited all members of the family to help out, volunteer, even join the organizations she supports. It’s a way of life that’s existed for generations and looks set to continue.

At 16 years, when Polly’s mother took ill, she quit school and took a business course. At 18, she was asked to manage an Eaton’s order office, partly because she spoke Russian, and could help many of the customers.

One day Polly got an invite to be the region’s marriage commissioner — the first woman to hold this position.

She held the position from 1986–1994. And to this day, she doesn’t know who recommended her.

“I enjoyed it. Met all kinds of people from way down the valley —Rossland, Grand Forks, Fruitvale,” said Polly.

“I even did my daughter’s wedding. I used my Russian. Not for the couples getting married, but for their grandparents. When a young couple gets married, in Russian tradition it’s very important to acknowledge their grandparents.”

When her husband retired (he passed away last year), Polly thought it only fair she retire too. But her volunteer work continued to be a big part of her

Worst part for seniors is loneliness. Sitting at home. Doing nothing. Of course you’ll feel sorry for yourself.

— Polly Chernoff

life and fill up her days. From the Hospital Auxiliary Treasures charity shop, where she works and organizes regular silent auctions, to the Seniors’ Branch group, to helping at her daughter’s salon, Polly finds there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

Polly’s fellow volunteers are as political as they are passionate about helping their fellow citizens. Behind the smiling volunteers’ faces are minds determined to make an impact on their society now, and for future generations.

The Castlegar and District Hospital Auxiliary Society, which Polly dedicates much of her time and energy to, worked hard to get the new EEG service now available at the Castlegar Health Centre.

On volunteering, Polly said: “ Satisfaction is that you’re helping someone, some where, some how. It’s about meeting people. I love meeting people. Worst part for seniors is loneliness. Sitting at home. Doing nothing. Of course you’ll feel sorry for yourself. I think it’s boredom.

“My children complain I’m never at home.

I tell them get out yourself, help somebody,” added Polly.

Nigel James, Grand Forks Nigel James, 71, is spending some of his free time — although there isn’t a lot of it with all his community commitments — training for the Baja Iron Man next year. And his ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2015 Iron Man World Championship in Hawaii, the pinnacle of his retired sports career to date.

“It’s my intention to come in first in my age group (70–74) at next year’s Baja event and qualify for the Hawaiian in 2015, “ said Nigel.

His sports portfolio includes World Masters Games, and ROGAINE (Rugged Out Group Activities Involving Navigation and Endurance) championships and triathlons.

“I thought, I can swim, cycle and vaguely run,” said Nigel, “it would be interesting to try a triathlon.”

He did his first triathlon in ‘98 in Merry Wood, ON, taking first in the 50–59 year old category. Two weeks later he competed in Meech Lake, finishing third. And, two weeks after that, he was at it again in Collingwood, finishing second in category. Once he got started, he just couldn’t stop.

“If you are not on the start-line, you will never get to the finish,” says Nigel, one of many quotations he stands by. “You just keep going.

It hurts a bit, but you just get on with it.”

Nigel brought his family — wife Gillian and

Above: Nigel James with Walter, a blind person he helps with his daily walking route.

Left: Rino Dibiasio and his bikes, ready to head out for a spin.

two sons — from England to Canada for a two year military exchange in the 80s. When he was asked if he wanted to stay, it was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“You can really fill your boots here,” said Nigel, adding, he thought it would provide “a more interesting place” to raise their boys.

After serving and living in Ottawa for nearly two decades, they moved to Chilliwack, and there he followed his new-found passion for triathlons. After a chance meeting with a fellow swimmer, they formed the Chilliwack Triathlon Club in 1999.

But physical pursuits are only part of this retired military engineer’s activities. He wears many hats in Grand Forks — sharing skills developed during his time in the British and Canadian armed forces, knowledge acquired while stationed in four different countries — volunteering to help others through groups and on his own.

“Community work keeps me out of trouble, but it takes time,” says Nigel. “I enjoy teaching — imparting some of my knowledge to help people cope.”

By the time both Nigel and Gillian were ready to retire, one of their sons was living in the Kootenays, and they decided to follow.

They chose Grand Forks and the “sunshine valley.” They were on their way to small town

living and a lifestyle as busy or busier than their working days.

Nigel finds himself involved with Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, can be found helping others at The Sunshine Community Centre, lending a hand with Special Olympics, and attending town council meetings. That’s when he’s not curling, cycling, swimming, hiking, running, to name a few activities. Although retirement was always in the picture — it’s not quite what he expected.

“The only thing that is surprising is that I’m busier than I’d ever thought I’d be,” said Nigel.

“You make good use of your time. I gain a lot of satisfaction from my sporting and social activities. I take an interest is the town and the various activities that go on.

Nigel is inspired by people like Terry Fox, Rick Hanson, and Sister Madonna Buder, 83, the Iron Nun, who holds the world record for the oldest female to finish an Ironman triathlon. With this list of people as mentors, it is not a surprise Nigel inspires others.

When asked what he advises people planning to retire, Nigel said: “Don’t lock yourself away. Get out in the big bad world. Try new things. You’ve got the time. Start off slowly.

Take it easy. Don’t overload yourself. Smile as you go along and enjoy yourself. Time is so precious.”

Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 7

Great outdoors

Take a Hike!

From casual strolls to hard-core scrambles, there’s no shortage of beautiful hiking trails in the Kootenay/Boundary Page 8

Route 3 Summer 2013

I

story by

Tara Howse

It’s hiking season in the Kootenays! Have you been out to any of your favourite trails lately? Are you new and don’t know where to start looking (understandable — there are an uncountable number of both formal and informal trail networks in the area)? When the family starts to visit, hopefully you can convince them to get out and enjoy what our region has to offer.

David R. Gluns

I’ve done a very small sample of day hikes or walks and hopefully there’s a little something for you here too. Depending on your (or your guests’) fitness level, it’s not too hard to find a trail that’s suitable for you.

In fact, you’ll likely find as you start digging around communities that it’s harder to actually choose a trail. Luckily, most areas either have a dedicated trails group (Kootenay Columbia Trails Society, Castlegar Friends of Parks and Trails) and Chambers fo Commerce and Visitor Info Centres can help direct you to a suitable hike. Whatever your ability, there is definitely something that will give you a great excuse to get outside and enjoy our fantastic hiking culture. ➤

July 26th – August 11th, 2013

Courtesy www.Kcts.ca

TheATre, DAnce, Music, Fine ArTs, ArTisAns

Old Glory

christina Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Midway, rock creek email: info@kettleriverfestival.com

kettleriverartsfestival.com

Level: Moderate/Difficult (due to length –5–8 hours) Location: North of Rossland, Highway 3B It’s incredible to think about being fully isolated on top of Old Glory — no phone and nobody else around. Complete isolation. To imagine trekking in all of one’s supplies to survive a winter up here, surviving all alone, sure seems to give new meaning to the term “unplugged”. But complete isolation is what used to happen, up until the ’60s, when the weather station that is perched atop the 2,377-metre peak (the highest in the Rossland Range) was a manned station.

Now a locals’ favourite, complete isolation is hard to come by even in winter, as year-round recreation enthusiasts have discovered what a great gem is poking up just outside of town. Having just moved to Rossland from Northern Manitoba, my first time up Old Glory was such a welcoming experience. The trail itself is well-used and not technical — a bonus for my rookie/non-existent mountaineering skills — and I felt so accomplished for making it up. The group we met at the top gave us the lowdown on the men who stayed at the weather station, pointed out Nancy Greene Lake and gave us a general geography and history lesson up there. All in all it was, as I would come to learn, a typical Rossland experience: go out, break a sweat, and hear a story.

For more information: Where Locals Hike in the West Kootenay, by Kathy and Craig Copeland or check out the Kootenay Columbia Trails Society website, www.kcts.ca

Mel Deanna

Quality Sales, Service and Rentals

702 baker st 250.354.4622 www.gericks.com Page 10

Route 3 Summer 2013

Level: Moderate Location: Eight kilometres outside of Castlegar Tranquil — it’s the word that kept coming to me as I meandered through the pine forest. With my vision awash in luscious greens, damp forest wafting through the air and the sounds of birds chirping away, I couldn’t help but feel transported far away from my desk and the computer. At an easy five kilometres, it’s not hard to see why this well built and well-maintained trail is reported to be a favourite of residents. By no means did I experience the heart-thumping exhilaration you feel when overlooking a great vista, but that was strangely okay. I slowed my pace down to match the mood of the woods — even stopped to take some photos of the dew on foliage — and found myself at a marsh, my inner child peering through the lilypads to see if I could spot a frog or tadpoles. With the great amounts of

Tara howse

Tasty. Healthy.

Community owned.

flora surrounding me, I regretted not bringing along my plant identification book, as a hike such as this would have been perfect to brush up on my plant IQ. Although I did end up on a slight off-shoot (be careful — there are quite a few!), it wasn’t far along before I realized this trail wasn’t the correct one. The quality of the trail is fantastic and when you take a wrong turn, it won’t take you too long to realize your error and to easily backtrack.

For more information: Castlegar Friends of Parks and Trails, www. friendsoftrails.org, trail maps available for purchase ($5) at many stores and the Visitor Info Centre.

organic produce hundreds of bulk items prepared foods fresh meat & seafood grocery vitamins & supplements healthy bodycare products

Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 8am-8pm Sun 10am-6pm

Kootenay Co-op 295 Baker St, Nelson t: 250 354 4077 tweet!

f

Tara howse

www.kootenay.coop

Idaho Peak

Level: Difficult and Easy Location: New Denver Difficult access Full disclosure: I have not had the opportunity to actually summit Idaho Peak. With my husband’s broken hand, we decided to attempt the summit via the difficult Wakefield trail access. Perhaps only warranting an “intermediate” classification under normal circumstances, hiking with a broken hand on unmaintained trail proved incredibly difficult. We were climbing over excessive blowdown — even the dog was having trouble — and at more than one point had to hold onto brush while Tarzan-style swinging around the obstacle to get footing back on the trail. Not an easy thing for someone with a broken hand to ➤ Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 11

accomplish! We figured we’d made it about six kilometres of the eight kilometre hike — so close! — but when a large tree blocked our path and the only option was to scramble up the embankment at least 20 metres and come back down on the other side (two hands needed), we called it a day!

We had some great views of the region, including Slocan Lake, and had fun poking around the old mine sites but we have missed out on the summit views — something we hope to rectify this summer.

Easy access Described by friends as the “must-do” when family visits, the easier way to get to the summit is via the 12-kilometre road from Sandon up most of Idaho Peak. With only a 1.5-kilometre hike up a very well used trail, the hike is suitable for young families and those of less physical prowess. Gondola ride aside, ascending to 2280m will never be this easy. And the incredible show of wildflowers is not to be missed, especially in late July and August.

Views of four ranges are visible from here: Slocan, Goat, Kokanee, and Valhalla.

For more information: Where Locals Hike in the West Kootenay, Kathy and Craig Copeland

Under Observation Mountain Trail and Barbara Ann Park Trail

Level: Easy Location: Grand Forks Grand Forks (and Christina Lake) have a great variety of low impact and easy trails; perfect for those just wanting to get outside or for those pushing a stroller. Instead of the obvious Trans-Canada Trail and Kettle Valley Railway options, I chose to start on Under Observation Mountain and make my way over to the Barbara Ann Park Trails.

Starting out on Under Observation Mountain, it’s a double-track, flat, straight gravel trail. Keeping your eyes north, with an unknown number of species of birds chirping away, you do feel transported away

Dining Out Artisan breads Homemade baking Gourmet paninis Cold blended drinks THe best coffee

Spectacular Lakefront Dining ...a tasty escape

D ‘N’ Dock ‘N’DDuck Duck Dock Fine, casual, family and celiac dining Open 7 days a week

At the flashing light intersection, Rossland

651-18th St., CaStlegar • 250-365-7779 blackroosterbarandgrill.com • blackrooster@shaw.ca

Pub • Grill • Take-out Family Dining • B&B Balfour Ferry Landing

(250) 229-4244

Grand Forks Station NeiGhbourhood Pub

GorGeous settinG Great Food

Open Year ’rOund!

Fresh IngredIents, hOmemade desserts Fresh LOcaL summer prOduce BeautIFuL mOuntaIn VIews Open tues - sat at 5pm (reservations recommended)

call 250-362-3347 www.gypsyatred.com

Page 12

Route 3 Summer 2013

open daily special events Pub & dining room accommodations Open fOr the seasOn May 1, 2013

Nightly Dinner Specials

PUB, FAMILY DINING AND BANQUET ROOM

250-442-5855 gfstationpub.com

7654 Donaldson Drive, Grand Forks

Front st., Kaslo 250-353-7714 www.kaslohotel.com

Where you want to be

Homemade soups, breakfasts, sandwiches & desserts • Espresso

Tara howse

stay • relax • shop • eat

Kaslo•Ainsworth•Balfour•Nelson www.nelsonkootenaylake.com

Open at 7am 250-447-6161 lisasbistro.ca 7 days a week Open for Dinner Thurs,



Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Located at the Christina Lake Welcome Centre

Gourmet Pizza, Flatbreads, Pasta, Soups, Salads, and now offering Russian Food! st Voted Be e Pizza in ths Kootenay

dine in or Take ouT open 7 days a week

Voted Be st family restaura nt

1460 Central ave., Grand forks (across from the highschool)

250.442.5900

Pacific Grill 309 S. Copper Ave, Greenwood 250-445-6506

Fri & Sat to 9pm thru the summer

Join us everyday for

new F Bro eature!

Frie ASter'S D Ch Dine- iCken take-a in/ way



Gourmet on the Go

We’re more than just a pretty place...



Lisa’s L akeside Bistro

An easy stroll on the Barbara Ann Park Trail.



from town but a quick look to the south and you’ll see Grand Forks.

Shortly before the trail brings you to town, an old mine storage cave can be seen from the trail. There’s no information on the opening aside from “Do Not Enter”!

Once in town, you have an option of a shorter loop back to the car or, as I did, carried on east a few blocks to the Granby River and the Barbara Ann Park Trail. With the sun out and at its full strength, both my dog and I appreciated the slightly cooler temperature walking next to the water and with ample opportunity to jump or wade in, I was surprised more of the town wasn’t by the riverside. Once again a wide, gravel trail with the exposed-rock hillsides to your east(ish) and on the other, a quiet, old maple tree lined street with beautiful homes and gardens. Although possible to carry on past the tennis courts and small beach to Observation Mountain Trail, I recommend turning around here and strolling back to town, making sure to dip your feet in.

For more information: www.gftrails.ca

VoteD #1 in the BounDAry

Stoys’ Grille Open 6am – 10pm 2729 Central Ave, Grand Forks (Beside the Ramada) 250-442-2905

email:vicdad8@hotmail.com

atio on’s rfront P s l e N Wate Only

In the Prestige Lakeside Resort 701 Lakeside Dr. Nelson 250-354-1472 Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 13

gallery 2

Grand Forks & District Art and Heritage Centre 524 Central Ave., Grand Forks, BC

w w w.galler y2grandforks.ca

250 442 2211

(see website for hours of operation and upcoming exhibits)

Discover

your potential customers

Hanging by a Thread - Beverley Reid August 3 - October 19, 2013 Visit our Gift Shop

5000

Full Colour Flyers

now only

515

$

Send your print ready file today to info@hallprinting.ca

for unique gift ideas...beautiful hand-crafted items created by British Columbian artists and artisans

Trail . 1.800.663.7820 Nelson . 1.877.354.1700

Grand Forks Visitor Centre Phone: 250-442-5835 Email: gftourism @shaw.ca

www.hallprinting.ca

Sports Injury Rehab Massage Therapy Scenar Therapy Pilates Instruction Pain Management Vestibular Rehab

1961 Georgia St Rossland, BC

250.362.7333 Page 14

www.infinityphysio.ca

Route 3 Summer 2013

keeping insurance simple Cranbrook • Trail Nelson • Invermere Crawford Bay • Kimberley Home • Auto • Business • Recreation • Travel

1-800-378-5747 www.kootenayinsurance.ca

History

Back in the day Take a day or two this summer to explore the museums of the Boundary region story by

Sascha Porteous

S

tepping into one of the museums in the Boundary Country of B.C., is like taking a step back in time. It was a time when the Russian Doukhobors first homesteaded the lands of rural Grand Forks.

When miners looking to strike it big flocked to the once bustling Phoenix town site. A time when the Kettle Valley Rail still ran copper and ore out west from mile zero.

The Boundary Museum in Grand Forks, the Kettle River Museum in Midway and the Greenwood Museum all take you back to a time in the late 1800s and early 1900s to show you what life was like back in the day.

Boundary Museum

Chris Hammett

The Boundary Museum, located at the Fructova School Site at 6145 Reservoir Road in Grand Forks, has a rich history display of Doukhobor culture. An entire room is dedicated to the Russian settlers, who came to Canada in the late 1800s to escape persecution by the Russian Orthodox Church and the Czarist authorities.

They were granted conscientious objector status and were exempt from military service.

The Doukhobors established a communal village in Grand Forks and throughout the Kootenay/Boundary region in the early 1900s and developed elaborate supportive agro-industrial complexes in Grand Forks. ➤

Niki Best, Marketing & Events coordinator for the Boundary Museum poses in front of the Kendrick General Store display.

Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 15

Sascha Porteous

Sascha Porteous

From left: Tannis Killough poses in front of the caboose at the Kettle River Museum in Midway.

A home-built steam tractor at the Greenwood Museum.

Photo displays at the Heritage Gallery in Grand Forks depicts life at the turn of the century.

An interactive loom, hemp clothes, tools used for farming, utensils, hand-carved wooden spoons, children’s hanging basket and woven blankets are just a few examples of the traditional artifacts used by the Russian settlers at the Boundary Museum.

The residential schoolroom depicts a time period when Doukhobor children were taken away from their parents and sent to residential schools. The chalkboard reads, “I will not speak Russian in class.”

“It was much like the natives, their culture and history was (almost) taken away from them,” said Niki Best, the operations manager of the Boundary Museum.

Visitors will see more than just the Doukhobor history at the Fructova school site. There is a wealth of additional displays, which include the local mining, bootlegging, sports, first nations, logging, and Japanese history.

Greenwood Museum The Greenwood Museum, at 214 South Copper Avenue in Greenwood, captures the history of the booming mining era in the region and the incredible story of the Japanese internment.

Greenwood was once considered the hub of the Boundary due to all of the mining activity in the area.

When copper was discovered in the late 1890s, there was a huge boom from 1897 to the end of the First World War. “There were mining camps around the whole area here,” said Doreen MacLean, a director of the Greenwood Heritage Society. “There were three smelters, one at the Boundary Falls, one here at Greenwood Anaconda and one in Grand Forks. There were hundreds of men in these camps; it was quite a booming era.” The displays of mining equipment, pictures and mineral displays give visitors a taste of what it was like during the copper and ore era.

With the end of the war, the need for copper dried up and the town emptied out. By 1940, the town of Greenwood had dwindled down to roughly 200 people, so the mayor at the time decided to bring in 1200 Japanese from the coast.

Page 16

Route 3 Summer 2013

The transition from the coast was difficult and to make matters worse, their living conditions were very cramped.

One of the small Japanese internment room displays at the museum shows just how difficult the living conditions were.

“As the years went on, the Japanese were allowed to go to public school and then integrated within the town and built up businesses,” said MacLean. Pieces of the Japanese history remain intact in the Greenwood Museum.

The museum also has items from other time periods and historical events. The hockey display showcases that the first hockey league in B.C. was formed in the Boundary in 1908.

Some of the additional items and displays include a church scene, and a replica of a Deadwood bar and a room from the Windsor Hotel, which is now known as the Greenwood Inn.

Kettle River Museum The Kettle Valley Railway connected the Boundary to the West Coast and it all started at mile zero in Midway, which is where the Kettle River Museum stands. The Kettle Valley Railway was built in 1915 out of necessity to service the growing mining demands of the region.

“The last passenger car was abandoned in 1964 and the last freight train from Midway to Penticton ran in 1973,” said Tannis Killough, president of the Kettle River Museum Society.

Since then the sections of the track have been ripped up and converted into parts of the Trans Canada Trail.

An original caboose still stands at the site of the museum with the traditional wood-fired stove used to cook food and heat water for the railway crew members.

The railway station has numerous artifacts used when the railway was in full operation. The station agents lived in the building and a kitchen with traditional silverware, plates, and pots and pans sits on the antique kitchen table once used by the crewmembers.

There is a room with a replica of the old police sta-

tion with numerous artifacts and articles that tell tales of crime and mystery.

The museum also has an extensive display of artifacts from every day life in Midway from the logging industry to farming and mining.

Heritage Gallery Grand Forks

Sascha Porteous

Visitors strolling through Grand Forks can also stop off at the Grand Forks and District Art and Heritage Centre – Gallery 2 at 524 Central Avenue for a brief visual introduction to the history of the community.

The heritage gallery does not have any artifacts but the picture displays give a broad overview of life in the Boundary from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s.

“It covers all aspects from mining, agriculture, Doukhobors, railroads, airports and so on,” said director and curator Ted Fogg.

The gallery gives visitors a good launching point before visiting the museums of the Boundary.

Golf

To Advertise contact Chris at 1-877-443-2191

The West Kootenay / Boundary

It’s simply awe inspiring

BirchBank GolF Located between Trail & Castlegar

Pro ShoP

250-693-2255

Championship Golf Championship Golf RV Park Park ininaa Natural Natural Setting Setting......

and an

What could could be be better? better? ✩✩✩✩ Golf

****Golf Digest Digest

Matinee Golf & Dinner, 2-4pm 18 holes and dinner following your round $45

Nine & Dine, after 4 pm

9 holes and dinner before or after your round $33

Call 250-229-5655 or 1-866-669-GOLF (4653)

Carved through majestic pines

www.birchbankgolf.com

WHERE GOLF AND NATURE MEET Spectacular 18 hole mountain course minutes from downtown Nelson

Since 1920

PAR 3 COURSE Golf 9 Holes in 1.5 hrs

Casual golfers welcome

RV sites available

Christina Lake

GOLF CLUB Call 250-447-9313

Named one of B.C.’s top 25 courses

www.golfcastlegar.com 800-666-0324

250.352.5913 www.granitepointe.ca

Licensed Restaurant 872 Waterloo Road, Castlegar, BC

250-365-2353 www.littlebeargolf.net

RENTALS • LESSONS • TOURNAMENTS

Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 17

Getaways

Winging It

story by

David R. Gluns

Greg Nesteroff

Page 18

Route 3 Summer 2013

archetypal urban refugees. They held demanding technology sector jobs in the Lower Mainland for 20 years, replete with offices, airports, and lengthy commutes — and then gave it all up.

For 15 months they toured North America in a motorhome, seeking a business opportunity and a new lifestyle. They checked out Arizona, California, and Texas, but nothing quite fit. Returning to B.C., they looked at several RV parks and campgrounds in the West Kootenay before discovering Wing Creek Resort at Shutty Bench, just north of Kaslo. The sloping

20-acre waterfront property had a private beach and orchard, and some unfinished cottages.

“When we first saw it we thought we’ve got to build a business case to make this fly,” the affable Hoffart recalls. “We could see the potential.”

Others could too: there were already three offers on the property. The couple thanked their lucky stars when those bids fell through and they became the new owners and live-in caretakers as of October 2004.

Their initial challenge was creating a more professional image without sacrificing the laid-back Kootenay flavour. “We want to marry the five-star hotel experience with a very relaxed, down-to-earth focus,” Hoffart says. “That’s a real bookend spectrum, but we try to hit the middle and our guests seem to appreciate it.” ➤

A 2,300 square-foot timberframe show home doubles as a vacation rental.

Spend a weekend in one of Wing Creek Resort’s cozy cottages, or the rest of your life in a beautiful timberframe home Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 19

David R. Gluns

K

evin Hoffart and Debra Hamilton were

David R. Gluns

AUGUST 2, 3, 4 2013

with the afriCan showBoyz

dan Brubeck Band • tiempo libre and many more…

250-353-7548 kaslojazzfest.com tiCkets @kaslojazzfest.com Check out nelsonkootenaylake.com for everything you need to know about where to stay and what to do from nelson to kaslo!

  

Golf Granite Pointe, minutes from downtown Nelson

Explore, Dine and Shop Historic Baker Street. A true adventure in itself

Relax and Enjoy Lakeside Park and Kootenay Lake

Visit Touchstones Nelson: Museum of Art & History

 Visitor Centre 225 Hall St. Nelson BC V1L 5X4 Ph: (250) 352-3433 ٠ Toll Free: 1-877-663-5706 Email: info@discoverNelson.com Web: www.discoverNelson.com Photos by David Gluns

Page 20

Route 3 Summer 2013

Greg Nesteroff

mickey hart Band Within the first few years, Hamilton and Hoffart completed the cottages and added a spa, gift shop, check-in area and retreat centre, and were rewarded as revenues quickly doubled. But skyrocketing property taxes left them in a quandary.

“The resort’s been wildly successful, but keeping pace with costs was a challenge,” Hoffart says. “We couldn’t really grow the business more than we had and couldn’t raise our rates.”

Realtors and consultants suggested subdividing the property, but Hamilton and Hoffart didn’t want to cut the lake off from the resort.

Neither were they crazy about devoting a lot of space to subdivisiongrade roads and sidewalks. So they found an unorthodox solution: create a low-density strata project in which the entire property remains common use for both residents and guests, beachfront included.

They teamed up with Hammill Creek Timber Homes of nearby Meadow Creek, which will build up to 27 high-end homes on modestsize lots that will sell for $600,000 to $1.4 million. All construction will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.

“We’re not corporate developers, so our focus is a little different,” Hoffart explains. “We travelled to developments in B.C. and Alberta and pulled what we thought were the best parts and tried to come up with something unique. We’re not paving anything. We thought if we’re going to do something — which we were forced to by this big piece of property — let’s keep the community and environment in mind.”

He admits locals were initially concerned about their plans, but believes those fears have largely been calmed. “When we started designing it and people realized we weren’t doing any waterfront development, they were really happy.”

A 2,300 square-foot timber frame show home, which doubles as a vacation rental, is now for sale. Hoffart expects prospective buyers will be similar to their typical guests: professional couples and retirees seeking a private, adults-only environment. Some, he anticipates, will be frequent travelers who want a home base without having to worry about maintenance and snow removal — all covered by strata fees — while others will be year-round residents.

Bonner Photography

Left, above: The timberframe showhome and vacation rental.

Left, below: One of Wing Creek’s cozy cottages.

Above: Kevin Hoffart and Debra Hamilton on the deck of the Wing Creek spa.

The development will include some unusual amenities in keeping with the overall feel, such as an outdoor kitchen with a different guest chef each week in summer, and a vineyard. (While they don’t plan to do anything commercial with their grapes, the resort does sell over 300 jars of jam and jelly each year from its fruit trees.)

Hoffart says they never wavered from their environmental focus, even during the 2008 recession that reduced bookings by 45 per cent.

Recently, Small Business B.C. honoured Wing Creek Resort as one of its top five greenest businesses from among 172 nominees — an achievement all the more noteworthy for the fact environmental work isn’t the resort’s core business.

But while guests appreciate such accolades, Hoffart says that’s not the main reason they visit. Rather, they’re drawn to the natural setting and solitude. Europeans, gazing across the lake at the forest and high peaks, often say it resembles their Canadian ideal.

There are no TVs or landline phones here. About the only noise comes from the gurgle of the resort’s eponymous creek. The low-decibel experience comes as a shock to some, such as one Los Angeles couple: “The husband said after the first night his wife couldn’t sleep because it was too quiet. He left the bathroom fan on for some white noise, and then they were fine until she got used to it. They called it ‘deafening quiet.’“

If you go:

Wing Creek Resort offers four one-bedroom Cedarbrook cottages, plus a slightly larger Cedarcrest cottage and the two-bedroom Birchgrove vacation home. Each has a view of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains and is fully furnished with a wood stove.

In addition, the resort offers forest trails, a private undeveloped beach, orchard, gardens, retreat centre, and the Falling Water Spa. See wingcreekresort.com for nightly and weekly rates.

Curious about metals & mining?

Our story is innovative, informative and historic.

ALL SEASONS: Teck Interpretive Centre 200, 1199 Bay Ave., Trail 250 368-3144

MAY TO SEPTEMBER: Rossland Museum Hwy 3B, Rossland 250 362-7722

trailhistory.com rosslandmuseum.ca goldfeverfollies.ca

Teck Trail Operations, www.teck.com

Sport Aviation Flight Training Learn to fly for recreation, business or career

Book an introductory flight today!!

Westav sport aviation Grand Forks Airport

www.westavsportaviation.ca 250-442-8616 or 866-678-1234

Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 21

Sustainability

WWOOFing for Your Supper

World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms Canada links volunteers with farmers Page 22

Route 3 Summer 2013

story by

A

WWoof Canada

Kristen Hildebrand

s John Vanden Heuvel pours over guest books filled with drawings, postcards and photos, the thoughts shared by hundreds of volunteers take him back to the early days when WWOOF Canada’s seeds were first planted.

“Many things have been awakened in me in this stay,” he reads, commenting, “You can see how touching it can be. It brings back a lot of memories.”

In 1985, while he was living in Nova Scotia, Vanden Heuvel founded the Canadian version of a worldwide organization that matches volunteer workers to host farms. Only a few short years later, he brought a fledgling WWOOF Canada with him to the Kootenays where it seemed a perfect fit.

“We live in a pretty special corner of B..C here with our awareness of organics and back-to-the-land consciousness,” says Vanden Heuvel.

WWOOF is an acronym that has changed a few times over the years. Many probably remember it as Willing Workers on Organic Farms but today, WWOOF stands for World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Sustainable farmers looking for help benefit from volunteers in exchange for education, culture and accommodation.

As WWOOF Canada grew to include over 1000 farm hosts and over 2500 volunteers per year, many people in the Kootenays have come on board. British Columbia has the largest contingent of hosts and along Highway 3, there are at least 60 to 70 hosts.

“It’s now this huge, beautiful organization,” Vanden Heuvel says, explaining word of mouth has been WWOOF’s best asset.

Though there is no upper age limit, most WWOOFers are between 20 and 35. Vanden Heuvel compares his youthful self to some of the young adults that he shared his home with.

“I was so naive and green,” he says. “I think young people are so much more aware today. They want to get involved and they’re searching for a quality experience.”

This spring two first-time WWOOFers, Pav Wojtech and Laura Mast spent two weeks near Lemon Creek in the Slocan ➤

Kristen Hildebrand

Kirsten Hildebrand

Left: A WWOOF volunteer plants seedlings.

Top: Australians Laura Mast and Pav Wojtech volunteered at a farm in the Slocan Valley this spring.

Above: John Vanden Heuvel flips through guest books filled out by past WWOOFers.

Valley at Paradise Ranch, owned by Tony and Colleen Alderliesten.

The young couple has big dreams of owning their own farm one day and picking up skills from farmers, gardeners and ranchers has only furthered their resolve to live off the land.

“When you have your own farm, you are making things for yourself — creating for yourself,” says Wojtech.

Mast, 28, grew up in Toronto and Pav, 26 was born in the Czech Republic and grew up in Melbourne, Australia. Both big-city kids, they find the hustle and bustle doesn’t suit their aspirations.

“I just love open spaces, nature and good food, especially good food you know where it comes from,” says Wojtech looking around at the 200-acre ranch. Adds Mast, “It’s inspiring to get land, preserve it and feed a community of people.”

Mast has always been passionate about horses so developing a rapport with the animals on Paradise Ranch has been fulfilling.

“If there’s a horse nearby I can pet, I am in heaven. And if I can ride as well, that’s just one more benefit to me,” she said.

Finding a WWOOF host with a horse was easy. Volunteer workers can enter filters on location, or type of farm when seeking out a host. And vice-versa. WWOOF Canada has a website that easily guides hosts and volunteers through the matchmaking process. Mast and Wojtech submitted profiles selling themselves and their skills to hosts needing help.

“Pav is handy and loves building,” Mast says. “And I have a mind for animals and plants.”

On Paradise Ranch, Wojtech built a greenhouse aside a fenced garden. Old sawhorses, feed troughs and car parts all were reused to create something new. Mast researched companion planting with Colleen and reorganized the tack room. She was told to arrange it as she would her own.

“They’re good hosts because they’re really good teachers,” says Wojtech of Colleen and Tony. “They show you and then say ‘here you go.’ They give us the opportunity to learn without worrying about making mistakes. It’s freeing.”

Not all volunteers and hosts are successfully matched. Vanden Heu-

Treat Yourself Alpine’s Holistic Healing

Be our Guest, Be Inspired Rossland

Hot Stone Therapy Massage Craniosacral Therapy • Heart-centered Therapy Lymph Drainage Therapy ‘Certified Healing Touch Practitioner/Instructor’

Private apartments with all you need...

Kitchens, Wi-fi, BBQ. Great location, value. www.visitangela.com 250 362 7790

Nelson, Rossland & Christina Lake 1-877-378-0526 sunflowerinnbb.com

Blaylock’s Mansion

Located minutes from Nelson, on Kootenay Lakes’ North Shore.

The most unique accommodation in Nelson.

Toll Free: 1.888.788.3613 | Local: 250.825.2200 1679 Hwy 3A, Nelson, BC www.blaylock.ca | info@blaylock.ca

Shop, Eat, Sleep & Chill...

Beautiful Vacation Homes & Cottages

...in Kaslo — it’s worth the drive

(just 15 min. North of Ainsworth) Shops, museums, galleries, dining, shows.

Family size homes • Affordable cozy cottages Gorgeous lakefronts • Awesome views Hot tubs & fireplaces

Featuring the Kaslo Hotel

Open for the season May 1, 2013!

1.866.447.9334 ChristinaLakeVacation.com Page 24

Route 3 Summer 2013

Front St., Kaslo www.kaslohotel.com

Call: 250-353-7714 Toll Free: 866-823-1433

Where you want to be

205 Victoria St, Nelson 250.352.3280 www.relaxationredefined.com

vel explains there are cases were hosts do take advantage of labour and don’t provide accommodation that’s up to snuff. Some workers are in it for free accommodation as they travel.

“You have wonderful apples in the barrel but occasionally, there’s a rotten one,” he says. “Fortunately, it’s rare. The success of WWOOF speaks to the quality of the organization.”

Proud of his baby, Vanden Heuvel passed it on to Becky Young when he retired three and a half years ago. The Procter resident became familiar with WWOOF when she was a volunteer in Australia in the ‘80s but it was “working with John and hearing his passion and learning of his dedication to the movement” that brought her on board.

“I was increasingly impressed with the spirit and intention of WWOOF,” Young says. “WWOOF brings people together from all over the world fostering peace and understanding by sharing cultures, and sharing knowledge of sustainable lifestyles.”

Just as Vanden Heuvel shared his family dinner table, Young has visitors from around the world sharing lives with her growing children.

We’re more than just a pretty place... stay • relax • shop • eat

Kaslo•Ainsworth•Balfour•Nelson www.nelsonkootenaylake.com

S SHALIMAR

Health Spa

“My family feels blessed to be part of a program that provides opportunities for travelers from around the world to experience Canada while immersed with Canadian families,” she says.

After three years at the helm, Young says she continues to hear amazing stories from dynamic people. Friendships last a lifetime as does the education around organic food resulting in “healthier lives and a healthier planet,” she says.

Mast and Wojtech can’t wait to return to Australia where they will start their organic fruit and vegetable farm. They see a few berries and herbs being grown and Mast will have her horses, likely rescued off the racing track and retrained — similar to what Colleen Alderliesten does.

“WWOOFing is a really humanly experience. These people don’t even know us and we don’t know them,” says Wojtech of his hosts. “It’s pretty down to earth — going back to the roots of how people should be helping others.”

For more information on WWOOF Canada check them out online at www.wwoof.ca

Let us Enhance & Redefine your Natural Beauty!

Voted Nelson’s No. 1 Health Spa

Hydrotherapy • Esthetics •Facials Massage • Manicures • Pedicures • Makeup Natural Products • Ozone Therapy Eminence Organic Skincare.. and much more www.shalimarhealthspa.ca Open 7 days a week 701 Lakeside Dr, Nelson 250-354-4408

FOllOw uS

Laser Hair Removal & Vein Treatment Photorejuvenation • Permanent Makeup Waxing • Facials • Makeup • Massage Manicures • Pedicures • and more...

MediSpa #101 - 466 Josephine St. Nelson 250-352-7710 • 1-877-680-7710 www.skinblissclinic.com

PINTEREST LOGO ICON for Adobe Illustrator

Sunshine, Clear Water and Fresh Air

Bring your skin back to life with Qi beauty™ ~ a luxurious, therapeutic facial that lasts for weeks

Sunflower Inn Bed & Breakfast

New at

Golf Packages, Relaxing Retreats, Biking, Hiking and Water Fun 159 Alpine Road Christina Lake 250-447-6201 • sunflowerinnbb.com

Experience a Natural Paradise!

Romantic Vacation Cottages & Homes Gift Shop & Gallery - Falling Water Spa 250.353.2475

wingcreekresort.com

Yaletown

AcupunCture

235-72nd Ave. Grand Forks 250.442.9662 Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 25

Hold on Hold on toto summer. summer.

Columbia Basin Culture Tour Aug 10 - 11, 2013

10:00am - 5:00pm

Explore artists’ studios, museums, art galleries and heritage sites through this free, self-guided tour within the Columbia Basin.

Aug 15, 2009

Meet the artists, shop for fine art and craft, view demonstrations, special exhibitions, interpretive 10:00 am-5:00 displays or chatpm with local historians during this cultural celebration!

For further information visit our website or call.

CoMinG CoMinGSoon!

Soon!PAnDoRA’S PAnDoRA’S new newSuMMeR SuMMeR2013 2013ColleCtion.

ColleCtion.

A project of

TT GG

Funded by

thistlepot pot gifts gifts thistle

337Market MarketAve. Ave. 337 GrandForks, Forks,BC BC Grand 250.442.1214 250.442.1214

Toru Fujibayashi

www.cbculturetour.com 250-505-5505 • 1-877-505-7355

WildWays

MKTG69368_THISTLE_N.indd 1 MKTG69368_THISTLE_N.indd 1

5/14/2013 12:55:32 PM 5/14/2013 12:55:32 PM

WildWays

What are the kids doing this summer?

ke

Hwy 3 Christina La

Join the fun and adventure at the newly designed

Adventure SportS

ing •Gear Kayaks•Bikes•S.U.P.•Clothing Kayaks•Bikes•Cloth urs Gear•Rentals•Sales•Tours Rentals • Sales • To www.wildways.com

m

ildways.co

w.w LAke Hwyw 3w CHriStinA ildway 561 • 1-888-w 250-447-6561 447-6 • 1-888-wildway Page 26

Route 3 Summer 2013

• Challenge course • Kayaking • Rappelling • Swimming • Arts & Crafts • Day Camps • New Cabins • New Expanded High Ropes Located at 10005 North Forks Rd, Grand Forks To register go to www.pinesbiblecamp.com email: info@pinesbiblecamp.com or call 250-442-0220

Recreation

Above it all story by

Art Harrison

You too can fly the friendly skies of our beautiful region

Both Photos: Chris Hammett

W Ron Wyers of WestAv in Grand Forks.

hen riding in the cockpit of a single engine plane, the roar of the engine, seemingly right in front of you, is literally in your face. The sound of the wind and vibration of the small craft makes for a truly physical sensation to the flight.

Wisps of cloud caress the wing tips like a light fog bank drifting down a mountainside on a wet spring morning, and it clears to reveal the vivid blue sky and shocking white peaks of the mountain crests and glaciers.

The plane banks for a turn and you look out over the verdant forests sweeping the mountainsides and deep blue dishes of the myriad lakes — those both seen and unseen from the common, earth-bound highways and roads.

Sweeping in for a landing, watching the runway grow larger on approach, you can see and feel the little plane drifting from side to side as it is buffeted by crosswinds.

Touching down, not with the great thump of the airliner but just a ➤

Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 27

Art Harrison

Thierry Noblet of Kootenay Lake Aviation.

slight jolt, signals the return to earth.

The engine quiets as the last checks are made. Stepping out onto the tarmac there is a slight emptiness... a disappointment. It’s over.

These days many people have the opportunity to experience flight on a commercial airline, from the smaller twin engine planes that make the relatively quick hops from the Kootenays to Vancouver or Calgary up to the “It’s really enjoyable, huge roaring jets that carry us across continents and oceans.

However, fewer people get the chance to go getting more into the up in one of the small, single engine planes that are often the domain of private operators or sport aspect. the legendary bush pilots of the great Canadian wilderness. This is quite a different sensation than It’s addictive. And humming along comfortably in a pressurized cabin, being served drinks and snacks, with the once it’s in your undeniable advantage of on-board washrooms that are available on the larger aircraft.

No... to the uninitiated, flying in a small plane, blood you’re always or one of the newer, even more compact ultralights, is a very different experience indeed. But it drawn back into it.”. is one that can change your life.

Ron Wyers is the owner/operator of Western Aviation Services or WestAv, in Grand Forks. He — Ron Wyers began flying in the Terrace area carrying skydivers to their jump sites but eventually focused more on the maintenance end of aviation.

“I’ve always been interested in flying ever since I was a kid,” Wyers said. “I got licensed as soon as I was able and have been flying ever since. I’m thinking almost 45 years.”

Having worked in the aviation industry since 1969, he has only more recently been able to concentrate

Page 28

Route 3 Summer 2013

on recreational flying.

“It’s really enjoyable, getting more into the sport aspect.

It’s addictive,” Wyers said. “And once it’s in your blood you’re always drawn back into it.”

“I really like flying in the mountains. The prairies are OK but they get a little monotonous. The trip down to California is nice too, flying through the Rockies and into Arizona, it’s a nice way to travel.”

WestAv provides sport pilot ultralight training and licensing up to the level of advanced ultralight, which allows you to carry a passenger. Wyers is an aircraft maintenance engineer by trade as well as a certified flight instructor and is also a licensed dealer for RANS ultralight planes and builds them to order for customers. This effectively means one can go to Wyers, purchase an ultralight, have him build it for you and maintain it, and have him train you to be able to fly it.

Ultralight, or light sport class aircraft, are lighter than typical single.engine planes. 1,100 pounds or lighter, they can include anything from propeller-driven balloons, tricycle-framed delta wings, and up to the more familiar single engine airplane-like structure of the RANS type aircraft.

Wyers says that owning an ultralight is also a fast and economic way to travel, being able to fly from Grand Forks to Kelowna in 45 minutes and to Calgary in around two hours while using only about 18 litres of fuel per hour.

Up to this point the majority of Wyers’ flight students have come from Grand Forks and the surrounding area ranging from the Okanagan through the Kootenays to Revelstoke, but the WestAv flight school could see a dramatic increase in students this summer from a slightly more removed location.

“We’re hoping for about ten people per month from

China starting in June,” said Wyers. “I’ve hired a recruiter there, a retired airline captain and we should know more about numbers next month.”

Should everything work out with the Chinese visitors, Wyers says they could bring significant benefits to the Grand Forks area. The students would be taking English language training through Selkirk College and Wyers is arranging homestays in the area for them.

“They would bring considerable tourist dollars to the area,’ he said.

“They would mostly be coming just for the experience — this certification doesn’t exist in China. But if they want to, they can complete the Transport Canada exams and get their licenses.”

The sport pilot licensing requires less training and flight time to obtain than the standard private pilot license. Students need only 20 hours of ground school and a minimum of 25 hours of flight time, including dual instruction, solo flights, and take offs and landings.

From the basic sport-pilot training, students can carry on to acquire passenger carrying rating and an advanced ultra-light pilot’s license, which both require additional ground school, solo flight and crosscountry flight time.

“If somebody likes it as much as I do they can carry on with their training,” says Wyers. “This will get you flying and allow you to build up hours; from there it can ladder up to a private pilot license or even commercial.”

For those who would prefer to jump straight into a private license, one need only travel as far as Nelson and look up Kootenay Lake Aviation.

Owner and operator, Thierry Noblet, has been training flight students in Nelson for three years. The vast majority of his students are male and range from 15 to 60 years of age.

“Many of the young ones want to make a career and are going on to Selkirk.” Noblet said. “They’re mostly local, come from Nelson, Kaslo, New Denver, Castlegar, Grand Forks. This is the only private and commercial flight training between Calgary and the Okanagan.”

Kootenay Lake Aviation offers training for a private pilot license which requires 40 hours of ground school and 45 hours of flight training including dual flight, instrument training, solo flight, and crosscountry flying.

Students can also continue on to commercial pilot training which requires considerably more ground school and flight time in all categories, as well as training and endorsement in night flight and what is referred to as VFR-over-the-top flying which basically refers to the ability to fly into controlled lighted air strips and fly completely by the plane’s instruments alone. Both the private and commercial licenses require students to pass Transport Canada licensing exams.

Noblet immigrated to Canada from France where he had learned to fly, but says he actually got into flying relatively late in life.

“A friend took me for a flight and from there I went on to get a recreational license,” he explained. “It took a while after that to get my commercial license.”

When asked why he decided to come to Canada, he smiles and spreads his arms wide indicating the mountains looming on either side of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, “The wilderness!”

Noblet says that every year he is getting a little more work in forestry and sight-seeing, and he may begin offering an air taxi service in the future, but that the majority of his business is still in flight training.

“Most of the time now I don’t get to fly when I’m working,” Noblet said. “My students do all the flying. It’s more about working with people now. But the view from my office is the best.”

DUETTE ® ARCHITELLA® TRIELLE™

Cover your windows with a luxurious blanket.

When energy efficiency is essential, the choice is simple—Duette Architella ™ ® ® DUETTE ARCHITELLA TRIELLE Trielle . A honeycomb window fashion like no other cellular shade, featuring ®

®

™

your windows with a in luxurious blanket. six layers Cover of insulating fabric.

Blanket your home beautiful comfort.

When energy efficiency is essential, the choice is simple—Duette ® Architella® Trielle™. A honeycomb window fashion like no other cellular shade, featuring six layers of insulating fabric. Blanket your home in beautiful comfort.

Call Wendy for your appointment today at 250-365-0723 or 250-608-2723 cell

www.wldecor.com Serving the West Kootenays

© 2013 Hunter Douglas. ® Registered trademark of Hunter Douglas.

© 2013 Hunter Douglas. ® Registered trademark of Hunter Douglas.

Body, Mind & Spirit Arts

doscope KaleiSource Your

for

Unique & Inspired Gifts

Handcrafted by Local Boundary Artisans

“ Rock Candy” Fluorite Gift Registry Lay Away Plan Gift Certificates 7353B 2nd St, Grand Forks 250-443-3278

Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 29

Q&A with Ricardo Hubbs Schafer

On the Road to Shambhala

P

eople come from all over the world to the West Kootenay for what is now being touted as the best large event in the world by The International Breakspoll Awards. Shambhala Music Festival is an annual electronic music festival held during the first week of August at the Salmo River Ranch, a 500-acre cattle ranch at the southern edge of the West Kootenay.

For five days and four nights the ranch swells with over 10,000 people as they concoct into a mix of music and art in the middle of nature. Now in its sweet 16th year, Shambhala has grown to become the largest and one of the longest running electronic music events in Canada, and still remains completely home grown.

Since its inception, Shambhala has been a family-run event and never accepted corporate sponsorship, using the power of the internet and the merit of a solid, deep, soul-cleansing festival to entice people to come back. Sporting six uniquely themed stages — The Labyrinth, The Pagoda, The Living Room, The Rock Pit, The Fractal Forest and The Village — the festival is now a multimillion-dollar operation that injects life and colour into the local economy, and provides jobs for many local artists.

We sat down with Shambhala’s Ricardo Hubbs, the festival’s cultural imagineer to talk about the next trip down the rabbit hole to Shambhala 16.

The festival is heading into its 16th year, what is the biggest change that has happened over the years?

Like anything, it has matured. The produc-

Page 30

Route 3 Summer 2013

Courtesy Shambhala

Interview by Timothy

Over 10,000 people fill the Salmo ranch during the Shambhala Music Festival, the first weekend in August.

tion value has certainly gone up. It was more of a Kootenay gathering at the beginning.

It was a lot of friends and family and if you didn’t know them you at least knew their face from being in the community. Whereas now, one of the biggest changes is we’ve gone international, we’ve gone country-wide, and province-wide. But I still feel that same sense of connection with people even though they are not necessarily from the Kootenays.

What is the common thread of why people come?

My personal belief... is that people come because it is what we need in our lives. We need a place where the world is friendly and we can trust each other and we can talk to strangers, and we can dance beside someone we don’t know, and engage with that person on the dance floor. I have this sense of Shambhala that everybody is a potential best friend and that there is a real sense of community and, this sounds corny, but a real sense of love in the air that we don’t get in the world. You go to a place like Shambhala and you are reminded of what humans are really capable of if we operate from our hearts rather than a place of fear.

Without corporate sponsorship, how has Shambhala grown to be voted one of the best large music events in the world and still kept its Kootenay roots?

The fact it hasn’t had corporate sponsorship is certainly an essential ingredient to its magic. If we had big ads when you are appealing to a culture of people who are trying to carve a niche of independence and radical self expression and all these sorts of things

that are part of the festival culture, once the corporate people start to step in, their agenda starts to step in.

Shambhala has always prided itself on being a festival for what the people on the dance floor want to see, which is great music, great acts, great lights and good people.

Is there anything special planned for this year’s version of the festival?

We are bringing in the world’s largest kaleidoscope (from France), or what we believe to be the largest. We are always in a state of improvement, we’re excited that it’s our sweet 16 and we figure at this point we are maturing a little bit, we are getting our driver’s licence, maybe. There will be more decorations into the downtown and a constant upgrade of the festival, and we have put a lot more money into the stage production value this year.

What sort of contribution does the festival make to the West Kootenay region?

First of all it has put us on the map. When you take 10,000-plus people in creating the largest city in the West Kootenay for a week you certainly have a lot of word of mouth after that. So you have over 10,000 people going back out into the world, talking about this beautiful place they went to, talking about this incredible town Nelson they stopped in or this funky little town Winlaw they popped in on the way, so it definitely puts us on the map for word of mouth in that sense.

A lot of people I have met came to Shambhala and fell in love with Nelson and the Kootenays and have come and stayed here and bought houses and had children and made this their home.

Marketplace To Advertise contact Chris at 1-877-443-2191

Your Hometown Store with a Big Heart

❤

s’ Largest Garde n Ce tenay o o nt K e re h T

www.georamagrowers.com Boundary Mall, Grand Forks • 250•442•5560 Open 7 days a week • 8am-7pm Mon-Sat • 9am-6pm Sundays

Heart ‘n’ Sole Quilts Experience old-fashioned charm in our lovely heritage house surrounded by quilts and welcoming smiles.

In the Heart of Grand Forks!

FAbric ~ books ~ NotioNs ~ cLAsses ~ sALes biNs iNcLudiNG FAbric

Hours:

Monday to Friday: 10am-5pm saturday: 10am-4pm ~

325 75th Avenue, Grand Forks (turn north at Lordco)

250-442-0661

Open Year rOund

Just a short, scenic drive – 5 min west of nelson on Granite road

A list of our services...

• Sports injuries & training programs • Back & neck pain • Recurrent injury management • Postural dysfunction • I.M.S. (Intra Muscular Stimulation) • Vestibular rehabilitation • Cranio-sacral therapy • Post surgical treatment • Custom Knee Bracing • Acupuncture • Orthotics • Sports Medicine Acupuncture & Massage • Osteopathic Diagnosis & Treatment PhysiotheraPy ICBC & WCB Claims Accepted • New Clients Welcome

& sPorts Medicine clinic

Quality, Individualized Rehabilitation in a Relaxed Environment

801B Front St, Nelson

250.352.7030

Kootenay Quilters’ Guild presents

“Quilted treasures’ Prestige inn - 701 lakeside dr, Nelson Friday, October 4th, 12–8pm saturday, October 5th, 9am–4pm Feature Quilters • raFFle Quilt • Merchants’ Mall admission $5

Rossland Museum and Site of the Le Roi Gold Mine

One of the Jewels of the Boundary 2037 Hunter Frontage Rd. (Hwy 3), Christina Lake, BC, V0H 1E2

Toll Free 1-888-859-0159 • 250-447-9312

NEW museum displays!

Visit our Geology Centre or try panning for gold!

Interpretive Site Tours

Close to home… yet far from ordinary Open Daily 10am–6pm to Labour Day and open Wed. to Sun. 9am–5pm to Thanksgiving.

Gift shop, snack bar and Visitor Centre on site.

Highway Junction 22 & 3B Phone 362-7722 Toll Free 1-888-448-7444

www.rosslandmuseum.ca

Summer 2013 Route 3

Page 31

-

Grand Forks’ Farmers’ Market

---- - - --

Grand Forks’ Farmers’ Market

Raising your bottom line.

Boundary Country is rich in agriculture, arts, tourism and adventure. See what the Boundary Country has to offer you.

@ Gyro Park (across from Overwaitea) May–Oct every Tuesday & gffarmersmarket@hotmail.com Friday from 8am–1pm

May - Oct every Tuesday & Friday from 8am-1pm

Gyro Park (across from Overwaitea) gffarmersmarket@hotmail.com

“Mile o” of the Legendary

kettle Valley Railway

Kettle RiveR

MuseuM

Look for the red kVR station and Caboose on highway 3, MidWaY, bC

-

Located at the old Cowboy Ranch

Johni de GRoot

1-888-299-0592 •250-446-6808 www.johnidegroot.com

www.boundarybc.com

For all your IT needs, talk to neighbours Computers.

(250) 442-8444

The Old COwbOy RanCh Riverview Cottages Campground • Guesthouse Trail Rides 1-888-299-0592 • 250-446-6808

www.oldcowboyranch.com RoCk CReek & WestbRidGe

- --

www.gfdscu.com 250-442-5511

“NBRZ You can count on.”

-

borrowing • investing Retirement Planning Banking Services

Taste Unlimited.

Two locations to serve you!

330 Central Ave, GRand FoRks 250-442-3515 1746 sandner Frontage Road, ChRISTInA LAke 250-447-2658