August 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Beaches & Swimming
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A student sees a long weekend as a time to take full advantage of the many freedoms he or she is denied throughout the school year; a time of avoiding essays (and finishing them hurriedly the night before they're due), listening to the token boring professor, and of course, sirviving on nothing.
All of these miseries seemed distant to me as my stepbrother Landon and I made the 30 minute drive to West Lake on Saturday to enjoy the sun, water, and let the dogs explore the dog-friendly part of the provincial park. Half hour out of town, the campground is totally equipped for a great day at the beach: sandy beaches for families, a shower station, volleyball net, and on-leash dog lakefront walking trail.
The water was the greatest surprise. The lake was shallow, freshly stocked with fish (many of which lazily swam near our feet) and perfect for swimming. My swimmer-self awoke instantly and I paddled away into the depths, diving under the water and brushing up on my swimming skills! Our lunch, leftovers from the BBQ the night before, was another great addition to the day; we had our own picnic bench and beach access to enjoy our burgers (and tofu burger respectively) and other goodies.
We tanned, napped, and took one last dip before we got ready to go. This is one place I will definitely want to visit again before it's time to hit the books.
August 04, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Theatre & Performing Arts
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My two little cousins dance for Judy Russell’s Enchainement School of Dance, so when I told my mother I was coming to Prince George to visit for the long weekend last Tuesday, she bought an additional ticket and she, myself and her friend Paula were off to the Prince George Playhouse to see The Who’s TOMMY: A Rock Opera.
It was a different experience than the ones I have had in the past (the cousins weren’t in this one, and there were only several familiar faces), this one was a musical, not simply a generous helping of exquisitely performed dances I was used to, but it was a great example of diversity, both in the performance format and the performers themselves. The technical aspects of the musical were incredible: the musicians were flawless, the entire company was well-synchronized and the effects at the beginning for the overture made it seem like watching a movie.
Having extensive experience in theatre myself, I was pleased to see such a smooth transition from dance to musical, and had a great time watching the performance. Watching a Judy Russell performance is one of the little treats I love about going home, and the original twist on the weekend was a welcome change of pace.
July 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
It was sudsy and bubbly in Dawson Creek on Friday, July 17th! The Dawson Creek Vet Clinic was hosting a “Doggy Wash Day” with proceeds going to the Dawson Creek branch SPCA, so being a dog lover, I had to attend. The wash featured a BBQ (and of course a bowl of hot dog chunks for hungry puppies), clinic tours and games in addition to the pools of bathwater to clean local pooches. Dogs of all shapes and sizes were in attendance, and knowing my dollars were going to a cause like the SPCA, how could I not go scope it out?
July 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Air / Airports
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The FSJ AIrshow is always a major community event; a chance to see a variety of planes take part in an incredible display of aerodynamic ballet. The planes flew so close it was incredible; we could even make out the numbers and decals on the sides of the planes! The Snowbirds were undoubtedly the highlight of the aero-performance. The twists and turns and loops were amazing to see so close!
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
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Jimmy Rankin was among friends July 7th, as he played to a diverse crowd at the Lido Theatre in Fort St. John, which included many islanders.
I myself was in the company of a true Cape Bretoner, my friend Tanya was the first person I thought of to accompany me to the show when I heard Jimmy would be in town. As I anticipated, not only did Tanya know who he was, but was thrilled to go.
What a great time! For those of you familiar with the Rankin Family (now The Rankins), you will appreciate the way Jimmy’s deep, soulful performance can sweep you back to the days when he and his brother and sisters used to charm us with their melodic harmony with such hits as “Tell My Ma” and “Forty Days and Nights” and “Mairi’s Wedding.” Jimmy was sans family this time: one audience member, at the encouragement of Jimmy to name some requests shouted “Mull River Shuffle, boy!” (I cheered and hollered to second the motion…it’s my favorite song of theirs) and Jimmy smiled and replied, “Mull River Shuffle…I need the Rankins for that one!”
Nevertheless, I was still taken back to my childhood, Jimmy superbly belting out some classics accessible to him alone, such as “Orangedale Whistle” and “You Feel The Same Way Too.” He entertained us with some of his hits from “Song Dog” as well as some of his newer material from his recently released CD, “Edge of Time.” True to Rankin form (this is the second time I have seen Jimmy; the first time was the entire family together, including John Morris), he got the audience involved to help sing some of the songs!
It was evident everyone was having a great time—there was a delightful mingling of accents calling out to Jimmy: at one point, after a roaring applause, he came out for an encore and checked the time, when an audience member called out playfully: “never mind your watch!” My friend turned to me and said knowingly, “that’s gotta be a Newfoundlander!”
The performance was one of the best I’ve seen. Jimmy’s sole band member James even managed to squeeze in some banjo playing, and by the time the night was coming to an end, the entire crowd had managed to rise to their feet and clap along to several of the numbers.
Come back Jimmy, and next time, bring your family!
July 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
The wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of anyone in Pouce Coupe last week for their annual Canada Day celebration.
Hundreds of people streamed from the village’s Canada Day parade (complete with classic cars, dressed-up pooches and resplendently-dressed horses) to Pouce Park for games, musical entertainment, and the biggest BBQ in the Peace region.
There was plenty to do and see; including a train taking children on rides around the park, a large inflatable jungle gym, vendors selling jewelry and giving away flags, stickers and washable tattoos, and a face-painting booth. Music featured local artists and a variety of songs, and when the weather did take a turn for the worst, some chose to brave it and huddle under tents while some opted for cover in their vehicles. The rain finally passed, the sun prevailed, and so did the fun!
July 06, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Farms & Markets
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This past weekend was a hot one in Prince George, and I was lucky enough to spend it with my dogs, Oliver and Annie, sun-tanning and enjoying the Forests for the World trails, a mere stone’s throw from my family’s house. The dogs love it because there’s a lake there (recently stocked with fish for those who enjoy the pastime).
On Saturday however, it was time to do something different! The first thing to think about in the morning of course is dinner for later that night, so I got the idea to check out the Farmer’s Market downtown near George Street and see what was up. I was delighted to find organic produce, and the locally grown vegetables are a vegetarian’s dream come true. Although we have a wonderful garden in the front yard which will be bearing its veritable delicacies sooner rather than later, that didn’t stop me from gathering vegetables, honey and of course bread (one can’t expect to peruse the goodies and not invest in some dill cheese loaf). Later, at my aunt’s house, we settled in and began our feast. The fresh carrots, soft white bread, sweet tomatoes and homemade pie was everything that defines summer eating. Farmer’s Markets are one of the great ways to get out and “window shop” locally.
June 29, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Taylor, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
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Ready, set , GO!
The stock car races were on full force this past weekend in Taylor, BC. Saturday and Sunday, June 27th and 28th saw many local racers from around the Peace region take part in the Doug Babcock Memorial Points Challenge at the Taylor Speedway.
All different participants took part in the weekend of fun, from knowledgeable drivers themselves to family, friends, local supporters and visitors. The weather could have been nicer—many grumbled about the cool air and overcast sky (a sprinkle of rain provoked more frustration)—but the sun ended up shining for the last part of the day on Sunday, and although the race started late on Sunday, everyone finished and all was well.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the race is the variety of cars—the many makes and models, sizes and colors of the vehicles. That and the local spirit the race inspires: the cheering and support rang loud and clear!
June 25, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Hiking
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Sometimes you don’t have to wander very far off the beaten path to find a treasure!
One of the best things about summer is that an abundance of activities await you outdoors. Hiking trails, provincial parks, and campsites are all just a stone’s throw away from a good time.
No one appreciates these endless possibilities quite like an energetic pair of dogs! Feeling invigorated, inspired (and never one to turn down a chance to spend time with my puppies), I loaded my car with leashes (it always gives the appearance to outsiders that I am in control of my animals, though I haven’t, and never have had any intention of using them), a water bottle and DEET-free, dog-friendly bug spray and headed to Fort St. John’s Fish Creek Community Forest.
The forest is a family favorite. Ever since I can remember, we walked the trails throughout the year; walking in everything from shorts and t-shirts to stuffy snowsuits and sorrels. Having dogs to bring with you only increases the potential for memories.
There are three trails in this forest nestled behind Northern Lights College. I’m sure many families scope out the maps provided at the entrance to the trails to decide on the best fit for their group. I like to take a more organic approach, which entails letting the pooches loose and follow their lead! There are three main trails, the Anatomy, the Siviculture and the Multi-Purpose Trail. The one my sheltie and border collie-cross prefer is called the Adventure Trail. We made it up. A combination of off-roading, gravel and paved trails, thorny patches (not good for humans but my dogs don’t really take my legs into consideration!) and dark, leafy, mysterious coves of trees…this is my favorite place to go for a walk.
I watch my dogs frolic and play, running full speed ahead into the creek and out again, grabbing tree branches and playing tug-of-war. Oliver trots through a cluster of ferns so feather-like they appear to be nothing more than an emerald fog suspended above the ground. Through their frenzy, I still feel peaceful. The occasional jogger, training marathon-runner or power-walker greets me as we stroll. The forest is breathtaking; green and shining; ablaze with sunlight and constant creature-chatter. A gaggle of teenage boys cruise on bikes through the BMX trails, and suddenly, as we enter an archway of birch, a small sound startles my dogs into looking up and standing stoically; tails up and focused. Two moose: a cow and calf, moseying around the bushes, their quiet munching the only sound in the stillness, reminds me once again that we don’t have to venture very far to find a summer treasure.