March 23, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Snowshoeing
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Last Sunday we went out for our weekly winter exercise. This time we went snowshoeing which is one of my favorite ways to enjoy this beautiful country. It's simple, great cardio exercise and we especially love the quietness. Snowshoes are light, easy to travel with and a great way to hang out with people.
If you need some, they have a great selection of snowshoes at Corlane's Sporting Goods store.
Last Sunday, was a sunny, warm day, great for snowshoeing. We chose a spot near the little village of Rolla, about 10 miles north of the city, which has great bush trails and fields with sweeping views all the way into Alberta. It's beautiful there.
We had just about completely crossed a field when we saw something big moving in the tree line just ahead of us. It moved like a coyote but was a lot bigger. We had our binoculars and little camera with us.
It was a Gray Wolf. Even though common sense told us that he would not bother us, being out in the middle of a field in deep snow with a wolf watching us was scary-exciting.
We stopped and watched the wolf, and the wolf stopped and watched us. We figured we would just wait for it to make the first move and after several minutes the wolf turned and resumed his travels away from us.
When we got home, I looked up Gray Wolves on the Internet and found that there are estimated 7,500 in BC. Life isn't easy for a wolf. Living on large and small game, they only have a 10% success rate with their hunting and so live by feast or famine. I also learned that they often travel 200 kilometers in a day.
A friend told me that a Gray Wolf had been spotted about 30 kilometers from here; maybe it's the same one. The mystery is whether or not there is a pack around.
Whether a local or a visitor, it's important to keep eyes and ears open when you are out an about in the country. There are a lot of wild animals living here. Cameras, binoculars and a cell phone are a good idea. It's also a great idea to mention to someone where you are going.
March 16, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Art Galleries & Artists
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We are so lucky here in Dawson Creek to have a really active art community.
When my friend told me about the latest show and concert to open at the Grain Elevator Art Gallery I knew it was just the thing to bring some light and warmth and color into the deep days of winter.
We arrived early and from the first moment of opening the door we were wrapped in soft welcoming music. Looking up the spiraling ramp, the walls were hung with bright, colorful portraits, people were just starting to come in, and apparently with the same idea we had for breaking up the winter.
There was a big bowl of punch and a table full of appetizers to enjoy as well and we strolled up to the top of the gallery nibbling, chatting, and enjoying the art. We often stop to look down over the rails to the belly of the gallery below.
We finished our stroll and returned to the center of the gallery to fill our plates with more snacks and take a seat to listen to an intimate concert by a traveling musician. The Art Gallery hosts regular concerts and art exhibits and we try to go them on a regular basis.
Ticket prices are always reasonable and we never fail to enjoy ourselves. It's a small venue and that's what makes it so enjoyable.
It was a warm and wonderful evening.
March 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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The annual Cabin Fever Winter Festival hosted by the Mattson Family took place on a very cold, clear February day this year. We were all dressed up in our warmest winter clothes to be outside.
It was a day of visiting, laughing, eating, dancing, playing and stiff competition between neighbors and visitors alike.
The kids with their rosy cheeks had a great time racing the "Board Walk" (modified three legged race where they have to walk together with feet strapped into two short pieces of lumber) and also testing their skills in the "Snowball Toss."
Adult Competitions:
"Tea-Boiling" – contestants had to run to grab a hatchet and kindling and light a fire with no paper and only ten matches to bring a pot of water to a rolling boil – first one to drop a bag of tea in the pot was declared the winner.
"Cross-Cut Sawing" – teams of two people sawing a slice from a big log with an antique cross-cut saw.
"Bale Rolling Race" – Teams rolling 1500 pound bales of hay a lengthy distance.
"Mitt Mayhem" – This was the best! Contestants struggled to open a canned drink and make a peanut butter and jam sandwich wearing large bulky snowmobile mitts.
The competitions were fierce! The winners were thrilled!
There was a beautiful team of Shire Horses giving sleigh rides. Hot food was served in the warm barn and we had a warm-up fire and hay bale wind break to make the outdoor event comfortable even with the bitter winter day.
The festival ended with a barn dance in "Albert's Loft" with old timey music by the Sweetwater Ramblers.
The festival was a great way to shake off the winter with friends and laughs.
March 02, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Dining
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When I heard that I could get my favorite Italian Gelato (ice cream) in town, I was thrilled!
The Café Europa has an international atmosphere (Italian & Hungarian) and a menu featuring specialty coffees, European sandwiches and deserts. The display cases are a work of art.
It's right downtown, a block away from the Mile O Post, tucked away in a long narrow building. You can pop in when you are downtown checking out the murals. Then you can stroll and eat ice cream or enjoy your coffee at the same time.
Within days of opening it's doors, this little eatery became a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
The café is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. You can eat in or take out and there is a small veranda out back to sit and enjoy your food in the summer months. This is the only place in town where you can eat Tapis one week and Turkish Barbeque the next.
I'm most excited about the international nights – Italian, Greek, Spanish, Serbian, Hungarian, German, French, Turkish menus. All those flavors in one restaurant.