December 2015 EyesOnBC Magazine

December 2015 vol 11 issue 12

Serving Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands

MAGAZINE

Exploring the Englishman River Estuary • 7 Planning and Meandering • 10 Shirley Phillips: Potter on Fire! • 13 John Beaton’s: “Christmas Open House” • 19

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FEATURES 5 Editorial 10 Planning and Meandering: Just how does destiny work?

13 Shirley Phillips: Potter on Fire!

7 14 15 19

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ENTERTAINMENT, OUTDOORS Exploring the Englishman River Estuary Tide Table ECHO: Merry Christmas George Bailey Poet’s Corner: John Beaton’s “Christmas Open House” Cathy Davis: Musician

COMMUNITY LIFE 16 From the Desk of ... RDN Director, Bill Veenhof

THE REGULARS

Wink with beautiful eyes this Holiday Season!

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In the Stars: Georgia Nicols Horoscope Classifieds Community Events At Your Service - Local Services & Trades

Articles and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and published for general information purposes only. Articles are not intended to provide specific advice - the publisher will assume no liability.

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EDITORIAL

MAGAZINE

December 2015 vol 11 No 12

EyesOnBC Magazine is published monthly Showcasing our community since 2004 Main Email: info@eyesonbc.com Phone: 250-757-9914 Mailing Address EyesOnBC Magazine, Box 182, Bowser, BC V0R 1G0 Hours: Mon - Thu 10-4 Our Contributors this month: Georgia Nicols, Joanne Sales, Bill Veenhof, Kim Leslie Young, Laura Busheikin, Linda Tenney, John Beaton On the Internet www.eyesonbc.com & www.facebook.com/eyesonbc For Advertising Options Call 250-757-9914 to inquire or visit www.eyesonbc.com/advertise to request ad rates.

VISA & MasterCard accepted Printed on Vancouver Island, BC

by Linda Tenney

I

t’s the time of year when we come together with friends and family with warm greetings and holiday cheer. I love this time of the year when colourful Christmas decorations set the mood in local shops and along town streets, and everyone wears a smile. A winter wonderland indeed! For me, December will include concerts, live theatre, nibbling on decadent treats without guilt, and being grateful for the life I have in a community I dearly love. In whatever way you celebrate, I wish you the warmest of holiday seasons!

In our pages this month, you’ll enjoy John Beaton’s humorous take on the typical “Christmas Open House”, on page 19.

And you’ll discover the Englishman River Estuary as Kim Leslie Young ‘walks’ us through one of Vancouver Island’s rare and beautiful ecological treasures, on page 7.

And Laura Busheikin introduces us to “Shirley Phillips: Potter on Fire!”, one of the artists you’ll meet at the 2015 Denman Island Christmas Craft Fair. Her story starts on page 13.

Remember that each Wednesday, it’s warm with food and friendship at the Soupy Café inside the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay. Lunch is served from 12 to 1pm each Wednesday, and the Centre remains open until 1:30pm to give you time to finish up that game of Scrabble, Backgammon or conversation with friends. The “Community Lunch” is cooked up by volunteers and is offered by donation; whatever you can afford, and if you’re short of funds, well that’s okay too. Don’t stay hungry ... come on in for a hot and hearty lunch. Lighthouse Community Centre, 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. Enjoy the holidays! Peace! Comfort! Joy!

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EXPLORING THE ...

Englishman River Estuary

by Kim Leslie Young

Estuary: “An inlet or arm of the sea; especially, the lower portion or wide mouth of a river, where the salty tide meets the freshwater current.” ~ Websters

M

y love of hiking and the “great outdoors” began long before I moved to this island from a large inland city. Yet, living in an island community and near coastal waters is an experience of sensory immersion; bringing a diversity of nature that has given me an unending curiosity and heightened appreciation of all forms of our wildlife surroundings.

I am fascinated too, by the intricate, interdependent relationships that exist among them; ecosystems such as the Englishman River estuary.

how last winter’s storms impacted this waterway; the shoreline appears vastly different & most noticeably the popular “ye old swimming hole”, once a mid-river oasis surrounded by river rock, has disappeared. Still, the river will soon be a summer haven for swimmers, fishermen and the occasional kayaker...and in those warmer months, a short wade to opposite shores and voila, you are in beautiful San Pariel!

A bit of whimsy on this trail...watch for the bark carvings of owls attached to trees; on a previous trek I counted a total of seven but on this hike, I discovered only one. Perhaps, as a local hiker tells me, the mystery carver moves them around from time to time or tree to tree.

What is the big deal about estuaries?

Think of them as nature’s life support system. Along with rainforests and coral reefs, they are the most productive ecosystems in the world and are not simply important, but vital to the survival of multitudes of species for food, breeding and wintering habitats and migration stopovers.

Perhaps a leisurely hike here is also an opportunity to reinforce our dedication to their preservation.

As the river empties into the ocean, rainforest becomes marshland, mudflats and wetlands. Today, the viewing tower offers sights and sounds of multitudes of winter waterfowl like a huge, exuberant family reunion.

Take some time to read the nearby interpretive signage and a plaque honoring the dedicated community members who worked to preserve this vital area.

“Estuaries are very rare in BC, less than 3% of our coastline. Yet they provide habitat to over 80% of our coastal fish and wildlife!”

These impactive words from the Shelly Road trailhead signage resonate with me as I head out on the trail.

The winter months display less wildlife activity but a silent estuarine industry is in full swing. The unique, brackish waters are producing and storing vast amounts of rich organic matter and nutrients, while fresh and

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saltwater marshes buffer storm surges and floodwaters and act as a water filtration system, removing pollutants.

The salt marsh grasses, mangrove trees and other plants are in place to reduce erosion and maintain the stability of nearby coastal shores and riverbanks.

The incredible diversity of habitats, from seagrass beds, tidal pools and sandy beaches to wooded swamps and rocky shores provide long and short-term homes for hundreds of thousands of nature’s own.

In spring and summer, estuarine activity increases at dramatic levels during salmon runs, the herring spawn and the “stopover” of the Pacific Brant Sea Goose. Look for everything from sand dollars to sea lions. Along with the resident bald eagles and kingfishers, over two hundred other avian species arrive. Nearing the estuaries at this time of year is akin to stepping inside a nature conservatory; seemingly within boundaries, sights and sounds of wildlife are multiplied and amplified!

On the final stretch of our Shelly Road hike, we tread carefully through a food forager’s bounty; thick groves of rosehip “apples”, blackberry bushes and stinging nettles. As can be seen on the trail map at the parking area, a small network of pathways cross the perimeter loop and if you explore further, perhaps you’ll spy those missing bark owls. continued on page 23

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DECEMBER!

250-757-9222 • website: www.rcl211.ca • email: rcl211@shaw.ca Dec 15 – Branch 211 Executive Meeting Hall Rentals 250-757-9222 • Tue to Fri 9am - 12 noon Dec 6 – Breakfast with Santa!!

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Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season!

Aries (March 21-April 19) This month is exciting because you will do everything possible to broaden your horizons through study and travel. You will seek out adventure and unfamiliar experiences. You will delight in meeting people from different backgrounds and other cultures. It will also be a great time to sign up for a course or start a new hobby. You will be fascinated by profound discussions about religion, philosophy, metaphysics, astrology and politics. You want to be smart; and you want to feel smart; and you want to look smart! Yeah!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This month you have a strong desire to experience life on a feeling level – the nitty-gritty truth. Sex and physical intimacy will be intense; but you will be equally intense about psychological self inquiry and soul-searching. Einstein said, “Have the courage to take your own thoughts seriously, for they will shape you.” At another level, you will focus more on financial matters, especially the finances, wealth and assets of others. One reason you’re focused on money is you’re planning a vacation. Packing tropical?

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This is the only time all year when the Sun is opposite your sign, which means it’s as far away from you as it gets all year. Since the Sun is your source of energy, this means you will be exhausted and will need more sleep. Factoid. Respect your need for more rest by taking naps and going to bed earlier. Venus and Mars will continue to bring party opportunities your way, which in turn, will be fun but exhausting. More sleep! This oppositional Sun will help you see that for your own good, you must be as beneficial to your partner as he or she is to you.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You’ll be keen to get better organized this month because you want to manage your life more efficiently. You want to arrange duties and tasks so they flow easily and you feel good about what you do. You will refine your techniques because you want the most bang for your buck in terms of your energy output. This desire for an improved way of doing things will be expressed in your

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desire for better health as well. You might also explore a new exercise regime. Maybe it’s time to stop eating cold Chinese take-out for breakfast?

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) All Leos have a playful month ahead!

This will be a happy time because you will grab the freedom to express yourself any way you want. For starters, you want to get out and have a good time! You will feel lighter about life! You’ll enjoy playful times with children, as well as romantic dates and social diversions. Get dressed up and go out in full dazzle because this is the one time of year where you can really be yourself. Venus and Mars will make you charming and direct in all your communications with others.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Home, family and your private life will be your primary focus this month. In part, this is because many of you will tackle home repairs at this time. In addition, family discussions will be significant. This makes sense because in the coming year, your focus is primarily about securing a home base for yourself and establishing a firm anchor in life. You need something for yourself and your family that you can rely on. Meanwhile, you’re working hard to earn money and enjoying purchases of beautiful things, perhaps for your home?

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Your daily pace will begin to accelerate now because this month, you will be busy with a jam-packed schedule! Short trips, increased reading and writing, visits, mucho errands plus conversations with everyone will keep you off your heels. Lately, you have been enjoying buying clothes for yourself, and you will continue doing this because it’s fun! Venus and Mars in your sign make you proactive about being more attractive. Libra is the sign that rules haute couture, which is another way of saying you like clothes and you like looking good.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This month you will think about money, cash flow and earnings. Your thoughts will be more than just, “Where’s the money?” You will seek ways to have greater control over your life through what you own. You also want greater happiness in general by handling your money more wisely. This will be your goal. That’s because the Sun will make you reflect upon your values; as well as your relationship to the resources in your life and how they serve your needs. You might also be pleased with a new purchase or gift and want to show something off.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Happy Birthday! The Sun is now in your sign recharging your batteries for the rest of the year, and making you want to express yourself with more force than usual. You make a great impression on others at this time, which is one reason you will notice that others are attracted to you. It’s all good! Meanwhile, Mars and Venus will hype your popularity. You will enjoy socializing with others, especially creative, artistic types. You might also be in competition (physically) with someone. Expect a fun, busy month with you leading the pack.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Two opposite energies are at play. One makes you withdraw from the busy-ness of the world, which is appropriate because you need to think about your goals for your new year. How do you want your new year to be different from this last year?

Ideas? Be specific. Make goals with deadlines. So yes, you will need solitude for some navel gazing. The opposite influence is that Venus and Mars, are cranking up your ambition and giving you opportunities to schmooze and make a great impression on everyone, especially bosses.

In fact, this impression might be quite cozy. Hmmm.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You’re popular! Everyone wants to see your face this month. Enjoy spending time with friends, colleagues, groups, clubs and associations.

This is an excellent month to sit down with others and share your ideas and goals for the future. Not only can you build upon each other’s ideas, but if you share your dreams for the future with others, their feedback will help you. This is also a good time to study your friends because they are a reflection of who you are. And remember, your friends influence you! Meanwhile, travel for pleasure appeals majorly.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This month others, especially bosses, are impressed with you! This is why someone will ask you to do a special job. Don’t worry because whatever you do – you will please everyone because good lighting is everything! This is also the time of year when you ponder your life direction, and also the reputation that you have with your peers. This is serious stuff. Meanwhile, expect a sexy month because you feel passionate! Romance will be sweet and memorable. Plus, gifts, goodies and favours from others will come your way! Not too shabby. ~

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PLANNING AND MEANDERING. JUST HOW DOES DESTINY WORK?

by Joanne Sales

W

e think we plan our lives, and kind of know we don’t. Days fill up and take sharp turns, with lots of things we forgot to predict.

Things like broccoli and bears.

My husband and I got married at the ripe old age of 20. Since that time, long, long ago, I figure that I prepared around 16,000 dinners. Since half of those dinners contained broccoli, and a bunch of broccoli might last two meals, I estimate I bought broccoli at least 4,000 times (which means 4000 plastic bags – ugh). I burned the broccoli a minimum of 300 times (so I ate it alone), which reduces the number to 7,700 happy meals of broccoli.

When I go through the Pearly Gates, if St. Peter asks me what I did down here, I’ll know what to tell him. Broccoli.

I wondered, if I hadn’t spent my life steaming broccoli, would I have accomplished much more? And then I had to ask, much more “what”?

Very few of us live a pre-planned life.

We may have “under control” moments, but more often, life gets away from us.

Shift happens. We arrive somewhere else and turn out to be something else.

I don’t spend much time thinking about what could have been; but I am intrigued by what makes things happen or not happen. Last month, I was I sure I got stuck in a tar pit where nothing happens.

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Those three days took on a strange configuration. I call them the BAT-CAP: “bear-apples-turkey-chicken-andpuppy” days. Nothing but BAT-CAP for three days. I was fit to be tied. (The following is the abbreviated version; I don’t want to waste your time too!)

Day 1 of BAT-CAP: Bear comes onto porch. We know better than to leave apples under the trees, but thought a small box was all right on the porch.

Wrong! A big signature pile of poop by the steps. That was novel. I had never cleaned up bear poop before.

Day 2: The bear is back. A second, less novel, poop pile by the porch. The bear goes to the barn and rearranges boxes.

Obviously hungry. Our 12 semi-wild turkeys are totally stressed and take up the practice of flying over fences, the green house, and barn like pterodactyl (flying dinosaurs) before crashing like failed missiles. I take up the practice of loud singing.

I throw a bag of turkey feed into a wheel barrow (a little wet). Crisis in the chicken yard. A young hen is stuck in the netting being pecked by her good friends. Run for scissors. Try to herd the turkeys back into their house. The now wet feed bag breaks, spilling feed all over the ground. The turkeys race back out the gate. Puppy is scarfing down turkey food. Puppy is barfing up turkey food. The bear is watching. I’m kneeling

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in the chicken poop cutting strand by strand of netting from around the hen’s neck. The hen has the skin on her head broken open in a circle as big as a tooney. (Gross!) I run to my computer, “Can you stitch up torn chicken skin?”

Uncle Google says yes. I get a needle and 50-year-old blue cotton thread and we sew up the gaping hole. Just like repairing jeans. (Honest to goodness.)

More poop, barf, escaping chickens, flying pterodactyls. In any down time, can, dry and eat rotting apples.

Day 3: Newly crushed fences and bear still visits barn. The conservation officer and I have a conservation conversation.

(I love those two words together!) He says, put up an electric fence, not just around the bees, but also around the barn. You’re kidding. Off to the store.

Cover the wire with aluminum foil and peanut butter. Sticky fingers. It’s getting dark. I keep singing. (Lullaby and good night….) A good bear is still a bear. La la la. In the dark, the puppy hits the electric fence; her screams could wake up dead rats!

Next day, the bear was gone. The sewed up hen unfortunately turned into a rooster, but healed miraculously. The BAT-CAP configuration was over.

But I was frustrated. It wasn’t that those three days were painful, just fruitless.

It felt like wasted days, like being stuck forever in L.A. rush hour. (Know that CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

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continued from page 10 feeling?) It inspired me to write a letter to God. Honest to goodness. It started out like this:

She is living a much freer, adventurous life than she had planned.

Dear God, I’d like to chat. It’s about this “burying your talents” thing. I’m sure I’ve buried lots of talents. But I have excuses. Wanna hear them?

At this point, I could have explained to God how I was raised in the 50s, where girls had three futures and three clubs to join - for Future Teachers, Nurses, or Homemakers. I could have told God my other plans and the reasons they didn’t work. I could have listed other strange configurations of days over the years.

But in the end, I figured the ONE Who created the Akashic Records didn’t need to hear a blow by blow account of my life. Besides I had heard the quote, “If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.” (What about one’s lack of plans?)

And so it goes. Plans often get botched by circumstances beyond our control.

But I’m not sure it’s all bad. There are lots of things that happened in my life that I would change in a heartbeat; but some of the best things were accidents, or apparent accidents. If I planned them, I don’t know when or how. There were no blips on my radar screen. They came from somewhere off screen. “Accidents” happen.

I met a very joyful woman in her early 60s who volunteers in Guatemala. She told me that her life took the course it had because of a severely disfiguring car accident when she was 23. I told her I couldn’t see anything unusual in her appearance. “In the light, you could.”

(Oh, the things we could see in the Light!) The accident was unplanned, but it set her off, painfully at first, and then joyfully, into a life of service to others – free from the baggage of good looks.

Her accident was more than physical as it caused two near-death experiences (NDE), which consistently diminish a person’s fear and transforms priorities.

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Life coaches tell us we should make plans, and I totally agree. I’m not exactly sure when we make them.

My 11-year-old granddaughter is distraught by global warming and the fate of the animals, oceans and forests. I couldn’t dismiss her fears.

But I suggested a different way for her to look at it. “Maybe you were born on purpose – to help. Maybe you and your generation are higher beings and you made a plan before you were born.

Think of it like a Star Trek Mission. (blank look…) Think of it like Harry Potter.” Then she got it. Is that realistic?

Well, it worked for her and it works for me. We have to keep trying!

We’re in for radical changes, coming soon. It doesn’t serve us to think that these will only mean “doing without” changes. We could be entering a time of higher consciousness, greater cooperation, and clearer visions - a new configuration.

Truth is, we don’t know the mechanisms of fate, why this happens and that doesn’t. We have powerful currents running simultaneously: circumstance, history, thoughts, desires, luck, grace, karma, intention, emotions - all engaged in creating our future. And when we trace our fingers over the intricate networks created by our relationships with each other, our future becomes even more fascinating and unpredictable.

Yet even though we only understand a fraction of the factors at play here; even though we don’t know what’s in our own best interests; and even though we don’t see the whole picture - still, we’re not just mindlessly in for the ride. We’re always feeding the fire of our destiny.

The Paris Climate Talks are going on now. However it has happened, by hook or by crook, by luck, accident, good planning or bad, destiny or grace, we’re here together swimming in the same strong currents, trying to cool down a planet and the tempers of war, to feed the hungry and not burn the broccoli.

We wish each other good luck, and secretly hope for grace. Luck feels arbitrary and mindless. Grace is

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kindhearted and intelligent with a finely tuned level of accuracy. Just what is needed, just in time, or just outside of time, or beyond time. The universe is intelligent, and so is grace. It has showed up before.

Even in the midst of what seems like endless repetition (7700 servings of broccoli), change will happen. But how do we direct the change? What is different now is that we HAVE to make plans TOGETHER. Maybe the rules of manifestation are different, and better, when we agree to work together. Faith is more resilient than fear. Love is greater protection than hatred, hands down.

Meanwhile, we’re busy stumbling like bears over fallen apple crates in the store room of possibilities, not knowing really how it all works. But maybe we meandered our way through burnt pots of broccoli, hundreds of hours in rush hour, caretaking, illness, healing and work – and stories, countless stories between us, and walks through the forest and alleyways. And now we’re ready. Ready enough….. while invisible forces move us forward.

Blessings to the participants at the Paris Talks! And peace to all Creatures.

Joanne Sales is a freelance writer, blueberry farmer living in rural Qualicum Beach, and Director of Vancouver Island’s Broombusters Invasive Plant Society.

Questions about her articles should be directed to joanne@glasswing.com.

For information or questions regarding Broombusters Invasive Plant Society - www.broombusters.org. Ph: 250-7524816, Email: info@broombusters.org

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Phillips’ childhood love of mud-play blossomed into an adult interest in ceramic arts when she was a young adult taking a diploma program in recreation studies. Potting was just a small part of the program, but it had a big impact on Phillips.

enman Island potter Shirley Phillips has spent years developing her art, learning a sophisticated array of technical skills, developing artistic flair, and finding her own personal style. But her journey started, quite literally, with mud.

Pottery by Shirley Phillips · photo by Fireweed ·

“As a kid I continually had my hands in the dirt. I was always digging holes, making mud things, and creating little villages in the potato patch. I loved the feel and the smell,” she says. Phillips is one of close to 80 artisans on display at the Denman Island Christmas Craft Fair, now in its 34th year and recognized as one of the region’s most popular fairs.

Phillips’ early enthrallment with the tactile potential of mud is evident in her current work.

“I’m fascinated with texture! I love bumpy lumpy things,” she says. “On a walk, I’m the one stopping to touch trees and pick up branches covered in worm tracks. I can be walking down the road and find part of a blown-out tire.

Or my kids bring me things.”

Many of these “bumpy lumpy things” find their way to Phillips’ pottery as texturizing elements. “Anything that has an innie or an outtie I will try. You never know what it will do till you press it into the clay.”

SHIRLEY PHILLIPS

Vases, bowls, serving dishes, mugs and more bear the imprint of rocks, lace, bark, shells, branches, and even a savoy cabbage leaf. These pieces ask to be touched, as well as looked at.

by Laura Busheikin

“Also, I love trying new techniques,” says Phillips. “I do three kinds of firing – one is the wood firing in the Anugama kiln. Also I do smoke firing

POTTER ON FIRE!

in a barrel in my driveway, and I have a digital electrical kiln for stoneware. I love to melt beach glass onto different things. Lately I’ve been experimenting with a new kind of crackle texture with sodium silicate. There’s lots of variety.

You can buy a chopstick rest for $4 or a sculptural torso for $400.”

“That’s when I knew that I always wanted clay to be a part of my life,” says Phillips. She describes herself as selftaught, through workshops, personal research and experimentation. When she moved to Denman in 1988, she soon found that the Island’s vibrant and talented potters’ community offered further opportunities to develop. While raising her three children, Phillips worked for world-renowned Denman potter Gordon Hutchens as a studio assistant.

“This was a job, not instruction. But I learned a lot. I asked a lot of questions!

I learned how to make his glazes and I also saw his process which was pretty amazing.” She credits another master potter on Denman, Bentley LeBaron, for teaching her sculptural skills with clay.

In the year 2000, Phillips was ready to take her pottery career to the next level by opening her own studio. This was also the year she first sold her wares at craft fairs – not just Denman but also other Vancouver Island fairs ranging from Qualicum to Campbell River.

Living and working as an artisan on a small, remote island has its challenges – ferry fares, isolation, economic challenges, and the feast-or-famine tourist cycle of busy summers and sleepy winters – but it also brings many benefits. The high proportion of artists and artisans on Denman creates a continued page 18

DECEMBER 2015

... with 37 years of experience

Harvey Sommerfeld Honest Professional Service

Our tide table measurements are taken from the Hornby Island substation. For other tides, visit http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca/english/Canada.shtml on the Internet. Printed courtesy Canadian Hydrographic Service.

LOCAL TIDE

Commercial • Residential • Grid-tie Solutions Your Lighthouse Country connection!

NO JOB TOO SMALL!

harvey@hpspower.net

Phone: 250-757-8944 Fax: 250-757-8654

Open daily 8am to 8pm

ECHO PLAYERS PRESENTS ...

Merry Christmas,

! y e l i a B e Georg

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n December, ECHO Players present Merry Christmas, George Bailey!,a Christmas radio play adapted from It’s A Wonderful Life! by Shirlee H. Shields.

The 1946 movie is one of the most popular films in American cinema – particularly during the Christmas Season. In 1949 Lux Radio Theater created a delightful radio play of this story. In 2002, the story was adapted into a staged version of the radio play.

This production takes the audience into the recording studio of Lux Radio Theater as a cast of 25 bring this timeless classic to life.

Director Lesley McVey says that the combination of the nostalgic setting of a 1940s radio studio, and the heartwarming story of It’s a Wonderful Life make this a wonderful production

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The cast in rehearsal

for the Christmas Season. The large cast combines seasoned veterans and relative newcomers and has actors aged from 8 to 80! Because there are so many parts, many of the actors play two or three roles literally at the change of a hat! “We have also had the opportunity to double cast some of the roles,” says McVey, “giving more actors a chance to perform, and also allowing the children to have a less intense performance schedule because of role sharing”. The production is delighted to have wellknown local radio announcer Dave Graham, playing the part of the Radio Announcer and Narrator!

see the Foley artists, played by Denise Schuetz-Jones and Susan Warner as they create the live sound effects on stage. The atmosphere of the 1940s is also enhanced by the work of Costume Designer, Helen Hill-Tout, and Set Designer Mick Banks, as well as by the piano accompaniment of Kathy Harper.

The audience really get to see a play within a play as they watch the actors in their roles as 1940s radio actors preparing to present Merry Christmas, George Bailey. They will also get to

Based at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach, ECHO Players is a community theatre society which has served Oceanside and beyond since the 1930’s . ~

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This has all the ingredients of a Christmas treat for the whole family!

For tickets, contact the Box Office at the Village Theatre (250-752-3522 or e-mail info@echoplayers.ca). For more information visit our website at www. echoplayers.ca

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FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR BILL VEENHOF

Regional Director, Area H billveenhof.com - ph: 778-424-2810 ■ bill.veenhof@shaw.ca

A

rlene and I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and we hope that you will have a safe and happy holiday season. Following are a few items that may be of interest to you.

Appointments to RDN Committees Annually, the RDN looks for residents to fill positions various committees. Having residents on these committees is critical to us as it ensures that the committee outcomes reflect resident’s perspectives. These are volunteer positions and members are compensated for mileage. If you are interested in serving on a committee, have a look at this link: http://bit.ly/1lUOqFF

Area H OCP Review One of the planks in my election campaign was that I would ask for an Area H Official Community Plan (OCP) review. I had hoped to get this going in 2015 but staff work loads have precluded this. Subject to a Board vote, it will start in the new year and involve full and complete community consultation.

An Official Community Plan (OCP) describes a long-term vision for the future and a course of action to achieve it.

OCPs should be reviewed when necessary and every 4-6 years. The current Electoral Area H Official Community Plan (OCP) was adopted in 2004.

Our family has proudly served the Oceanside communities since 1998.

We believe in providing the highest level of service in a professional and affordable manner, without compromising our commitment to reliable and respectful service to our families.

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In the 10 years since the OCP was adopted the pace of development has been slower than anticipated and notable changes have occurred in the area including: establishment of the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Centre of Shellfish Research in Deep Bay, expansion of Deep Bay Harbour, changes to provincial legislation such as the Riparian Areas Regulation, allowance for secondary suites, and introduction of building inspection.

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Some new items have emerged, and new strategies to achieve long-standing community goals may be needed. This OCP review project will be structured around a list of topic areas and recognize that many of the objectives and policies are still relevant, rather than build anew OCP from a blank slate.

This OCP Review will have full and complete public engagement and will be a “targeted” OCP review, meaning that it is not a complete re-write but will be focused on amending those areas in need of change, or adding topics currently absent. Below is a list of identified topics in need of review. The topics will be presented to the community for review and amendment (and additions) at the first general community meeting. This first meeting is expected in early 2016. When complete, this process will constitute a full OCP review.

ECONOMY – Sub-topics - Tourism, Tourist accommodation, Aquaculture cultivation & processing, Agricultural Land Reserve, Commercial development HOUSING – Sup-topics - Seniors housing, Affordable housing NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Subtopics - Environmentally sensitive areas, Coastal zone and sea level rise, Groundwater, Surface water, Streams and lakes, Steep slope hazard, Development permit areas TRANSPORTATION – Sub-topicsCycling & pedestrian infrastructure, Roadside trail, Traffic calming, E&N Railway Corridor, Highway corridors, Transit DEEP BAY- Sub-topics – Access, Parking, Economic development, Residential development continued on page 23

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LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS GROUP - Needs your volunteer help! FMI Call: Val Weismiller: (250) 757-9667.

SERVICES OFFERED / NEEDED

WORSHIP

FIRST RATE MASONARY – Over 15 years experience providing first-rate, creative workmanship within budget and on time! Old brick restoration. All stone and tile work. Fireplace facing.

Retaining walls and pavers. Chimney construction, cleaning and repairs.

FMI Call Jason Buxton (250) 802-5515.

CAREGIVER NEEDED - Looking for a caregiver for our 2 children (1 & 5 yrs old) - $11/hr, 40 hrs/week, optional free accommodation in employer’s home.

Large dog at house. Call for details: 250-240-8119.

THE FIX-IT SHOP – Repairs to all makes and models of lawnmowers and ride on lawn tractors, including John Deere. Pick-up and delivery available. Used equipment for sale. Call (250) 702-2191 or email fixitshop009@gmail.com

KOMBUCHA - Make Your Own Kombucha Workshops offered in Coombs by Joanne Sales who has been making Kombucha for over 20 years. joanne@glasswing. com, www.islandhealing.ca

HEALTHY LIVING

ISLAND GOSPEL CENTRE “A house of LIGHT in Lighthouse Country” Sundays - 10AM Worship 90 McColl Road, Bowser, BC (250) 757-8253

FOR SALE

DON’S HOME REPAIR – Plumbing repairs and installations, complete renovations, no job too small. Call Don at (250) 757-8757 or cell (250) 951-8757.

MOVING...MUST SELL! Pine dresser....$200, Panasonic 20-inch flat screen TV....$50, one bucket-type rattan chair and two cushions....$25, double-size cabinet bed....barely used, comfy mattress....$1000, cherry wood-type horizontal picture frame with double matt and glass....$50, round glass topped rattan table and four swivel padded chairs....$250. Phone Ann at 250-871-5708.

Parksville / Qualicum / Bowser PICK-UP, TUNE-UP AND CLEAN-UP FOR SMALL ENGINE POWERED EQUIPMENT. Riding mowers, garden tractors, etc. Call Ron at (250) 937-0044 or email ronmorrison100@gmail.com FOOTCARE – HYGIENE Soaking feet, cutting nails, filing calluses, treating dry skin – fingernails, too.

Reflexology - one-hour sessions.

Services offered from Nanoose to Courtenay. Please call Vikki at (250) 757-9244.

WORSHIP

WILDWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 113 McColl Road, Bowser

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am 757-8136

LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Available for Rentals Call 778-424-9900 LEARNING / CLASSES NELSON'S MUSIC STUDIO Piano/Theory Lessons Parksville/Qualicum Area Beginners to Advanced Your Home or Ours John/Margaret 250-954-5895

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offering a deeply immersive experience of beauty, colour, and, yes, texture.

continued from page 13 Shirley Phillips: Potter on Fire!

“I love that the fair engages all your senses. Not only are you seeing amazing things, you’re hearing the local kids busking outside, and smelling and tasting amazing food. People are excited, people are celebrating, and there’s happiness in the air.

vibrancy and a synergy that has tangible results.

“We have lots of events that promote our artistic community. There’s the May pottery tour, which I help co-ordinate, and in August there’s the studio tour, and in December our amazing craft fair.

Also there is our art gallery and our craft shop, which I am a member of,” she says. “Also our community is really awesome at supporting local.”

The plethora of potters on Denman is good for everyone, says Phillips. “I think it’s great because we all do such different work. That’s why the pottery tour is so fantastic. You go from studio to studio and see how diverse it is. Also, we are a very cooperative group; this is a community that shares. If I’m stuck I can call up Tom [Dennis] or Scott or Garnet Beardsley and ask, “Oh my God I don’t know why this is happening in my kiln – can you help?” This makes a community of artists that people want to come and see.”

“And the work is top quality. It’s a chance to see a huge portion of the artists that live on this island all in one place. I’m proud to be part of it. It’s how I personally start my Christmas. I come away from this fair every year feeling that the holiday season has begun,” says Phillips.

To learn more about Phillips and her work, see her website at Lilacsunpottery. com. ~

Pottery by Shirley Phillips · photo by Fireweed · This perhaps explains the ongoing success of the Denman Island Christmas Craft Fair, now in its 34th year. For Phillips, it isn’t just a chance to sell her products, it’s an opportunity to take part in a weekend-long festival celebrating the arts, craftsmanship, and community,

The Denman Island Christmas Craft Fair takes place Dec 5th and 6th, 10am – 4pm, at the Denman Island Community Hall and the Denman Activity Centre. Walk onto the ferry and take the free shuttle or walk up the hill. More info: 250-335-2148 and/or find the Fair on Facebook for a sneak preview. ~

Lighthouse Country Business Association Our 140+ local business Members all wish you a

Happy Holiday Season and thank you for your support!

WWW.LIGHTHOUSECOUNTRY.CA D E C E M B E R

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In December, Christmas arrives with all its socializing. If you forget people from one year to the next, annual events can be difficult. And trying to bluff your way through can just make matters worse...

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE “Hello once again. Nice to see you this year.

I hope life’s been good since the last time we met.”

But who on Earth are you and why are you here?

“Some wine? Would you rather I fetch you a beer?

Excuse me. The doorbell! More neighbours I’ll bet.”

“Hello once again. Nice to see you this year—

About this Poem ...

This poem is a “villanelle”. It’s a form with old European roots which was used by Dylan Thomas in his famous work, “Do not go gentle into that good night”. There are six stanzas: five tercets (three lines each) and one quatrain (four lines). With some variation, the first and third lines alternate and repeat throughout. The form of the repeated lines (repetends) is 1x2 xx1 xx2 xx1 xx2 xx12 There are only two rhymesounds and the rhyme-scheme is: aba aba aba aba aba abaa. The challenge is to make the repeated lines change meaning as the poem progresses. In my poem, each line has four beats and the base meter is anapestic (da-da-DA),, e.g. helLO once aGAIN. nice to SEE you this YEAR.

a lovely poinsetta! Come this way my dear...

I’ve brought an addition to our tête-à-tête,” But who on Earth is she and why is she here?

All evening the vaguely familiar appear— retiree, divorcee, or both? I forget.

“Hello once again. Nice to see you this year.”

“This person needs no introduction.” (“I fear his name now escapes me. I’ll be in your debt— just tell me who is he and why is he here?”)

The doorbell again and I’m still in good cheer— the stress of being host hasn’t got to me yet.

“Hi! Who on Earth are you and why are you here?

Oh, and welcome again. Nice to see you this year.”

John Beaton lives in Qualicum Beach. His poetry has been widely published. He served for four years as moderator of one of the Internet’s most reputable poetry workshops and is a Spoken Word performer, a member of the band Celtic Chaos, and a co-organizer of local events, including a community showcase for musicians and Spoken Word performers, the Qualicum Acoustic Café (QUAC). You can find samples of John’s work by searching online for “John Beaton poetry”. To receive a monthly newsletter about local community events organized by John and his family and friends, email him at jabeaton@gmail.com. ~ D E C E M B E R

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Community Event Calendar December 2015 LIONS REC HALL – 280 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. FMI on Hall Rentals Call Bert Carter: (250) 240-4538.

LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE (LCC) 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. FMI on Hall Rentals, call Sheena McCorquodale at (250) 757-9991.

FMI on Events at the LCC visit www.communityhall.ca.

IN THE COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING AREA

QUALICUM BAY LIONS CLUB – Meet at 7pm, every second and fourth Tuesday in the Lions Den at the Lions’ Rec Hall.

SECOND SUNDAY MARKET at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay – Sunday December 13th - 8am-Noon, Pancake Breakfast - $5 or $7. Enjoy live music, breakfast, shopping for a treasure. The Qualicum Bay Lions will be serving breakfast.

RDN RECREATION PROGRAMS View recreation programs online at www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation. FMI call Chrissie at (250) 757-8118, email at cfinnie@rdn.bc.ca or call Oceanside Place at (250) 248-3252. Pre-register for all programs to avoid program cancellation.

LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY SCRAPBOOKERS – Meet 3rd Saturday monthly at the Lions’ Rec Hall, 9:30am4:30pm. $10. Door prizes. FMI Call Jorgie 250-757-8358 or Shirley (250) 757-8384.

BOWSER TENNIS CLUB - info: steelehunt@shaw.ca, or ph 250757-8307

Let’s FLOOR CURL! Have fun with us. Every week from mid September to end of MAY. Mondays & Fridays, 1-3pm at the LIONS REC HALL in lovely QUALICUM BAY. We are a happy mixed group of all ages and skills. Game Is played indoors on gym floor. Curling rocks are supplied. Join the club for the season and enjoy “extra events”. Dropin is $2. Come anytime. FMI call Fred Or Lorraine: 250-752-0216.

SECOND SUNDAY MARKET- would you like to be a vendor? We encourage artisans, farmers and crafters. We supply tables and chairs FMI: https://sites.google.com/site/ lighthousecommunityhall/pancakebreakfast.

TAOIST™ TAI CHI - Mondays 9:30-noon at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay. Wednesdays 10:4512:15, (Sep 30-May 2016) at the OAP Hall in Fanny Bay. Contact: Richard 250-752-1231.

QUALICUM BEACH FARMERS’ MARKET Saturday mornings, 8:30noon. The majority of our Market vendors have now moved inside the Community Centre at Veteran’s Way and Memorial in Qualicum Beach.

You’ll find a variety of from-the-farm produce, meats, fish, flowers, locally roasted coffee, breads, sweets and artisan-crafted products is available throughout the year! Live music! No dogs, please. FMI: qbfarmersmarket. com LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS FAIRE Over 50 artists, artisans and crafters.

Lighthouse Community Centre, December 12, 10am to 4pm. 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay.

LIGHTHOUSE SPINNERS – Bring your Spinning Wheels and fibre and meet the Lighthouse Spinners at the LCC, Tuesdays at 10:30am. FMI Call 778-424-1001.

The KEN LAVIGNE CHRISTMAS OLD TIME RADIO ROADSHOW – Coproduced with Knox - Dec. 12 - 3 PM – Knox United Church 345 Pym Street, Parksville. - Tickets $32 (Students $18) at Knox and Mulberry Bush Book Stores

ADULT BADMINTON AND PICKLEBALL at the LCC. Badminton - Mondays 7pm. Pickleball and badminton - Thursdays 4-6 pm. Dropin fee - $4. Equipment provided. 15 years and older. Beginners welcome. steelehunt@shaw.ca, or 250-757-8307 for more info.

CARPET BOWLING – 12:45 to 3pm at the LCC. FMI Call Layne (250) 7578217.

DECEMBER 5 & 6 • 10am to 4pm

AA LIGHTKEEPERS - Fridays at 7pm at the LCC. FMI contact (250) 757-2300.

Walk on the ferry and take the shuttle up the hill

BRIDGE – Nordin Room 1-4pm Fridays at the LCC. FMI Sheila Steele 250-7578307.

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PARENTS & TOTS FRIDAYS - 1011:30am. At the Fanny Bay Community Hall. Come and enjoy a morning of socializing, snack, early literacy activities, songs, games, stories and parenting resources. This is a FREE program supported by Comox Valley Family Services Association, Baynes Sound Lions and the Fanny Bay Community Association. Facilitated by Evelyn Bally 250-335-9022

Two festive halls packed to the brim with 30+ years of artisan tradition and this year’s holiday gifts!

SEE MORE EVENTS AT

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HUMANS OF OCEANSIDE “Getting older is empowering. No one expects you to be perfect.

You don’t need to make excuses for wrinkles and crinkles. You have earned every one. And your children finally get what you were talking about.” ~

Musician, busker, mother and grandmother, you’ll find Catherine (Cathy) Davis performing on stage and busking in select spots in Nanaimo and Vancouver. ~

Cathy Davis

The lifestyle of a working musician is often a difficult road, and musician Cathy Davis of Nanaimo is no stranger to its ups and downs. Here, she shares her insight and her story.

in between, cooking, cleaning, reading to the little ones, shopping and all the other things a single parent has to do. Years of practice, just to be able to present a show good enough that people would pay money to see.

“It is Halloween tonight, and many of you will be off to celebrate at your local bar. There you will likely find a single, duo or group all dressed up and ready to entertain you. They will all look like they are having a great time, smiling and putting on a show. Perhaps you will think 'Wow, these guys have a great job, nice clothes, easy money and so much fun.

Next, one has to find the courage to stand up in front of a crowd of strangers and put your heart on the line.

Instruments need to paid for as well as microphones and PA gear, promotion has to be done, as well as countless phone calls and interviews just to get a gig.

When you have children they need sitters, and that comes off the top of your paycheque, as does gas money, clothing for gigs and anything you have to eat or drink. For 31 years I worked almost every holiday because that was where the money was. I missed the time with my family, and I will never get it back. If I got sick I had to play anyway, or I didn't make rent and food money.

This is about the reality of being a working musician, from a single mother's point of view...

I lost two husbands before I was 25 years old. I had five kids to support, and as a visually impaired person, there were not too many jobs for me. Busking was the beginning of my more than 30 year “career”. First I had to learn to play an instrument, hours and hours of discipline time that I had to squeeze D E C E M B E R

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My friend Julie passed in October and that is what prompted me to write this.

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Julie had a little girl that she loved and wanted the best for. She was a great singer and could make people cry with the passion in her voice. Nobody knew that she came home at 1am so tired she could barely stand. No one saw her pick up her baby in the middle of night and cry because she had missed the time with her. No one saw her get up early to spend time with her little girl before she rushed off to school, so that she could become an educated musician.

It is a tough business dealing with drunks, trying not become one, staying away from drugs that are all around you, fighting for gigs that are few and far between. I have the utmost respect for all the musicians I know that manage to be disciplined and survive the road.

I have even more respect for the women I know who are still here, who raised their families and didn't lose their way.

The players that had to be mom and dad as well as an entertainer. It’s not easy, so hats off to the Sistas of the stage everyone of you! you know who you are!”

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Enthusastic Pickleball players at Oceanside Place in Parksville

THE NEXT REVOLUTION

by Hugh Bohm Have you ever imagined the outcome of combining tennis, badminton and ping pong? It’s called pickleball and it’s so easy to learn that I could teach even an armchair quarterback, in less than one hour, to play the game sufficiently that it would bring a smile to their face.

The game is played on either an indoor or outdoor court that measures 20’ X 44’ the dimensions of most badminton courts. It has either a permanent or portable tennis type net that is 34” at the center and 36” at the ends. The game is played with an enlarged ping pong type paddle and the ball is a plastic whiffle ball. The game is huge in California, Utah, Nevada and particularly Arizona where I play an average of 4 hours per day, 5 days a week.

The game has attracted the senior demographic for a variety of reasons like ease of learning, minimal taxing of muscles and joints and availability of leisure time to name a few. Although this sport started with seniors in the US it now attracts the younger generations from children to adults.

In Surprise Arizona it is not uncommon to see quite a number of people in

their mid 80’s that have abandoned the injuries caused by tennis to take on pickleball.

The sport also has a huge social component to it and players are inclined to kindly offer suggestions to help a newbie learn or improve their game.

explosion of pickleball as North America’s fastest growing sport. The community has come together to have pickleball lines painted on some tennis courts and on an outdoor lacrosse box providing better utilization of assets as they serve multiple functions.

It is rare indeed to find any new construction without a large number of designated pickleball courts.

Creativity of our local RDN planners resulted in the removal of ice on one of the hockey rinks from April to August to house 9 outstanding pickleball courts with portable nets that cost in the neighborhood of $200 a piece. The nets and frames collapse into a neat package stored in a bag.

Keep in mind also that you can get into this sport with only an investment in a paddle at an approximate price of $100.

The net and balls are usually supplied by the pickleball club or venue.

There is also a lobby by pickleball players to create a free standing 12 court facility preferably with some form of enclosure to allow for play during colder and inclement weather.

Folks discovering the sport in the USA and returning home to Canada are lobbying with their Parks & Recreation authorities for pickleball courts and a variety of creative approaches have lead to an influx of courts.

If you locate an opportunity to play, drop in and try it. The players are friendly and eager to share their excitement. Prospects for growth are immense as this sport is terribly addicting.

In the Parksville, Qualicum Beach area we share a great relationship with the Regional District Parks and Recreation as well as the City’s Parks department.

These folks have understood the

Hugh Bohm of Parksville, BC is Ambassador for the USA Pickleball Association for Parksville-Qualicum Beach

Many resorts in the US without a pickleball component seem to be struggling financially as folks flock to resorts with pickleball courts.

QUALICUM BAY LIONS’ COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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n Friday November 13 th , the Qualicum Bay Lions donated $2,500.00 to the Bowser Elementary School to fund the school hot lunch program. This program ensures that all of the children receive a good nutritional hot lunch each day and that there is no child goes hungry at this school.

The Qualicum Bay Lions Club have funded this program for many years and plan to do so for the forseeable future.

It is the mandate of the Qualicum Bay Lions to help the community in any way that it can with the funds that it raises by means of pancake breakfasts , a weekly meat draw at the local pub , concessions at numerous functions , allowing the public to use the field and/or the buildings for a donation and by having dinners for Lions before the twice monthly meetings.

Bowser Elementary School principal School hotaccepting lunches:a cheque for Brian Nikula $2,500.00 from Lion Joan Humphrey of the Qualicum Bay Lions Club.

Here are but a few of the things that the Qualicum Bay Lions club have supported in the past year or so in addition to the Bowser

• T he Oceanside Food Bank; • B owser school Funky Friday lunches; • P rostate Cancer research; • B owser Legion; • G uide Dogs of Canada; • L ighthouse Community Centre Society; • L ocal citizen after a house fire; • E rrington Therapeutic Riding Society; • F inancial assistance for a family after a tragic loss; • F inancial support to the local crisis centre; • F ree tutoring for children of families in need; • Two scholarships for local students $750.00 each; Free loan of aids such as walkers, wheelchairs & scooters to seniors in need; Purchased a chair bed for St Joseph’s hospital Comox for patients having chemotherapy treatment that takes up to 9 hours.

Anyone interested in belonging to the Qualicum Bay Lions can call Lion Bert Carter at (250) 240-4539 . You will get a resounding welcome so come out and see what we are all about. Meetings are 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7pm. ~ D E C E M B E R

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250-752-2921

interior decorating

Service and Repairs Treatment Plant Certified Assessments Available

Septic Installation

Sani Services

SEPTIC & WASTE MANAGEMENT

Call

www.actiontankservice.ca

250-752-8772

Convenient In Home Appointments

Sage Simply Accounting & QuickBooks FREE CONSULATION

250-248-2429 www.hbhorizon.ca

Massage

Bookkeeping Services

Home Improvement

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DEJA~VU DECOR CUSTOM DECOR & WINDOW COVERINGS

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EVENINGS

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Unit #2 - 1306 Alberni Hwy, Parksville

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continued from page 16 HORNE LAKE – Sup-topics - Vision for Horne Lake Recreation Area, Community services RDN Heat Pump Rebate Homeowners in Area H who are eligible for the Provincial Oil to Heat Pump Incentive Program will also be eligible for a $250 bonus incentive from the RDN. The Provincial Oil to Heat Pump Incentive Program offers up to $1700 rebate per home and is funded by the Ministry of Energy and Mines’ Innovative Clean Energy Fund and administered by City Green Solutions, a non-profit energy efficiency organization. The additional incentives are provided as part of the RDN’s Green Building Incentive Program.

To access the provincial funding, participants are required to complete an initial home energy assessment, install a qualifying central or mini-split heat

pump, remove their oil tank and oil heating system, and complete a followup home energy assessment. The RDN also offers up to $350 for pre- and postrenovation home energy assessments.

Combined with these RDN incentives, homeowners can receive up to $2,300 for the switch from oil to heat pump.

For more information visit http://bit.ly/1juKIkb

RDN December Recreation Activities The RDN has a full and interesting recreation schedule for December. If any of the following events interest you, I recommend you check out the Recreation link at: www.rdn.bc.ca/ recreation • Dad’s Night Out: Free Skate Night • Parksville Lion’s and Save-On-Foods Free Family Skate

Canada-BC Job Grants B.C. will open the Canada-B.C. Job Grant to applications from employers in the Construction sector on November 2, 2015, for training that starts on or before March 31, 2016. The CJG will open to applications from ALL employers and sectors in B.C. in January 2016, with priority given to key sectors supporting BC’s economy, including Construction.

- See more at: https://www.workbc.ca/ canadabcjobgrant

• Frozen Swim • Cupcake Icing 101 • Frozen Skate • Santa’s helper swim • Winter Wonderland on Ice • Winter Wonderland on Ice Free Skates: • Winter Wonderland on Ice Teen Skate 13-18yrs • FREE New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

For questions or comments, Director BILL VEENHOF can be reached at 778-424-2810 or bill.veenhof@shaw.ca continued from page 7

TO THE ESTUARY:

Within minutes of arriving at the San Pariel estuary trailhead, you will be walking along the San Malo mudflats and approaching the viewing platform. To extend this short hike, a narrow path to the right nearing the end of your return trek will take you on scenic trails past lagoons and to sandy banks of the river.

Access to the Englishman River estuary is via Shelly Road in Parksville and a few blocks away in San Pariel via Plummer Road on the east side of the river.

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Plummer Road: approximately fifteen minutes to viewing tower.

Difficulty: Easy on both Shelly and Plummer Road trails.

Shelly Road: Head south from downtown Parksville & turn left just past Sidney Tire. Drive 3 short blocks to park gates.

Perhaps because it offers a shorter trail, birdwatchers who often haul vast amounts of equipment congregate in regular droves here. Whereas I once equated birdwatching with lawnbowling ...well, you get the gist of my younger, narrow-minded viewpoint, I am constantly intrigued by the prolific and diverse species that criss-cross my path on this trail and the amazing orchestra of calls, but I recognize few. I sense the excitement of today’s birdwatching crew in their pursuit of perhaps a rare species on a migratory stopover. Yes, birdwatching may be in my future. ~

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Distance: Shelly Road: 2.4 kms. for outside loop, approx. 35 mins.

Caution: Step carefully near eroding riverbanks and during rainy periods on the trail as big maple leaves often mask slippery rocks.

Perimeter loop: Rather than heading straight through gates, turn right at the blue gates and head to the riverside.

The path will eventually veer left to the viewing tower where it will eventually turn south reaching the end of a residential cul-de-sac (Mill St.) Turning left here, hike along the edge of the Nature Reserve completing the loop back to Shelly Road. (see maps at interpretive kiosk)

On Plummer Road trail, watch your footing as the rock laden trail is particularly uneven. (A yellow hazard sign at the trail-head depicts a diagram of one of the entertaining acrobatics I’ve performed and you can too.) At this time of year, watch the start time of your hike as darkness means disorientation.

Plummer Road: Leaving Parksville southbound, take the first left turn after driving over orange bridge. Drive a little over 1km and park near the Estuary signage on the opposite side of the road, before it turns into Shorewood Drive.

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Optional: Binoculars, camera, waterresistant footwear.

Regulations: Please stay on the trails.

Dogs are not allowed within Wildlife Management Area March 1- April 30. ~

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