Vol11issue35 pns

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PLAYSTAY Entertainment and activity guide for the whole family!

IN THE BEAUTIFUL COLUMBIA VALLEY Serving Spillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Edgewater, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

TREE-FLOATING — This striking photo of Taoya Schaefer in tree

pose on a large piece of floating ice at the Lake of the Hanging Glacier was submitted to the Look Outside photo contest. Access to the trailhead is via the Horsethief Creek Forest Service Road, and the hike takes you through lush forests, up steep switchbacks, past several waterfalls and into alpine meadows before arriving at the lake. To participate in the contest, visit www.wildlookoutside.com or post your photos to social media tagged #wildlookoutside.

Photo submitted by Taoya Schafer

1988

25

WV

2013

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2 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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August 29, 2014

Hiking with The Pioneer editor My brave editor continued singing to the bear as she advanced on what appeared to me as a grizzly. Hmmm, I thought, I hope she knows what she’s doing. As I stared in Hiking trails. Sure, I’ve been on a few hikes, includ- amazement, partially in fear, at her bear whispering tening the requisite hike that every city girl undertakes every dencies, she let out a laugh, or a sigh, as she happened ten years as a nod to her outdoor sportsmanship. But, be- upon the creature — a large, furry, tree stump. My ining here in the Kootenays offers some of the most unbe- ner city girl let out a laugh, partially in embarrassment as lievable trails a city girl could ever imagine, or wants to my good-natured companions assured me it was better to imagine. After a summer in the pristine Columbia Valley, be safe than sorry. Continuing on the trail, I’m sure the I realized there was no way I could escape a good hike to bears were snickering at my novice behaviour — I wasn’t reacquaint me with the natural and rugged beauty of the worth a mid-morning snack. As we continued on the sceCanadian Rockies. When my editor invited me for a day nic route, my inexperienced trail legs began to ache as my of hiking on the Kindersley/Sinclair loop trail, I eagerly lungs adjusted to the increasing elevation. At one point, jumped at the opportunity.

I wasn’t sure if I could The last major hike I handle two hours of this, recall embarking on was at let alone the eight hours least several years ago, but I it would take to complete thought, sure, I could handle the trail. But, as we cona few miles. Wrong. I had no tinued, the pain subsided idea my first hike would be and I started to absorb the ambitious 16.5-kilomegreat conversation, pine tre trail with an elevation of smells, and the majesty 1,050 metres. It didn’t occur of being in a place as anto me, as I grabbed my Gucci cient and glorious as the knock off and jumped into Kindersley/Sinclair trail. my car to meet my hiking As we climbed and group in white Nike tennis climbed, it finally dawned CITY GIRL GONE WILD — Erin Knutson on Kindersley shoes, that I was in for one on me how high we actuPass in Kootenay National Park.

Photo by Nicole Trigg of the most visually stunning ally were as we began to and strenuous trails in Kootenay National Park. My fear of hike the more treacherous parts of the trail. At one point, I heights, bears, and general lack of forest know-how started was clinging to the side of the rock face fully aware that one to emerge as we progressed up the magnificent trail. slip on the loose rocks and it could be all over. Luckily, my Armed with bear spray and singing “hello bear” with hiking companions embraced my sense of vertigo and talkmy duo of seasoned hiking companions (Editor’s note: ed me over the ledge, so to speak. The sense of fear, exhilaraLizzie Midyette rounded out our group of three) and my tion, and the knowledge that I was surrounded by so much editor’s amazing dog Star, we braved the ultimate bear beauty left me with a strange sense of joy, as I watched my scare. Evidence of our furry companions was scattered editor reach her goal of the summit. across the trail as we stepped over fresh droppings. That Though I made it close, self-preservation at the time was when I was sent ahead, armed with a hiking pole and kept me perched below it with my other hiking compana can of bear spray. I felt confident, until around a bend ion. I fell into a meditative state and enjoyed the scene of I spotted the glittering colours of what looked like a lush the solitary figure of my editor and her dog on the most and furry coat. That was enough for me as I turned on my insane peak I’ve ever seen — a real peak. It was a mileheel, backed away slowly, and signalled to my companions stone; I didn’t think we would actually climb a mountain of the threatening presence in our midst. that day, but in all honesty, that’s exactly what we did.

By Erin Knutson Special to The Pioneer

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 3

August 29, 2014

Hell hath no Mercy like Panorama Bike Park COLUMBIA VALLEY Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance

GREENWAYS

Back in the early TRAIL ALLIANCE 2000s, the success of ALine in Whistler changed the gravity riding landscape forever. Bike parks have been COLUMBIA VALLEY adding smooth, bermed trails with table style jumps to their inventories ever since. The steep, burly, technical riding that downhill (DH) riding was originally known for will never go away, but the new “flow” style of trail has proven to be more approachable to a broader spectrum of people thereby attracting new riders to the sport.

TRAIL ALLIANCE The Panorama Bike Park has been embracing this change and, this summer, incorporated a new modern jump line into a Pano favourite — Mercy Me. Mercy Me is a blue run that changes character throughout its length, providing something for everyone. For the first 500 metres, it shares real estate with our green run, Let it Ride, allowing you to settle in and prepare for what is coming. When it splits from Let it Ride, the next section is fast and tight, and feels like you are flying through the Ewok forest with Luke and Leia. After a quick rest on an access road, you re-enter the woods and cruise over two sweet, blue wooden step-

GREENWAYS

downs. These can be safely rolled or aired, depending on your ability. You then open up into a clear cut with super loose dusty berms. This section leads you on to a fast fire road to a large natural dirt wall ride.

The next section is the newly built jump line comprised of nine blue table-style jumps. The takeoffs and landings are long and progressive.

The rider’s trajectory is low and long, which means these are great jumps to learn on.

You are never too high off the BIG AIR ­— Steph and Rich take to the skies during a Mercy Me to Hell’s Bells blue ground so coming up short run in the Panorama Bike Park.

Photo submitted has little consequence. You can ride this line over and So take your time and get to know this section. Hell’s over, progressing at your pace until you reach transition. continues down into a small jump line and finishes with Advanced riders can go big with whips and scrubs. some off-camber tech into the base area.

The trail then reconnects back into the original MerThis is a classic must-do line when riding Panorama. cy Me. Small jumps transition into a quick and technical Mercy Me to Hell’s Bells — make sure to hit it the next side hill that brings you to the end of Mercy Me proper. time you are up at the park.

To get back to the chair, you enter the black jump line of This week’s column was written by Jason Simpson, Hell’s Bells. A good inspection is recommended before Panorama Bike Park Manager. For further information riding at full pace. That being said, everything is rollable. visit www.greenways.ca. Happy Trails!

NATURAL WONDER — The Natural Bridge is a spectacularvacation landmark of homes the Cross River Canyon Site. bedroom along theRecSprings Golf Photos submitted

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4 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 29, 2014

By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff The Pioneer was invited by Parks Canada to tour the Marble Canyon Burgess Shale Site in Kootenay National Park with the Royal Ontario Museum research team on Wednesday, August 20th, where the team is extracting 505-million-year-old fossils from ancient seabeds — what is now the Canadian Rockies.

Over a two-week research period in 2012, approximately 3,000 specimens were collected from this site.

Twelve of these species are new to science, while two species were previously known only from China. The fossil site, announced in February of this year in the journal Nature Communications, is located approximately 1.5 kilometres from Highway 93 South, at an elevation of approximately 2,000 metres. The fossil discovery is located on a moderately steep mountain slope below treeline.

Led by Dr. Jean-Bernard Caron (pictured in top left photo wearing a helmet and safety glasses with his colleague Robert Gaines, an associate professor of geology at Pomona College in Claremont, California), the crew of up to 12 people have been working at this site throughout the summer.

There is no trail to the Marble Canyon site, and there is currently no plan to provide visitor access to this location. Depending on the outcome of the current research program, visitor access may be considered in the future.

However, in 2014, Parks Canada began to offer guided Burgess Shale hikes to nearby Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park. These 12-kilometre hikes provide a good opportunity to share the most recent Burgess Shale discoveries in close proximity to where the actual research is occurring.

Reservations for the Burgess Shale guided hikes can be made online at www.reservation.pc.gc.ca. For the most up-to-date information on the Burgess Shale discoveries, visit www.burgess-shale.rom.on.ca.

For an in-depth interview with Dr. Caron and the full story on the research site, please see next week’s Pioneer.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 5

August 29, 2014

Food frenzy (Clockwise) Tim Goldie of Peppi’s Pizzeria was one of roughly a dozen local restauranteurs and producers to take part in the much-anticipated 2014 Pig Out at Edible Acres in Windermere on Sunday, August 24th. The sold-out outdoor feast served over 200 people who enjoyed fresh, locally grown ingredients, live music and a gorgeous farm setting; Tisha McGregor, Julie St. Jean and Erna Jensen all came up from Kimberley to enjoy the feast after mountain biking in Fairmont; Rene and Madeleine Hartmann from Switzerland; Eileen Fiell and Joan George from Invermere; Andi and Suzanna Schöni fed the hungry hordes Schoni’s Artisan Breads; Two-yearold Calgary twins Sawyer and Lawson with their dad; Edible Acres co-owner Oliver Egan patiently waits in line for a taste of Gerry’s Gelati.

Photos by Nicole Trigg

13th Annual East Kootenay

Featuring over 24 of BC’s most acclaimed wineries.

VIP Packages on sale now Join us November 7-8th 2014 1.800.663.4979 • FairmontHotSprings.com

• 5 Course Wine Paired Dinner • VIP Judging • 2 Nights Accommodation • Wine Tasting & Canapés

6 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 29, 2014

Big Hole Golf at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Golf Course, the resort’s original golf course, offers stunning mountain and lake views. The sloping This summer at the Creekside Par 3 golf fairways lined with tall spruce and fir trees have course, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort’s execubeen challenging golfers for over 50 years. Rivtive vice president Peter Smith implemented erside Golf Course is one of the most enjoyable the fast growing golf trend, Big Hole Golf. The courses to play and walk. Set next to the Columbrand new holes which replaced the 4¼-inch bia River, intertwining with the memorable holes, holes are twice the size of the original holes Riverside provides a challenge to every golfer. making them 8 inches in diameter. Originally, In honour of our 50th anniversary, Mounthe big holes were installed for a trial weekend, tainside and Riverside golf courses are offering which received tremendous feedback and an 18 holes for $50! Thursdays and now Sundays at abundance of interest from golfers of all levels.

Mountainside and Wednesdays at Riverside, golf “The weekend was so successful in terms of 18 holes (with a cart) for only $50. Online bookthe number of golfers and the enjoyment that ings only — use Promo Code “50”. everybody seemed to experience, we’ve left the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort has plenty in holes in (at Creekside) for the balance of the store for guests wanting a beautiful fall getaway. season and, without a doubt, we will have big Enjoy unlimited mineral hot springs access and ­ Fairmont Hot Spring Resort’s executive vice president Peter Smith a luxurious breakfast in our Mountain Flowhole golfing for the 2015 season,” says Peter. ON PAR — Big Hole Golf was installed at Creekside golf has implemented Big Hole Golf, with new holes twice the size of the originals. ers restaurant when booking our bed and breakPhoto submitted fast special. Indulge in our fabulous wine tasting course “in an effort to encourage beginner golfHot Springs Resort,” Peter explains. “Our courses this ers, and golfers who don’t play very often.”

Thursdays in our lobby and taste four of the best Be sure to come out and try Big Hole Golf at Creek- fall are in the best condition they have been for many B.C. wines and enjoy dinner specials throughout the side Par 3! Fairmont Hot Springs Resort has had a tre- many years, especially our greens.” resort’s restaurants.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers three beautiful mendous season and, as summer is coming to an end, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is your perfect fall getgolfers are getting excited to jump into some great fall courses catering to all levels of golfers. Creekside golf away destination! Soak, swing, stay and relax. Visit www. course is our par 3 nine-hole course set up with big holes fairmonthotsprings.com to see all our fall specials and golfing conditions on all three courses.

“There is so much to offer for fall golf at Fairmont creating the perfect learning experience. Mountainside activities or call 1-800-663-4979 for more information.

Contributed by FHSR

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 7

August 14, 2014

Mountain-style clubhouse at Greywolf readies to open

Top Hat Chimney Sweep Since 1983

WETT Certified Chimney Sweep WETT Certified Inspector Insured

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff Greywolf ’s brand new clubhouse — more than a year in the making — will soon open its doors.“It looks like the pro shop will possibly open Saturday (August 30th) with the restaurant opening next week. If all goes well, we’ll move into the full building on Tuesday (September 2nd),” said Greywolf director of golf Justin Brown, speak- GOLF GRANDEUR — A 2,000 square foot pro shop (top), a peaked ceiling (middle) ing to The Pioneer on Tuesday, and a new patio (below) are just three of the impressive new features at Greywolf Golf August 26th.

Course’s new clubhouse set to open in the coming week.

Photo by Steve Hubrecht The new multi-million dollar clubhouse was one of the first things Greywolf ’s new owners wanted to tackle, according to Mr. Brown, with ground breaking on the project in August 2013.

“Right out of the gate it was the first thing they wanted to do,” he said. “The old clubhouse was always intended to be temporary when it was set up. The quality of the new clubhouse is much closer to the quality of the course that we have.”

The new building includes a 2,000 square foot (185 square metres) pro shop, the new Cliffhanger restaurant, a huge bank of open windows underneath a peaked ceiling, timber framing throughout and a large open patio with sweeping views down the valley.

“It fits in Panorama. It’s done in kind of a mountain style, with the timber framing and the peaked ceiling” said Mr. Brown. “The patio is definitely the number one booking weddings outside the golf season (May 10th to new feature.”

The patio has already attracted some interest as a October 6th) because hosting a wedding basically insite for weddings, but currently the clubhouse is only volves shutting down the clubhouse for a whole day, said Mr. Brown.The Cliffhanger restaurant will be appealing without being too high-end, he added. It will boast a state-of-the-art kitchen and be open in the winter during the ski season as well as the summer.

Invermere Judo Club 2014-15 Registration

Terry Fillatre

H: 250-342-6890 • C: 250-342-5364 Email: tophatbc@telus.net

Only one month left in the season!

• Daily after 4 p.m.

• $79 (includes $15 food voucher) • Wednesday after 4 p.m.

• $149 for Two (9 holes) (includes $50 food voucher)

• Daily prior to 9:30 a.m.

• $59 (includes $15 food voucher) • Prior to 9 a.m.

• $79 Monday - Thursday • $99 Friday, Weekends & Holidays (includes $15 food voucher) *last minute golf 24 hrs in advance

• Kids Golf Free with paying adult Twilight (18 yrs & under)

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• $90 Monday - Thursday after 1 p.m.

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Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Tuesday.

8 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 29, 2014

Creative Graphic Designer

COTR Invermere’s Kids Campus

Do you love computers? Are you creative?

Would you like to combine those two skills into a career as an ad designer? Then we might Wehave havethe anperfect opening graphic designer jobfor for ayou.

The Golden Starin our Invermere is currently full-time adfor designer newspaper offiseeking ce. Weaare looking someone with a graphic for ourbackground award-winning design and newspaper. who has Excellent a solid understanding of typing skills are needed, and preference will be production principles, advertising design and lay-out. given to candidates with advanced computer skills in programs such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. ability think outside The selected However, individualanwill havetoknowledge of Adobe Creative the box, be flexible and work as part team are internet and Suite, including In-Design; be profiour cient with equally important skills in this position. We are e-mail/FTP protocols; a working knowledge of MAC definitely prepared to and trainhave the right candidate.

Thishardware is a full-time, Monday to Friday position.individual with high OS, and software.

A self-motivated

In the event students will not be returning to classes, COTR’s Kids Campus will be open with full-day, week long camps for local youth ages 6-12. Filled with indoor and outdoor excitement, activities range from GPS treasure hunts to arts, crafts, games and kids yoga. $175 + GST per week and early registration is recommended as spaces fill fast! Daily drop in spaces may be available at $40/day + GST and parents must call between 8:15 & 8:30am to register.

Call 250-342-3210 or email invermere@cotr.bc.ca to register today!

www.cotr.bc.ca/Invermere

HURRY

Black Press is Canada’s privately held, organizational skills is largest required, with knowledge of pre-press independent newspaper company with more and technical requirements, as well as excellent multi-tasking than 150 community newspapers and associated skills and theand ability to do some type-setting publications 19 dailies, located in B.C., and copy writing.

Alberta, Washington State, Ohio and Hawaii. If

youare are looking community focused, success-oriented We for an individual with strong and PR skills and an want to live in one of B.C.’s most beautiful areas ability to translate verbal requests to print concepts. we want to hear from you. Send resume with cover letter and work related references by June th Please 11, to:send resumé with cover letter by September 5 to: Janet Crandall-Swaffield, Publisher The Golden Star Rose-Marie Fagerholm 413A 9th Ave. N. (Box 149) Golden, B.C. Publisher V0A 1H0 • Fax: 250-344-7344 e-mail: publisher@thegoldenstar.net

PO Box 70, #8, 108-8th Avenue Invermere, BC, V0A1K0 publisher@invermerevalleyecho.com

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