Celebrating Valentine's Day? Getting married? Romping through OKCupid or Craigslist for dates? Keep your expression individualist and local with this handy list.
14 uniquely-Powell River ways to say “I Love You" 1. Hike Valentine Mountain
Cause it’s called “Valentine,” of course. And it’s got a view. Some people have held weddings there. But maybe we’ve got it all wrong. At the Powell River Museum, curator Teedie Kagume delved into the history of the mountain / hill combination, and found some local lore. “There was a Valentine family in Powell River and some think that it was named after them," she says. “It has also been called ‘Ballentine’ with variations on the spelling. Not quite sure if there was a Ballentine family. “However, when you look at the ‘nekkid’ mountain after the loggers finished their work, the top part of the mountain really looks like a heart.” It’s true. See the pic, below. But we'll likely never get a glimpse of the heart up there again, as that part of Valentine Mountain has since been designated a City of Powell River un-loggable park.
3. Share your love… in a hut
2. Eat a local oyster
You know what they say about oysters. They’re like natural Viagra. But if you’ve ever slurped a local oyster and… not much happened… here’s why. The vast majority of oysters on Powell River beaches are Japanese Pacifics – an introduced species with negligible potency powers. The region’s native Olympia Oysters have a far higher hormone dose, responsible for all those feelings. Currently, they’re being re-introduced, a passion project by Vancouver Island chef Michael Thurbur.
What could be more romantic than a hike and a private mountain retreat, in one of the Sunshine Coast Trail’s free-to-stay-in huts? Well, staying in one without any other hikers lurking around, anyway. Because there’s no guarantee that you’ll get one to yourselves, the key here is quietness. Stealth love. Or swinging - always a West Coast option.
4. Pick a flower
Also because this is the West Coast, there are still roses blooming around town. We’re not saying where. Actually, if they’re not yours, don’t pick them. Seriously.
5. Walk the Labyrinth
In the permaculture garden behind the Anglican church in Townsite, there’s a labyrinth over-looking the sea. If romance, to you, includes reflection and reverence, this is an obvious Valentine's activity. Plus, you can drop your compost at the same time. Romantic love and domestic duty – together at last.
6. Texada Valentine’s Event
5:30 pm, spaghetti at the Legion. Ya, that’s right. Everyone loves spaghetti.
7. Restaurant meal
Platefuls of exciting edibles are available around the region Valentine’s weekend. Sort of like the bumper sticker says, “Powell River: I had a good meal, actually.”
THE SHAVED HEART OF POWELL RIVER: Be my Valentine? Courtesy of the Powell River Museum and Archives
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Valentine’s Sunday Sweetheart’s Prime Rib Buffet with dessert table $30 Open 9 am to 11 pm daily Corner of Duncan & Joyce 604 485-9343
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604 483-3545 info@shinglemill.ca www.shinglemill.ca
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POWELL RIVER LIVING • february 2016 •
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