Bike to Work Week!

Coming to work on Sunday morning last week to see a forecast full of rain had me a little worried, knowing that Bike to Work week would be starting the next day. Would the number of participants drop as people tried to wait out the rain? How would the events through the week go if people weren't biking?

However, once agian the people of Campbell River showed me I had no reason to worry. Every day, no matter how ominous the clouds looked, there was a row of bikers making their way to where ever their jobs may take them. I was impressed, but more than that I was motivated. While I usually am a person that bikes to work, I tend to shy away from it on any gloomy looking day opting instead to take the 'safe' route by driving. This trait didn't work out for me very well when I realized, after signing up for the event, that that is what I would be dealing with. In my mind I was already deciding I would make up for it the next week, when I caught sight of a group of about 15 bikers making their way down the road. Seeing them set off the competitive side of me, as I'm sure it did with many. After all, if they could do it why couldn't I?
In response, I grabbed my rain jacket and some spare clothes and set off Thursday morning on my bike. And loved it.

Heading along the seawalk and watching the waves coming up the beach was a great relaxing way to start the morning, and the whole time I felt like I was in comradery with my fellow bikers. We were all in this together, and we were going to succeed no matter what! And, to my utter joy and amazement, it didn't rain! (at least, not when I was biking).

All in all, this weeks Bike to Work Week looks to be a success, and I congradulate all those who participated. I'd also like to thank anyone who put time into organizing the event and/or helped supply the different events through the week. We couldn't do it without you!

And here is my tip of the week:
Just do it. You never know whether you will like it or not until you give it a try!

Enjoy your weekend Campbell River!

On the Strait - May 26

From a Tour Guide:
It has been a great couple of weeks on the water for Aboriginal Journeys! Guests were pleased to discover that not only had the Transient Orcas arrived early, but Humpback whales had also decided to take a detour into the Discovery Passages while on their journey. However, it is not just these two mammals hanging around the waters these days. The whale watching companies have estimated that there are currently upwards of 1,000 Pacific White Sided Dolphins, and Aboriginal Journeys has had no problem locating them on a daily basis! For those looking to see some of Canada's famous bears, there has also been an abundance of Black Bears out and about on the islands this summer to join in with the Dall Porpoises, Eagles, and Sea Lions. Last week, Aboriginal Journeys was actually able to catch quite a show when they and their guests ran into a couple Transient Orcas teaching their calf to hunt a Sea Lion they had found!
Alongside a great selection of wildlife, the rapids are also still going strong and providing much entertainment for those going out. In fact, next week is supposed to be the biggest tides of the year!

Photo courtesy of Aboriginal Journeys Wildlife-Adventure Tours

From a Fishing Guide:
Fishing is just starting to kick off for the summer as guides and their guests head out in search of Salmon and Halibut. However, while it may just be starting, there has already been some impressive catches, including a 25 pound Chinook and a couple huge Halibut caught off of Campbell River's own Discovery Fishing Pier! So far it looks like the hot spots for fishing are centred on Shelter Point, the Hump, the Lighthouse, and Bates Beach. In other words, it's time to get your fishing gear shined up and ready to go!

Sunny Days

Between yesterday and today, it seems as if memories of the rain are starting to disperse as those in Campbell River take advantage of the sun to get outside. From morning to night, a constant flow of people can be seen out walking their dogs along the trails and sea walk, working in their gardens, or even just hanging out on the deck to relax and tan.
However, one of my favorite parts about the nice weather has got to be the smell of barbeque as I head home every evening. That delicious smell and the memories it brings up could turn even the most sour of moods around and images of family gatherings, bonfires, or maybe even catching your hair on fire (it's happened!) come back to you.
Even McIvor lake was benefitting from the sun yesterday as people piled into the area to relax on the beach and take a dip in the cool water. Looks like it might be the same today too!

When looking at extracurricular activities to take part in, here's a couple suggestions for this beautiful day:
Fishing has been fantastic these last couple weeks, with stories of huge chinook and halibut coming in almost every day. The hot spots still seems to be located on The Hump, The Lighthouse, and Shelter Point. Wildlife viewing has also been fantastic with what seems like unlimited amounts of dolphins (an estimated 1,000 at least!) and black bears hanging around.
If you're looking to relax and enjoy, head on down to one of Campbell River or Quadra's patio resteraunts to sit in the sun and have a cool glass of wine...or even head down to a couple of the local wineries!
Either way, enjoy the weather and have a fantastic day!

The Campbell River Visitor Centre

Rain or Shine

I have always been told that those who live in Campbell River (or perhaps Vancouver Island in general) learn to love the rain and will find themselves outside enjoying themselves no matter the weather. Sure enough, after moving here I came to understand the truth in that statement. Is it because we 'learn to live with it?' Not at all. It's because no matter the weather the town still holds an amazing beauty about it that can't be ignored.
Take this morning for example. I woke up to dark clouds and a light mist and found myself just wanting to stand in the driveway to enjoy the serenity of it all - despite getting wet in the process. Besides, a little rain is good for your complexion!

However, through the last couple days it has come to my attention that we're not the only ones willing to brave the weather in order to enjoy our town. Visitors from all over Canada, the States, and even Europe have been flocking towards the Visitor Centre to find out where they should go hiking for the day, shrugging off the rain with a quick "oh well, what can you do?" They're here to enjoy nature, and that's what they're going to do! Just yesterday I had one visitor ask me where he could go for a nice day drive to see scenery, and when the idea of driving down to Buttle Lake was mentioned, he jumped at the chance. We both agreed that there is nothing quite like the view of the lake in the rain to calm your soul (and having it surronded by trees doesn't hurt either!)

Let us know what some of your favorite rainy day stories are and help show that a little bit of rain doesn't always have to mean the end to the day!