Activity Group News Posts are like blog or FaceBook posts and cover the entire history of the Glacier Probus Club, you can scroll down and all the way back to our beginnings in September 2013.
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After a week of thinking summer had gone it raised its head for us again on Tuesday and 16 of the walking group took advantage doing the Pub to Pub walk from Salmon Point. The photos taken by Bill clearly show the beauty of that walk and the lovely weather we enjoyed. Click on this LINK to see photos. After the walk we adjourned to the Country Market for coffee and chat.   The movie group set a record having 20 members attending dinner after seeing "Unarmed Verses" on Sunday night.!!! This was the first film of the Comox Valley Art Gallery's Film Series fall season. Most of the group liked the movie very much, while some were not fans of the more impressionistic approach of the film maker. "Unarmed Verses" is a very intimate documentary of Francine Valentine, a 13 year old girl struggling with issues of self-confidence and longing for a sense of belonging, in a world where she feels about to uprooted at any time. She finds her confidence through a community of poets who are putting their work to music, with the encouragement of a young musician. Francine eventually succeeds at her project and, with that, launches herself into a more assured existence. She learns to hold her head up. This documentary was present to TIFF by the National Film Board of Canada.
After the movie the 20 of us went to dinner at the White Spot. Dinner was great, and there was a lot of chatter about the movie as well as life in general. This is a very dynamic group! oh, Ye of little faith! An Intrepid Trio were the only people making an appearance for today's hike, due to the rain forecast - the rest backed out. I'd refer to the 'wimps', but since I didn't appear either, I'd better be careful of what I say! The hike destination was changed from Ripple Rock to Seal Bay Park and the Hardy Hikers report - no rain at all. Since they were all in good shape, the pace was brisk and the report is that the hike was very enjoyable. It was good to get out for some exercise between rain drops. Way to go!  The formal end to the Probus golf season took place at Mulligans, with 18 players taking part. The weather Gods relented and allowed us to play without rain, but also to sit outside and enjoy a BBQ. Thanks to Dave for being chef, and to Ken for organising. This event is not necessarily the last of the season, as if the weather remains fair we will continue to arrange further outings.  Random Readers meets tomorrow, Wednesday, but here is a sneak preview, a review from Genevieve. More news will follow...
“Growing Pains – The future of democracy (and work)” by Gwynne Dyer For those of you who have been somewhat mystified and concerned about the rise of populism and ultra-nationalism in the U.S., Britain, Italy, Germany, France and other places, this book may bring you some clarity as it did with me. Gwynne Dyer writes in a very simple and clear style with a touch of humour. He points to the enormous impact of automation and job loss, leading to inequality, poverty, and joblessness which ultimately provide fuel to the rise of populism. But the book leaves you with a positive message that we can overcome this trend with innovative ideas and by embracing some radical solutions. An easy read but with deeply thoughtful insights. 5 stars With rain in the forecast, heading toward higher ground is never a good idea, so as soon as we neared Nymph falls the rain started. However it held off apart from a sprinkle now and then, and we were able to enjoy a good walk. With 18 in the group, it was quite a crocodile along the narrower paths, but the Country Market benefited from higher than average coffee sales for a Tuesday morning. Thanks to Bill for the photos (except for the snail?!) Another lovely day for a hike, this time up to Cumberland for a circuit around Allen Lake. We 'did' the trek in the reverse direction to previous outings and okayed this new routing as an acceptable alternative. In both directions, one has to contend with short, steep inclines (both up and down), but with care, they are maneuverable. We will, however, continue to check out other trails in the mountain-biking trail system for better routing for hikers who prefer descents that are less slippery underfoot. The outing was approximately 9km and (including a lunch break) took about 3.5 hours to complete. Cool drinks at the Cumberland Brewing Company were welcome post-hike. As once again Tony and I were unable to walk Dawn kindly sent the attached note and photos. "There were plenty of smiles on the faces of today's Walkers, as they traversed the boardwalks over Paradise Meadows amid sunshine and cooler temperatures. The fall colouring isn't obvious yet, but the first signs of what is to come were evident everywhere. As usual, the scenery was beautiful and the company enjoyable - a very pleasant morning, which ended over coffee in the Resort's Eagleview Bistro." As a result of a suggestion by Edna Fraser, Tricia Nicol contacted Jim Palmer of Morrison Creek Streamkeepers and Comox Valley Land Trust, and our walk this week was led by him through the Morrison Creek headwater area. This is a unique area in both its topography, geology and flora and fauna. Jim gave a most interesting commentary as we walked through the forest, and the 14 Probus members who took part are a lot better informed on the value of this area. The Comox Valley Land Trust intend to purchase a 55 acre parcel of the Headwater area from the current owners as part of a larger conservation plan and need to raise $870,000 by March 19th 2019. Currently about half that amount has been raised, so if anyone has any spare cash or wins the Lotto, it will be gratefully received! Thanks again to Jim Palmer, and to Bill Jorgensen who has returned to take back his role as visual recorder. For all of Bill's photos please click on this LINK  Gil and Dawn were staying a few days on Quadra Island and invited interested hikers to join them for a hike yesterday. Due to busy summer schedules, only two were able to make it, but what the heck....any hike is a good hike! The day was cooperative for temperatures and somewhat cloudy skies kept walking conditions comfortable. Morte Lake was the hike destination; leaving from Walcan Rd, the route led to the loop around the lake and back again, covering just under 10km in 3 hours. A climb up to a bluff gave a bit of exercise and great views, while lakeside is always a good place for a lunch break. The Heriot Bay Inn Pub was a good venue for refreshments before returning the day-hikers to the ferry. Many of our group members gathered at Kin Beach Provincial Park for an enjoyable evening of wine and appies. The clear skies, beautiful beach scenes and warm propane fires added to the lovely late summer event.The group was very lucky with the weather for their hike up to the Cruikshank Canyon Lookout on Friday. After so much heat (not to mention the smoky skies) during the last weeks, the weather broke just in time for our excursion, so temperatures were cooler, with a fresh breeze popping up now and then. Another plus was the mainly cloudy sky, which meant limited sun rays beating down on us while we were in the alpine areas enroute to the lookout. Our route was around 21km in length, so we were happy to welcome anything that made the outing more pleasant! As usual, the effort of reaching the Lookout made the views that much more special to us all - it's a wonderful spot to enjoy a well-deserved lunch break. I must admit, some of us were drooping by the time we arrived back at the trailhead, but it was all worth it. My goodness, so it was! 12 members and one guest enjoyed 9 holes at Comox Golf Club with near smokeless skies and lower temperatures. Some scores were kept, and kept quiet, until one member said that he would only reveal scores of his playing partners if they were over 50!! Beverages were enjoyed by all, if not the quality of their golf. In spite of the smoky air and people still on holidays, yesterday eleven of us came out to walk the Pub to Pub from Salmon Point. We saw lots of fisherman along the shore but could see not much further out than that. Patti showed us some interesting ‘wild animals’ on our way back. We adjourned to the Salmon Point patio, where our Illustrious leader joined us for drinks and for some, lunch. Thanks to Patti for the photos. Guess this was one of those days when nearly all the hiking group was otherwise occupied. Too bad, as the three who ventured out to hike the Nile Creek trail system had a great time tackling the route in the shade of all the trees. The temperature was more moderate than what we have come to expect this past few weeks so we finished off our 11km+ route in great shape. Our route was as much an obstacle course as ever, due to muddy conditions (imagine....mud after this long interval of dry conditions!). It was drier than in the spring, but we still needed to negotiate around wet areas and we came across a number of burbling creeks. Drinks at the Roy's Towne Pub in Royston were very welcome at the conclusion of the outing. Nine of us (pursued by another two!) walked the North East Woods this week. Walking at between 9am and 10.30am avoids the hotter parts of the day, and being almost entirely protected by trees, the smoke seems less obvious. We welcomed a new member, Ranan Garfinkkle who joined the club earlier this month. Coffee at Quality Foods with photo courtesy of Dawn's camera/Steve's expertise. The route details are provided to those who like the detail, and realise that a shorter walk only sheds about 300 calories, which is about the calorific value of a donut, so bear that in mind!
This was a perfect day to enjoy music at The Gardens on Anderton, timed after the heat wave and before most of the smoke. We were entertained by a new trio called Blue Tonic. It featured our local crooner Ralph Barrat singing and on keys, Mike Berman on drums, and on Sunday Don McKay filled in for Bruce Jacobs on bass. In the garden setting it was truly a feast for our senses. Thank you Steve Ray for the photos. The hiking group had an excellent day for hiking Mt Washington on the 12th, with mainly overcast skies and temperatures verging on the cool side (in comparison to all the blistering-hot weather the Valley has had the past weeks). Our route took us up above Paradise Meadows to Croteau Lake, where we were able to investigate the group campground which opened this year while having our lunch break. Two hikers turned back at this point, while the remainder continued on to Kwai Lake, looping around it to return via Lake Helen McKenzie's alternative (badly maintained) trail. It was an invigorating, if somewhat tiring, excursion enjoyed by all participants. Photos provided by Katie Hubberstey and Dawn Moore Our numbers were depleted today by the arrival of children, grandchildren, the temptation of golf on the Mainland and THE HEAT. Nevertheless six enthusiasts made it to the course, Ron and Nancy Watkins were joined by Al and Jasmin Murtough, so comprised the "Awesome Foursome" and Dave Scott (Winner of the Marina Masters) and Ken Tait were the "Twosome". I noted that there was no discussion of scores, but everyone enjoyed the golf and even more sitting with a cold one in the clubhouse. The photos speak for themselves, but maybe in future a video would prove instructive ? Thank you to Dawn for the report and photos below. Tricia and I continue to hope that next week we will be able to return to walking! Lovely walk today: An enthusiastic group of Walkers tackled the Lake Helen McKenzie/Battleship Lake Loop above Paradise Meadows today. By leaving Home Depot at 8a.m. instead of at 9a.m., we were able to avoid the worst of the day's heat...and were on the final stretch back before other walkers started to crowd the trail. It turned out to be a lovely day. Alpine flowers were scattered over the landscape and a highlight was when Patti showed us a big patch of Sundew carnivorous plants by a pond. We all gathered at Tim Hortons for cold drinks afterwards.  Today, some of our hikers tackled a new Cumberland MBT route checked out a month ago by 4 intrepid group members. These explorers came back to say that the trail system was likely too ambitious in the steepness of its uphill sections for the majority of our hikers. Hah...those are challenging words!...and off we went. Well, yes, the uphill climbs were on the steep side, it must be said. But, it can certainly be done if we take our time. Which we did. Early on, two members left us when one had a medical issue crop up which required a return to town; the rest persevered to the end. Our destination was a small lake we had termed No-name Lake, a pretty pond that we found is actually designated as Dam #2. Personally, I like No-name better. After a lunch break there, we pressed onwards (and mostly downhill) to return to the trailhead via a different trail selection. It was with a great deal of satisfaction that we arrived back at the cars, content with the outing, if a bit tired(!). Bill B. has provided good route details at: www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1PmAmuxzEMVT1utoMMG5AcF4GhGdg9iMP&ll=49.606761106968115%2C-125.05580250000002&z=15 The Walking Group leaders still being unable to join the group (except for coffee and chat after the walk). We have to thank Debbie for leading the walk and Dawn for her blog and photos. “Today's Regular Walk was alongside the Puntledge River and through parts of the Ruth Master's Greenway. Thank goodness most of the route was wooded - wow! was it warm. Actually, there is nothing like being on a walk in a shaded area, since it makes one so grateful for not being in the sun! Debbie especially enjoyed her walk through the sprinkler once we reached the end of the outing... Mud Sharks was the venue for drinks afterwards - it was a popular spot today so we were lucky to find enough seats for all the group.” We enjoyed a warm and wonderful summer evening of wine and apples at the home of Donna and Frank Young on Friday, July 27. Thank s again to Donna and Frank for hosting this event! Members going on Sunday's hike gathered at 07:30a.m. to get an especially early start on what would prove to be a HOT day. It was a good move, as the outing was completed under very pleasant conditions (mostly in the shade) before heat became a factor. The route highlighted trails found in the Oyster River Mountain Bike trail system; we did our one climb (to the top of a ridge) right at the start while the day was still fairly cool. Once we descended off the ridge, we headed to the river side for a snack break and then made our return along riverside trails. Surprisingly for what was forecast as an especially warm day, we had our largest turnout ever - 18 hikers showed up! Sadly, 3 members had encounters with wasps, so we were thankful to have Benadryl spray along. Photos of the outing were supplied by Cheryl McMahon and Dawn Moore. The day's route was plotted by Bill Boham: www.plotaroute.com/route/657092?maptype=paths&units=km |
