PLAYSTAY
PU
L
N
L
OU
T
Mike Caissie and Lindsay Paul were
married outdoors on August 25th at
Brisco. For more information on
outdoor weddings, see Page 2.
Photo by Kyla Brown
2 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer August 29, 2008
Bride Kyla Paluck chose to fly by helicopter to the top of Delphine Glacier to marry her beloved Jared Lalonde,
shown here with the helicopter pilot Kim Hyllestad, and marriage commissioner Andy Stuart-Hill.
Getting married
in the great outdoors
By Cayla Gabruck helped couples from all over the globe tie the knot in
Pioneer Staff their dream destinations in the Columbia Valley for
the past four years.
Some people dream of that magical day when they It has taken him many unusual places.
walk down the aisle to and say “I do” to their perfect “I would say the most interesting wedding was
partner. marrying a couple on top of the Delphine Glacier,”
Some people, on the other hand, choose to tie the Andy said. “It was spectacular.”
knot in a more informal but nonetheless spectacular Although his job has taken him to several interest-
setting, 9,200 feet above sea level, perhaps? ing places, much to his disappointment Andy has not
Whatever your fancy, a glacier wedding accessible yet performed a wedding on all-terrain vehicles.
via helicopter, a mountaintop wedding standing in Rosemary Bradford, another marriage commis-
two feet of perfect powder, a wilderness wedding set sioner in the valley, has also gotten to some strange
deep in the back country or a simple ceremony beside locations in her job. She even performed four differ-
the calm waters of Lake Windermere, the Columbia ent ceremonies in four different locations on the same
Valley has it all. day!
“As long as you have a marriage licence, I will do “On August 16th, with a shade temperature of 36
any wedding, any time, anywhere,” said Andy Stu- degrees, I conducted four outside ceremonies,” Rose-
art-Hill, one of the Columbia Valley’s three marriage mary said.
commissioners.
Andy has lived in Invermere for 40 years and has Continued on next page . . .
August 29, 2008 Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 3
r
. . . Continued from previous page sioner Norma Harmsworth at Lake Lil-
lian on February 20th, 2000.
“I started at 1 p.m. at Panorama. “It was the warmest and sunniest
The ceremony was on a deck at the day in February I have ever seen,” Liz
top of the chair lift. I then drove to a said. “There were trees all around and
3 p.m. wedding at Mountainside Golf there was lots of snow. The snow was
Course in Fairmont, followed by a 5 piled high on the picnic tables and there
p.m. ceremony at Creekside Gardens was no one on the ice.”
in Windermere. My final ceremony was Liz, a librarian at the Invermere
at 6 p.m., in the gardens by Pynelogs. I Public Library, said that the location
arrived for the last ceremony with one made the ceremony special.
minute to spare!” “That’s what I liked about it – that
Although it’s hectic, Rosemary ad- it was so quiet and so private,” Liz said.
mits that she loves her job. “It’s local and there are so many histori-
“I always take a deep breath at the cal events that have happened in that
beginning of a ceremony and think: area – now I feel like I am part of it.”
‘Wow, isn’t life wonderful?’” she said. She also urges couples not to avoid
Liz Robinson of Radium Hot a winter wedding.
Springs loved her outdoor wedding, “I think people shy away from win-
which took place in the middle of win- ter weddings because it is so beautiful
ter. with the lake in the summertime, but it
She and her husband Bruce tied the can also be as beautiful, if not more so,
knot with the help of marriage commis- in the wintertime.”
ffi
733 - 12th St. Invermere (across from the Post Office)
Phone: (250) 342-0012
Labour Day Weekend Special
Chuli Anna Rowe and
Marcel Cholo were mar- All in stock lamps 10%-40 off
ried on property belong- All in stock custom framing 10%-50% off
ing to the bride’s parents
near Harrogate. They live Featuring local artwork by Carol Gordon, Jan Zora,
in Yellowknife with their Heather Kohut, Shawn Tegart and Jill MacDonald
baby Mia.
Photo by Kyla Brown
Andy Stuart-Hill’s top ten spots
to get married in the valley
1. Beside Kinsmen Beach at Pynelogs Cultural Center, Invermere
2. On the lush greens at Eagle Ranch Golf Resort, Invermere
3. In the snowy peaks at Panorama Mountain Resort, Invermere Hours:
4. Amongst the beauty of the forest at Nipika Mountain Lodge
5. Beside a tumbling waterfall at Sinclair Creek Falls, Radium
Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
6. In the colorful floral gardens at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
7. To the sounds of rushing water on the banks of the Dutch Creek
8. In the picture-perfect gazebo at Strand’s Restaurant, Invermere THE PIONEER
9. Overlooking Lake Windermere on spectacular Mount Swansea
10. On the shores of placid Lake Lillian, on the way to Panorama The valley’s only locally-owned, locally-operated newspaper.
4 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer August 29, 2008
DISCOVER Jumping off Swansea
SCUBA DIVING By Alex Cooper ing as a test pilot, and last year he even participated in
80
Pioneer Staff the X-Alps - a 1,000-kilometre race through the Alps
$ •
•
•
Includes all equipment & pool pass
Two hour course
Call for locations and dates I was sitting on top of Mount Swansea, taking
by foot and in the air.
Max gave me a quick lesson before strapping me
(taxes included) photos of paragliders and hang gliders jumping off for into the harness. It was pretty simple: when he says go,
Other the annual Lakeside Event, when organizer and glider I run, and don’t stop running until he says stop.
ourses avilable. extraordinaire Max Fanderl came up to me and asked, I was handed a helmet that was way too small for
“Hey Alex, how would you like to fly down tandem me – the chin-guard only covered my nose – but I
342-1132 with me?”
“Are you serious? Hell, yeah!” I responded.
could see and breathe, so all was well. I just looked
weird.
Call to register
www.redrockscuba.com Two years ago I was in Turkey when I foolishly On Max’s command we started running. The can-
passed up the opportunity to go paragliding. There opy lifted up above us into the wind. We kept going
was no way I was going to miss out again. even faster until our feet left the ground, and then we
e
5
Experience the valley at your
own speed, with an affordable
ride from
MicRidge!
next to
Dairy Queen
342-9700
Alex takes his first jump
with veteran paraglider
Max Fanderl, seen in the
background; opposite page
– coming in for a landing over
the Lakeside Inn in Athalmer.
Photos by Alex Cooper
August 29 , 2008 Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 5
r
Continued from Page 4 . . . views up and down the valley, out to Mount Nelson, beach and came in to a smooth landing and cheers
and of the Rocky Mountains. I could see boats zip- from spectators taking it all in.
Soaring through the air was a thrill like I’ve never ping across Lake Windermere, the fairways of numer- After my ride I spent the rest of the day hanging
experienced before. I’m pretty sure I was slack-jawed ous golf courses, the entire town of Invermere, and out with a group of paragliders and hang gliders. Ev-
majestic
U-Brew and Wine
Whether it’s challenging whitewater, family
rafting or wetland float trips – Kootenay River • Brew on
Runners will fulfill your spirit of adventure!
premises
• Raft world-class whitewater on the
Kicking Horse River
• Bring your family for fun, food and
• Wine Ware
adventure on the Kootenay River
• Experience Toby Creek Whitewater Fun Drop in for
a majestic
• Enjoy the Columbia River Wetlands Float
Radium Hot Springs: IN RADIUM wine tour!
On Highway #93 • (250) 347-9210
OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND Great time to
1-800-599-4399
info@raftingtherockies.com • www.raftingtherockies.com start your Ports
347-9206 and Ice Wines
4 Time CVCC Award Winners
906 • 7th Avenue • Invermere • BC
342-7374 1-877-342-0059 Proud supplier of
• info@brew4u.net
(Located in the yellow AG Foods building)
6 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer August 29, 2008
WINDING DOWN THE SUMMER Try your hand at fly fishing
By Pioneer Staff ing a dart or a football. Try not to bend your wrist
until you get to the end of the casting stroke. You have
Fly fishing is an ancient angling method that uses both a forward and back cast in fly fishing, so what-
artificial flies as bait. You don’t need a boat, since fly ever you do for one has to be mirrored in the other.
fishing is done mainly on streams and rivers. • Practise! Either on the water or in your backyard
18-H le Miniature G lf Generally, people are fishing for trout in this val- aiming for a hula hoop on the grass. Jason prefers on
ley – rainbow, brook, or cutthroat trout. But there the water; there's much more action that way!
G -Kart Track are other species you can fish for, including whitefish, Kootenay Troutfitters, in business since 2002, of-
char, and bass. fers full or half-day guided fishing trips with certified
Water Bumper B ats Choosing the right fly is critical, according to and insured fishing guides. Owners Jason Smith and
Hw y. 9 3 / 9 5 • Windermere • (250) 342-3640
local fly fisherman and guide Jason Smith, owner of Bruce Devlin will take out anyone from expert to be-
Kootenay Troutfitters, since there are thousands of ginner, and offer rates for the kids as well.
patterns of “flies” to choose from. “Fishing guides really are stewards for the waters
LONG “‘Match the hatch’ is an expression used when they guide on regularly,” said Jason. “They know, and
LONG
choosing the right fly: it means pick out something genuinely care about, the shape of the fishery from
that looks like the bug that’s landed on your shirt or year to year and do what they can to protect it – from
that you see swimming in the water,” he said. making stocking suggestions, to cleaning up around
Casting is an art in itself. There are various fly casts the lake or stream. We also practise catch and release
WEEKEND you can make depending on the conditions. Here are a fishing to keep the fishing here in our valley great.”
SPECIAL
few tips from Jason on the basic overhead cast: Anyone interested in going out for the day with
• Hold the handle in the centre and use one of two a guide, or for information on current conditions or
2 Green Fees for 1 grips: a grip like you’d use for a key you’re unlocking a
door with, or with the thumb on top of the grip and
fishing in general, contact Kootenay Troutfitters at
kootenaytroutfitters.com, 250-342-1414, or 250-
when you rent a power cart parallel to the rod. 342-1144.
Restaurant • Driving Range • 18 Holes Using the thumb on top may give you some more For more information on valley fishing holes, con-
power during the cast, and it helps prevent dropping tact the Radium Chamber of Commerce at 250-347-
250-427-4161 Offer Good
Only With your rod too far back in your back cast.
• Cast using the same motion you’d use for throw-
9331 or pick up a copy of the Back Country Recre-
ation Map at the chamber office.
Hwy 95A, 7 kms South of Kimberley This Ad
Elevate Your Game
Two 18 hole rounds of golf and one night
of premier accommodation. You Choose!!!
a
Play
Play
ay a oth
Play both
ay ot
Play both Play
Pla
la
ay
Play
“The Springs”
Th Spr ngs
prin s”
pr ng
ri
“The Springs”
“The Resort”
Th eso t
eso t”
ort”
“The Resort” after
fte
after 1 pm and
after an
nd prings
Th Springs”
“The Springs”
prings”
rin
Twic
Twice
wice
w ce
Twice esort” nytime
e ort anytime
Th Resort” anytime
or nyti
“The Resort” anytime wic
Twice
Twice
Twice
wice Exceptional Golf, Exquisite Dining and Service Beyond™
This 4.5 star, player friendly venue winds its way through spectacular ravine terrain, all the while showcasing
some of the Valley’s finest views of the Rockies, Purcells and Lake Windermere. Eagle Ranch is truly elevated,
$123.50 4
$140.50
$140.50 $172.50
$172
72.50 perched high above the Columbia Valley Wetlands, offering pristine fairways and the perfectly manicured greens.
The Clubhouse at Eagle Ranch is open year round with tempting, health conscious fare featured in Saliken Fine
Dining and the Trader’s Lounge. A selection of designer resort wear is always on display in the Golf Shop. Add our
Valid Monday - Thursday. Play one round after 1:00 pm and one round anytime. All prices commitment to Service Beyond™, and you’ll agree Eagle Ranch is a magical place and the ultimate golf experience.
are per person based on double occupancy and exclude taxes. Carts are not included.
Location: The Clubhouse at Eagle Ranch, 9581 Eagle Ranch Trail
Reservations/Information (From Hwy 93/95, turn at traffic lights. Entrance is on the right. From Invermere, turn left on Eagle Ranch Trail, off Athalmer Road)
1-800-667-6444 • 250-347-9311 Call 250-342-6560 for restaurant reservations • www.eagleranchresort.com
d
August 29, 2008 Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 7
r
Weekdays (Monday-Thursday)
$49 plus tax
Weekends (Friday-Sunday, including Holidays)
$59 plus tax
Tee Times:
(877) 427-7077 or
GOOD LUCK, BOYS – Colton, Conrad and Jordan Messerli of Invermere enjoy cast-
ing for fish in the Whiteswan area, southeast of Canal Flats.
BootlegGapGolf.com
*Visit greywolfgolf.com/accommodation for details on this package. Conditions may apply to all programs and packages. Rates subject to change/cancellation without notice. All facilities/programs subject to seasonality and cancellation.
8~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer August 29, 2008
Pedley Pass: an easy
V
climb for all hikers
By Pioneer Staff glimpse of the cliff divers plunging into the cold wa-
ters of the lake below.
Most of the great hikes in the Columbia Valley re- Stay right at the only major fork in the road and
quire driving an hour into the bush on roads built for keep going until you pass the entrance of the awesome
skid-loaders. The hike to Pedley Pass is an easy climb mine on the right. Here, the smooth wide road you
for the whole family and the trailhead is only 20 kilo- were cruising turns into the usual rugged, rutted, sin-
metres from town. gle-lane back-country Forest Service Road.
You might not need a four-wheel drive, but you About 9.3 kilometres from the beginning of the
will need something with high clearance to get over mine haul road, make a quick left and right, that looks
Player Friendly, Walkable & Affordable the washouts. more like two forks in the road, one right after the
18 HOLES - $2950 Before you go, stop at Dave’s Book Bar on 7th other. You want the middle fork. Stop there and locate
MONDAY - NINE & DINE $2600 Avenue in Invermere and get a copy of Hikes Around the guidepost on the left to confirm.
9 Holes of Golf with a Sirloin Steak Sandwich y
Invermere and the Columbia River Valley by Aaron The road degrades for another 6.2 kilometres.
Cameron and Matt Gunn. Make sure you stay left at the last fork in the road and
KARI’S KITCHEN is open From Invermere, head south on Highway 95. pull over in the clearing on the right side of the road.
Look for Windermere Loop Road on the left just past A sign in the parking lot marks the spot.
for your convenience the giant bowling pin sign at Valley Alley. There are two steep climbs akin to climbing stairs,
Tee Times • (250) 342-3004 At the back of the loop, take the turn-off to Mount
Swansea and immediately turn right onto the Certain-
separated by the frost-heaved and appropriately named
Bumpy Meadow, backed by a slate-grey limestone wall
Teed gyprock mine haul road. Give a wide berth to the about 30 storeys tall.
THE PIONEER Chief trucks with tandem trailers loaded down with A one- or two-hour day hike—less than two ki-
gypsum on their way to market. lometres, gaining a mere 300 metres—ends at a sub-
The valley’s only locally owned, A few kilometres in, watch for a row of cars parked alpine pass 2,250 metres up. Side trails for the more
locally operated newspaper on the left side of the road. Look to the left to catch a adventurous head off to summits in both directions.
GOLF, HIKE, SWIM, SOAK, SPA, EAT, SLEEP.
fairmonthotsprings.com
Indulge your passion. Feed your spirit.
Who said golf is just a game? Treat yourself to a breathtaking round at our
championship 18-hole Mountainside or Riverside courses. Then discover
the many other indulgences that await you.
To book your tee time, call 1.800.665.2112
T
August 29, 2008 Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 9
r
OPTIONS—Accessible
after only a short but rug-
ged drive from Invermere,
Pedley Pass is an easy climb
for most, offering more
challenging routes for the
gung-ho. The sign in the
parking lot, left, marks the
spot. A one- or two-hour
day hike of just less than
two kilometres, that gains
a mere 300 metres in ele-
vation, ends at a subalpine
pass 2,250 metres up in the
mountains west of the val-
ley. From the pass, a great
place to stop for a nap,
side trails for the more ad-
venturous hikers head off
to summits in both direc-
tions.
Pioneer staff photos
Make Copper Point Your Golf Club
Enjoy the unique privileges of our exclusive Legacy Membership.
Copper Point is one of the leading golf destinations in the country and Our equity memberships allow you to join our exciting golf club and take advantage of the many
special features, benefits and privileges that are only available to members:
our Legacy Memberships provide you the opportunity to make it your
golf club and truly experience it all. Unlimited golf at the Copper Point course and The Ridge at Copper Point
Booking privileges Annual driving ranges pass Power carts
With 36 holes of golf, a distinctive clubhouse and golf shop, full-service restaurant and Discounts in the golf shop and View Restaurant Club storage & locker room
bar, innovative golf academy, and new world-class resort hotel with extensive amenities,
Copper Point is second to none. Plus enjoy use of all amenities at Copper Point Resort including fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor
pools and hot tubs, kids splash park, basketball cart and access to the spa and business center.
A limited number of Legacy Call Brian Schaal for more information.
Memberships are available. 250-341-3392 Ext. 5
copperpointgolf.com
10 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer August 29, 2008
Popular wife-carrying contest returns
Submitted by Bill Ayrton Some other items known to
Windermere Fall Fair be beneficial are a bunch of birch
Organizing Committee switches, crash helmets, and sneak-
ers.
Windermere will host the Fall Attitude:
Fair and Scarecrow Festival on Satur- Wife carrying is an attitude to-
day, September 13th. wards a successful life. The wives
One of the highlights again this and the wife carriers are not afraid
year will be the Wife Carrying Race, of challenges or burdens.
similar to that held in Sonkajarve, They push their way persis-
Finland, every year at their fair. tently forward, holding tightly,
The roots of the event go back to generally with a twinkle in the
the early 19th century when stealing eyes, but focused firmly on the fin-
women from neighbouring villages ish line. A successful wife carrying
was common. couple makes excellent friends and
Windermere’s race starts with business associates.
the man being blindfolded, carrying Wife Choice:
two tennis balls, who will then run Generally the best wife is the
towards his woman. She may guide wife of one’s own, all the more if
him by yelling. she is harmonious, gentle and able
Once located, the blindfold is to keep her balance while riding on
removed and the wife is hoisted onto the shoulders of her man. She pos-
the man’s back. sesses an inner strength and quiet
The couples then race around a determination.
short course which includes obstacles Contestants at last year's competition experimented with different carrying styles. If a wife is not available, racers
such as a low trestle, a sand pit and are encouraged to find a local lass
rubber tires. The woman then places from the Windermere village!
5. The contestants run the race two at a time. Each
the tennis balls in a basketball hoop. Rhythm:
contestant takes care of his/her safety, and if deemed
The couples then dash to the finish line. The It is of great importance to find a mutual rhythm.
necessary, insurance.
couple with the fastest time wins a small keg of beer! If the wife on the man’s back is rocking out of time,
Carrying the Wife:
Tradition was that you won the weight of your wife the speed slows down.
There are four customary styles to carry the wife:
in beer! When the rhythm is good, the wife and the carrier
the traditional piggy-back, the ‘thrown-over-the-
A few simple rules apply: become one, accompanying the motions of each other.
shoulder’ carry, cross-wise on the carrier’s shoulders, or
1. The wife must be over 19 years of age. It is advisable to practise in order to find the mutual
the famous ‘Estonian carry’, where the carrier firmly
2. The wife must weigh no more than 49 kilos rhythm before the competition on September 13th.
grabs the wife’s thighs and dangles her upside down
(108 lb.), and if not, she must be bulked up with a Training:
on his back.
weighted packsack. This rule has never been applied! It is possible for couples to train for the wife car-
You may create your own free-style. Dragging the
3. A 10-second penalty and probably a severe tell- rying competition everywhere: for example, in the
wife by the arm or hair is not permitted.
ing-off is incurred should the wife be dropped dur- middle of your daily routines, in the shower, while
Outfit:
ing the race. No props are allowed except for a sturdy housepainting, in the store, at the playground or in
It is preferable to wear clothes which won’t be
man’s belt. the fitness centre.
stripped off at full running speed, and which are easy
4. The wife to be carried may be your own, the Wife carrying is good for your relationship.
to hold on to. The carrier’s belt is the only equipment
neighbours, or you may find her further afield – in To register for the race, please call Bill Ayrton at
allowed to help in keeping one’s grasp.
fact, the couple need not be married. 250-342-3123.
COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER SPECIAL PUBLICATION
To find your way around
the valley, pick up the scover Lake Windermere
Huge end of the season pro-shop sale
• Wakeboard & Waterski Lessons, All ages and abilities
• Boat charters - driver, instruction & equipment included
www.columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R
Windermere’s Boating Professionals 342-8799
August 29, 2008 Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 11
r
Clip this out for 20% off
anything in the store!
3 floors of antiques and collectibles
1525 Cranbrook St. N., Cranbrook
expires Dec. 31st ‘08
We supply
parts and service
FOR MOST
MAKES OF:
• snowmobiles
• motorcycles
Judy Koss at Fresh Fidos, located on the way to Panorama, offers grooming to the smaller breeds of dog. • quads
While you're out playing,
send your pet to the spa
By Cayla Gabruck can visit Lana Banham at Bow-Wow Meow Pet Ser-
Pioneer Staff vices in Invermere. She offers everything from skunk
treatment and burr removal, to breed clips and mutt
A visit to the Columbia Valley is jam-packed with cuts. “For older dogs and puppies, I let them take
fun-filled activities for the entire family – even the breaks,” Lana said. “And I don’t use cages.”
four-legged members. For more information on Bow-Wow Meow call
That means when you are golfing, hiking and ex- Lana at 250-342-5859.
ploring the beautiful outdoors, your pet doesn’t have If you have a smaller dog, Judy Koss at Fresh Fidos
to be stuck in a hotel room, or worse yet, your car. offers grooming services specialized for smaller breeds.
When you embark on your daily adventure, why To make an appointment call 250-342-9479.
not treat your furry friend to a day at the spa? Certified groomer Lil Engdahl of Edgewater also
For a basic grooming experience you can visit the offers services at Fur Stylings. Pick-up and delivery of
Invermere Veterinary Hospital. The hospital provides pets is available. Call 250-347-6370 for more info.
their services to dogs and cats, and all grooming takes For a full-out spa experience for your pet, you
place under the supervision of the veterinarian. “That can visit Rocky Mountain Pet Resort located east of
is one of the benefits of coming here,” said groomer Edgewater. The spa package includes hand wash with
Louise Platiel. “If there is something we notice about premium shampoo, conditioner, haircut to breed or
the dog, the vet is happy to take a look at it.” owner’s choice, brush-out, pedicure complete with
Another benefit to working under the supervision polish if desired, ear cleaning, sanitary trim and co-
of the vet is that if your animal is badly behaved, you logne. Call Wendy Bennett at 250-347-9911 to book
have the option of having the grooming done while your appointment.
your pet is sedated. If your pet is already looking good, there are
The clinic also offers a “self-bath.” This is a chance plenty of day care establishments in the area. Rocky
for pet owners to come in and use the bathing facili- Mountain Pet Resort offers day care services, as does
ties, towels, shampoos and dryers at the clinic. For Bow-Wow Meow Pet Care Services. 8 out of 10 owners
more information call Louise at 250-342-7007. The Amber Schick at Unleashed! Pet Services in who expressed
preference said their
Invermere Veterinary Hospital is open seven days a Invermere offers day care services, along with dog cats prefer reading… N E W S PA P E R
week, 24 hours a day. walking, dog training and boarding. For more info, Bring out the Pioneer in you.
For a fancier cut for your four-legged friend, you call Amber at 250-342-7393.
12 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer August 29, 2008
Floe Lake in Kootenay National Park offers a spectacular hiking experience at this time of the year. Photo by Joe Lucas
• Single Family • 5-plex • 6-plex
• Plus 85 Suite Chateau
Copper Wolf
Properties Incorporated
Radium B.C. • 250-342-1725 • Cell: 403-809-4372
www.copperwolfproperties.com