#Townsite Brewing

[vintagelasvegas]

The Northern Club, 15 Fremont St. First modern gaming license in Las Vegas. "Bugsy" Siegel's first casino in Las Vegas. A timeline.

Photo circa late '30s, L. F. Manis Photograph Collection (PH-00100), UNLV Special Collections & Archives.

NORTHERN CLUB '12-'43 TURF CLUB '43-'44

'05: The property, lot 27, block 3, was bought in Clark’s Las Vegas Townsite auction by J. F. Dunn, Super. of the Oregon Short Line RR. Salt Lake Brewing Company bought the property from Dunn in Dec. '11.

'12: The Northern hotel & bar opens 4/2/1912, bar on 1st floor, 15-room hotel on 2nd. Salt Lake Brewing Co. constructed and named the building. L.D. Martin, architect. Lon Groesbeck leased the building, opened the business. The Northern catered to men in the bar and the poker tables, later in the mid 1910s, “six wine rooms were established in the rear which ladies could patronize through a family entrance off the alley.”

'17: The property is bought by Cullen Investment Co, Fred and Nellie Cullen Leonard of Salt Lake City. Groesbeck remains manager.

'18: Dec. 17, Prohibition enacted in Nevada. The Northern and other bars in Las Vegas continue selling liquor non-publicly.

'20: Jan., Groesbeck leaves town after conviction and suspended sentence for violating liquor law. The Stocker family takes over running the Northern later in the year.

'21: Oct. 21, Oscar Stocker buys the land and building. The transfer deed allows the owner to sell alcohol, if and when it becomes legal again.

'28: Northern “Club” name now used, Fall 1928 (LVA 9/6/28).

'29: Vertical neon sign by Las Vegas Neon Electric (“16 ft neon sign will be flashing tonight” - LVA 8/24/29).

'31: Mayme Stocker and J.H. Morgan receive the first modern gaming license in Las Vegas, 3/20/31.

'34: Dave Stearns and Elmer Sorber operating the casino.

'36: Vertical sign replaced with marquee.  

'40: Ben “Bugsy” Siegel’s stake in Northern Club circa '40-'41, Siegel's first business in Las Vegas. A canceled check for $18,000 to Stearns is found by investigators in a search of Siegel’s Holmby Hills home on 8/16/40. Moe Sedway later testifies that Siegel only briefly invested in Northern Club, with Sedway managing his interest in the race book.

'43: The casino is renamed Turf Club. Dave and Sam Stearns, owners. Hotel continues as Northern Hotel, on top floor throughout the 40s.

'44: Turf Club closed 11/44. Wilbur Clark & partners lease the club.

MONTE CARLO CLUB '45-'56 CASINO CLOSED, BAR & RESTAURANT ERA '56-'70

'45: Monte Carlo Club opened. Wilbur Clark & partners, owners. New exterior and interior design by W. Clark and architect Richard Stadleman. Terrazzo sidewalk is added outside.

'56: Jun., Monte Carlo Club sold and closed. Fred Soly, owner.

'63: Monte Carlo operates as a bar, through '65.

'66: The building either demolished or renovated with its upper level removed c. Aug-Sep. In Oct. the building is single-level Denny’s with an upper level towards the back of the building.

'68: Operating as Sam’s Roast Beef, through mid '70.

COIN CASTLE '70-'99 LA BAYOU '99-'17

'70: Sep., opening of Coin Castle casino. Don Pettit owner (RJ 9/3/70).

'71: The “king” figure was added over the casino c. Jun.

'77: H. Pastor, owner of Coin Castle.

'81: Mar. 20, Fremont St closed for the 50th anniversary celebration of modern gaming with Coin Castle as the focus property.

'99: Name changed to La Bayou Casino.

2017: Demolished; Golden Gate Hotel and Casino expands onto the property and the alley between.

Photos of The Northern Club

Sources: Much of the pre-40s timeline was sourced from three articles by Bob Stoldal: Chapter one: The Northern Hotel and Bar Opens in Las Vegas. Captain History, 2/15/2018; Chapter Two: Northern Hotel and Bar. Raids, Illegal gambling and alcohol. Captain History, 4/3/2018; Chapter Three: The Northern To be Owned by the Stockers. Captain History, 4/3/2018. Other sources include: Local Notes, Las Vegas Age 1/6/12; The Northern. Las Vegas Age, 3/23/12 p4, p5; New Turf Club. Review-Journal, 2/17/43 p10; Poker, Whist, Bridge Only Games Allowed in 1st Gambling Club. Review-Journal, 5/18/48, sec. B, p4; Monte Carlo Club Opens Monday. Review-Journal, 3/31/45 p4; Larry Gragg. Benjamin Bugsy Siegel (Praeger, 2015) p. 72-75; Hearings Before a Special Committee to Investigate Organized Crime in Interstate Commerce, part 10, 73 (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1950).

[duaneburnett]

🍻 Get out your Lederhosen, Dirndl and Beer Stein and join us for Sechelt OKTOBERFEST 2023 on Sunshine Coast BC Canada 🇨🇦

Visit our local restaurants and cafes for Oktoberfest inspired eats Friday Sept 22 and Saturday Sept 23 then head to the Rockwood Lodge Sept 23rd for our annual Beer Festival with Cider too! Live Music & Food. There will be Vancouver Craft Breweries joining us this year! Prizes for best Costume and Beer Stein. Must be 19 years of age to enter. $10 Entry Fee https://secheltdowntown.com/event/oktoberfest

Local Breweries and Cideries: Persephone Brewing, Gibsons Tapworks, 101 Brewhouse + Distillery, Bricker Cider, Sunday Cider, Banditry Cider, Batch44, Townsite Brewing, Special guests: Hoyne Brewing Co., BRAVE, KITS Beach Beer, CONTAINER Brewing.

On September 23rd from 1- 6pm sip on local craft beer, cider and spirits as you enjoy live music by Ola & Gary + OLD YELLER. There will be a garden area for you to enjoy bratwurst, pretzels and perogies.

PRIZE FOR BEST COSTUME AND/OR BEER STEIN

Must be 19 years or older to attend. 2 Pieces of ID required. $10 Admission for Rockwood Lodge event. Proceeds cover event costs including musicians, security and staffing. PRESENTED by Sechelt Downtown Business Association.

Sunshine Coast BC Canada 🇨🇦 Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=676009524556678&set=a.451794240311542

TAGS #events #oktoberfest #sechelt #thingstodo #sunshinecoast #sunshinecoastbc #beerfestival #event

[beermebc]

Townsite Brewing - Barrel Aged Cardena Quad

Townsite Brewing – Barrel Aged Cardena Quad

Townsite Brewing – Barrel Aged Cardena Quad Review Townsite Brewing’s Cardena is one of the better Belgian Quads to be on the craft beer market and they have released a second version of the beer that has been barrel aged. Coming in at 10.5% alcohol this beer is every bit as strong as the original brew. Pouring from the 500ml bottle the beer is a deep and cloudy chestnut-brown colour and has a…

[nwbeerguide]

Featuring over 50 beers, available for a limited time, the BC Ale Trail invites you to support breweries in British Columbia.

Press Release

image Copyright © Townsite Brewery 2021 All rights reserved.

… Vancouver, BC: As the nights get colder and darker, so too do the unique and boutique beers produced by craft brew crews throughout BC that conjure up unmistakably festive flavours. This winter, beer lovers can sip more than 50 seasonally inspired suds available at breweries along the BC Ale Trail that are heating up the holiday season in style.

From sours incorporating a bounty of BC fruit to barrel-aged and bottle-conditioned beers, along with inspired recipes that bring forth notes of cocoa, orange and mint, there’s no shortage of limited-edition, get-’em-before-they’re-gone seasonal beers to choose from.

The usual suspects like stouts, dunkels and porters are well represented, but with festive twists, like the Angry Elf Peppermint Holiday Stout from Port Alberni’s Dog Mountain Brewing, and the Chocomint Mocha Porter from the Noble Pig Brewhouse in Kamloops. There are some think-outside-the-gift-box beers — like the BC Cranberry Sour from 33 Acres in Vancouver’s Brewery Creek — as well as returning festive favourites like the latest entry in the ‘Anno’ series from Burnaby’s Dageraad Brewing, and the 2021 edition of the now-annual Winter Ale from Kelowna Brewing Company.

So bundle up, grab your crew, and cozy up to some great winter beers while supporting local. And don’t forget to download the BC Ale Trail App to find and collect points for rewards at participating breweries, taphouses, pubs and liquor stores that await at BC Ale Trail’s 200+ locations.

Be sure to check out the blog for the full list of holiday-inspired beers from BC craft breweries, or get in the festive spirit by sampling a selection of 11 different beers from 10 craft breweries below for starters!

Get Sweet on This Sour: BC Cranberry Sour by 33 Acres Brewing Company (5.7% ABV)

A smash hit from 2020, this cran-tastic sour will be back for another seasonal visit with bottles available to go in 33 Acres’ tasting room starting December 17. Brewed with barley, wheat and spelt and fermented with a special mixed culture in an oak foeder, this beer was refermented on BC cranberries to add delicate berry character and complex acidity.

33 Acres Brewing can be found on the Vancouver-Brewery Creek Ale Trail.

Enjoy the Fruits of Their Labour: Fruition 4th Anniversary Ale by Angry Hen Brewing (7.5% ABV | 15 IBU)

Kaslo staple Angry Hen Brewing is celebrating its fourth year in business and saluting loyal fans and new customers with a traditional gift of fruit. Angry Hen’s brew crew added locally picked raspberries, yellow and purple plums and fox grapes and sea salt to the Gose base from their 200th beer and conditioned it for four months to bring this ale to its true Fruition.

Angry Hen Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail.

Slip Into Some Comfy PJs: Flannel Pyjamas by Camp Beer Co. (10% ABV)

Get out of the cold and slip into some comfy flannel pjs via this Wee Heavy Scotch Ale aged in bourbon barrels for 11 months. This winter warm-you-up is strong, dark and malty with plenty of complex flavours for the discerning palate and has notes of toffee, caramel and smoke — just like a good Camp fire should.

Camp Beer Co. can be found on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail.

The Winter of Our Content: Anno 2021 by Dageraad Brewing (8.5% ABV)

It’s that magical time of year for Dageraad Brewing disciples: the Burnaby destination has released its Anno 2021. It’s a strong golden ale brewed with Okanagan pears and Indian coriander and bottle-conditioned with Brett claussenii (a strain of wild yeast that’s funky, fruity and adds complexity over time). For dyed-in-the-wool Anno acolytes, Dageraad is also selling Vintage Gift Packs featuring one bottle each of the Anno entries from 2018 through 2021 plus two limited-edition holiday glasses.

Dageraad Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

A Buddy-the-Elf Approved Beer: Angry Elf Cocoa Peppermint Holiday Stout by Dog Mountain Brewing (6.5% ABV)

This one’s like Will Ferrell in a barrel — well, his character from the beloved holiday film Elf, anyway. As a special gift for their fans, the pack at Port Alberni’s Dog Mountain concocted this dark and delicious beer using cocoa, vanilla and candy canes to fill stockings of thirsty folks with a refreshingly unique beer that tastes like a peppermint hot chocolate for adults.

Dog Mountain Brewing can be found on the Vancouver Island Part Two Ale Trail.

Paint it ’Black: Black Mammoth Winter Ale by Fernie Brewing Co. (8% ABV | 25 IBU)

Rich, strong and decadent, this black ale is complemented by the additions of chocolate malt, dark organic cocoa and peels from Curaçao oranges and aged on oak for smoothness and complexity. It’s a big and boozy beer that brings forth rich notes of orange and cocoa and pairs perfectly with dark skies, cold nights and freshly fallen snow.

Fernie Brewing Co. can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

Sweet Sassy Molassy: 2021 Winter Ale by Kelowna Brewing Co. (7.5% ABV | 33 IBU)

It’s become an annual tradition for Kelowna Brewing fans — a beer perfect for cracking open in front of the fire after a long day on the slopes. Heavy on the malt bill and generous on the molasses in the boil, this brew has a balanced sweetness with notes of treacle and coffee. The Kelowna brew crew also offers personalized cans as a delicious alternative to traditional holiday greeting cards.

Kelowna Brewing Co. can be found on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Bob’s Your Dunkel: Candy Cane Dunkel by the Moon Under Water Brew Pub & Distillery (5.4% ABV)

This dark lager was brewed using a single-decoction process that gives it an intense malt flavour without leaving too much residual sugar and giving it a dry, refreshing finish. Candy canes and vanilla were used in the brewing process to give it some added hints of the holiday season.

The Moon Under Water Brew Pub & Distillery can be found on the Victoria Ale Trail.

Mull Over These Two Holiday Infusions from the Noble Pig Brewhouse:

Chocomint Mocha Porter (5.5% ABV | 22 IBU)

A festive spin on the Kamloops’ brew crew’s flagship Stone House Mocha Porter, this Chocomint Mocha Porter is brewed with pure cacao and peppermint for a delightfully delicious winter shiver in every sip.

Mulled Swine Belgian Pepper Ale (5% ABV | 20 IBU)

This ’Swine is mighty fine — a take on the Noble Pig’s beloved Stick House Belgian Pepper Ale, the Mulled Swine is infused with holiday heavy spices and a deliciously mulled flavour guaranteed to get even Grinches into the festive spirit.

The Noble Pig Brewhouse can be found on the Kamloops, Shuswap, Vernon & Merritt Ale Trail.

Twist and Stout: Century Grove Chocolate Orange Stout by Townsite Brewing Inc. (6% ABV | 28 IBU)

Smash that orange — this dessert stout from the popular Powell River destination wraps beer lovers in a warm, comfy and cozy brew blanket. It gives off hints of chocolate and blood orange used in the brewing process and evokes memories of the favourite stocking stuffer from Terry’s Chocolate Co.

Townsite Brewing Inc. can be found on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail.

To see the full list of new beer releases and learn where to find them in your neighbourhood, visit the BC Ale Trail website today!

… –30–

About the BC Ale Trail The BC Ale Trail is brought to you in partnership by Destination British Columbia and the BC Craft Brewers Guild. A BC Ale Trail is a series of self-guided itineraries highlighting local craft brewery destinations and the super, natural landscapes that surround them. Explore more than 180 breweries across 23 Ale Trails in five regions around the province. New experiences are brewing nearby. For more information, visit https://bcaletrail.ca.

Travel safely and responsibly.

As parts of British Columbia have been impacted by heavy rain and flooding, drivers are being asked to avoid unnecessary travel given the multiple highway closures. Check @DriveBC on Twitter for the latest information on delays and road closures. Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page also includes key information resources for travelers and tourism businesses.

Masks are required in all public indoor settings for all people born in 2009 or earlier (12+). As of September 25 proof of double vaccination is required for those 12 and older to access certain social and recreational businesses including breweries, to help protect people from COVID-19. Learn more about BC’s travel restrictions.

from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/3ESMypR

[lianneoelke]

The Vancouver Island & Sunshine Coast Loop: A Solo Cycle Tour of BC’s Finest Retirement Communities. Part 2

Day 4: I hit the road at 7am. A quick ride on the Trans Canada woke me up and brought me to my daily bakery stop.

Serious Coffee for Serious Cyclists.

After second breakfast, I only had to follow one road: the 19A. With wide shoulders and no navigation required, I made good time up the coast. It would have been top notch riding if it wasn’t for the EXCESSIVE WIND that blew all day for NO REASON AT ALL. 

The best views were at Union Bay, where I slowed down a little too much until I realized the ferry I wanted to catch was coming up soon. I gunned it the last 25km to Comox, which was, shockingly, FULL OF HILLS. I gave up on my granny gear zen and let my rage carry me to the ferry terminal, where I caught the 3:25 just in time. The wind refused to chill out so I sat inside and charged my phone while I watched the white caps dance on the ocean.

Once I landed in Powell River it was only a few minutes to the campsite. After 113km my legs once again felt perfectly normal, which was weird. Sitting on a bike saddle, however, was deeply uncomfortable. I decided to walk the 3km to Townsite Brewing, stopping to gorge on veggie korma and stuffed potato naan on the way. 

I didn’t have room for another beer but I drank it anyway because I had biked HUNDREDS OF KILOMETERS to get there. 

I met this beautiful cat on the way back to the campsite, where I quickly fell asleep.

Day 5 began with gear sorting. It seemed like a lot.

I was a bit apprehensive about biking on the Sunshine Coast as I heard it was even hillier than Vancouver Island, but if the family camping next to me could bike to Lund from Powell River with a trailer and a young kid, there's no reason Gavin and I couldn't. The hills were very present, but still doable. I only had 27km to go, and I would have enjoyed the long decent into Lund if I knew I wouldn't have to climb back up eventually.

Lund was a tiny, bustling hub. I was surprised at the size of the grocery and liquor store (also surprised there was a liquor store at all). The store didn’t have much fresh produce, but I can live off beans, chips, and hot dogs for DAYS, thank you very much. Next I headed to Nancy's Bakery for a couple sandos and one of their famous blackberry cinnamon buns (which I'd been thinking about since the last time I was there, two years ago). I found a patio spot next to an outlet and gave my phone one last top up, because I couldn’t count on charging anything on Savary Island. With a couple hours before my water taxi reservation, I found myself on my own with nothing to do, which hadn't happened yet on the trip. I decided to call my parents and tell them what I was doing. I promised my mom I’d write a blog post so I could share some photos (hi, mom!). It was bizzy on Savary Island: rubbermaids, bags, boxes of booze, bikes, and a line of trucks lined up the dock. The people quickly dispersed into various homes, cabins, guest houses, resorts, and moss covered trailers. I went up the hill (no matter where I went, it was up a hill) to the campground: a loose scattering of wooden tent pads on some guy’s property. The owner told me “There is no check in. You just find a site that looks good and settle in.” Cool.

Of course the only rain I saw on the trip happened as soon as I arrived at a sub-tropical island. I expected to have a nap ASAP, but instead opted for a cold shower and laundry in the sink. I couldn’t fully clean my smelly bike shorts with Camp Suds; I could only make them slightly less smelly. 

Savary is a long, skinny island filled with lush rainforest and edged with white sandy beaches. After a comfortable and pitch black night, I was up at a decent hour. Day 6 was my rest day, which meant biking without all my gear. My legs felt overqualified for the 8km rip across the island and back. 

It was Gavin’s rest day, too. 

After a big brunch scramble and a hot dog, I headed to the beach, which was just as sunny and glorious as I imagined. I took a dip in the ocean, read, ate a bag of chips and a hot dog. When I ran out of food I went back to my camp and made an underwhelming dinner of overcooked veggies and terrible instant mashed potatoes with a hot dog. 

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. It’s about a girl growing up in a survivalist, ultra conservative, and unsafe family fighting for education, despite never setting foot in a classroom until the age of 17. I left my copy at a community library on Savary. Feel free to go get it. On day 7 I caught the morning water taxi back to Lund, then made one more stop at Nancy's before tackling the 3km uphill. It was overcast and muggy. Sweaty and grimy. The ride to Powell River was quick though, and I treated myself to a Buddha bowl and cold beer for lunch. 

It was another 27km to Saltery Bay...

... which was an exceptionally beautiful provincial park.

Of course the campground attendant came to collect fees while I was in the middle of washing myself from a pot.

I felt resourceful that day. Like I belonged out there. It was the little things, like seeing the cycle route sign even though I didn’t see any other cyclists, collecting large rocks to hold my tent down because the ground was too hard for stakes, or improvising a bear hang because the campground didn’t have a bear proof locker for cyclists (get it together, Saltery). Part of me still feels like the kid who spends all her time reading, watching LOTR EE marathons, and making pizza at Panago for $6 an hour. I never grew up thinking of myself as athletic or woodsy, and compared to many people I'm not, but it's about time I realize I can do this on my own. And that I love it.

Day 8 began with a serene ferry ride to Earl's Cove. Out of the entire trip, I was the most nervous about the upcoming ride from Earl's to Sechelt. I knew it would be windy, narrow, and steep, and I didn’t want to end up schmucked on the side of the 101 because some yahoo hauling a yacht, four kayaks, and a dozen mountain bikes couldn't be bothered to slow down on a blind corner. But at this point I had 500km of experience, a bag of Sour Cherry Blasters, and my screaming pink cycling jersey to get through the day safely. It was relatively quiet early Wednesday morning, and the beautiful ride turned out to be one of my favourite sections.

I took a detour on Redrooffs Road after Half Moon Bay to get off the highway for a bit. It was scenic enough, but the elevation was stupid. I hadn’t walked Gavin up that many hills since Thetis Lake Regional Park. Things started to go downhill from there. Metaphorically of course, as the hills only went up. 

Traffic volume started to increase at Sechelt, where I stopped for candy. The Cherry Blasters picked me right up, but not even a sugar rush can hold off eight days of fatigue indefinitely. The last few kilometers to Gibsons weren't exactly painful, but they were not pleasant. My faith in Google Maps’ elevation estimates might never recover. My bike chain was dry and squeaking, but I thought if I could just make it to my destination and offload my gear I could zip back into town and find a bike shop and get some lubricant. In reality, once I finally arrived at Mike's place, after 83km and over 1400m of elevation gain, I couldn't bring myself to take the hill down into Gibsons again. "Can olive oil work on bike chains" is not my proudest Google search, but weary, smelly, and perpetually damp cyclists are nothing if not humble. And the answer is no, not really, but olive oil is better than nothing.

Thankfully Persephone Brewing was within walking distance. My healing began with an order of spring rolls and a rye farmhouse ale.

That evening, as I settled in to my tent, I heard the soft whisper of my couch back at home. The call of the bahn mis at Chickpea that Brian said were amazing. The whinny of my stupidly sensitive horse on Red Dead Redemption 2 Online. The sweet yet powerful purr of Alley Cat, my gentle golden nugget. I was a two hour ride away from completing the biggest physical achievement of my life. A year ago running 5k was a stretch, and biking 11km to Richmond was a chore. I wanted to do an ambitious cycle tour to see if I could. And I can. There’s nothing particularly special about me, or most people, but that doesn’t have to stop us from getting shit done. 

Day 9 was a quick ride down to the ferry, then a hilly ride through West Van on Marine Drive. Once I hit the Lions Gate Bridge, I knew I was home free.

Coming home after 9 days and 590km of a door-to-door solo cycle tour was incredibly satisfying.

Almost as satisfying as seeing my number one precious sweet potato again! 

This sweet pup is my number two. 

Maybe one day I’ll do a proper Google Maps route but this is the general idea.

Highlight(s): the views on Salt Spring, Sokka’s beautiful kitten face, the ride up from Nanaimo, the white sandy beaches at Savary, the peaceful ferry ride from Saltery, the surprisingly doable hills after Earl's Cove, the pics of my niece and nephew smiling on their first day back at school, the beers and food at Persephone, the moment I realized that I absolutely crushed every part of my ambitious plan. Lowlight: Thetis Lake Regional Park. Gold star: Gavin. This humble, unassuming, steel frame hybrid has been a true star, solid and dependable. I love this bike. I love what we can do together. Runner up: The weather. Almost perfect. Runner up: My legs. You know what you did.

[arcisfoodblog]

The next leg in our road trip of British Columbia from Whistler along the Sunshine Coast with stops near Sechelt and in Powell River.

Having decided to go for more extended stays on Vancouver Island, we treated this part of our road trip as pass-through, but we did stay 1 full day at each of the stops to at least be able to explore the towns, plan some hiking trips, and relax a bit.

The first 160km / 100-mile leg was from Whistler to Sechelt, which started with breakfast at Function Junction’s outlet of Pure Bread (1040 Millar Creek Road) which was also our go-to place for breakfast and pastries in Vancouver as there was one just across the street from where we stayed. No fancy coffee machines in the original outlet, but the slow drip is made with the same fabulous coffee beans, so we were well stocked with goodies for the 1½ hour drive to Horseshoe Bay to catch the 12pm ferry to Langdale.

As we had made the reservation back home, it was advised to be at the ferry terminal 60 minutes before departure. The process was very smooth, and we were directed to our priority lane and only had to wait 30 minutes before the loading of the cars started. The 45-minute boat trip over the Howe Sound passing between the Bowen, Keats and Gambier Islands is just beautiful.

As we still needed to catch lunch, we stopped in Gibson at The 101 Brewhouse and Distillery (1009 Gibsons Way) which was right along the Sunshine Coast Highway. No poutine or burgers, but we had some Fish & Chips with beer-battered Crispy Cod Bites, Chicken Quesadillas, as well as great Falafel taco with hummus and tahini. I had chosen the Smoked Brisket Melt, served on grilled rye, with sauerkraut, melted cheese, and sour cherry mayo. The beers that we tried were Vagabond Dry-hopped Blonde Ale, the award-winning Shingleroof Hefeweizen and super refreshing Tree Top Summer Ale which is infused with spruce tips and has a splash of lemon juice.

After a beautiful drive and stocking up in the local supermarket, we settled into our Airbnb, which was located a couple of kilometers past Sechelt’s town Centre. The Lighthouse Marina Pub (5764 Wharf Ave) was recommended both by the Airbnb owner as well as online. Due to the Pub part, there is a separate entrance to the right for legal purposes to accommodate families with minors. It’s called The Buccaneers, but inside it is still one place with one kitchen. The main attraction is the patio view from the patio over Porpoise Bay and the aerodrome, which was indeed pretty spectacular. The food was less so. My Taco-Spiced Halibut tacos were good, the nachos and pizza and a bit soggy due to the wet toppings. Regrettably, the kitchen had sent out a cheeseburger that was actually carbonized on the bottom. The smell was so strong that we already notice something was wrong before the burger even hit the table. We did get a new (and tasty) cheeseburger, and in the meantime, we killed some time admiring the views as well as the mesmerizing jellyfish that were floating in the harbor and the Canadian Geese walking around.

The next morning, after a grilled cheese breakfast at The Bakery (5500 Wharf Ave #101), we set course to the Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park, about 5 kilometers past Halfmoon Bay. The hike there was terrific, starting over a walkway through the marches and then when arriving at the cove (which is pretty secluded so that it where it got its name), we took the elevated loop past France Islet all the way to the land’s end looking out on Capri Isle and Grant Island and Thormanby Island.

All the hiking made us hungry, and we had a great late lunch in Sechelt at Shift Kitchen Tapas Bar (5760 Teredo St). The men had some Shift Classic burgers (cheddar cheese, thick smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion, shift special sauce) served with hand-cut Kennebec potato fries. Chantal had the Tuna Tataki (black & blue rub seared to rare, served on top of sushi rice and topped with sesame & wasabi soy sauce).

The next day, we had a 75km /45-mile drive to Powell River and wanted to catch the ferry between Earl’s Cove and Saltery Bay around noon, so we had time to catch some breakfast at Basted Baker (5685 Cowrie St #1). The Breakfast Sandwich and a Spinach and Brie Sandwich were tasty, but we are not huge fans of biscuits.

Some familiar faces when the Saltery Bay ferry unloaded at Earl’s Cove as Koen, Erica and Madouc were heading back to Vancouver after their stint on Vancouver Island…

Luckily, the weather did get better when we arrived in Powell River, and we first stopped for a round of quick tasters at Townsite Brewing (5824 Ash Ave). With a Belgian born brewmaster, Cédric Dauchot, the brewing styles were obviously very familiar to us (more so than other local attempts at Belgian-style beers), but he still managed to surprise us due to different varieties like their Zwarte Wheat, a Dark Witbier.

As they don’t have many food options, we checked in into our hotel (which was conveniently located above a supermarket and outlet of the Serious Coffee outlet) and the rest of the afternoon was filled by doing some laundry and relaxing.

Dinner was at Coastal Cookery (4553 Marine Ave), on the downtown marine mile, which has a great view on the Georgia Strait and excellent food to boot.  

Backyard Beer Can Chicken (Double breast local Vancouver Island chicken, dry-rubbed and beer-soaked, homemade BBQ sauce, roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, spicy creole butter)

Beurre Blanc Mac and Cheese (Smoked gouda, aged cheddar, white wine butter sauce, crispy pancetta, fried sage) 

Tuna Poke (Marinated tuna, sticky rice, cucumber ribbon, crispy wonton, edamame, avocado, mango wasabi)

Fort Berens Estate Chardonnay

S’more Smash (Vanilla gelato, house-made cinnamon graham cracker, chocolate ganache, marshmallow Brulé

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar (Dark & white chocolate, peanut butter, graham cracker crust, salted caramel)

Needing to walk off the indulgent desserts from the evening before, we took the Willingdon Beach Trail. This trail is just north of the town center with some parking available along the road from the Powell River Forestry Museum. The forest trail is just next to the beach and is “littered” with historic lumber equipment, so it was quite informative as well. Afterward, we played a round of mini-golf and had giant ice-creams at Putters Mini-Golf Course (4800 Marine Ave).

After stocking up on local wines, beers, and gins at Duke’s Liquor (4493 Marine Ave), some laundry runs and reading on the balcony,

we had our last dinner in Powell River at the tiny and therefore incredibly busy Costa del Sol Latin Cuisine  (4578 Marine Ave), which apparently was the first venture of the couple that later started Coastal Cookery. We had to wait 30 minutes for a table, but were rewarded with some excellent Mexican food, beers, and cocktails!

Elote Corn (Charred Corn, Spicy Yogurt, Crema, Cotija Cheese, Crispy Corn Chip Dust, Cilantro, Tajin, Smoked Paprika)

Habanero Lime Fried Chicken Bites 

The Maverick (Marinated Flank Steak, Mexican Chorizo, Crispy Bacon, Chipotle Potatoes, Caramelized Onion, Fresh Guacamole, Crema)

Quesadilla De La Frontera (Corn & Black Bean Salsa, Roasted Chicken, Queso Mixto, Honey Lime Aioli, Pico De Gallo)

Around the World – British Columbia road trip​ (2019) – Sunshine Coast The next leg in our road trip of British Columbia from Whistler along the Sunshine Coast with stops near Sechelt and in Powell River.

[westcoastcastro78]

From day 1 from my trip to the River. My boy @baconangregs and his lovely wife found me if the ferry, we then proceeded to @townsitebrewing where @sam_the_stylist met up with us and we regaled of past adventures! It was a grand day! #throwback (at Townsite Brewing) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRsqDipjH_yag89w3k5HBpF4q29Kl8DLc9LFIQ0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[donhornsby]

The sun is waning here in the Pacific Northwest, but there is still time for a #VinylAndBeerSunday. I have just got off the road after a long trip from British Columbia - and I wanted to get into some classic grooves from the late 1960s or early 1970s. I decided to spin a recent acquisition of the 1969 release from LED ZEPPELIN. Their second album, dubbed LED ZEPPELIN II, is not my favorite ZEP album (which is HOUSES OF THE HOLY) but it has one of my favorite ZEP tunes. I can't tell you how much I enjoy the JRR TOLKIEN inspired RAMBLE ON. I could play that one on repeat several times - but I digress. It's a robust set of tunes that are considered classics now such as WHOLE LOTTA LOVE, WHAT IS AND NEVER SHALL BE, THANK YOU, HEARTBREAKER, and MOBY DICK. What a great album! I have accompanied these tunes with a beer that I picked up in Canada last night. It's an excellent IPA from TOWNSITE BREWING INC. Their TIN HAT IPA is a hoppy brew with dank bitterness which is somewhat refreshing. It reminds me of the beers that I tried over in the Lake District of the UK. So....what are you listening to tonight? What are you drinking? #records #vinyl #vinylcollection #ledzeppelin #ledzeppelin2 #beer #craftbeer #beerstagram #townsitebrewing #canada #ipa #beermusic @sandandstain @townsitebrewing @ledzeppelin (at Salem, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0NBZ1ggJK5/?igshid=wo5asvfzr8xx

[lloydsonaboat-blog]

Our crew - Townsite Brewing

[b-2229]

Great Belgian-Style Beers in Powell River, B.C.

Great Belgian-Style Beers in Powell River, B.C.

A good range of fabulous beers from Townsite Brewing in Powell River, B.C.

If you’re walking into Powell River’s Townsite Brewing intent on tossing back a glass or two, you might want to organize a ride home. Or at least have plans to take some big bottles or a growler back to your motel or campsite before imbibing.

That’s because a few of Townsite’s offerings weigh in around 9% alcohol. These…

[dcnativegal]

Solstice

12.21.17

It’s the shortest day of the year. Fourteen degrees Fahrenheit this morning. Valerie and I get out of our fake wrought iron bed up in the loft of this house and make our way down the stairs. I put on my fluffy robe, sweatpants and a scarf, because it’s 58 in the house. She puts on her sweatshirt and jeans over her sleep shirt, and goes out into the woodshed. With wood in her arms, she comes back in to make the first fire of the day. My job is to make coffee. I put the leftover from yesterday into cups and zap them while I make a fresh pot. With coffee brewing, old coffee hot in cups, and fire started, we sit down to our computers to see what’s new.

The cat finds her way to my chest, as she always does, so I can’t type or crochet for a bit, but I’m warm. I check out Facebook notifications, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. I skim my email, and spend a few moments unsubscribing from yet another DC based charity, or business. Today I unsubscribed from WAMU because I no longer live in DC. Also, the newsletter of the Community Forklift in Maryland. A wonderful nonprofit I won’t step into again.

The house slowly warms up. Eventually, I figure out a lunch, lay out my clothes on the rocking chair closest to the fire, and take a shower. The clothes are warmed by the time I get into them. Valerie starts the car while I finish packing up my work stuff. The sun is barely peaking over the Coglins, a range of hills to the east, as I traveled up Route 31. The Oregon Scenic Byway hugs Winter Rim with views of Summer Lake, an ancient alkaline lake that used to be a huge freshwater lake. There’s a bit of snow, and frost, which makes the hills to the West and North half white.

I have studs on my tires now, which make a whirring sound on the asphalt, and hug the icy curves while I slow down. It will take a little bit over an hour to get to Christmas Valley, which is generally colder and windier than Paisley. I listen to a podcast; one of the longer ones so I don’t have to find another short one to get me all the way to Christmas Valley Highway. I pass the Playa arts compound, and some ranches. The old one room school house. A few amazing two-story homes facing the lakes. I pass Summer Lake Lodge, where I had a decent dinner of fish and chips recently. Then the Summer Lake Store, which sells gasoline, and just about anything else, in the company of several plump cats. Over Picture Rock Pass I’ll go, elevation 4,630, and then snake down to Christmas Valley on the flats.

Christmas Valley was developed by a guy named M. Penn Phillips, according to Wikipedia. Check this out: “In 1961, developer M. Penn Phillips laid out the townsite, including its fanciful holiday street names (such as Candy Lane, Mistletoe Road, Comet Street, Vixen Street, etc.), the Christmas Valley Airport, a water system, a golf course, a lodge, rodeo grounds, and an artificial lake originally named Christmas Valley Lake and now called Baert Lake. Phillips aggressively promoted the community in California to young, would-be farmers and retirees; often providing free bus tours and flights and marketing the potential of the land as green and readily farmed. The company quickly sold out the parcels, though despite Phillips' claims that the community would soon have more than 5,000 residents, few actually moved there. In 1966, in an Oregon Tax Court decision about tax valuation of Christmas Lake property, Judge Edward Howell opined, ‘the land, at least in its present condition, is arid, dusty, windy, isolated, [and] subject to temperature extremes.’ In the early 1970s, the Phillips company faced lawsuits about misrepresentation of the property and the Phillips era is usually considered a scam.”

Green and readily farmed it is not. The area is windy, still considered high desert, and good for ranching hay as long as there’s available irrigation. Like most of Lake County, there’s a desolate beauty and a kind of prehistoric emptiness that appeals to people who don’t particularly like other people. At least that misanthropic streak seems to run through my clients in Christmas Valley. Some residents live off the grid out of choice, and others out of necessity and poverty. Homes look like compounds, with various mobile homes, RVs, 5th wheels, shacks, outbuildings, and fenced-in areas for livestock. Although it is an unincorporated town, Christmas Valley is spread out over many acres, with a ‘downtown’ at least a mile long. No farms here. An occasional greenhouse, maybe.

I drive into the Court Annex parking lot and take my place next to the maintenance man’s truck, with a poufy Pomeranian pooch curled up in the passenger seat. I can see my coworkers’ cars. I schlep my bags of lunch and items from the Lakeview main office into the building, which used to be a ranch style home. Just about time to set up for my first client of the day, and we’re off and running.

I recently had a conversation with a young man who owns a small restaurant in Salem: he told me about a gal whose hours he’d cut because of low earnings. She seemed hopeless and helpless after she’d learned she’d need another job or some serious food stamp/ welfare help to support her 5 kids. He was surprised at the amount of ‘hand holding’ she seemed to need after what had to have been devastating news coming so close to Christmas. I volunteered that I thought maybe she was stunned and somewhat depressed by the cutting of her hours, and perhaps frozen for a time, overwhelmed by all the stuff she had to do now that she hadn’t anticipated. I told him a little bit about my clients: how each of them seem to be overwhelmed by something, and had come to be either because they chose to seek help for their anxiety/rage/depression, or because they were mandated to by the Department of Human Services because they were inadequate parents, or because they’d been arrested for something and were now on probation. I do not stand (or sit) in judgment of my clients; for some reason I just naturally have no desire to judge them. That’s someone else’s job. My job is to understand them, and give them tools to make some different choices, to expand their repertoire of coping skills, and perhaps, to help them rewrite the narrative they tell themselves about their lives. Are they losers, or survivors? Are they ineffectual, or tenacious? What is the next right step? Perhaps they do need handholding, and I’m the hand that’s offered. For the young man, I suggested he give her some suggestions, but to avoid being patronizing, and most importantly, be kind. But do not judge. That’s not his job, either.

I see registered sex offenders, methamphetamine dealers, parents who’ve lost their children to the foster care system, and a wide range of knuckleheads. I also see clients who have traumatic histories and wonder why they can’t sleep/ hold a job/ tolerate their families/ maintain a friendship. We sit and talk about whatever is on their mind today: the past, the present, the many possible futures.

I’ve lost two clients so far this year, as in, “lost to followup,” although I hope to see them again. One gentleman had apparently been trying to get help for some time. He’d come by the Annex and picked up the multiple page intake packet that is required before seeing someone, and was so overwhelmed by the stack that he gave up for a few more months. When we acquired a receptionist, who’d go through it with him, he sat for the intake. I got to see him, and I felt heavy as he told his sad story. He has no phone, no car, no money, no family. He lives in a school bus with his dog on someone’s land, and his neighbor is his source of assistance. He barters for food, doing odd jobs. He hasn’t held a job in years. Occasionally he stops eating and figures he’ll just starve to death in a passive suicide. He’s lived this way for a long time. He’s too young for social security, and has never applied for help.

I got him to agree to try to apply for food stamps. He was cagey about his past, where he’s from, who his family had been. Was he escaping from a crime? He was very suspicious of me. I tried to reassure him that I would not report him or anyone he mentioned for wrongdoing. I told him that I’m a mandatory reporter of things like a threat of harm to himself or another person, but that I was questioning him to get a sense of who he is, what he’s been through, how he views the world.

Because he had no phone, we couldn’t call to remind him of appointments, and he ‘no showed’ several times. I ended up seeing him only twice. We heard from ‘law enforcement’ (down the hallway from my office) that he’d had an altercation with his one tie to humanity, the neighbor, and was no longer able to hitch a ride to town. Last I heard, he’d disappeared. I wonder now if he’s still alive. I think I’ll request a wellness check by the deputy sheriff next time I see him.

The second client I lost came to me as a self-referred alcoholic just released from 10 day medically supervised detox. She described her life partner as a controlling, un-medicated bipolar alcoholic, who berated her and accused her of wild infidelities she hadn’t committed. She wasn’t sure if she could stay sober while living with him and we brainstormed about her options. She came only twice and she, too, did not have her own phone. We could only leave messages with her partner. She ‘no showed’, and then we heard that she’d been arrested in the county north of us on a DUII. She must have hit someone or done some damage, because she was in that jail for weeks. I sent her a letter in the mail to the PO Box we have on file, hoping she’d come back to treatment. I’ve heard nothing. Her partner was on the Lake County ‘in jail’ list for a while.

For the clients who show up, I sit, I listen, when I get a break, I heat up my soup, I make a mess in my office with rice cakes all over my shirt and floor.

One of my clients declared, about 2/3rds of the way through the hour, that there were so few things to look forward to. We’d had a good session and he is feeling much better than he had when he first started coming to me. He is a young man, a gamer, on disability, who is the caregiver of his very cranky, chain smoking, COPD-suffering hoot of a mother.  He tells me, what is there to live for? And I look at him, and I say, “Season Three of Stranger Things”?  I smiled. And he smiled a great broad grin. I put up my hand for a high five, and he hit it. SCORE, I think to myself.

Another client is a foster child. She has been removed from her home twice now, over 3 years in care during her 9 years of life, and is the oldest of many children. She exaggerates how well she is doing: “I am the BEST in the class. I am the most POPULAR girl.” She admits to having ginormous tantrums if she knows she’s going to have a ‘visitation’ with her mom. (Her dad has a no contact order and can’t see any of his children or his now ex-wife. He’s also one of my favorite clients. Our earth mother receptionist is exceptionally diplomatic and skilled at keeping various clients from encountering each other in the hallway.)  Her foster mother will probably adopt her, and our current plan is to spring visits on her, rather than to give her hours or a day to wind up for the tantrum. We spent our last session learning how to crochet. She got impatient with it, but she managed to do two rows in about 20 minutes, which is remarkable. If she’s game, we’ll crochet during each session. And then she can tell me, around the edges of crochet, how’s she’s feeling about her life. I am so not a child therapist. But the one therapist in the entire county who IS one, and profoundly gifted, is completely overwhelmed with clients. And two hours’ drive south. So crochet will be my therapeutic tool with this one.  Therapy with me is apparently better than no therapy at all.

“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.” Ernest Hemingway

The winter solstice means it can’t get any darker. The light will come back. Spring always follows winter. Let’s trust that hope is not folly. Perhaps we can grow strong at the broken places.

Valerie awaits me in Paisley, after the long, dark, slow ride home.  Still terrified of hitting deer. The house will be warm. The cat will perch on my boobs after I eat dinner. We’ll deconstruct our days, and crawl into our faux iron wrought bed, and sleep the sleep of the just.

[thirstypanda]

TBI Lil' Red 3.0: Tart like a tiger

TBI Lil’ Red 3.0: Tart like a tiger

The pride of Powell River, Townsite Brewing has certainly not sided on the safe path when it comes to their lineup of brews. Having savoured their Zwarte Wheat I can tell you first hand they are an adventurous group. Tart like a tiger Pouring the light brown beverage, the tan foamy head dominated my glass. Giving way to big boisterous bubbles that settled into a frothy film. A super tarty…

[smallbeerdescriptions]

BORING

[beermebc]

Gold Medal Winning BlackBerry Wheat Sour Returns From Townsite

Gold Medal Winning BlackBerry Wheat Sour Returns From Townsite

Gold Medal Winning BlackBerry Wheat Sour Returns From Townsite Powell River, BC – fall 2017 Recently named Canada’s best in the category of American Sour, this red hued beauty is back. Townsite Brewing took home two medals from the Canadian Brewing Awards, held in Ottawa, earlier this year. Silver for the Belgian Dubbel, Bière D’Hiver, and gold for Sour Blackberry. ‘This is a big win for us’ says…

[nwbeerguide]

After tallying some 18,831 votes, the BC Ale Trail selects R&B Brewing for the "Best Brewery Experience Award".

Press Release

… (Vancouver, BC): The beer-drinking people have spoken. After counting more than 18,831 votes cast by 4,219 beer lovers around BC, Vancouver’s R&B Brewing came out on top to win the BC Ale Trail’s Best Brewery Experience Award for 2021.

images courtesy BC Ale Trail and R&B Brewing

“It’s an honour and a privilege to give this award to one of the OGs in craft brewing in BC,” said Ken Beattie, Executive Director of the BC Craft Brewers Guild. “This award gives folks all across BC a chance to single out breweries that work hard to create amazing consumer experiences — from the quality of beer they produce and the food they serve to the lively atmosphere and welcoming spaces found within their tasting rooms.”

An ‘East Van Original’ and one of the city’s first microbreweries, R&B Brewing was launched in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Brewery Creek district by Rick Dellow (The ‘R’) and Barry Benson (The ‘B’) in 1997. It quickly found a loyal local following as it blazed a trail for the burgeoning BC craft beer scene that exists around the province today.

“When we set the brewery up,” said Barry Benson, R&B Brewing co-founder and sales manager, “you could either be at a microbrewery that produced in-house and sold out-house, or you could be a brewpub that produced and sold in-house, like Spinnakers [in Victoria].”

R&B was bought by Howe Sound Brewing in 2015 and a consequent injection of funds gave it a fresh lease on life. The prevailing ethos has remained the same at R&B since its inception: an eclectic team of inspired individuals with diverse skills and experience that embraces brewing innovation and produces authentic artisan brews emblematic of who they are and where they live and work.

"This award means a lot to us," added Benson. "Now I get to do what I really like, which is going out, selling beer, meeting new people. The brew crew we have is the most amazing brew crew ever. The front of house staff is great. It's a pleasure working with this group."

Today, R&B includes both the brewery and a cozy, retro-styled and family-friendly ale & pizza house full of trinkets, ornate lighting and vintage speakers with a kitchen specializing in attractively priced pizzas, salads, sandwiches and bar snacks. The brewery, meanwhile, holds fast to its heritage with classic, multiple-award-winning brews like Raven Cream Ale and Vancouver Special IPA, while branching out into more daring styles like B-Side Boysenberry Rice Lager and New Brighton Dry Hopped Sour.

R&B Brewing is one of 11 breweries on the Vancouver – Brewery Creek Ale Trail — part of the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood where the city’s earliest breweries first set up shop in the late 1880s — and part of a growing family of almost 200 breweries located throughout the province on 20 different Ale Trails.

Presented by BC Ale Trail and West Coast Traveller, the 2021 award marks the fourth time the annual award has been bestowed on a beloved, fan-favourite BC brewery. Past winners include Powell River’s Townsite Brewing in 2018, Comox’s Land & Sea Brewing in 2019, and Port Alberni’s Twin City Brewing in 2020.

To get out and explore BC’s best craft breweries, visit the BC Ale Trail website today, and download the app to collect reward points at all the breweries visited and redeem them for prizes and discounts.

…

– 30 –

About the BC Ale Trail

The BC Ale Trail is brought to you in partnership by Destination British Columbia and the BC Craft Brewers Guild. A BC Ale Trail is a series of self-guided itineraries highlighting local craft brewery destinations and the super, natural landscapes that surround them. Explore more than 170 breweries across 20 Ale Trails in five regions around the province. New experiences are brewing nearby. For more information, visit https://bcaletrail.ca.

from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/3aNE2Ls

[lianneoelke]

The Vancouver Island & Sunshine Coast Loop: A Solo Cycle Tour of BC’s Finest Retirement Communities. Part 1

It all started with a vague feeling that I should DO something before going back to work. One last hurrah. I took a day or two to plot all the locations I wanted to hit, because when I plan our trips (and let's face it, Brian, I'm always the one doing the planning), I want to do everything. Go everywhere. Usually BB Gun is there to keep me grounded, but this time I was on my own. So why not try for it all: Vancouver to Salt Spring to Savary and back on a bicycle in just over a week. Whenever I mentioned my itinerary people would say "wow, that's gonna make for long days". And I thought, yes probably. But what am I going to do with myself all day on my own, if not bike? I had time to extend the trip if necessary, but I know myself. I don’t accomplish much without a deadline. So let's shoot for the proverbial stars. If I miss, I might hit the moon. Or a truck. 

Such a keener. I zipped down the hill from our house and crossed my favourite bridge (Canada Line Bikeway: what a treasure), then navigated the chaos that is Richmond. I will always be salty at the lack of biking infrastructure in that city. After tackling the Alex Fraser bridge, which isn’t so bad after rush hour, it was a quick ride to Four Winds Brewing (closed, unfortunately), then left onto quiet, flat, rural roads, which lead me to Tsawassen. 

Gavin and I took the ferry to Swartz Bay, then Salt Spring Island. The hill up from Fulford Harbour was a big wake-up call. As were the many hills leading to Ruckle Park. I did not pack light. Still, it was only the first day. Far too early to regret the book, hammock, and cans of wine stuffed into my panniers. I was slightly concerned with the many signs claiming Ruckle Park was full. That seemed odd for a Wednesday, so I carried on to the park anyway. I refilled my water and happened to meet another solo female cyclist also looking for a site. We found one, and decided to split it. 

Earlier that day I realized I had put my tires on backwards. Like a ding dong. The tread should be going the OTHER WAY. But I could fix this!

So pumped right now.

After a pleasant evening of reading, wine, and conversation with my unexpected bike buddy, Lynn, I woke up to a deer roaming the campground. I had chocolate and instant coffee to get me back to Fulford Harbour, where I had proper coffee and one of the best samosas of my life. Lynn, on a day trip to Victoria, joined me. I was happy for the company. Our timing was perfect and we caught the early ferry. We took the Lochside Regional Trail from Swartz Bay to Victoria: a beautiful, mostly flat ride though rich grandparent territory. We stopped for lunch at Canoe Brewpub in downtown Victoria.  

I had a top notch beet salad and a side of fries. I never regret a side of fries.

Lynn and I parted ways after lunch. I rode the Galloping Goose trail out to Langford. The trail was full of pedestrians and unnecessarily slow cyclists (if Gavin, fully loaded and shaped like a brick, passes you on a hill, he is going to JUDGE you). Eventually I left the Goose and followed Google Maps through Thetis Lake Regional Park. 

I too was enchanted at first by the charming name and dappled sunlight. I quickly learned, however, that Thetis Lake Regional Park is a hellhole for cyclists. Worse than Richmond. Richmond. The path wasn’t clearly marked and I found myself stopping, checking the map, and backtracking every two minutes. The loose gravel was a pain, especially on tight corners and steep hills, which I was barely able to walk Gavin up, because the ELEVATION in Thetis Lake Regional Park is absolutely UNNECESSARY. A truly regrettable experience. 

Once I finally made it out of that wretched labyrinth, I was only minutes away from Tessa’s place, which included a hot shower, Tessa, and most importantly: Sokka.

This little ragdoll kitten is a huge fan of bikes!

And walks!

And backpack rides!

I had a great time hanging out with Tessa and watching Sokka play with anything and everything. I would die for this cat.

Day 3 began with an unfortunate but necessary backtrack through the nightmare that is Thetis Lake Regional Park, where I was instantly turned around and disheartened. I eventually found my way back to the Galloping Goose, then the Interurban Rail Trail, which took me through Saanich to the Mill Bay Ferry to cross the Saanich Inlet. No way was I going to haul Gavin up the Malahat. No. NO.  

I followed the Rotary Route through rural roads, some with shoulders and some without, and stopped in Cowichan Bay. I followed Tessa’s excellent recommendation and hit up the bakery, where I bought a pretzel, cinnamon bun, almond croissant, and cookie: my second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, and afternoon tea. Bakery stockpiles became a daily routine. I was LIVING for CARBS. 

The plan that day was to bike from Langford to Nanaimo, which was, as they say, a “big day”. The distance didn’t bother me as I knew what 100km with a loaded bike felt like, more or less. What did bother me was the elevation. It was impossible not to be taken aback by the sheer AUDACITY of each hill standing in my way. They came. They went. They came again and again, hour after hour. I dreaded each downhill because I knew I’d have to make up the elevation. 

It took half the day to realize there was nothing I could do about a climb except put Gavin into granny gear and keep going. It took as long as it took, and then it was over. There’s something wonderful in realizing that even the sweatiest hill is temporary, a blip. And every now and then I’d find an unexpectedly beautiful flat stretch and have the road to myself for a minute, and everything reset. 

At Ladysmith the Rotary Route spit me out on the Trans Canada highway, which I rode for a handful of kilometers. I thought the highway would be dicey, but I was pleasantly surprised by the (mostly) wide shoulders and reasonable grade. Traffic whipped by, but I found it invigorating. The hardest part was keeping Gavin under the speed limit. I'd take the Trans Canada over Thetis Lake Regional Park any day. After the highway I hopped on some less busy roads, although the rush hour traffic picked up in the afternoon. I ended up in Nanaimo for dinner, where I found a perfect Mexican restaurant and local craft beer. After 116km, I felt surprisingly... normal.

The day wasn’t over yet, however. The last 14km were a roller coaster, and not because of the elevation. When I left downtown Nanaimo, the bright blue sky faded to dull grey and I had suddenly run out of steam. Gavin was heavy. Time slowed. Moments like these, however, are why I travel with candy, and a bag of Swedish Berries saved my life. I ended up at Dave and Ann’s place with high spirits.

I enjoyed a campfire at the lovely lake while the sugar rush faded, then fell asleep to the soft rustle-thud of ripe apples and pears falling to the grass. Tomorrow would also be a “big day”, but with more on the line: catching the 3pm ferry from Comox to Powell so I could get to Townsite Brewing before they closed.