Three Probus Paddlers launched from Point Holmes in clear, bright sunshine at 9 AM for a two-hour paddle. Once mustered at the launch site, the northerly wind was stronger than we expected. Rather than going around Cape Lazo as planned, we chose to go southwest to Goose Spit with the wind on our back. Of course, we knew what this would mean for our return trip. So, throwing caution to the wind, literally, we headed 2 km offshore to experience the full effect of the wind and waves for our return trip. With flagging arms, we reached the launch site and carried what seemed to be much heavier kayaks and called it another fun trip. Trip length was 9.1 km. Bob Allan Kayaking Group Coordinator Hosted by Craig and Rosemary, we sampled well chosen red and white wines from Washington, Oregon and California. After the delightfully delicious dinner featuring seafood lasagna, we strolled through their beautiful seaside community. Three enthusiastic paddlers launched from Deep Bay, slipped by the Chrome Island Lighthouse and carried onward to Hornby Island for a picnic lunch. Overcast skies provided for less contrast and moodier photos of our trip. We saw some Harlequin ducks that appeared to be moulting. They were quickly outshone by a large flock of Black Oystercatchers resting on a light coloured rocky point; they made a striking picture. The mid-day wind was a bit stronger than forecast and consequently, the return leg was faster and bumpier, but well within our ability. Trip length was 13.8 km. Our last Mingle and Mingle was held at Jim and Adelle Brown's house, a most enjoyable evening. We were able to eat outside in the garden as the weather was just right, not too hot or chilly. Mix and Mingle is a great way of meeting fellow Probus members in a home setting. The host/hostess supplies the venue and dessert while the guests supply the appetizers. Usually approximately 20-24 guests meet from 6-9 pm once a month towards the end of the month. The next Mix and Mingle will be on Friday July 19th, so watch out for the invites. Submitted by June Heaton, Appy Mix and Mingle Coordinator We had six paddlers out for our fourth trip of 2024. In perfect weather conditions, we left around 11:00 a.m. from the Cumberland Campground. Comox Lake is very beautiful, framed by forest on the south shore and steep rocky bluffs to the north - it makes a stunning postcard. Paddling on a lake is more predictable than on the tidal waters and makes the trip more relaxing and social. We all enjoyed the outing and lingered later over a cup of coffee in Cumberland. Total trip length was 12.7 km. Bob Allan Kayaking Group Coordinator It was a taste of Portugal at the lovely home of our host Jennifer Holden. We sampled 3 wines and 2 ports. The group stepped up with an authentic Portuguese menu. The informative and lively conversation left the dozen of us wanting to board the next flight to Portugal. It was a beautiful Spring evening for our 'Everything BC' wine and dinner group. Fourteen tasters and one guest enjoyed the BC fare as we tasted delightful appetizers, before and after dinner salads, garden veggie dishes and a seafood entree. Before our 5th and last wine, we went for a walk through our beautiful Filberg Park under the stars. Dessert and our final wine taste wrapped up our BC night.
This week 10 of us left the trail head on McColl Road just south of Bowser at 9:15. We walked through the forest as we headed down to Nile Creek. The trail wound along the creek to the Inland Highway. 2 hikers peeled off to head back and 8 of us carried on under the highway to start the gnarly, muddy trail to the falls. It’s a trail of mud, fallen trees, support ropes to help over log bridges and up slippery banks and lots of running water, often with sketchy crossings. We found a perfect spot on the river for lunch in the sun. A few hikers headed further up the creek, about 15 minutes, to the falls. There are lovely small falls on the way. However we did not see the bigger falls as it has grown in a lot. Still an awesome walk. After enjoying the sun and the river during lunch we headed back through mud and other gnarly bits. When we arrived back at the underpass we took the ridge route back along Donkey then Mystery Trail. We were back at the cars in 5.5 hours and just over 13 km. A wonderful day with a terrific group. Submitted by this week's hike leader Michele Hind This past Monday the Probus hiking group met for a Seal Bay hike. The plan was to go to Melda’s Marsh and then head to some of the lesser used trails. Those trails eventually took us back to the Forest Loop and onto another series of lesser used trails. We worked our way down to the beach where we had our lunch stop in the sun. After that, it was a quick walk back up to the parking lot.
This month our Hands On Cooking group, led by Nina Goodman, made four flavourful and varied soups - Mexican corn chowder accompanied by homemade buns; Thai chicken soup with grilled roti; a Chinese soup with homemade wontons; and a dessert-style fruit soup accompanied by cream-filled and chocolate-glazed profiteroles. Delicious! |