It was a very enjoyable Strathcona Probus meeting on November 25th with a chance to hear about the Activity Groups soon to start up, anticipate a fun time at the Christmas party, and catch up on news. Members in attendance also signed up for club activities using the usual sign-up forms displayed on tables around the room. So, when leaders are ready to re-start there are a number of keen members ready to take part in your events. As the photos show, there were plenty of smiling eyes.

Thanks to the many Activity Group presenters and leaders who talked about their activities: Don Axtell (Beer Appreciation); Willy Van Kemenade (Probus Peddlers); Brian Jackson (Hiking Group); Craig Bassett (Kayaking Group); Lynn Gray (Medicinal Herbalism Group); Barry Russell (One Book - Book Club); Jim Brown (Sports Car Group); Jan Harding spoke on behalf of leader Stuart Swain (Thursday Morning Walking Group); Aji Fliss (Vacation and Travel Group); and John Neville (Wine Appreciation Group). 

As well, John Newman sent in Liver Lovers Luncheon Group information; and Jim and Val Jeske sent information that Pub Group dinners will begin in January.

If you weren’t able to attend the meeting, please consider signing up for club activities. You can email the group leaders directly or visit the activity group pages under Activity Groups in the menu above and filling out the super-quick request (name, email, click to join, and submit) for each activity that interests you.

Heather Gaines led a Probus Peddlers' ride from Quality Foods in Comox to Kin Beach on Sunday, October 31st while Cathie and I were in Victoria. It was a beautiful day as evidenced by the photo at Kin Beach. Cheers.

Submitted by Willy Van Kemenade

The Probus sports car season for 2021 has not been as active due to members traveling or having visitors (myself included). Plus, the heat wave did reduce the opportunities for sport car tours.

However, we did manage to have one last tour before the season ended. On October 31, 2021 we headed south to Qualicum Bay where we had a nice lunch at the Sandbar Café. In all there were 10 participants involving 5 sports cars. The weather was somewhat cool but the sun was warm. It was a great ride and it was nice to have lunch with fellow drivers who we have not seen in a while.

I believe the 2022 season will see us back to a regular schedule of Probus sports car activities. New participants are always welcome to join the “Topless Tourers”. The group plans drives together when the weather is cooperating. Generally a destination is chosen which ends up at a good lunch location. 

We maintain an email list and notify others on it when in the mood for a drive. A meeting place, destination and duration are provided.

Please contact me directly using the Sports Car Group "Contact" form on this website's Activity Groups page if you would like to join the Probus Sports Car Activity Group. Please note that you must show proof of vaccination if you wish to participate in any future tours.

Submitted by group leader Jim Brown.

  We have been out and about in the local area the last few weeks.  Enjoying the Fall colours and sometimes getting a little damp in the process.  Our 13 October hike to Croteau Lake turned out to be a snow hike.  A couple of light snowfalls the previous days had stuck to the trees and stayed on the ground - our winter paradise had returned!  Enjoy the selection of photos below.

This past Sunday, the Probus Peddlers enjoyed a sunny-day ride in the midst of our unsettled October weather. A short stop on Lazo Road provided wide-open views of the Salish Sea. And for those who wished to, the outing ended at Quality Foods for coffee and a sit-down visit.

Group leader: Willy Van Kemenade

The PROBUS KAYAKERS had a very nice paddle on Spider Lake on October 3rd. After postponing the trip once for rain, the weather gods favoured us with a lovely fall day. We had a leisurely paddle exploring all eight arms of the Lake before stopping on one of the natural beaches for a picnic. 

Group leader: Craig Bassett

Lynn Gray (Thistledown Herbs) put on an excellent workshop about Medicinal Herbalism on September 27, 2021. Participants enjoyed a tour around Lynn’s gardens and learned about simple and strong teas and infusions and the many uses for the magical healing plant Calendula. Lynn also spoke about Tulsi Basil which is one of her favourite homegrown herbs for teas.

Everyone appreciated Lynn’s enthusiasm for the world of herbs and all the value they can bring to us. 

Lynn will be hosting more workshops this fall – watch for notices in the club newsletter.

Lovely warm sunshine and calm winds made for perfect weather during the Probus Strathcona Fall Picnic at Kin Beach on September 23rd. About 40 members arrived with lawn chairs and picnic lunches, and a very enjoyable time was had by all as we caught up on our news and had many a good laugh. It was magnificent to see everyone’s smiling faces again!

Toward 3:00 pm a humpback whale cruised by offshore, herons flew overhead, and we were treated to the sight of several bright parachutes as skydivers from the Base landed at nearby Air Force Beach.

We look forward to many more happy gatherings in the not-too-distant future.