Todays hike was 15 fun hikers traveling 9.6 - 10.1 km, depending on device, in 3 hours 30 minutes. We started out by heading along the logging road for a brief time then up a rather steep draw to start the ridge trail. It was wonderful,the ferns were amazing and there was lots of bird chatter. We headed down to our first river stop to have a snack and enjoy the river. There was contemplation about swimming but no one went in. 
Then off to our second river spot and lunch. The river sounds provided a pleasant back drop.
After relaxing and eating and chatting for half an hour we headed back along the lower trail. We include a new trail, Three Pistols, on the walk back. It is a fun trail with lots of short up and down sections. The final section along the river gave lots of opportunities to stop and admire the river. There was also time to stop and admire a very large frog or toad which was our wildlife sighting for the day. 
Thank you all for a wonderful long walk in the woods and by the river.

​Seven Left but Only Five Returned
For the second group motorcycle ride of the season, riders chose to do an exploration of Denman and Hornby islands. Seven of us showed up at the chosen meeting place – Royston Roasterie – and ran through final details of the day before taking the Old Highway down to Buckley Bay and the first ferry. That’s when two riders split off for an abbreviated trip, but they had provided an escort for the first part of the journey. Five us continued to the smaller islands.
Denman, we discovered, is a little short of paved roads. We found ourselves on a couple of unintended gravel roads and then did our best to avoid them. Gravel roads and cruiser motorcycles simply don’t go well together. After a bit of a wait, we crossed from Denman (Gravelly Bay) to Hornby Island and encountered a greater variety of pavement to explore there. Lunch at Forage Restaurant was pleasant and the laid back small island life was on full display. These smaller islands have distinct personalities from one another and that showed on this trip. Everyone we met was friendly, relaxed and outgoing.
Too soon we headed back. There was plenty more to explore but we needed to coordinate with the ferries. But it was a relaxed day, at a relaxed pace, on 2 very relaxing and charming islands.

Photos of our fun and very interesting trip around Europe with the wines Judith and Bill 
​presented; there was a wide range of varietals/grapes. 
The "Hardy Girls" enjoyed dining outdoors after layering up with
sweaters/jackets. All the dishes people made to share were appreciated and enjoyed.

9 of us had a great hike from Point Holmes to Airport Beach on Tuesday, June 4. 
The sun was present accompanied by a nice breeze. 
We saw many young eagles and other birds along the way. Our resident bird expert, Krista, recorded all sightings.
Jacqueline discovered another geocache site and has now well over 1200 "discoveries" to her name.
Distance: 10.8 km of sand, rolling gravel, mud and bigger rocks. Good test for ankles and knees.

The last Food, Fun, and Friends for this year met May 28. 
An evening with friends, great food, hospitality and conversation was enjoyed. 

​Remember when you got your first bike.  I do and it was a very special day.   The attached photo shows Jon with his new E-bike.  We are seeing a lot more E-bikes recently and they are a great way to enhance the cycling experience.   The hills become so much easier. 
 
Despite it being still early in the season the Probus Peddlers have been quite active.  On March 24 we did a ride I call “Around Town”.  This 20km ride goes through Valley View area (not the real hilly part), Crown Isle and the Town of Comox.   On March 31 Deb Mc Kerns led a 20km ride through the Dove Creek area which we call “Rivers and Rural Roads.”   On April 9 we did the “Royston Loop” from Lewis Park towards Minto Road and back to Courtenay  via Royston a distance of about 24km.  Our next ride involves “Bird Watching” – Snowbirds.
 
The Probus Peddlers are a like-minded group of people who enjoy what is more of a social bike ride on good weather days.   We do 20 - 30km, all year, weather permitting usually once every week or two during the "good" weather months and then about "once a month" maybe, during the poor weather months. We try to avoid busier routes.  Helmets are required.  There is no pressure in this group as you only show up if the ride appeals to you. There is no need to confirm that you are coming.   We leave on time.  Members on our contact list will receive details of upcoming rides a few days before they take place. We will give you a detailed itinerary, an estimate of the duration and/or distance of each ride as well as the elevation gains.  We have at least a couple of stops on the way to "smell the roses" and there is always a coffee stop during or at the end of the ride. We always welcome new members wanting to join our cycling group.   If you wish to be added to the Probus Peddlers list please contact Willy.

16 Probus members gathered together on March 27 for two dinner parties at the homes of John and Debby Neville and Jon Toogood.
Thank you John, Debby and Jon for hosting. Both dinners featured Italian themes. A great time was had by all!
The last Food, Fun and Friends dinners for this season will be held mid to late May – watch for email notification of the date!
Joanne, Kate and Rosemary