Fish Finding with a Garmin 160C

As I've mentioned before, this has been the best year for fishing on Powell Lake. At the end of a warm summer day, you'll find Wayne and I out in our tin boat trolling through First Narrows and out into the main lake.

I don't think our new fish finding toy has had anything to do with our recent success, but it hasn't hurt either.

We purchased a Garmin Fishfinder 160C to help guide us to likely spots. It's full colour display is easy to read and gives us information about depth, water temperature, and the bottom structure. It also displays images of cute little fish swimming below the surface. Dark ones are below the boat, outlined ones are swimming nearby. Don't ask me how that works, magic I guess.

Whether using old fashioned fishing skills or new fangled technology, the fish are here. Powell Lake is open from April 1 to October 31. You will need a BC freshwater fishing license if you are 16 years of age or older to catch some of our resident Cutthroat and Rainbow trout. Use barbless hooks like we do to make it easier to catch and release if you want to give our fish a second (or third) chance.

Thanks for visiting "my world." If you want to see more exciting places from around of the globe, go to the "That's My World" website. -- Margy

Our Canada: Picture Perfect

When I got back to the cabin last week, Wayne had a surprise for me. Our float cabin on Powell Lake, was featured twice in a new book called Our Canada: Picture Perfect. What an exciting surprise! Of course, our off the grid cabin is a prominent feature in Wayne's Coastal BC Stories, but being included in a book published by someone else is very exciting.

Two summers ago, Wayne wrote an article for Our Canada Magazine called "On the Lake". It was the first story in a series called "Our Dream Home." We were proud to start it off for them, and got lots of great feedback from the magazine's readers.

The article included two pictures of our cabin. The first was a summer scene with my floating garden in the foreground and our floating wood shed tied to the log boom. This is one of my favourite shots. You'll now find it in the British Columbia section of Our Canada: Picture Perfect.

The other picture they chose to include in the book was a winter scene. Because our Campion runabout was tied to the cabin deck, it was placed in the boating section.

Our Canada: Picture Perfect was just published in May 2010. It is 160 pages with 250 photos and illustrations. The stories and pictures show our great country in all of its glory. It's available online at Reader's Digest, Amazon.ca, or chapters.indigo.ca. You can also purchase it in bookstores throughout Canada including our own Coles in Powell River. Thanks Wayne for a great present! -- Margy

Super King Air

I've written before about the airline that serves my hometown. In fact, Pacific Coastal Airlines had its beginnings in Powell River, BC.

One of the things that makes Pacific Coastal unique is the ability to match its airplanes to the needs of its runs. Usually, Powell River is served by the 19 passenger Beechcraft 1900C. On busy days, we might get the 30+ passenger Shorts 360 or Saab 340. But on my trip this week there were only seven of us heading down to Vancouver. This time they sent the 11 passenger Super King Air. Nice plane. Kind of like 997 on steroids.

The small low building in front of the wing is the Powell River terminal. It was pretty crazy here during the Olympics with a temporary baggage screening machine and lots of security agents. Now things are back to small town quiet.

While the other passengers were relaxing and catching up on the day's news, I enjoyed watching the pilot and co-pilot in the cockpit. -- Margy

Spring Melt

It's a bit early, but so is the warmer weather. Spring melt is starting in the back country.

The lakes and rivers are rising. Here's Freda Creek as high as I've ever seen it.

All along the logging roads and trails small brooks are running, melting the snow and ice as they go.

We are up the lake enjoying our changeable spring weather. Just to let you know, there won't be a Wednesday Friends Day post this week. Come on back next Wednesday to meet another good blogging friend of mine. -- Margy

Night Ferry

The ferry between Powell River BC and nearby Texada Island runs day and night, transporting residents and visitors alike.

When the 7:15 p.m. ferry comes in from Comox (the lights in the distance) on Vancouver Island, the Island Princess to Texada hovers off the breakwater waiting to pick up passengers who want to complete their journey home. Isn't she a beautiful sight?

Thanks for visiting "my world." If you want to see more exciting places from around of the globe, go to the "That's My World" website. -- Margy

Breakwater Books in Powell River BC

As you probably can guess from the name of the blog, books are an important part of our life. Wayne writes books, I edit books (mostly Wayne's), and we're a small book publishing company. But we couldn't make it without the help of local bookstores that carry Wayne's titles. One of our strongest supporters in Powell River is Breakwater Books.

Breakwater Books is strategically located near the corner of Marine Avenue and Alberni Street. It's a great part of town to walk, window shop, have a bite to eat and purchase a good book to read. The owners are Sean and Ruth. They have great books to browse, a free wireless hotspot, tables and chairs for relaxing, and a great little coffee shop with breakfast sweets and lunch treats.

When you enter the store you'll find tables displaying books of interest, including lots of local titles. Look close and you'll see all six books in Wayne's Coastal BC Stories series. Other good finds include the Sunshine Coast Trail Guidebook and Along the Edge of the Salish Sea by our local hiking expert Eagle Walz.

Sean and Ruth also host book launches, author readings and other cultural events in their store. So come on down to Breakwater Books. You'll be glad you did. -- Margy

Take Chuckanut Drive to Edison, WA

If you take Chuckanut Drive either north from I-5 or south from Bellingham, an interesting side trip is to Edison, Washington. From Chuckanut Drive take Bow Hill Road west. Where it makes a bend to the south, you will find the small town of Edison situated near the mouth of the Samish River and along the Edison slough.

Edison’s main street has some interesting turn of the century buildings that now house restaurants, antique stores and bakeries. Edison was first settled in 1869. By 1876, there were 46 residents and a post office. In 2000, there were 133 people living in Edison. Call it small but mighty. And yes, the town was named for Thomas Edison, the famous inventor.

Edison is about a mile from the Padilla Bay, but at high tide it is accessible by medium draft boats. This was a great benefit for the growing community. You can still see some small boats moored along the channel. The area is well known for seafood, especially oysters that are available at the local restaurants at very reasonable prices.

Last week Wayne, Jeanne and I went to The Edison for lunch. The atmosphere is casual and friendly. When the weather is nice, they have outdoor dining. Each night there's a different special. We recommend coming on Fridays for their steak and rib BBQ. There are pool tables, shuffleboard, TVs and evening entertainment - great for adults, but no minors are allowed.

Down the street is the Breadfarm bakery. Go in the afternoon and watch them make bread. We got the Chuckanut Multigrain, but they have several flavors and styles to choose from. If you go to the Bellingham Farmer’s Market, stop by their booth for a quick and easy bread fix.

After a good meal and a tour of the town, you can retrace your route to Chuckanut Drive or go south on Farm to Market Road. This will take you through lush farmland reclaimed from the delta on your way to Highway 20. Left on 20 takes you back to I-5. Right takes you to Anacortes and other adventures. An alternative is angle right off Farm to Market Road on Bayview-Edison Road. In the community of Bay View you will find Bay View State Park strategically located along the wide tidal mudflats. This route will lead you to Highway 20 as well. So, take a side trip to Edison for a great meal and a beautiful drive. -- Margy

The Absolute Best Place on Earth

Tourism BC had a campaign called "The Best Place on Earth" to encourage British Columbia residents to vacation at home. If BC is the best place on earth, Powell River is the "Absolute Best Place on Earth." This morning I was driving along Marine Avenue. Right there in front of me was a beautiful sight. The rising sun was shining off the calm waters of the Strait of Georgia. The sun tinged clouds were parting to reveal clear blue skies. It just doesn't get much better than that.

As I stood at the viewpoint taking in this glorious sight, I met a man who has lived here for sixty years. As it is in a town of this size, he was the father of someone Wayne and I know from up the lake and have business dealings with in town. We stood in the brisk morning air while he told of days gone by when he worked in the paper mill, and of his vision for the future of his community and country.

He talked about salmon fishing with his wife, raising his daughters and sons in a safe environment, his cabin up the lake, and his jobs at the mill. While some of his children have moved to other parts of BC, some are still here in Powell River. And when they have a reunion, where do they want to go? Up the lake of course.

At then at end of the day, this is what I saw from the front room window at our condo in town. Want to know more about Powell River? Read Coastal BC Stories by Wayne Lutz. Up the Lake will tell you why Powell Lake is the only place we want to be in all seasons. Follow along Up the Main to experience the pristine backcountry. Hike Up the Winter Trail and get ready for a vacation at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Cruise Up the Strait of Georgia to hidden coves and uncrowded anchorages. And come up to Powell River, the absolute best place on earth. -- Margy

Back in Time at Boomer's Drive-In

If you asked me, "What's your favourite movie?" my answer would instantly be American Graffiti. "Why American Graffiti," you ask? The "short" answer is I learned to drive in the early 60's, I did my share of cruising and I spent my summers near Modesto, California, the location for the movie. Every time I see it I think of swimming in canals, cruising 10th Street, dragging on country roads and parking in peach orchards. Several movie scenes were at Mel's Drive-In, the quintessential 1950's fast food restaurant and teenage hangout. The real Mel's was in San Francisco, but almost every town had a similar drive-in with car service (with or without roller skates).

This brings me to Boomer's Drive-In in Bellingham, Washington. It truly is a step back in time. You can still pull up to covered parking, read the carside menu, turn on your lights and the waitress comes to take your order. She returns with a window tray of delights that will really take you back. Boomer's signature dish is the Boomer Burger (really big and juicy) in a combo with one of their scrumptious hard ice cream shakes (try peanut butter) and crisp waffle fries. It's enough for even the hungriest guy. They have other items, but I haven't made it past the Boomer Burger. When the weather's too cold for car dining, Boomer's has indoor seating next to a roaring fire. Maybe not like Mel's, but a good addition for the Pacific Northwest.

You'll find Boomer's at 310 N. Samish Way (360-647-2666). Heading south, take the Samish Way exit from I-5 and turn right. Boomer's is about half a mile on the right. It's a little hard to see until you are right on top of it, so go slow. Want to make it a date? Take in a movie at the Sehome Regal Theater. It's at 3300 Fielding Avenue. At the same Samish Way exit go straight on 36th Street past the Sehome Village shopping center. When 36th turns to the right (left is an I-5 onramp) it becomes Fielding. Make an immediate left and you're in the theater parking lot. Make it a real date, we did. -- Margy

Glowing Duckies Light Up Our LIfe

When the days are short and the nights are long and dark, we like to have things around us that light up our life. For Christmas, I found some Aqua Glow Rubber Duckies for Wayne at Fred Meyers in Bellingham. Right now, they are lighting up our cabin window. This summer, they'll get to take a dip in the lake and light up the waves.

In the background you can see our solar powered LED Christmas lights. We like them so much, they grace our front porch all year long. With so little sunlight right now they only last about half an hour, but they are a bright spot to start a long dark night. What kinds of things do you use to light up your life? -- Margy

Boats, Floats and Mountain Goats

Last week Wayne, John and I celebrated the break in rainy weather and the lengthening days with a boat trip to the Head of Powell Lake.

Powell Lake is a glacial carved fjord that filled with fresh water after the end of the ice age, trapping salt water from the ancient ocean at the bottom. It's a big lake that's 51 kilometres (32 miles) long with 480 kilometres (300 miles) of shoreline.

Like all fjords, the rocky walls are steep. While most are covered with trees, there are some bare outcroppings. These areas are home to Mountain Goats. From a distance they stand out as small white dots on the moss covered rocks. This time of year they are easier to see. The snow level has pushed them lower on the cliffs, just about 120 metres (400 feet) above the water level.

This trip we saw a group of four followed by a single goat in a separate location.

The days are short, so we had to leave the Head after lunch and a quick hike along the logging road. Then we skirted around the empty logging booms on our way down the lake.

We would have liked more time to explore, but the short winter day made us hurry on our way. -- Margy

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Powell River this Winter

Today is the first "official" day of Winter. What are your winter travel plans? Here's a reminder of the top ten reasons you should make Powell River BC your winter travel destination.

10. The 2010 Winter Olympics. Are you coming to the Vancouver Winter Olympics? Take time to explore all that our region has to offer. Powell River is just two ferry rides and a beautiful drive north of the Olympic venues or a twenty-five minute flight on Pacific Coastal Airlines. Come early and see the Torch Relay pass through Sliammon and Powell River on February 3 with lots of pomp and ceremony.

9. Take the scenic route. If you're at the Olympics, you'll pass the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal more than once. Here's where you catch a ride on BC Ferries to Powell River. Your drive will take you along the uncrowded Sunshine Coast with its scenic vistas. At Earl's Cove, you'll catch the second ferry to Powell River, the Pearl of the Sunshine Coast. The trip itself will be a vacation highlight.

8. Locals know. Talk to some locals on your ferry ride. They'll gladly share some of the history and highlights of our unique region. Stop at the Tourism Powell River Visitor Centre in the Crossroads Village Shopping Centre next to Quality Foods on Mondays through Fridays 9:00-5:00. Pick up a free Powell River Living magazine or Powell River PEAK to see what's happening around town.

7. Cozy seaside resorts. Along the way you'll find signs directing you to great out-of-the-way places to stay. Many take full advantage of our beautiful coast. In winter, you can sit warm and cozy inside while you watch exciting weather outside. South of Powell River look for Kent's Beach, Seabreeze Resort, Suncatcher B&B, Oceanside Resort and Cabins or Beach Gardens. If you're north of town, try the Historic Lund Hotel overlooking the harbour or the Sevilla Resort on an island of its own.

6. Sumptous restaurants. Powell River is well known for its many restaurants. The atmosphere may be casual, but the settings are romantic and food is excellent. The Laughing Oyster on Okeover Inlet is well worth the drive. Try the Shinglemill Pub overlooking spectacular Powell Lake for appies. Head to the Alchemist Restaurant or Savoury Bight for a yummy dinner, or the Manzanita Restaurant at the Old Courthouse Inn for a taste of local cuisine and history. Or just stroll along Marine Avenue and find a world of flavours to choose from.

5. Holiday events. Come spend the Christmas season in Powell River. Special events include the Powell River Chorus on the 2nd and the Academy of Music's Carols by Candlelight on the 11-12th. The Parade of Lights with glittering boats and a bonfire is on the 4th at Willingdon Beach. Don't miss Santa on the 6th in his very own parade down Marine Ave, our quaint shopping district. Then New Years brings the Polar Bear Swim at Willingdon Beach!

4. The Historic Townsite. Powell River was founded as a mill town for the Powell River Paper Company. The homes are now privately owned and the Townsite was designated a National Historic District by Parks and Monuments Canada in 1995. Discover Powell River's history at the Museum near Willingdon Beach and stop by the Tourism Powell River Visitor Centre for a walking tour guide of the old homes and other historic buildings.

3. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Marine effect protects Powell River from heavy snow, but just a few miles inland from late fall to spring you'll find plenty. Bring your own gear or check with Alpha Adventures or Mitchel's for rentals, guides and advice. We even have two free back country cabins in the Knuckleheads Recreation Area. Take care driving on back roads though, they can get boggy at times. Read Up the Winter Trail for more exciting things to do.

2. Lots of other year-round outdoor activities. Whether your favourite activity is boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, ATVing, 4X4 adventuring, horseback riding, kayaking, touring, adventuring or just relaxing, Powell River has it all. Popular Desolation Sound anchorages and forest campgrounds are almost empty for the hardy outdoor enthusiast. But be careful, you might come for a weekend, but stay for a lifetime like we have.

1. Heading up the lake. Powell Lake is my home. Wayne and I live up the lake in all seasons, and winter is one of our favourites. You can rent a float cabin like this one to experience life on the lake for yourself. You can also read about off the grid living on Powell Lake in Up the Lake and Farther Up the Lake available at www.PowellRiverBooks.com.

Need more reasons to come? Visit Tourism Powell River. -- Margy

Cold Weather Flight

Sunday, Wayne and I just missed a weather window to take 997 out for a test flight after her required annual inspection. There were two problems that kept us out of the air. First was less than perfect starting technique. When 997 sits in her cold hanger for several weeks, her battery doesn't always maintain enough cranking amps to rotate the propeller and start the engine. There's a fine line between cranking too long and stopping too soon. Long story short, I stopped too soon. Secondly, snow started falling, reducing visibility with all that white stuff in the air.

Today I had city chores, it's always that way when we come to Bellingham, but Wayne got to give 997 her exercise. He pushed her out of the hanger, but the icy tarmac was a challenge. Fortunately, the gas attendant gave him a hand. Everything checked out fine, so Wayne went over to tell John at Whatcom Territory Aero Services. Next trip it'll be my turn to fly. Hopefully it won't be quite so cold, slippery and stormy. -- Margy

Wings Over Westview

On Sunday, I posted a video (Wicked Winter Weather) about the dedicated service provided by the ferry crew on the Island Princess. Getting to and from Powell River can be a challenge in November because it's a time for lots of rain and wind. Because Powell River is isolated from the rest of mainland Coastal BC by huge fjords, we are dependent on ferry and airline service for transportation.

Today's My World post is about Pacific Coastal Airlines. This regional airline (that began in Powell River by the way) provides daily flights to and from Vancouver BC in all kinds of weather. Just like the ferries, they sometimes have to cancel during severe storms, but they continue providing a vital link to the outside world whenever it is safe.

The planes used by Pacific Coastal are smaller turbo props well suited to the short strips and weather conditions of our area. They are large enough to accommodate the demand, but small enough to give you the feel of private flying.

Are you coming to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics? Head on over to the South Terminal and catch a flight to Powell River. We have lots of winter activities to entice you. Click here and see. -- Margy