Beating the Heat in the Puntledge River – Comox Valley’s summertime gem

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

When we moved to the Comox Valley from Newfoundland 6 years ago we had never heard of the Puntledge River. We knew of Mt Washington Ski Resort and knew there was likely good sea kayaking close at hand but didn’t know anything about a river. But the Puntledge River is our go to place to beat the heat and we have been using it alot during the recent heat wave which broke records. The highs of 37 C and 38 C on 2 different days smashed the former hottest day which was 35 C which occurred in July 2009!! Here are some of our favourite places along the Puntledge River to cool off.. Lets start with Nymph Falls. This spot doesn’t offer much in the way of deep water swimming but it does offer pools carved in sandstone to cool down in (see photo below). And it is very scenic with the small waterfalls and exposed sandstone ledges.

Next is Puntledge Park where there is a gravel beach and this is a favourite with families. There is also a rock across the river for jumping off and on a hot day there are a steady stream of teenagers and the young at heart leaping into the cool clear water (see photo below ).This area also offers nice shade trees so that you won’t bake in the sun.  This is also a launching point for tubing the lower part of the river. For those wanting a longer tubing run and more white water you can also put in at the fish hatchery.

 

Lastly we head down very regularly to Lewis Park and the swimming area located there(see photo below) . The river is tidal at this point so sometimes there is a small beach and other times the beach disappears. But there are shade trees and this is a popular take outpoint for tubers. There is a staircase leading into the water. Here the river is wide and deeper and flows more slowly so you can swim here. There are several access points to the river that I have not discussed but these are some of our favourites. Readers can add some other locations in the comment section if they are interested. So head on down to the river if you feel the need to cool off.   

 

 

Mulligan’s Golf Course in great shape despite the record breaking heat wave

 by Keith and Heather Nicol 

Golf is popular in the Comox Valley with many courses to test your skills but if you want to try a fine little course that allows you to still play 9 holes for just $18 then check out Mulligans Golf Course. When we first did a blog post on Mulligans Golf Course in 2015 (https://keithnicol.blogspot.com/2015/08/for-fun-and-value-try-mulligans-golf.html) prices were abit lower but in 2020 they are still the best value in the area (and perhaps Vancouver Island).  Where else can you play 9 holes for golf for just $18 ( 8 am – 2:20pm ) and this drops to $16 from 2:30 to 4:50 pm and after 5:00 pm it is just $14.00.

 

                                                 The greens were in great shape despite the recent heat wave


When we spoke to Laurie, Mulligan’s manager she told us that they are having the best year in ages.  “The course is very busy during the week from 8:00am to 1:00pm and usually weekends are abit easier to get on. But having said that today (Sunday, July 4) we are booked solid until 2:00 pm” she told us. They offer an executive course which means there are mostly par 3’s with some par 4’s and the longest hole is 337 yards. Total length from the blue tees is 1763 yards which is about a mile so it is also easy to walk for many people from younger children to older adults. But just because it is short doesn’t mean it is easy. There is water on 7 of the 9 holes and many strategically placed sand traps so depending on where the pin is placed, making par can be a real challenge. The course also gives scenic views of the Beaufort Range of Mountains and has been landscaped to create undulations and mounds which add to the layout of the course. We were particularly interested is seeing on the course held up after the record breaking heat wave and we were very impressed with the course condition when we played on July 4.  The greens were in fine shape and the fairways were also much better than we thought given the exceptional heat and dryness we have seen recently. Great work Milligan’s since the extreme heat is tough on golf courses.

                                           As you can see in this photo the fairways are in fine shape despite the hot weather

 In addition to a small clubhouse with an outdoor patio , a driving range, a putting green and a sand trap practice area where I need to spend more time. The driving range is another bargain since a bucket of balls is just $3.25!.   Laurie told us that new this year is the ability to book on line and that their dining room is now open for business with the change in Covid 19 rules. Mulligans is located right outside of Courtenay and it took us about 90 minutes to play 9 holes. For more information see: http://mulligansgolfcourse.com/  or phone 250-338-2440. This course is ideal for families or friends wanting to meet for a couple of hours of enjoyable golf. 

                                                     Thanks for a great round of golf