Checking out some easy walking trails in Powell River

 
By Keith and Heather Nicol

We don’t get to Powell River very often even though it is just a across the water from Comox. It is likely due to the fact that all of our nearby friends and relatives are located either in Victoria, Nanaimo or in Vancouver. But we recently decided to head to Powell River for a day trip with some cross country ski buddies to check out some of easy walking trails and to discover abit of Powell River’s  history. We took the 9:55 am sailing from Little River and landed in Powell River in time for a nice picnic lunch at Willingdon Beach Park. There is a nice trail starting at this spot heading toward the old townsite but since we had done this hike before we decided instead to drive to the old town site and former paper mill site (it began making paper here in 1912 and at one time was the largest paper mill in the world!!).  Keep an eye out for lookout overlooking the former paper mill with its interpretative signs. 

                                                           View from the top ot Valentine Mountain

From there we headed to Valentine Mountain lookout which is a short but steep trail which gives fine views of the entire area. We used AllTrails to get trail info about this hike and although it is  just 1.65 km return it does climb almost 100 meters –most of the elevation is gained through a series of steps near the top. There is a small loop at the top which gives views in a different directions and we would say that due to large steps and small drops in places that only people with good mobility hike the trail. It took us about 35 minutes to do the return hike. 

                                               Heading to the top of Valentine Mountain Lookout

From there we explored some other sections of Powell River by car and drove to Saltery Bay which provides ferry service to the rest of the Sunshine Coast. We ended the day with another short hike along the water front – appropriately called the Sea Walk which extends for almost 2 km overlooking the ocean. We took the 5:15 pm ferry back to Little River and were home in Courtenay for a late supper at 7:00 pm.  It was a great way to spend the day and if BC seniors travel midweek then the passenger fares are free!! Also you can use an experience card on this route which makes taking a car abit cheaper. Check Powell River for a different sort of day trip.  If readers have other suggestions about what it do while in the Powell River area put your observations in the comment section. 

                                                      Along the seawalk trail in Powell River

Saratoga Beach Golf Course gets our nod for “ Most Improved” in the Comox Valley

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

On Thursday June 13 we decided to check out Saratoga Beach Golf Course which is located near Saratoga Beach midway between Campbell River and Courtenay, B.C.  We had arranged a tee time for 11:30 am and we had perfect golf weather.   Saratoga Beach Golf Course is a 9 hole course that is very walkable since the distance is around 2200 yards and the course is quite flat. But don’t let the short distance fool you, there is still alot of challenge to be had for all levels of golfers. The course consists of 4 par 3’s, 4 par 4’s and 1 pair 5 but the course is generally narrow with water hazards that come into play on many holes.  You need to be able to get the ball in the air and carry some distance or else you will lose a few balls to the small ponds and creeks that flows through the course.  We liked the 2 elevated tees which gave some variety to the tee boxes. We last played the this course several summers ago and fairways were brown and the course was not in great shape. But it has taken a big turn for the better in the last year or so under the new management of Jesse Moussa who has alot of local golf experience. The greens are regularly rolled and are in good shape and the fairways and rough was well cut.                                                                 We liked the 2 elevated tees We were told at the front desk that they get most of their business from the local community but also from Campbell River. As with many golf courses, it tends to be busier in the mornings but we were pleasantly surprised that we had no one ahead of us and no one pushing us from behind which we really enjoyed.  They have a Father’s Day Special coming up in a couple of days and have a women’s night on Wednesdays and men’s night on Thursdays so check these out if you want meet some new golfers. Saratoga Beach Golf Course has a small putting green and a driving range as well as a small club house and pro shop. If you want to try a challenging course that will reward the straight ball hitter then see:  http://www.saratogabeachgolfclub.ca/   for more information.

                                                 As you can see the picture above - the greens are in great shape

                               The fairways are narrow so this course rewards the straight ball hitter

Check out the Evergreen Bike Group if you like to cycle in the Comox Valley

 
by Keith and Heather Nicol

The Evergreen Bike Group has rides on Mondays and Wednesdays and is a great way to meet cyclists and explore the country roads and trails of the Comox Valley. On Monday June 10 close to 20 cyclists headed from the Filberg Centre to Comox Lake via Nymph Falls for a ride that featured both roads and trails. The Evergreen group is open to cyclists over 55 years of age and the group uses mix of electric, hybrid and road bikes.  The rides on Mondays tend to be longer and it gives us a chance to explore places like Denman and Quadra Island as well as rides in Campbell River and Parksville. On Wednesday morning the rides tend to be in the Comox Valley and run for 2 to 2.5 hours in length. If you are interested in finding out more about this cycling group contact Ernie at: ejkimball62@gmail.com  The pictures below are of the group cycling the scenic trails leading to Nymph Falls and Comox Lake Recreation site where we had lunch.

 

 

Mulligans Golf Course makes golf affordable in the Comox Valley

 
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 or less then check out Mulligans Golf Course. We recently played on Friday, June 7 and were impressed by the great shape the course was in. Our round took abit over 90 minutes to play and we never had to wait at a tee off which we appreciated.

                             Heather teeing off on the second hole with the Beaufort Range in the background

 Mulligan’s offers 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 there are 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. 

                                                                          The greens were in great shape

 In addition to a small clubhouse with an outdoor patio, there is a driving range, a putting green and a sand trap practice area which is a nice bonus. The driving range is another bargain since a bucket of balls is just $3.75 ! One of the staff told us that weekday mornings are quite busy but it opens up in the afternoon and early evening. Mulligans is located right outside of Courtenay and 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 relaxed, enjoyable golf. See you on the course.

                     

Keith chipping onto the 9th green