Checking out the Dale Ball Disc Golf Course in Langley, BC

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

When we travel we often throw in our discs since you never know when you might get a chance to try a new course. On a recent trip to Vancouver we were discussing disc golf courses with family members who play the sport and then said their favourite course of the 10 or so that they have played in the Greater Vancouver area was the Dale Ball course in Langley. This course is laid out in an old gravel extraction area so there are nice open areas with some trees. 

                                                         Keith putting for a rare par on this course

 The holes tend to be long because of this which doesn't work in my favour since I prefer a shorter course with trees since I can't throw that far.  I just played the front nice since time didn't permit a full 18 and holes ranged from 77 to 120 meters. The back nice looks like it would suit me better since it has holes ranging from 41 to 114 meters. Another twist with this course is that the area is an overflow area for rain water so has a different layout in the winter when this area can be pretty wet. I liked the course and now that I have played it once would have a better feel for how to play it next time. 

The course was very popular when I played it...every hole had people on it and most people had pull carts full of discs 

For driving directions simply type in Dale Ball Passive Park in google maps and it will lead you to a large parking lot and the first hole is next to a covered picnic pavilion. I am glad I created some screen shots of the hole layout from U Disc since their is no master map at the start and finding the next hole is not obvious in many cases. You can access those maps from https://udisc.com

                                                   There are nice concrete tee pads for each hole and a map 

Saturday, August 2 was another great day at the Filberg Festival

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

The Filberg Festival opened on Friday, August 1 and featured 140 artisans showing their wares as well as some varied music on both stages. See our previous blog for some tips for helping you enjoy the Filberg Festival (https://keithnicol.blogspot.com/2025/08/movin-and-groovin-at-filberg-festival.html).  On Saturday, August 2 we had planned to get down by mid afternoon to catch some of the musical acts on both stages. It was another classic Comox Valley summer day with light winds and temperatures in the low to mid 20 C's. Given the ideal setting of this festival with the tall shade trees and ocean setting this weather was just about ideal for festival going. 

                                      The Harpoonist had the standing room only crowd up and dancing 

The first act we saw on the Garden Stage were the Backyard Boulevard. They played folksy music that really suits this stage. Then it was time to check out some of the artisans and our daughter picked up a variety of items from specialty teas, to some clothing and art cards. We returned to the Garden Stage to hear one of our fav local groups - Big Little Lions. Again their mix of covers and original material made for easy listening in this perfect venue. With light breezes of the water the setting and temperature were just right. 

                                            Daughter Kristie buying some tea from Urban Earth Teas

We then shifted to the main Rotary Stage to hear The Harpoonist. We had heard him play at this event previously and really liked his hard driving harmonica backed music and he had the crowd on their feet and dancing. By this time the main Rotary Stage was full and behind the stands people had laid out blankets and low chairs so they could hear the music but really couldn't see the performers. I don't think I have ever seen so many people at this stage before.  The final act of the night were the Juno nominated Great Lake Swimmers. They played an easy listening style of folk rock music which went over well with the standing room only crowd! 

                               The Rotary Stage was very well attended on Saturday - playing here are Luna Land 

 But there is lots more music to be played at the Filberg Festival . We are especially looking forward to hearing Lucarno (which we have seen a few times) and many other groups so head on down to  Filberg Lodge Park tomorrow. Also it is a great place to get that unique or special gift. With so many varied exhibitors there is something for just about everyone. And Remember the Filberg Festival is a valuable fundraiser for the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox, B.C. For more information on the complete festival schedule see: filbergfestival.com  See you there tomorrow. 

             The Filberg Festival must be one of the nicest venues for a Music - Artisan Festival in Canada 

Movin' and Groovin' at the Filberg Festival

 

By Keith and Heather Nicol

       The Filberg Festival is a huge fundraiser for the Filberg Lodge and Park which has a spectacular location in Comox. This year they have over 140 artisans showing their wares plus 45 musicians performing at 2 stages over the 3 days- August 1-3.  What a great combination! The idea is you check out some of the remarkable work by potters, photographers, painters, jewelry, glass, textile and wood workers and then take in some music. When you get hungry you can buy some specialty food from some artisans or head for the food trucks. So the routine is shop, listen, eat and enjoy !

                               You could not ask for a nicer setting for a festival than the grounds at Filberg Lodge 

        Although the temperatures are suppose to be less than the heat wave that has been affecting the Comox Valley for the last few days, the trick will still be to stay cool.  So we will pass along some tips based on our past experience. Get there early. Not only will parking be easier to find but it will be cooler. Secondly, bring plenty of water so you don’t get dehydrated. Thirdly, dress with light shorts and shirts and bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.  We also brought small foam pads so we could sit on the grass or a low rock wall in the shade if the seats were all taken.  

                                            Railroad Tye and friend played an entertaining set on the Garden Stage

On Friday, August 1 we opted to listen to music at the shady waterfront Garden Stage which some musicians said must be the best stage to sing at in B.C. ! There was a little breeze off the water and with the shade - it was the perfect temperature for listening to music. We caught Railroad Tye and we loved his varied country - bluesy music. Since we were so comfortable we decided to stay and listen to Kye Coski , a young very talented performer from right here in the Comox Valley. He has a gentle voice that works perfectly with the folksy - celtic- country music that he plays. Keep your eye on this performer.  At this point we decided to get up and check out some of the over 140 exhibitors on site before heading home for the day. 

                       Don't leave the kids behind..there is a special area for kids with games, face painting etc.

          But there is lots more music to be played at the Filberg Festival . You still have Saturday, Aug 2 and and Sunday, Aug 3 to come and check it out. We are looking forward to hearing Great Lake Swimmers, Lucarno , Rockcod and many other groups so head on down to  Filberg Lodge Park this weekend. Also it is a great place to get that unique or special gift. With so many varied exhibitors there is something for just about everyone. And Remember the Filberg Festival is a valuable fundraiser for the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox, B.C. For more information on the complete festival schedule see: filbergfestival.com  See you there tomorrow. 

     There are some very fine artists attending this year's event- Here is the beautiful pottery of Gordon Hutchens