The Road to Tofino

Comments 4 by Rebecca Bollwitt

This morning we woke up in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Weekend in Tofino, B.C. - September 2010

I’ve driven most freeways, motorways and scenic byways of this province, from Spuzzum to Bella Coola, and I can now add the Pacific Rim Highway to the list. Yesterday the narrow, winding road that is Highway 4 led us down toward Pacific Rim National Park like a glacier-fed creek heading toward the open sea.

Crossing Vancouver Island to reach its Western shore is an experience unlike any other. Just past Coombs and before you hit Port Alberni you’ll find Cathedral Grove, which is reminiscent of driving through Redwood Park in California. The ancient Douglas Firs and Red Cedars, some almost 10 meters in diameter, act as majestic welcome poles as though you’re venturing down the private driveway of the Pacific Ocean.

As previously mentioned, I’ve driven up and down mountain passes and gravel roads that run along rushing rivers. What makes Highway 4 different is really the trees. It wasn’t until I went to Prince George last winter, and Chilliwack Lake in the spring, that I realized I had not laid eyes on an old-growth forest during my adult life.

Now I’ve seen old trees and stood finger tip to finger tip with 8 others to give a Redwood a giant bear-hug while it was measured. However I have no clear memory of seeing an un-touched, un-logged, and completely virgin forest — and when you see one, you’ll know.

Dead trees stick out like massive pins in a lush green cushion. They are worn, grey, cracked, and crooked behemoths. I was told once that it’s almost haunting to witness.

Further down the road, deciduous trees flank the highway when it opens up to let in pockets of sunshine through the clouds. Lush green leaves on the branches watch their yellow and orange counterparts tumble to the ground and crunch under the tires of the passing traffic.

Our tiny car crossed over Lost Shoe Creek #2 and Lost Shoe Creek #1 until we found ourselves rolling down the driveway of The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino.

Weekend in Tofino, B.C. - September 2010

Guest room tour at The Wick Outdoor art at The Wick Awesome marble carving at The Wick

The Pointe at The Wick

We had great company for dinner at The Pointe restaurant, enjoying a 260 degree view of the coast as we sampled the catch of the day from Tofino, paired with cheese from Cowichan and wine from the Okanagan.

Butter Baked Halibut @ The Pointe @ The Wickaninnish Inn

Retiring to our Northwest-facing room for the evening we turned out the lights and turned on the fireplace. We opened the sliding glass door as nature provided the soundtrack to our evening.

Weekend in Tofino, B.C. - September 2010

The beat of the falling rain was drowned out by the rushing water below our balcony. Every few minutes one wave would have more force than those that came before and it would make a loud “tharump!” as it crashed against the jagged shore.

View from our room at The Wick

After our journey from downtown Vancouver, across the Strait on the ferry, and along a Highway new to us both, we rested our heads just feet away from the crashing waves of the Pacific.

We sat in darkness and watched the water, lit only by moonlight and the intermittent orange glow from a lighthouse in the distance, and fell asleep.

Happy Birthday John Bollwitt

Comments 11 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Twice a year (for our anniversary and John’s birthday) I do a write-up about how important my husband is to me. I start to cry while typing, I get an email from my mom about how I made her cry, and it becomes one big huge sap-fest. This year, I’m going to keep things light. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Best of Vancouver 2010, Winners Announced

Comments 15 by Rebecca Bollwitt

It is with great pleasure and a phenomenal amount of gratitude that I announce that Miss604.com has won “Best Local Blog” in the Georgia Straight’s 15th annual “Best of Vancouver” issue. This is the second year that Miss604.com has won this title and it is 100% due to the support of the voting public and my wonderful readers.

Buttons!

What makes this news even better is that I share this win with a blog that I personally recommend to others all the time, and that is Vancouver is Awesome.

Vancouver is Awesome is a non-profit with the goal of promoting Vancouver in a positive light. With its roster of authors, original weekly themes, unique interviews, and event sponsorship it has changed the Vancouver blogging landscape for the better. I am very honored to share the title of “Best Local Blog” with Bob Kronbauer and his team. I am also excited to be contributing to their series, Vancouver Was Awesome.

Thank you, Vancouver! Best Local Blog pic with @VIAwesome #BOV

@Miss604 was also voted “Best Local Twitterer” in this year’s “Best of Vancouver” and I thank all of my followers in Twitterland for that honor. I have been using Twitter since 2007 and it’s amazing once again, to be honored by my readers and followers.

Going forward (and as always) I will have good days and bad, I will have stories you might skip over and those you might share with all of your friends and family. My posts might be personal in nature, they might feature photos of delicious food, or help you discover a neat local event or two. This is something that I am committed to each and every day because I simply love to do it.

As Miss604.com celebrates its 6th anniversary this fall, I thank you again for your support over the years. Without it, the site wouldn’t be what it is today.

Other “Best of Vancouver” winners include:

Best local band (signed): Mother Mother
Best local band (unsigned): Said the Whale
Best afternoon radio host(s): Peter Schaad and Carmen Cruz (The Peak)
Best morning radio host(s): The Kid Carson Show w/ Nira Arora & Amy (The Beat 94.5)
Best local author: Douglas Coupland
Best local street/community festival: Car Free Day (Commercial Drive)
Best local microbrewery: Granville Island Brewing
Best resort/hotel – Vancouver Island: The Wickaninnish Inn
Best spa getaway: Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa

Pick up your copy of the Georgia Straight’s “Best of Vancouver” today or check out all of the winners online.

Archives Photos of the Day: Competitions

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Browsing the Vancouver Archives digital collection I sometimes sort my search by category or keyword. The following is a compilation of old-timey images from our city’s past, all having to do with “competitions”.


Year: 1918
In this photo: Military Sports, sack fight on beam
Photographer: Stuart Thomson
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 99-638


Year: 1928
In this photo: An archery competition for women
Photographer: Stuart Thomson
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 99-1701


Year: 1928
In this photo: The caber toss at the Caledonian Games, Hastings Park
Photographer: Stuart Thomson
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 99-1704


Year: 1928
In this photo: BC Golf tournament
Photographer: Stuart Thomson
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 99-1836


Year: 1943
In this photo: Chilliwack Fair calf competition
Photographer: Don Coltman
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 99-1701


Year: 1944
In this photo: Chart from a War Fund fundraising competition at Point Grey Jr High
Photographer: Don Coltman
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 586-2668

Metro Vancouver Parks: Confederation Park in Burnaby

Comments 4 by Rebecca Bollwitt

This week’s park series profile features Confederation Park in Burnaby, a hidden gem that is full of facilities and activities for families.

How to get there
Head north on Willingdon from Hastings to find the park located at 240 Willingdon Avenue. You can take the C1 community shuttle from Kootenay Loop to get there by transit, or walk in two blocks from Hastings.


View Larger Map

Features
There is a waterpark, a playground, the Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool (indoor) and Fitness Centre, soccer pitch, lacrosse box, lawnbowling, skate park, dog-friendly loop trail, and a track. The area has some steep hills that provide views of Burrard Inlet, 5.5km of walking trails, and there is an enclosure within the park for off-leash dogs. Beach access can be found across Penzance Dr.

Beach at Confederation Park
Photo credit: David Drucker on Flickr

You’ll also find the Burnaby Central Railway within the park, a fully operational miniature railway that offers rides daily from 11:00am to 5:00pm for $2.50.

Miniature Trains
Photo credit: wasme on Flickr

Events
Next month the train will become a Halloween attraction, remaining open October 30th and 31st.

Confederation Park is one of Burnaby’s largest and is definitely worth exploring with the family. From the picnic area to the playground and miniature train, there’s plenty to do on fall afternoon.

Miniature Trains
Photo credit: wasme on Flickr

Should you have a suggestion for the next park series profile, or if you would like to write and contribute your own, please feel free to contact me.