Continuing our Girls Island Getaway in beautiful Parksville and Qualicum, Keira and I checked into the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort for two days and a luxurious night of pampering.
The Tigh-Na-Mara Resort features seaside condos for rent, log cabin cottages, and bungalows near the Grotto Spa. Our room was in the Ballenas condo facing the water and I must say, our photos don’t do this breathtaking view justice.
After checking in we hit the Grotto for a soak in their 2500 mineral pool, which is fed by cascading waterfalls. The entire spa area is a “robe and sandal” zone, so you can wander from the pool to the treatment rooms on the second floor, and the Treetop Tapas & Grill restaurant in comfort.
Once we explored (and took advantage of) the mineral pool, we were invited up to the third floor to enjoy the Treetop’s endless tapas feature. Since Keira is a vegetarian I was able to enjoy a few more dishes however I was also very very full by the time the last course arrived.
Roasted Shallot and Portobello Mushroom – Pan-seared Spinach, Buttermilk Dressing
Antipasto – Roasted Stem Artichokes & Marinated Olives
Baby Buffalo Mozzarella – Roma Tomato, Basil, Salsa Verde
Warm Green Bean & Red Potato Salad – Hazelnut & Dijon Vinaigrette
Grilled Flatbread, Caramelized Red Onions, Goat Cheese, Smoky Bacon Lardons
Caramelized, Tequila-infused Prawn and Scallop – Cherry Essence
Smoked Applewood Cheddar Risotto – Opal Basil, Zucchini Chips
Steamed Local Halibut – Citrus Scented Asperagus, Blood Orange Oil
Wild Pacific Salmon Kebob – Honey & Lime
Marinated Lamb Sirloin – Spiced Eggplant Ragout, Minted Yogurt
Grilled Chorizo & Fried Sweet Potato – Mustard & Roasted Tomato Aioli
Baked Saltspring Island Mussels – Tomato Sautee, Garlic & Reggiano
Yam, Leek & Blue Cheese Tart – Dressed Greens
Dessert consisted of creme caramel, a red velvet cupcake, and chocolate mousse.
From floor to ceiling the Grotto Spa offers a relaxed environment with soothing music, a relaxation lounge, plenty of refreshments (such as tea, water, and fruit) and all the amenities a girl could ask for in the dressing rooms.
We returned the next day for another soak in the mineral pool followed by the Pacific Body Balancing Treatment. This included a sea salt scrub, a thermal clay wrap, a hydrating facial, and finally a body butter massage. To say I felt calm and relaxed afterward would be an understatement. The staff at the spa were all very friendly, helpful, and made sure we had the very best time.
I’m looking forward to returning some day, either on another Girls Getaway or with John — as long as we can land us one of the spa bungalows preferably with those copper soaker tubs I heard about.
Nestled between towering firs and limbering arbutus trees on the shores of the Pacific ocean, the Grotto at Tigh-Na-Mara is the ultimate West Coast spa experience.
This week will feature a series of posts about our Girls Island Getaway adventures. My photos will be available on Flickr and you can also read Keira’s posts over on her site.
The following was written for Miss604.com by Jane Victoria King
BC Bike Race wrapped up at Whistler’s Creekside on Saturday. The seven-day staged mountain bike race is billed as the epic single-track adventure of a lifetime. It brought together pro racers, riders of all ages and skill levels -including the weekend warriors, from countries across the Globe.
The journey began with registration for Day 0 in the West End at the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites and a mandatory racer’s briefing, Here, BC Bike Race President and Founder, Dean Payne thanked the Coast Plaza for allowing BC Bike Race riders to “sleep†with their bicycles. An exception made for the BC Bike Race of the hotel’s strict “No Bikes in Rooms†policy.
Laughter erupted again soon after when Payne fondly referred to Vancouver’s North Shore Mayor as the “Mountain Bike Mayor.†A first for the North Shore, BC Bike Race emphasized their appreciation to the North Shore community for allowing the BC Bike Race to camp on the North Shore with the erection of the first ever “tent city†in Lynn Park.
Original plans for the race start were at the Coast Plaza, with a scenic crossing of the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore. That vision was put on hold until possibly 2010. Riders were instead loaded onto shuttle buses to the North Shore for the start of Day 0.
The BC Bike Race, now in its third year showcases British Columbia’s diverse communities and forests and includes four BC Ferries’ crossings. While the North Shore of Vancouver plays host to Day One, Day Two includes a race start at the Departure Bay Ferry terminal in Nanaimo with a finish in Parksville, where base camp and tent city is set up seaside. On this day, the wind challenged the great blow-up BC Bike Race finish shoot sending one crew member ten feet in the air in an attempt to hold things down!
Day Three saw racers travel through the handcrafted trails of Cumberland near Comox, while Day Four included two scenic ferry rides, first to Powell River from Comox where riders ate up the infamous Sunshine Breakfast on board. Then another short shuttle ride to Saltery Bay, and the last ferry ride of the day to Earls Cove for the start of Day Four. Here, founding sponsor of the BC Bike Race, Harbour Air Seaplanes saved the day by flying in a handful of racers who missed the ferry rides due to shuttle bus logistics.
The diverse Sunshine Coast played host for two days with the race ending on Day Four in Sechelt and on Day Five at the Langdale ferry terminal. Another ferry crossing after that from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay and Day Six included yet another challenging day of mounting biking in Squamish and finally Day Seven, a short day of pure single-track in Whistler to finish things up, beginning and ending at Whistler’s Creekside in front of Dusty’s.
Anyone can train up for the BC Bike Race. A training schedule posted to the BC Bike Race web site tallies in some weeks leading up to the race, 18-20 hours in the saddle. Although a commitment of time and energy, the race can be done in teams of two or more, with this year allowing for the first time ever a solo rider category.
Many of the riders commented on the diversity of the trails and on the scenery of British Columbia as the “Most beautiful place in the world.â€
One BC Bike Race crew member announced at the finish line when the last finisher had crossed, “Now we’re sending you back to the easy life.â€
An accomplishment for many, one solo female rider said the seven days of the BC Bike Race, “Made me a better rider.â€
Wrapping up the awards ceremonies, BC Bike Race MC and Finish Line Host, Drew Bragg announced probably what many of the riders thought. “The guys from Johannesburg, South Africa have never seen single track like this before, they’ll want to grab some of it and put it in their luggage and take it home with them.â€
What the BC Bike Race truly did was take almost 400 riders to places that many had never been before, both in scenery and in spirit.
But like North Shore’s, Andreas Hestler, Director of Marketing for BC Bike Race said, “You’ve got to nurse your bike and nurse your butt along the way!â€
Registration is already open with a limited time reduced fare for 2010, visit the BC Bike Race site for details.
Based in Victoria, BC, Jane Victoria King is an award winning TV producer, photojournalist, mariner, mother, and lover of all things cycling. You can follow her on Twitter @Jane_Victoria
Last week Keira and I were invited over to the Island for a girls getaway adventure in the Parksville and Qualicum region. Our time was action-packed from the minute I arrived at the Departure Bay ferry terminal and we headed up Island toward Nanoose for our afternoon kayaking trip.
View Adventuress Kayak Trip in a larger map
I first learned to canoe and kayak in summer camp, over 15 years ago, so my recent refresher over in Deep Cove came in handy when we faced strong wings and boat-rocking swells.
In Nanoose we met up with Jan Kretz of Adventuress who runs a business offering wilderness adventures for women. Jan arrived full of energy and seemed encouraged by the fact that we didn’t shy away from the less-than-smooth conditions out on the water.
After helping us load into our boats, she armed us with valuable information and safety tips, and then we were off to explore Craig Bay – just around the corner. Steering in through the choppy ups and downs of the ocean I knew my muscles would hurt for days after.
Jan pointed out the snow-capped mountain ranges, the names of Islands, and led us into the Bay as we drifted in calmer waters, trailing a family of geese that was also out for a little cruise.
Sometimes I think I haven’t found peace with the Pacific since I’m always hesitant to swim amongst its creatures, white caps and sea kelp however I don’t think I’d ever miss the opportunity to head out for a paddle. There’s just something about being out on the water that is empowering and at the same time brings peace. I can look back on land at all of the houses I wish I could buy, the mountains I could aim to hike, and the forests I’d love to explore, but at the same time sitting in that boat and experiencing the open water is amazing in its own right. My muscles did end up hurting for days after, and I blistered the inside of my thumb with the paddle, but it was definitely worth it.
![](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3688762061_40268ef992.jpg?v=0")
Photo credit:
Keira on Flickr
One thing I noticed recently about kayaking tours is that the people who run them are truly passionate about what they do – and Jan was absolutely no exception. With Adventuress she offers anything from 2-hour tours like we experienced to overnight escapes with either camping or cushy B&B accommodations (which seems like the ideal plan for the next Girls Island Getaway).
Jan also teaches lessons and does themed outings year-round. These special tours include, the Sea Lion Paddle, the Full Moon Paddle, the Sunset Paddle, trips over to Mistaken or Newcastle Island, and coming up this month, a Gulf Islands Escape.
You can contact Jan directly to make a reservation or to set up your next multi-day trip.
This week will feature a series of posts about our Girls Island Getaway adventures. My photos will be available on Flickr and you can also read Keira’s posts over on her site.
The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition MEC Great Rides take place once a month from July to October, and not only encourage getting out on a bike but also exploring our beautiful region.
These permanent circular routes take in beautiful country lanes, vibrant city centres and fun local festivals. The rides range from 20km to 50km along quiet roads and dedicated bike routes. Routes are designed for fun and exploration with extensions and shortcuts. [GreatRides.ca]
The first Great Ride of 2009 on July 12th will run between Langley and Maple Ridge, crossing the new Golden Ears Bridge. Riders can choose to start over on the Maple Ridge side, or over in Fort Langley – ending up at the opposite location after a 14-34km fun ride for the entire family. Each destination will have activities and local entertainment and riders can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Caribbean Festival in Maple Ridge which will be underway at that time.
Other rides this season include Pitt Meadows (August 15), Port Coquitlam (September 27th), Bikennale (Downtown, October 4). Tickets for the ride at $15 but you can ave $10 if you sign up for all four at once.
The Vancouver Bicycling Meetup Group has this scheduled and you can read more over on the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition’s site.
Chants of “We Want Bif!” filled the atmosphere as the loving crowds gathered to catch Bif Naked‘s performance at Surrey’s Canada Day celebration.
I first heard Bif Naked back in 1995 when I caught Daddy’s Getting Married on CFOX and I was an instant fan. Over the years she’s become the queen of Canadian rock, proving time and time again that our country can produce strong, talented, a**-kicking female talent. She also write poetry (has two spoken word albums) and has done some acting.
We heard tracks from her latest, The Promise, as well as catchy hits such as Moment of Weakness, Lucky, and even a cover of Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters.
She drove the fans so crazy that an encore was inevitable so when she came back on stage she lit it up with Spaceman.
Last year Bif was diagnosed with breast cancer and has been in a constant battle ever-since. She’s pretty amazing as her show was as energetic as any other and she’s also just returned from a cross-country tour. How she finds the time and energy I’ll never know but the audience at Canada Day truly appreciated seeing her and watching her perform.
Bif also keeps a blog and is active on Twitter @BifNaked.
