China Creek Campground in Port Alberni

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

You know that feeling when you find a perfect camping spot? It’s a combination of “vacation mode: activated” and feeling like you won the jackpot. When I first laid eyes on campsite 55 at China Creek Campground in Port Alberni, it was love at first sight.

China Creek Campground

China Creek Campground

I spent the day at China Creek researching this post for ZenSeekers. We arrived by water with a fresh haul of crab (thanks to Action Packed Charters), cooked it up over at the campground, went for a hike, and savoured the coastal ruggedness of the area in a campsite with full amenities.

Camping Port Alberni

Enjoy the Water

The Alberni Inlet is 25km of pure Pacific Ocean goodness, bordering China Creek Campground. Enjoy the beach, hire a charter to go fishing our touring, or take a SUP or kite surfing lesson from Wind Ryder right at the marina.

Camping Port Alberni

China Creek Campground

Get Above the Inlet

Hike the Alberni Inlet Trail setting out from China Creek Campground. Stage One is Port Alberni to China Creek, and Stage Two of the popular hiking destination sets out right from the campground. Just 30 minutes up the trail and you’ll get some epic views from above Underwood Cove.

Camping Port Alberni

Quality Time in Your Campsite

Pick a full service hook-up site for your RV or pitch a tent between towering Douglas Firs. Roast marshmallows by the fire after the kids get back from the playground, and enjoy some quality family time in a beautifully natural setting. The reason #55 is my fave? You have no neighbours! There’s the ocean on one side (your own private beach access) and forest on the other.

Camping Port Alberni

Read about China Creek Campground in my story for ZenSeekers and start planning your getaway »

If You Go

Voting Now Open for Petcurean’s Uplift the Underdog

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by Petcurean Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

The finalists have been chosen for our Petcurean’s Uplift the Underdog!

Earlier this season, local rescue centres in BC were encouraged to nominate a deserving pup and now between June 11 & 17, 2018, you can vote for which deserving rescue dog you want to win a lifetime supply of Petcurean dog food. The winner will also receive a 500lb donation of pet food to the shelter or rescue group and the opportunity to be included in a future marketing campaign.

Petcurean’s Uplift the Underdog

Petcurean Uplift The Underdog

Voting is now open via Petcurean’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. You also have the chance to win simply by voting! Three randomly-selected voters will each win a 25lb bag of any Petcurean recipe of their choice (open to Canadian and US residents only).

Finalists:

  • Lulu:
    10 yrs old going on 2, she’s a massive bundle of energy who’s been waiting 4 years to find her forever home.
  • Cranston:
    An old dog that still has a few tricks, a love bug who’ll be an amazing, fun companion if you look past his age.
  • Floyd:
    This gentle giant has overcome a mountain of hurt and has a mountain of love to give to you.
  • Clutch:
    Don’t let the wheelchair fool you! He’ll race in and grab your heart if you let him.
  • Ali Larter:
    Blind – yes. Does it stop her – NO! Energetic and full of love – heck yes!
  • Mia:
    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Mia knows her forever family will see the true beauty inside her.
  • Buckley:
    He’s overcome digestive challenges, now his only challenge is to find his forever home.

  • Asher:
    His sweet and gentle nature triumphs over his allergies and signs of an abusive past.

All eight finalists will receive a year’s supply of Petcurean dog food, free doggie grooming, 500lb donation of pet food and a Petcurean gift basket filled with supplies, toys and more.

The dog that receives the most comments and likes over one week will be awarded the grand prize of a lifetime supply of Petcurean dog food.

You can participate and help raise awareness of the need to adopt “underdogs” who are traditionally less likely to get chosen due to age, appearance, or other issues. Let’s look beyond these so-called imperfections and focus on the amazing heart and spirit of the dogs, so they can find the loving homes they deserve.

Follow Petcurean on Facebook and Instagram for more info and to cast your vote.

Mission Hill Summer Concert Series: Win Tickets to Chris Botti

Comments 41 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Mission Hill Summer Concert Series, a hallmark of summer in the Okanagan, returns with world-class musical talent to their spectacular outdoor Amphitheatre. In addition to the concerts, they offer experiential packages to enable guests to enjoy an unforgettable evening of food, wine and song.

Mission Hill Summer Concert Series 2018

Mission Hill Winery Amphitheatre

For artists who command much larger venues the small capacity Amphitheatre provides a rare treat for those eager to engage with their fans on a more intimate level. Brilliant sound, glorious music, the taste of Mission Hill wines and the flavour of the food, combine to make the evening unforgettable.

The 2018 concerts include:

  • Chris Isaak on Saturday, June 23rd SOLD OUT
  • A special performance by Sheryl Crow on Friday, July 20th for members of Mission Hill’s Privilege Wine Club SOLD OUT
  • Multiple Grammy Award-winning American jazz instrumentalist Chris Botti on Wednesday, August 8th — a new block of tickets has just been released!
  • The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo on Saturday, August 11th SOLD OUT

Mission Hill is also offering a range of Experiential Packages including several new 4-course dinner options and Concert + Reception experiences.

With the creation of the Amphitheatre, Proprietor Anthony von Mandl, O.C., O.B.C., a strong proponent of the arts, created a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy a spectacular evening of music, wine and cuisine at one of Canada’s premiere outdoor concert venues.

“A performance under the open sky at our outdoor Amphitheatre is a truly unforgettable experience,” states von Mandl. “There is something extraordinarily special about this intimate hilltop location. We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional musical performers to the winery this summer.”

Win Tickets

Chris BottiI have a pair of tickets to give away to see Chris Botti live in concert at Mission Hill.

An Evening with Chris Botti – Wednesday, August 8, 2018:
Chris Botti has had four #1 jazz albums, as well as multiple Gold, Platinum and Grammy Awards, and has collaborated with such fellow luminaries as Sting, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer, and Andrea Bocelli. In 2013, Botti’s album, Impressions, won the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Click below to post the entry text on Twitter (1 entry)

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win 2 tickets to see @ChrisBotti live in concert at the @MissionHill Summer Concert Series http://ow.ly/t8zx30krpQ9″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Monday, June 18, 2018.

Follow Mission Hill on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.

Update The winner is Tony!

YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Winners 2018

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Since 1984, YWCA Metro Vancouver has paid tribute to more than 300 award recipients and more than 1,800 nominees, and on June 7th they celebrated their 35th annual Women of Distinction Awards at the JW Parq Marriott Vancouver. More than 1,300 guests and volunteers gathered to honour inspiring women and organizations for their achievements.

YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Winners 2018

Arts, Culture & Design
Mary-Jo Dionne – Principal, Mary-Jo Dionne Productions

Mary-Jo Dionne, an award-winning writer, performer, podcaster and Principal of Mary-Jo Dionne Productions, has done everything from copywriting to keynote speaking, while giving generously to the community.

Business & the Professions
Kirsten Sutton – Vice President and Managing Director, SAP Labs Canada

As Vice President and Managing Director of SAP Labs Canada, Kirsten Sutton facilitated SAP’s adoption of the Autism@Work initiative and advocates for girls in tech by supporting initiatives like Templeton STEM and GIRLsmart4tech. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

South Granville ArtWalk

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

The South Granville ArtWalk returns the 7th year, organized by the galleries of the South Granville Gallery Association (“SGGA”). Everyone is welcome to be part of this art-filled, interactive event on Vancouver’s original Gallery Row in the vibrant neighbourhood of South Granville.

South Granville ArtWalk

Where: Saturday, June 16, 2018 10:00am to 5:00pm
When: Gallery Row in South Granville (between 6th & 16th Ave)
Admission: FREE

South Granville Art Walk

Experience Artwalk 2018 by strolling along Granville Street between 6th and 16th avenue to find your perfect style of art. Enjoy artist talks, demos, refreshments, tastings, prize draws, pop-up shops, over 10 different art exhibitions and much more. Explore a wide diversity of art, from historical to contemporary with local artists in attendance to showcase their new works.

This year, participating galleries include:

Uno Langmann Limited
Kimoto Gallery
Elissa Cristall Gallery
Petley Jones Gallery
Heffel Fine Art Auction House
Ian Tan Gallery
Douglas Reynolds Gallery
Marion Scott Gallery
Kurbatoff Gallery
Bau-Xi Gallery

Enjoy artist receptions, collaborations with local shops (like L’Occitane, Small Victory Bakery), painting demos, wine tastings and more.

South Granville has the highest concentration of fine art galleries in Vancouver, its legacy as gallery row is cemented as it continues to thrive a half-century since its founding.

Several new galleries have moved into the area since the first ArtWalk, adding to SGGA’s reputation as the only area in the city where one can tour the full breadth of artwork available in Vancouver.

You’ll find a diverse range of art including Canadian and International conceptual, European modernism and old masters, historical and emerging Canadian art including photography as well as two galleries devoted to First Nations and Inuit work.

The special events organized for this one-day-only affair draw art enthusiasts and collectors alike out to admire works by seasoned masters and to discover emerging young talents.

Follow the South Granville BIA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information.