Resolve to play outside in 2017
It’s time for the best New Year’s resolution of all: play outside in 2017. This directive from the Sheriff is aimed not just at children obsessed with technology but every adult who isn’t already playing outside.
If two total hip replacements in 2015 and 2016 taught the Sheriff anything, it’s that not enough people recognize the benefits of outdoor playtime. A huge percentage of those waiting for hip and knee surgery are overweight, some obese, so staff at Interior Health’s surgical optimization clinic recommend losing weight and exercise.
Only a small percentage do and likely wonder why they didn’t have a full recovery.
In 2012, Statscan reported that only 15 per cent of Canadian adults and seven per cent of Canadian children are getting 150 minutes per week of physical activity (minimum exercise standard). Plus many Canadians are not as active as they think they are.
After two weeks in Flatland, Ont. — Windsor and Essex County are so flat that you can see the Detroit skyline from 50 kilometres away — the Sheriff has renewed his appreciation for Beautiful B.C. He has met people from around the world who say the Okanagan is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and that’s why they moved here.
British Columbia has it all — from the Pacific Ocean to the Rockies to one of the most remarkable fruit- and wine-producing areas. And our Valley has some of the most interesting places to explore: from Skaha Bluffs and McIntyre Bluff in the South Okanagan to Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park to Knox Mountain (in Kelowna’s backyard) to Spion Kop in Lake Country to Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park in the North Okanagan.
You literally just have to take the first step, whether it’s a stroll around the neighbourhood greeting friends to climbing the Alpine Trail in Knox Mountain Park. Take a deep breath of fresh air and have fun. Enjoy the wonderful outdoor environment that surrounds us.
Everything stems from that first step. Take along a healthy snack, an Okanagan apple. Bring your camera in case you see deer on the Alpine Trail. All it takes is a resolution to get out this week. And next week.
*** Would you believe it? More than three dozen trail runners not only braved the cold but donated to charity on Dec. 21.
Organizer Rene C. Unser says “40 folks showed up with huge hearts, bundled up to brace the coldest winds in all the land, decked out with all things glowing and shared the true meaning of Christmas for our Glow Glow Charity Run. Together, we raised over $700 for the@ westke low na trailcrew and@ke low na food bank. I am so proud to be part of this generous and supportive community.”
The Charity Run with PACE Sports Fitness starting from Rose Valley Elementary School in West Kelowna was a 90-minute trail run with three runs to accommodate different speeds. PACE provided glow sticks to runners so they could light up the trails.
PACE Sports Fitness has been hosting events and supporting local charities since 2012.
*** A reminder that the Kelowna Canoe and Kayak Club is planning another New Year’s Day paddle, this time at Rotary Beach in Kelowna.
The goal is to be on the water at 11 a.m. Sunday, so everyone should arrive 20-30 minutes ahead of time.
“We hope to paddle for 1-1.5 hours, depending on the weather,” said president Paul Stephenson. Two members have offered to host the KCKC New Year’s Day luncheon at their home in Kettle Valley starting at 1 p.m. ***
The Friends of the South Slopes Society will hold its AGM at 7 p.m. on Jan. 12 at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan in Mission Creek Regional Park in Kelowna. Refreshments will be served at a 7 p.m. social with the AGM at 7:30 p.m.
“Our guest speaker is local rock climber Jackson Westcott, who recently climbed the Lotus Flower Tower, a peak in the Cirque of the Unclimbables in the Northwest Territories. Jackson, who started rock climbing when he was 17, will show photos and talk about his epic climb,” said secretary Penny Gubbels.
“Just the journey to get to the Lotus Flower Tower was exciting — driving to the Yukon, then 500 kilometres on a bush plane and a hike in to where he and three of his friends set up camp.”
*** Big White Ski Resort completed a long list of changes and improvements during the off-season, and now even has its own beer. Here are some:
Night skiing just got better with the installation of new lights over the Magic Carpet lift in the Happy Valley area. Big White Ski School’s After School programs will now be well-lit, and beginner lessons will be offered in the evenings for anyone who wants to learn how to ski or snowboard.
Rob Walker, one of the Okanagan’s most accomplished chefs, has joined Big White Ski Resort as Executive Chef. With 15 years of culinary experience across B.C., he is well experienced in utilising the plentiful products of the region to produce incredible food. Walker is also an active competitor in the culinary world and was involved in the B.C. regional finals in advance of the Canadian Culinary Championship — Gold Medal Plates in Victoria.
He will be responsible for culinary direction at all Big White-operated food and beverage outlets, including Kettle Valley Steakhouse, Happy Valley Day Lodge, Black Forest Day Lodge and the new Clocktower Coffee Co.
Big White is the official host mountain for the 2017 World Para Snowboard Championships on Feb. 1-8 in conjunction with co-hosts Canada Snowboard and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. About 100 para-athletes from more than 25 countries will take part in both snowboardcross and banked slalom events in three different categories.
Big White now has its very own beer, Big White White IPA, a collaboration between the Okanagan Spring brand team and the resort. The beer is a refreshing combination of a German-style Hefeweizen and an American IPA. Look for it at bars on the mountain this season.
Big White is in the planning stages of its first Pride Weekend in the spring of 2017. This event celebrating the LGBT community will feature a range of inclusive festivities with activities happening both on and off the snow.
The BullWheel is back. This familyfriendly gastropub is located in the heart of the Village which makes it the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
J.P. Squire, aka the Ski Sheriff, is an Okanagan Saturday reporter and an avid outdoors enthusiast. His column appears every weekend. Contact him at his new email address: jp.squire@telus.net.