Pretending to be at the cabin is a bit tricky when you live in a large city like Vancouver, and although there is a large body of water, the Pacific ocean, it doesn’t quite have the look and feel of Horne Lake. It’s been exactly 83 days since we last visited the cottage, and it will be another 121 days (give or take a few) before we’re there again.

While I miss wakeboarding, sitting and watching the comings and goings at the lake, campfires with our neighbours, happy hours, going for a ski just as the sun is setting and the lake is calm, playing hide and go seek at dusk with the kids and happy hours, I have found ways to cope in the off season.

Today, I thought I would share with you some of my favourite things to do in and around Vancouver. While they don’t replace being at the cabin, they are still lots of fun.

Hiking in Pacific Spirit Park - Located in UBC’s Endowment Lands, there are over 35 kilometres of trails in this 763 Hectare forest. If I want to escape, this is the first place I go. It’s lush and green 365 days of the year, and the large canopy forest helps block the rain.

Skating at Grouse Mountain Not only can I ski, skate and snowshoe, there are two really awesome restaurants on top of this snowcapped mountain. On a clear night, the view of the city is breathtaking. The four minute gondola ride is a bit chilly, but it goes fast. When you reach the top, it is truly a winter wonderland. The best part, it’s only15 minutes from downtown Vancouver.

Skiing Whistler - While Lake Louise, Breckenridge and Fernie, are my all time favourite places to ski, these days I’m getting my high altitude kicks at Whistler. Two hours on the sea-to-sky highway and I arrive at the “Number One Ranked Ski Resort in North America.” Yes, lift tickets cost over $80. Yes, it’s crazy busy over the Christmas holidays. Yes, the line-ups are long, and you need a reservation at Starbucks just to get a coffee (ok, I’m exagerating). Yes, driving the sea-to-sky highway can be a white knuckle experience, but after dropping the kids off at their ski lessons, and finally making my way to the top of the Peak Lookout, the adrenalin starts to kicks in. It’s the same rush I get just before I yell, “Hit It” on my wakeboard. The crowds and lineups are quickly forgotten, as I test my knees on the Peak to Creak run. Every year I try skiing it from top to bottom without stopping. It has yet to happen, but maybe this will be the year.

As far as happy hours go, NOTHING beats the ones we have at the cabin, but, going to Dusty’s after a day of skiing, and running into all your friends and neighbours from Vancouver, is the next best thing. The beer is cold, the nachos crispy and their barbecue wings are the delectable.

So for those folks going to their cabin or someplace warmer this Christmas, lucky you. I wish you a safe trip and some great memories. For those of you who are staying home, tell us what you’re up to. And if you happen to be in Whistler, drop by Dusty’s. You can find me upstairs in the back corner, or next to the pinball machines.

Cheers,

Julie

The day is bright, clear and sunny as we drive up Capilano road, on our way to the north shore mountains. Heading into higher elevation, the road starts to turn slushy and snowbanks and evergreens line the edges. We follow the winding twisting road. Suddenly the shadowy sky gives way as we enter a snow covered world of Mount Seymour, filled with brilliant blue sunshine. “Welcome to my office,” states Lois Tomlinson, my guide and owner of Natural Trekking, proudly.

Only 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver, lies a snowy mountainous playground. We have come to play. Even though the ski hill has yet to open for the season, the parking lot is full. It seems others are here enjoying the fresh powder too.

Tomlinson makes sure we are well prepared for today’s adventure. Prior to our trip, she advises me on what to wear and what not to wear. “Wool, or polyester tops and bottom should be warn as a base layer, followed by fleece and Gortex. Dress in layers,” she recommends. “Never ever wear cotton. It can accelerate hypothermia and cause death.”

Tomlinson pulls the lightweight metal snowshoes from her bag, along with adjustable ski poles and gaiters, to be worn around our pant cuffs to keep out the white stuff. Weight and height determines the size of a person’s snowshoe. It’s important to factor in the weight of your pack as well. Good snowshoes will have crampons or sharp metal teeth around the bottom of the frame and a big crampon in the toe area. Compared to the old wooden bulky snowshoes I’ve used, these ones are light and feel very flexible when my boot is strapped in. “Snowshoes have come down in price the last couple of years. Expect to pay around $200 - $300 for a pair,” Tomlinson says. “Mountain Equipmnent Co-Op is probably the best place to buy them.”

After adjusting our hats, sunglasses and knapsacks: filled with water, snacks and camera, we are off. The trail has been tramped down, thank God. We start climbing and with a few breaks here and there, don’t stop until we get to the top. The trek, although sweaty, is beautiful. It really should be called snow hiking, because that’s exactly what we’re doing. “It’s actually safer than hiking,” Tomlinson explains. “You’re not going to trip over trees and roots.” Just like hiking though, you can get lost, so it’s recommended that first time snowshoer go with an experienced guide.

The same rules of engagement seem to apply to almost every outdoor activity. Never snowshoe alone. Always tell someone responsible where you are going and when you’ll be back, and be prepared. Tomlinson cautions, “Don’t go light one day, because that will be the day that something happens.” Make sure one of you is carrying:

• a flashlight
• whistle
• candles & matches
• Swiss army knife
• grand sheet - preferably orange so it can be seen
• blanket
• flares
• extra food
• water
• extra clothing

I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed our day on the mountain. Tomlinson is an excellent guide, and her enthusiasm for the sport is contagious. This is a fun activity that anybody, regardless of their age, can do.

Cheers,

Julie

What do you call a group of 46 guys sitting on a couch watching the Grey Cup?

The B.C. Lions.

On a more serious note, I was watching Peter Mansbridge on the CBC last night, and my heart went out to those folks living in Ontario. Brrrrrrrrr. While here on the west coast we are experiencing frostier temperatures, (+6) they are getting hit with the first major storm of the season. Being involved in an accident while in the midst of a blizzard would be quite simply, horrible.

I’ve always wondered how the police and hospital staff notify next of kin and relatives in the event of an emergency. In B.C., our phone numbers are printed on our driver’s license. I’m not sure if that’s the case in other provinces. I recently read in a magazine about ICE - in case of emergency, It was conceived in the mid 2000’s, and promoted by British paramedic Bob Brotchie. It’s purpose is to get people to key their emergency contact numbers into their cell phone under the name ICE. For example, ICE1 - Mom, ICE2 Husband. This enables first responders, such as paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, to identify victims and contact their next of kin to obtain important medical information.

Coincidence?

How often do two bloggers talk about the same subject on the exact same day? All the time. Recently, Heather from Cottagenews.ca posted a great blog on Preparing for a Winter Trip to Cottage Country the exact same day I posted Winter Survival Essentials for your Car. Heather included links to two websites that are very useful, Environment Canada and the Weather Network.

Reviewing Environment Canada’s Emergency check list there I realized there were some items missing from my list. They are:

• Sand, salt or kitty litter
• antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
• tow rope
• jumper cables
• small shovel, and scraper

Update on Shortbread Cookies

I would like to thank Debb for responding to my SOS for a good shortbread recipe. Debb often leaves me comments and they are all appreciated. Here is her response:

Debb’s Mom’s Shortbread Recipe

The key is to not over mix the dough. Ideally, you want to mix gently with a mix-master, but I have been know to whip up a batch in a food processor without too much damage to the dough.
I like to put the dough into a cookie press. Each Christmas I make trees, stars and flowers. You can decorate them the way you would sugar cookies, but I like to put a smal bit of candied cherry on top or just leave them plain! You can also roll them into tiny balls, then press them on the cookie sheet in a criss-cross pattern with a floured fork. It’s also fun to make cookie bars and then dip one end into melted chocolate!

Mix together 3/4 cup soft butter
1/2 cup corn starch [this is what makes the shortbread short!
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 cup flour
Bake at 300º for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.

Cheers,

Julie

It’s minus 20. The road is barely visible, obscured by blowing snow and darkness. The icy conditions have scared away other drivers, leaving the snow rutted highway void of traffic. Suddenly the 4 x4 goes into a spin and loses control. It plows off the road into a deep ditch. The taillights, dusted with snow, form a white camouflage making it invisible from the road. Unless the occupants of this vehicle are prepared, there is a strong likelihood they will die of hypothermia, if left undiscovered.

“What most people don’t realize,” explains David Arama, owner and chief instructor of the Wilderness Survival Challenge and School, “Is that cars are full of metal. They draw heat away. If the temperature is -20 or colder, you will likely freeze to death in your car, or suffer severe hypothermia if you can’t produce any heat.”

When asked what is the most important thing people should carry in their car during the winter, Arama replies, “A sleeping bag, good for minus 20, and an underpad.” He also recommends if people are able, to get out of their car and go into the woods and build a lean-to. I must admit, I’m not convinced on the last point. I personally think trying to build a lean-to in a raging blizzard is more likely to kill me than staying in my car. However, I do not teach wilderness survival skills for a living.

As we head into winter, we’re likely to encounter bad road conditions, especially on the way to the cottage or cabin. Simple things can save lives. “Most people are unprepared and don’t think it (getting stranded) can happen to them,” states Arama. He recommends you be as prepared as you can, starting with your car. Here is his list of essential items for your vehicle.

Wilderness Survival Essentials

1. Sleeping bag rated -20 degrees and an underpad
2. Wool clothing i.e. hats, mitts, long underwear as well as wool/fleece blankets
3. High energy snacks like granola bars, nuts, or trail mix
4. Water or water purifying tablets
5. Road Flairs
6. Cell Phone
7. Candle - nice to have but doesn’t warm you up much
8. First Aid Kit

Another important point is to let people know where you are going and when you are expected back. Arama recounts a story of a man in the Muskokas who went out driving in his SUV. He took a wrong turn, got lost and ran out of gas. Unfortunately he waited 9 days for help that never came. Eventually he made his way out to the highway, where he was discover, but suffered severe frostbite. People were looking for him; they just didn’t know where to look.

Given that our family will likely be spending more time on the sea-to-sky highway this winter, this is one piece of advice I am going to take. I hope you will too.

Cheers,

Julie

Standing in our 10 x 10 booth at the Fall Cottage Show, I look over and see my niece’s normally pale face turn bright red. Walking towards me, I can sense something has just happened to her.

“Um, Aunt Julie?” she asks, “Yes Jill,” I reply slowly, “What’s up? Are you ok?” I am looking at her, starting to get worried. The show has just opened. We have barely begun talking to people. ‘What could have possibly happened so soon,’ I think to myself?

“Well,” she starts to explain, “I am telling this man about CottageDaily.com, and how it’s online, and he stops me and says, “I don’t have a computer.” And I tell him he should get one, and then he holds up his hand and he’s missing his fingers.”

I’m not quite sure what to say or do next, but we both seemed to be thinking the same thing, ‘What have I gotten us into?’

Lots. Over the next 72 hours, we meet 100’s of cottagers. For those who stop and talk to us, we are given a brief glimpse of what life is like on their lake. I hear stories that move me to tears. I get to share in the enthusiasm of new cottage owners. And I feel the growing concern and helplessness of those folks who own property on Georgian Bay.

The best part of the show is watching people’s faces light up when I ask them about their lake. Cottagers talk about their properties the same way parents talk about children – with love and pride. We just can’t seem to help ourselves. Oh, and one thing I learn, everyone’s cottage is on the “best lake.”

It’s the goal of CottageDaily.com to capture your enthusiasm and to tell your stories. We want to connect you with other cottagers from across Canada. In the next couple of weeks, we will be adding a forum to the site to facilitate this. You will be able to post questions, offer suggestions, and rant with yahoo cottager and cabin owners alike.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those people who made this weekend such a success: My husband, who soldiered on despite his raging cold; my mom for standing in for him while he slept in the rental car; my niece and nephews for their great sense of humour and persistence; our nanny, who broke her foot and still managed to look after our children; and Heather, who told me I could do it. I couldn’t have done it without all of you. Thank you.

Cheers,

Julie

Well it’s here. The weekend I’ve been looking forward to since we closed up our cabin in late September. It’s the Fall Cottage Life Show taking place in Toronto this weekend. Second only to the Spring Cottage Show, this scaled down version is for those of us who need a cottage fix.

I always enjoy the presenters at these shows. This year I will be attending The Crash Course in Basic Cottage Repair, I’m sure my neighbours will be relieved to know I am finally taking matters into my own hands and not their’s. I’m also interested in Installing Alternative Energy Sources.

My absolute favourite presenter is always Jane Rodmell, author of Cottage Life’s Summer Weekend Cookbook. A cottager herself, Jane’s recipes are simple, delicious and contain basic ingredients. My ultimate cottage fantasy would be watching Jane preparing appetizers in my cabin, while I relax with a chilled chardonnay.

This is also our first show as an exhibitor. I am looking forward to meeting new cottagers and handing out red licorice, so if you are attending the show - please stop by booth 610 for a Twizzler.

More from the show this weekend so stay tuned. Hopefully I will be able to squeeze in a little Christmas shopping, THE TRADING POST, features the work of cottage-country artisans from across Ontario, showcasing quilts, original paintings, pottery and crafts.

Food, shopping and cottage- I’m in heaven. Oh, I almost forgot, there is even a session on pairing cheese with beer. What more could a gal ask for?

Here’s to a great weekend at the cottage - show that is.

Cheers,

Julie

How do you like your apples? According to Ken Haddrell, operations manager for the Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation, “Sweet.” Yes, it seems 95 % of the apple eating population prefer sweet to tart.

“Most consumers buy with their eyes,” Haddrell explains, “Texture is the most important thing they consider, it must be crisp and juicy.”

This past Sunday, the kids and I spent the morning at UBC’s Apple Festival, where we sampled more than 30 different varieties from Nicola, a new up and comer, to Belle de Boskoop, which originated in Holland in the late 1800’s.

Sampling so many varieties was a bit overwhelming to say the least, but out of the 127 that were on display, there were several that stood out.

My absolute favourite, hands down was SPA 493 - unfortunately this apple is not available for sale yet. It is still in the commercial development stages, but the neat thing about the festival is you get to try varieties before they hit the market.

My other two favourites were Ambrosia, and the Auroa Golden Gala. I’ve blogged about Ambrosia’s popularity in, “It’s Apple Season. Unfortunately there are only 250,000 of them produced here in B.C., so get them while you can because by February, if there are any left, they will be past their prime.

Another great apple, and clearly a crowd favourite, was the Auroa Golden Gala. It’s classified as a dessert apple, but it’s also good for cooking and salads. Apple producers like this one because it has a long shelf life, seven months and it’s flavour improves with storage.

The McIntosh is still one of the best selling apples next to the Galas. Recently while in the Okanagan, I ate a McIntosh right from the tree. Eating it, I could not believe how much better it tasted fresh. When I asked Haddrell about this, he explained that McIntoshes are picked in early September for storage, where they slowly mature. I apparently ate a “mature” apple, that was full of sugar and in it’s prime. This is the best way to enjoy a McIntosh.

Tomorrow’s blog will feature some of the apples recipes I picked up at the festival, Braised Chicken with Ambrosia Apples and Tunnel of Ambrosia Cake mmmmmm. Next week I will do Octoberfest recipes.

Cheers,

Julie

Today’s CottageDaily is written by guest blogger, Heather Bayer.

Thanksgiving has always been a bit of a curiosity for me because we never celebrated it in England. Autumn in the old country has a motley mix of notable dates none of which include any significant amount of eating.

There’s ‘harvest festivals’, which are church services held in September to celebrate bringing in the crops; Guy Fawkes night on November 5^th in recognition of a 16^th century terrorist whose Gunpowder Plot almost blew up the Houses of Parliament; and more recently as a nod to north American marketing,

Halloween seems to have grown in popularity. But there’s nothing this side of Christmas remotely resembling the lavish eating orgy my Canadian and American friends have delighted me with since my arrival on these shores.

This year we’ll be spending Thanksgiving at a cottage enjoying the beautiful Ontario countryside in its fall splendour. I can’t think of anything nicer than following up that big meal with a long country walk, kicking leaves and throwing sticks for the dog, and coming back to cosy up in front of a wood burning stove. Then to top it all, wrapping up warm to sit around a campfire under the stars, to end a perfect day.

If this is your idea of paradise too, renting a lakefront cottage could be just the antidote to any thoughts of the approaching winter. Even at this short notice, there’s still plenty of properties available if you know where to look. CottageLINK Rental Management has a selection of cottages listed for the long weekend, some with open fireplaces or wood burning stoves. But before you start looking and anticipating your country break, there’s a few things to remember.

• Don’t exceed the maximum number the cottage will accommodate. Before you start asking all your friends to come to this great cottage you’ve booked, make sure you know how many can be accommodated. The listing will show the maximum amount of people allowed and you must not exceed this number. The neighbours will probably be up at the cottage for the holidays too, and they won’t hesitate to let the owner know if any overcrowding occurs.

• When you book a rental cottage, particularly for a celebratory event, remember to take along any special cooking utensils that you just couldn’t be without. Most cottage kitchens, although they will be adequately equipped, may not have the complete range of cookware you have at home. So if you plan on having seven different types of veggies and want a separate serving dish for each, you’ll need to take some with you.

• Pack your favourite tableware, napkins and candles as well, if having these match is important to you. Some cottages will provide nothing more than a set of plastic table mats each depicting a different view of Niagara Falls, and a few paper serviettes – which may not line up with your vision of the perfect Thanksgiving table…

If you like the idea of renting a cottage for your next summer vacation, this is a great opportunity to check it out and see if it works for you. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and have a great long weekend.

Heather Bayer has vacationed in many rental properties in Canada, UK and the US, and now owns and rents out her own lakefront cottage in Ontario. Her blog Cottage News, is a source of hints, tips and recommendations for anyone considering renting a cottage for a vacation.

It’s fall in Canada, a traditional time of celebration. From the PEI Shellfish Festival to the Bala Cranberry Festival, fall is a time to get together and share our good fortune. From apples to cranberries, pumpkins to grapes, if we can grow it, harvest it or ferment it, chances are there is a festival somewhere in Canada to honour it.

With the nice cool days and changing landscape, the fall is a great time to get out and go for a drive. There are over 3,000 festivals in the province of Ontario so regardless of where your cottage is located chances are there is something taking place in your community this weekend.

My favourite fair was always the Roseneath Fall Fair. I loved sitting on top of the brightly painted carousel horses, holding the leather reins. I felt like a I was flying a Pegasus. I would ride the carousel two or three times in a row, always begging my parents for “one more ride.” I still love carousels, and luckily, so do my children.

The brown bags of sweet sticky toffee for $0.25 were also a favourite, but not just with me, I would often find my Dad’s stash buried in his sock drawer.

On Vancouver Island, there are several great events taking place the last weekend in September. First there is the Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival, September 28 to 30, Saturday night is the Cowichan Wine and Chocolate Gala, and Sunday wraps up the weekend with the Salt Spring Island Apple Festival. Mmmmm wine, chocolate and apples, and cheese, does it get any better?

Regardless of where you live, hit the road this weekend and get ready for some great food!

Cheers,

Julie

When it comes to making decisions I tend to follow the masses. For example, I will seldom buy a book that’s not a New York Times Best Seller. It’s the same with restaurants. I like to know what I am getting into, or at least have a pretty good idea.

So when it comes to holidaying, I consult those who have gone before me. Friends are my first and favourite source for information. One friend in particular, who travels extensively with her children, ages five and eight, has proven to be a great source for travel advice. Her, and her husband, have been coming to Tofino for close to 20 years, and have owned a home on Chesterman Beach for the past 9 years. So when it comes to Tofino, she is a resident expert.

During our recent visit to their seaside home, I asked her to list her favourite Tofino activities, starting with a beach walk. After all, Tofino is all about the surf and the sand.

Florencia Bay is one of their favourite beaches to walk.  Gold River runs into the beach, where her kids and their dad love to build damns.

Hiking in the old growth rainforest is another popular activity. Their favourite hikes are ones that lead to the ocean. South Beach Trail is one of these, and the great big rocks found here are great for climbing. They like to spend the day here and will often have a late lunch at the Wickaninnish Restaurant, located in the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, adjacent to the beach.

Eating is a big part of any trip and finding good restaurants that are kid friendly is pretty easy in Tofino. Here are some of their favourite haunts.

SoBo’s – this trailer serves the best polenta French fries I have ever tasted.  It is located in the Tofino Botanical Gardens, which is also a great place to visit. They serve good food in a picnic style atmosphere. (250-725-2341)

Rain Coast Café (250-725-2215)

Long Beach Lodge – the Great Room (250-725-2442)

Blue Heron – If you go between 6 and 6:30 pm, you might see sea lions feeding on the fish scraps (250-725-3277)

Shelters is also a favourite restaurant, but this one is better suited for adults (250-725-3353)

The Wickaninnish Restaurant has a kid’s menu, beautiful views, and pretty decent food (try their salads, but avoid the fish and chips). (250-726-7706)

Of course there is always surfing and Chesterman Beach is a mecca for surfers. There is a parking lot directly across the street from the beach and it is a popular spot for lessons. Surf Sisters with their pink shirts can be spotted on the beach beginning at 8 a.m.

Another activity they enjoy is kayaking. Several companies come highly recommended, they are: Tofino Kayaking and Remote Passages Kayaking.

I hope these help you with your trip planning and if there are any activities your family enjoys in Tofino, please leave me a comment.

Cheers,

Julie