Up Your Media Apple Web And Tech Blog: Creating Movie and Screen Recordings Using Quickime.

Up Your Media Apple Web And Tech Blog: Creating Movie and Screen Recordings Using Quickime.

Lunch at the Pioneer House south of Duncan

The Pioneer House is an iconic log building in the Whippletree Junction shopping district just south of Duncan BC. It's a huge and impressive structure in the old frontier log style, and I had the pleasure of dropping by for lunch this past Sunday on one my many trips to and from Victoria.

It was a spring break Sunday and the joint was jumping, but I managed to get a table for 1 quite quickly. There were lots of families there enjoying Sunday brunch, some large tables of 8 or more and a steady stream of diners coming and going. Any place that serves Phillips Blue Buck on tap is aces in my book, so I relaxed with my frosty mug of locally-brewed nectar and enjoyed the folksy decor while I waited for my meal.

The menu is quite extensive, typical west coast pub and diner fare, but they also offer a mexican food menu for those who like it spicy. I ordered the lunch special, a BLT with Swiss cheese and a bowl of curried chicken and rice soup, plus a side of fries and gravy. The sandwich was as tasty as  expected, not much you can do with a BLT, but the soup was very good, obviously home made with big chunks of chicken, lots of vegetables and a tasty curry flavour. Even the fries and gravy were perfectly done, worthy even of a mighty poutine.

The Pioneer House should go into your list of must visits for a casual hearty meal when travelling up or down Vancouver Island

Parksville Untapped, A Sudsy Event.

This was the second year for the beer tasting and food pairing night of the Parksville Untapped event, an annual epicurian extravaganza that's threatening to change the impression of this small mid-Island city as a stodgy, no-fun retirement community. Last year's incarnation was at Tigh Na Mara but this year it switched to the Beach Club, allowing the former to host Swirl, the wine-tasting portion of this 4 day festival.

I'm not sure how many tickets were sold in total, but they were completely sold out by the day of the event. The theme this year was a western one, with the serving staff, and many of the guests, dressed up in jeans, plaid shirts, hats and boots. Hay bales and other cowboy motifs littered the room. A great live band was set up, banging off the country covers to an appreciative crowd.

The real star of the event was the beer, all of them craft style from BC and many of them from Vancouver Island itself. Some winners in my opinion were the Howe Sound 'Total Eclipse of the Hop' IPA and Nanaimo's Longwood Brew Pub Framboise, not to mention the boilermakers made with Glenfiddich and Cream Ale from R&B Brewing. Other brewers on hand were the Canoe Brew Pub, Lighthouse Brewing, Driftwood Brewery, and at least a dozen others. The food, prepared by the chefs of both the Beach Club and Tigh Na Mara, was plentiful and delicious, with pork sandwiches pulled from a complete roast pig, local oysters on the half-shell, chili, a chocolate and fruit fountain as well as chocolate from Nanaimo's Rockey Mountain Chocolate Factory, and local sausage sliders.

The mood of the crowd cheered and livened as the beer and food flowed freely and the casual western atmosphere helped make this event a must attend social event in the mid-island. Mark it on your calendar for next year, late February 2013 in Parksville. Watch the website for dates and details.

10 Stops To Make Between Victoria and Parksville

I've been driving from Parksville to Victoria and back at least once a month for the past 12 years and I know the route like the back of my hand. Here are 10 of the many stops you can make to make this beautiful 2 hour drive even more enjoyable.

I usually bypass Nanaimo on my way down to Victoria. There's lots to see and do in this small city of 80,000 but that's an article all its own, but these attactions are all within a km or so off the highways

1) Nanaimo River Swimming Holes - South Nanaimo. This is a beautiful river for a quick swim to wash off the heat of the road. There are lots of public access points either east or west off the highway.

2) Wildplay Parks and Bungy Zone - South Nanaimo. This is a zipline, bungy and Monkido climbing park just off the highway. It's at 35 Nanaimo River Road, Vancouver Island, BC.

3) Transfer Beach - Ladysmith. This is a family oriented salt-water beach with a play area, concession and amphitheatre for live music.

4) Craig St. Brew Pub - Duncan Features hand-crafted beer and delicious food located at 450 Swift Street in the downtown core.

5) Pioneer House and Whippletree Junction - South of Duncan A number of specialty shops and restaurants set within 14 restored buildings from the early 1900s.

6) Forest Discovery Museum - Duncan - This is an interesting look into the history of the forest industry and its technology, just off the highway north of Duncan

7) Russell Farms - Mt. Sicker Road Chemainus - A farm market, full service deli and ice cream parlour.

8) Serious Coffee Mill Bay - I almost always stop here for a quick jolt before hitting the Malahat. Try the sausage roll and an Americano.

9) Malahat Lookouts - Stop and stretch your legs for a glorious view of the Saanich inlet. You have to turn left to cross the highway if heading south to Victoria.

10) Goldstream Park - take a stroll through this old-growth temperate rainforest and marvel at the eagles and yearly salmon run in mid to late October till early December. Gorgeous year round.

12 Hours in Victoria

It's an easy two-hour drive south to Victoria from our home in Parksville, and we recently made an impromptu trip down for a 12 hour anniversary celebration.

We began our evening with a wonderful dinner at Nautical Nellies, a steak and seafood restaurant on Wharf Street. The place was packed on a Tuesday evening, but they managed to seat us, without a reservation, after a short wait . We started with the 10 piece Sashimi appetizer which included raw Albacore and Red Ahi tuna, salmon, snapper and scallops. It was fresh and delicious. My companion is an oyster freak and ordered 4 Effingham oysters and would gladly have ordered more. As a main course I had the 7 oz New York steak with crab cake and garlic prawns. The steak was flavourful and the crab cake was amazing. My companion had the lobster tail with prawns, seafood fritters and a seafood risotto. We finished with a flourless chocolate torte. The entire meal was a winner.

After all that rich food we walked the 2 blocks over to Swan's. It's my favourite brew-pub in Victoria, partly because of the beer but even more so because of the outstanding atmosphere brought on by the amazing collection of art on every wall. The had live bluegrass on stage and while the beer was good, the waitress was a little cranky so we picked up a nightcap at the onsite beer and wine store and headed back to our hotel.

We stayed at the Bedford Regency Hotel thanks to a last minute online deal, just $59.00 for a standard queen room in this downtown heritage building. It's right across from the Bay Centre and within easy walking distance of the Inner Harbour or any other downtown attraction. The room was cute and unique, not your standard cookie cutter budget hotel room, the bed was comfortable and clean, it had a walk-in shower with dual shower heads and a handy little office area. There's a bar/lounge on the second floor, though we didn't partake and a coffee shop in the lobby. The online off-season rate was fantastic but it would be well-worth the standard rate at any time of year, so we look forward to staying there again.

Spawning Salmon on Courtenay's Puntledge River

I was working up in Courtenay on a late October day and managed to steal a few moments for a stroll along the Puntledge River. The river runs right through downtown and there are a number of public trails along the river you can access.

It was great timing for me as I got to witness some of the last throes of the Chum salmon spawn. Gulls were fat and feeding on the carcasses that littered the river bank, but some of the salmon were still engaged in their annual spawn.

Trip to Cumberland, BC, to see No Means No and Ford Pier

We took a short road trip up to Cumberland for a taste of the big city, a rare chance to enjoy a couple of rock bands from Vancouver we knew well from the old days. Cumberland is about an hour north of Parksville, or an hour and a half from the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, but unlike its sister cities, Courtenay and Comox, it's inland off the highway. It's an old coal mining town with a long history and a quaint old-timey feel.

We started off at the Fanny Bay Inn, or FBI as it's known to the locals. My companion had a half dozen oysters on the half shell and a seafood wrap, and I couldn't pass up the $13.95 baron of beef buffet with real Yorkshire pudding and a spicy horseradish. It was a beautiful late summer evening so we ate in the outside patio yard with a view of the Strait.

Cumberland has a more youthful population than does the town where I'm from, so they tend to get more original touring acts, including the feature this week of No Means No with the Ford Pier Vengeance Trio. The Waverley is a great bar for music, a nice warm wooden room with decent sound and delicious and cold craft and Island beers, including Philips Blue Buck and Tree Brewing's Thirsty Beaver at a reasonable price.


We solved the problem of deciding who would drive home after the show by booking a room at the Riding Fool Hostel just around the corner from the bar. The hostel caters to the mountain bike and ski crowd, as close as it is to Mount Washington and the trails around. You can sleep in a dorm for $23. or get a private room with a double bed for $60.00. The building also houses Dodge City Cycles. I hope we didn't wake any of the other sleepers by playing pool too loud at 2 a.m. in the large common area.

The purpose of this blog is not to act as a source of music or gig reviews, suffice it to say that both acts blew my mind with the intensity and sophistication of their music, but Cumberland, and the Waverley, proved themselves fantastic spots for a gig of any kind, including their annual Big Time Out.

Hornby Island Bliss, Discovery Island Paradise

It takes two ferries to get to Hornby Island, located off the East Coast of Vancouver Island about halfway between Parksville and Courtenay. The first ferry takes you to Denman, followed by a short island drive to the next terminal. $80.00 was the return fare for our car and two passengers and takes a total of less than an hour.

Hornby is typical of the Gulf and Discovery Islands, attracting an artistic and creative population. The island is dotted with artisan studios and organic farms, self-built houses and serene cottages.

We stayed at the Ford's Cove Marina and Campground, essentially at the end of the main road after getting off the ferry. It's a small campground with perhaps a dozen sites and as many cabins for rent, while featuring flush toilets and pay showers. There's a store on-site that offers pretty much everything you could possibly need while camping, and an espresso machine to boot. There's also a small food-stand restaurant that we didn't have time to try and a scuba operation. It is a marina so there are plenty of boats to peruse.

Some of the must-see attractions on Hornby include the Cardboard Bakery, a quaint little restaurant and artisan market that specializes in pizza and baked goods situated on the beautiful grounds of an orchard and garden. There is often live music in the garden on a Saturday afternoon, and other events can take place depending on your timing and good fortune.

The Co-Op, down the road is next to Tribune Bay Provincial Park, with its beautiful beach that attracts many tourists. The Co-op sells just about everything, including liquor, hardware, groceries and camp supplies. Outside the main building is a circle of markets, bookstores, bike rentals, cafes and restaurants, a true meeting place for the locals and tourists alike. There is a pub and restaurant by the ferry terminal.

Other services and attractions include Bradsdadsland Campbground, Whaling Station Bay, Helliwell Provincial Park, wineries, kayaking and scuba. The geology of the island is fascinating and a walk along the coast features many interesting sandstone formations carved by the force of the ocean. The island is a mecca for mountain bikers and the many trails are popular for all skill levels.

Nanaimo's Lighthouse Pub & Bistro

It was not a great performance for Nanaimo’s LIghthouse Bistro and Pub this week, and a crying shame too, because the restaurant is in an incredible location and might be something quite special. It’s right on the Nanaimo waterfront looking out on Protection Island and a working-boat marina (the pleasure craft are around the point in another bay). The evening started hopefully enough, I had to walk through various dragon boat teams warming up for their weekly practice just to get into the restaurant “Alright,” I thought, “Dinner and a show,”

The bistro downstairs is probably a little more elegant, but I chose the pub upstairs so I could watch the hockey game. I assumed the pub was connected with Victoria’s Lighthouse microbrewery, so I was hoping for a good solid craft brew. Instead I was informed they had Canadian, Bud, Kokanee and some other watery blonde imposter.

I ordered the special, halibut and chips and though the fish was fresh it was also dry, the batter was tasteless and the cole slaw congealed. The fries were cold, the gravy too dark and corn starchy. Even the waiter was a little twitchy.

A visit to their website showed they do everything about the same as their beer and food. The site hasn’t been updated since 2009 and the web design company even spelled their own name wrong.

All in all a bit of a disappointment, but I'm willing to give them another try, so long as the Dragon Boaters do too.

Surfing Tofino, the Ultimate West Coast Experience

I took my first ever crack at surfing this week, thanks to a glorious turn of weather on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Tofino is close enough to my home in Parksville on the island’s east Coast that we can comfortably squeeze in a short 2 night jaunt. It’s just over a two hour drive, spectacular, though a little hairy too. March is a good time to visit the coast with it’s migrating whale populations, storm surges and potentially spring-ish weather. They don’t call it shoulder season here, they call it ‘regular season’ instead, but the hotel rates are close to half of what they are in the summer and the crowds are far more manageable.

We picked up our gear from the good people at Pacific Surf School, located at 430 Campbell St. in downtown Tofino. There are many surf shops in town but we like this one the best, with its helpful and knowledgeable staff, great location and quality gear. It probably has one of the finer websites in town and it’s also right next door to the coffee shop / bakery where you can stock up on sticky buns before you load up your gear.

We headed to north Chesterman beach a few miles down the coast. It had been pretty stormy in days previous, though this day was bright and sunny and fairly warm for mid-march. As a result the surf was pretty intense, or trashy as the locals might call it.

We probably should have opted for the lesson at the Surf School, or at least some instruction in wetsuit application. Of the four of us, two adults and two children, two of us put their wetsuits on backwards and three of us put them on inside out. Our youngest even tried to put his leg in the armhole It took me three nearly completed attempts to finally succeed, and then I realized I had to pee.

The ocean was amazing and comfortable to be in, thanks to the wetsuits. I enjoyed paddling around and splashing in the waves, but there was no way I could get up on my feet, my bad shoulder so weak and painful that I could barely push myself up to kneeling. It didn’t matter though, just to feel the power of the ocean and frolic in the waves on the surfboard was an incredible experience. We were all grinning from ear to ear and the kids actually did much better than we adults, as usual.

We had a picnic lunch on the beach and enjoyed the spectacular setting of this West-Coast treasure, promising yet again to take more advantage of the beauty we live so close to.

2 Nights at the Terrace Beach Resort, Ucluelet BC

The Terrace Beach Resort is located on a rocky coastline to the south of Ucluelet on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, BC. The town is a short and spectacular 3 hour drive from Nanaimo’s Departure Bay ferry terminal. Thought of as Tofino's ugly sister, Ucluelet’s relative obscurity comes down to the fact that nobody can spell or pronounce the town’s name, and has nothing at all to do with its setting or services.

The resort consists of a number of buildings holding ocean-view lofts and suites as well as 10 small cabins, all with ocean glimpses through the huge fir and cedar trees around Terrace Bay. Our cabin had three floors, 4 beds and a kitchenette, so the value was very good for our two families. The private outdoor hot tub was more than welcome after our blustery nature walks and surfing adventures.

The architecture and engineering is to be commended, with the entire complex being raised on concrete footings and wooden pilings, giving it a bit of a treehouse effect in the heart of the rainforest. The main building is clad with shiny aluminum, an aesthetic departure from the traditional cedar planking of the West Coast style. The cabins are built with local wood in a rustic fashion, some of the beams reaching 8 by 18 inches wide. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable, though the main attraction lies outside the cabin’s doors.



The resort is literally on the doorstep of the Wild Pacific Trail, a series of short and easily walkable coastal trails around the Ucluelet area. This is west-coast rainforest, best described as unstoppable. There is an eagle nest in one of the trees on the property, and we were awoken by the sound of their early morning cries. We were here in mid-March, just days after the annual Whale Festival took place, and we could hear what my companions swore was the call of the whales at night. In daylight we could see their spray off the shore, though none of the grey whales breached as they proceeded with their annual migration.

March is storm season on the West Coast, and the surf can be spectacular on this rocky part of the coastline. It’s also low-season in the hotels, so the resort was far from crowded, and the rate was roughly half what it would be in July and August. Though we had a chance to surf Chesterman Beach we would have enjoyed more time to explore this wild coast and some of the other many opportunities for adventure and attitude adjustment available here, just steps from some of the last untamed beauty on the planet.

Vingo's back on Vancouver Island Time

It may seem as though Vingo's blog, and the directory connected had been all but abandoned these past few years. On the contrary, while the blog has been quiet we've been steadily adding to our list of the Island's finest websites on an almost daily basis. As of today we've reached a total of over 627 individual links, comprising everything from fishing charters to home services to first nations arts and culture to family fun, b&b's and everything in between.

My name is Dan LaRocque and I've steadily and singlehandedly built this site starting in July 2007. We were off the island for a year, driven to Ontario for family obligations, but we're back, wondering why we ever left, and looking forward to exploring this fine island in an even more in-depth basis for many years to come.

Besides my work as a web developer and search engine specialist I am also a mobile Apple computer service tech, travelling up and down the Island on a regular basis, performing Macinstosh computer upgrades, training and support. I go from Victoria to Campbell River to Port Alberni, Ucluelet and back to my home base in Parksville.

I've lived on the island for 10 years. My youngest son was born here. Both my children play hockey and we spend our winters driving to most of the arenas here on the island, including JDF, Racquet Club, Powell River, Port Alberni, Campbell River, Fuller Lake and everywhere in between. Our summers we spend camping, hiking, biking and exploring the spectacular and grandiose outdoors, arts, restaurants and culture this Island has to offer.

Tigh Na Mara Resort and Spa

We had the opportunity to celebrate a special occasion with a night at the Tigh Na Mara resort and spa. This jewel of a resort is perched on a bluff overlooking the beautiful Georgia Strait just south of Rathtrevor Park and the town of Parksville.

The resort gives the impression of a well-established local landmark. It's sited on almost 22 acres of well-groomed rainforest landscape, with quaint log cabins, some newer well-thought out constructions and a couple of oceanfront 3 story buildings, one of which housed our room.


The room was clean and quaint, with rich wood panelling and tasteful furniture. The view was spectacular, looking out over the beach and the ocean. On a blustery October day it was just enough to lay in bed and imagine how spectacular it might be on a sunny July afternoon.

We enjoyed the Grotto spa (an unflattering name in my opinion) with its large public mineral bath and outlandish décor, after which we snacked at the Treetop Tapas & Grill. Dining in our bathrobes did not seem too extravagant or silly, but dining in a room with a dozen others, mostly middle aged women, kinda did. My wife booked a manicure and facial and reported her satisfaction on the treatment and service.


The rest of the night was spent enjoying the gas fireplace and luxurious bedding in our room. Were we lucky enough to enjoy better weather we might have checked out the beach, the tennis court, the poolhouse or just strolled through the grounds. As it was we hunkered down in comfort and watched the tide come in from the comfort of our bed.

The Fairwinds Community, Nanoose Bay, BC

The Fairwinds Community at Nanoose Bay, BC is an innovative 1,350 acre development designed in harmony with the beauty of its surroundings.

Conveniently located between Nanaimo and Parksville, warmed by the ocean and sheltered by mountains, Fairwinds is blessed with Canada's mildest climate - a master-planned waterfront community offering breath-taking location and world-class amenities. Golf, sail, kayak, hike, walk - it's all here. As they say at Fairwinds, it's a lifestyle that allows you to Live Here and Live More.

Community and lifestyle identify people living at Fairwinds. They talk continually about the fun of daily activities, be it on the water, golf course, at the Fairwinds Centre, walking on the miles of meandering paths or just indulging in quiet time.
It is a vibrant and active community passionate about the surrounding environment and many groups are involved in water conservation, stream clean-up and other sustainability issues.


The Fairwinds Golf Club has established itself as one of Vancouver Island's finest courses. Designed by renowned architect, Les Ferber, it was voted 1999 Facility of the Year and continually receives accolades in prominent golf publications. Towering fir and rare Garry oak trees along with the spectacular ocean views and abundant wildlife provide the backdrop for lush, manicured fairways, natural lakes and challenging bunkers. Facilities, programs and events are extensive and due to the mild climate, available year-round. When the International Association of Golf Tour Operators selected BC as the "2004 Undiscovered Golf Destination in the World", they probably had Fairwinds in mind.


Nestled on the water's edge on the Nanoose peninsula, Schooner Cove Marina offers visitors and residents a 360 slip, full service marina for vessels up to 150 feet.
In addition, there is a pub, coffee shop, liquor store, power, water, gas/diesel pumps and laundry/shower facilities. No room for golf clubs on the boat? The nearby Fairwinds Golf Club offers free rental clubs to overnight marina guests with the purchase of a full rate green fee.


At the heart of the community is the Fairwinds Centre - a stunning example of west coast architecture featuring high ceilings, wood beams and warm colors. The facility is a popular meeting place for area residents looking to improve fitness, socialize or relax. Amenities include a 20 metre indoor saltwater pool, hot tub and sauna, fully equipped exercise room, gymnasium, tennis court, billiards and card room and library with fireplace. The location is perfect for community events such as the annual Christmas Craft Fair, Water Conservation Fair, and local art exhibits.


Fairwinds of the future is an exciting on-going development. The community has the opportunity to become one of the finest oceanfront residential areas on the island - or anywhere, for that matter. The future vision is a community centered around a village that unites the area's forested uplands with the ocean. A community with golf, trails and an endless array of recreational opportunities. The new Schooner Cove Village will see a new seaside village with public access to the waterfront and a vibrant mix of community-oriented retail shops, services and food & beverage establishments along with residential apartment homes. The goal is to build on the Official Community Plan to deliver sustainability and a high quality of life for residents. Whether you are looking for a new state-of-the-art patio home within walking distance to amenities, an exclusive waterfront residence or a large estate property, the Fairwinds community has what you are looking for. As they say, Living - it's what Fairwinds is all about.

Acme Food Company Review, and Last Day of Westjet's Seat Sale

Today's the last day of Westjet's big fall seat sale, save up to 40% flying into or out of Comox or Victoria, or lots of other destinations for that matter. EXTRA LOW airfares to Canada and the U.S. today only. Only at westjet.com.


It had been probably about 2 years since I went to Acme Food Co in Nanaimo, located at 14 Commerical St in Nanaimo. It's in a prime location - situated in the lovely downtown core directly across from the new Vancouver Island Conference Center. We decided to do lunch, expecting it to be less busy. At 1pm the place was rather bustling and the smells made the mouth water. The waitress was prompt and took our drink order right away. She was pleasant, friendly and quick despite how busy it was. We ordered a hot tuna roll as an appetizer, I was determined to make my mother enjoy sushi. It appeared quickly and looked marvelous. It was lightly battered, with chipotle mayo and teriyaki sauce - smothered in sweet chili salsa. It tasted even better! I've been to every sushi place in town and this was tops for sushi rolls. Amazingly enough my mother (an avid sushi hater) enjoyed it too! For our main entree we ordered the 2 for 1 Acme burgers, one with fries and one with caesar salad. The burgers come with cheese bacon and slathered in chipotle mayo (delicious!). The burgers were picturesque and they were perfect for satisfying a burger craving. I noticed they've changed their menu since the last time I was there and they offer lots of new and enticing looking meals that I will definitely have to go test out soon!

Metric Video Footage From the Big Time Out

As promised, here's a little video footage from The Big Time Out in Cumberland, BC. It features Emily Haines and Metric opening the show with the song Dead Disco. I really can't say enough about this great event put on by the people of Cumberland that should serve as an example to all the communities of Vancouver Island. Let the people play, treat them with respect, and everything will work out fine.

Welcome September - What a Vancouver Island Summer!

Fall has arrived and the new year brings a new post for ol' Vingo. After a summer filled with beaches, beaches and more beaches I finally have a moment to write about some of the Vancouver Island fun I've been having. From Cumberland's Big Time Out, to another magical Filberg Festival, to Parksville's Sand Castle competitions, to the Qualicum Beach Triathlon to Victoria's Pride Festival, the summer offered incredible weather for anyone who likes to soak up the Vancouver Island Experience.

One of the highlights of the summer had to be Cumberland's Big Time Out Music Festival. I was so impressed by the achievement of this funky little town that welcomed interesting music and characters to take over the streets for an entire weekend. A respectable amount of public drunkenness was encouraged as was great music including Toronto's wonderful Metric, plus De La Soul, Matisyahu, and You Say Party, We Say Die.. Even the food was great, with many family activities and diversions for all. Way to go Cumberland!


And the beaches. What beaches! The weather was perfect for copious trips to the many perfect swimming spots, lakes and rivers within a close vicinity of my home in Parksville.

I'll be going through my many video-tapes to help jar the old memory banks and share some of the beauty Vancouver Island has to offer.

Kids Eat Bugs - Hockey Team Visits the Bug Zoo

We just had our last trip with the novice hockey team, an Easter weekend tournament down in Victoria. One of the highlights was our trip to the Bug Zoo on Courtenay and Douglas. The kids loved handling the beetles and spiders and various creepy crawlies. The place had knowledgeable tour guides, interesting displays and a gift shop where you can buy chocolate covered ants, cricket lickit lollipops and these scrumptious little larva snacks. What kid can resist a chance to gross out the girls?

New Tofino Pics and Video

Had an enjoyable but quick overnight to Tofino, a spectacular destination on Vancouver Island's wild west coast. There's usually storm watching at this time of year but we were blessed with some fantastic sunny weather. Unfortunately my young city girl traveling companion was neither stoic nor adventurous, nor even appropriately dressed.

I soldiered on and had the best time I could under the circumstances. Though I saw some $49.00 and $58.00 specials posted I opted to spend the extra dollars on comfort. The Weigh West I stayed in had walk-in specials too. Very nice room, it's ocean front and holds the Dockside Pub and restaurant. It was a really fun little pub for dinner and afterwards. The whole town seems to be full of attractive young women which I appreciate, coming from a retirement / young family community such as Parksville.The hotel/resort also offers whale watching, bear watching , fishing excursions and more from their Dockside location. They're just gearing up for their summer hire and expect March to pick up substantially with the annual Pacific Rim Whalefest.

Here is an image gallery and HD West-Coast sunset video taken at one of the most spectacular locations in the world, MacKenzie Beach, Vancouver Island.

First Snowdrop of the Season

February 4th and here's a picture of the first snowdrop of the season. Quite late, if I'm not mistaken, seen here actually poking its head out of the snow at the tail end of one the colder winters I can remember. It's been hovering between -4 and plus 4 celcius for most of January around Parksville on Vancouver Island. The sight of it makes me think of spring and all the outdoor chores I'm looking forward to, pruning fruit trees, planting my hedge and generally crawling out from hibernation. When not at the rink, I prefer to spend my winters in front of the fire.



The sight of it also got me thinking of the summer to come, and in that spirit I finally got around to some footage from last year's vacation at Pacific Playgrounds Campground and RV Park. We had a great time there, hanging by the pool, tubing down Oyster River, strolling on the beach , biking around the campground and enjoying the family fun it offers.


For more Vancouver Island travel and tourism attractions and recommendations, visit http://www.vingo.ca