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?