January
Feldenkrais teaches the body how to learn
“What’s Feldenchrist?” I asked my friend when she said she was going to a class at NaCoMo, and did I want to come?
“It’s Feldenkrais,” she corrected.
Oh.
If you go to Feldenkrais with Tyson in Nakusp, you’ll soon discover what that means in practise. Each class focuses on a particular set of muscles and movements which students are instructed to pay close attention to. The exercises encourage an attitude of experimentation and exploration of one’s own body, seeing how it works and fits together.
The manner in which the class was taught and the difference from start to finish encouraged a mindfulness of movement that continued on even after leaving the exercise mat on the floor.
February
Society is blazing trails to outdoor enjoyment
As the year passes, freshet turns to mud turns to dry earth turns to snow, and every day there is the opportunity around Nakusp to get out into nature to watch the cycle of seasons. The Nakusp and Area Community Trails Society (Nakusp ACTS!) wants to help get you out into the fresh air.
Nakusp ACTS! has been hard at work since their formation in 2011, and now manage nine local trails.
Although maintenance and putting up signage makes up a large amount of the work done by volunteers, the Society has also taken on the ambitious project of connecting Mac’s Trail up with the end of Turner road.
The trail has been dubbed “The Nakusp Grind,” and for good reason. Rising sharply from the Hot Springs Road trailhead, the path includes a series of switchbacks that eventually follows a ridge along Kuskanax Mountain.
June
Arrow Lakes Grape Growers plotting future
A busy weekend along the Upper Arrow Lake meant fewer than expected volunteers coming out for the Arrow Lakes Grape Growers Society (ALGGS) work bee, but the few who did show made it happen and planted their test plot in Burton.
Just over three years ago, the ALGGS started the process that has gotten the vines into the ground. The way has been long, said Society Chair Jerry Botti who is growing the test plot on his land in Burton, but the fruits of their labours are on the horizon now. The vines now growing in the test plot are the culmination of years of research, fundraising and paperwork.
August
Herbalism gathers in nature’s panacea
Barbara MacPherson pointed at a spindly powder-blue flower and asking if we knew what it was. I knew it by the name chicory, but our guide also called it Blue Sailor, and said it could be roasted, ground and prepared like coffee. MacPherson had tried it herself, with mixed results: the taste hadn’t converted her to taking a cup every morning.
MacPherson’s own faith in natural remedies was cemented with her experience taking Feverfew. Having suffered migraines for years, she turned to the herb to alleviate the pain she would often have to suffer through. The small, bright green, flower brought her a relief she has come to rely on. Now, everyday, she takes a dropperful of tincture and hasn’t suffered a blinding migraine since.
September
How to bike travel to Alaska: Janis and Shon’s big adventure
Shon and Janis Neufeld, the folks behind Shon’s Bike Shop recently returned from a 4,000 kilometre cycling journey from Nakusp to Valdez, Alaska and home from Vancouver. No, that’s not a typo: not only did the couple cycle 4,000 km, they did it under a deadline for a cruise leaving Alaska on August 19.
Leaving Nakusp on Friday, July 19 at five in the morning, Shon and Janis climbed on their fully loaded Marin bicycles and headed out into the brightening blue yonder.
Before embarking on this epic journey, the Neufelds had toured around on lightweight road bikes, packing minimal gear and relying on the power of plastic money for places to stay and their food.
This time their 4,000 km trek was unsupported, meaning they were packing tents, gear and as much food and water as they could all the way themselves.
“It was hard a lot of days,” Janis told the Arrow Lakes News, “I was so proud of myself. I had to dig really deep, that’s what made it so rewarding.” Being able to face, and complete, the task of riding a nearly Ironman-length cycling distance day in and day out was a major achievement. And for Shon?
“He was very solid,” said Janis, who felt fully supported by her husband-travel mate.
And after many moments on the road, the Neufelds breathed a sigh of relief when they were back in the Kootenays.
October
Fees coming to Box Lake campground
Visitors to the Box Lake Campground next year will be paying $12 a night for the privilege of staying at the picturesque site. The fees come in response to mounting complaints: abandoned campfires, debris, stolen signs, damaged – and stolen – picnic tables, and semi-permanent settlements.
“The purpose of having someone there is to have eyes and ears out there,” said Dexter, “to enhance the public’s experience.” The rec. officer said visitors should find the site cleaner, and with the extra help, looking at expansion could become possible in the future.
Finding the fun in fungi: mushroom hunting for pleasure
What is worth getting lost and maybe dying for? If you’ve been watching the news, you’d be tempted to think that the allure of mushrooms was so magnetic that it could lead to death on the side of a mountain. And for serious devotees, it seems worth the risk (although the risks can be minimized with some planning) year after year.
There is some danger in your woods, cherie, if you indiscriminately taste strange mushrooms, or maul them with fingers that then feed trail mix to your uneducated mouth. Yes, unidentified mushrooms aren’t something you want to experiment with, as appealing as they may seem. Don’t eat anything until its identity has been confirmed by a trustworthy source.
The appeal of mushroom hunting isn’t hard to understand for those who love it. Not only does it get you out into the great big outdoors, it allows grown ups to wander the woods and fields in a natural easter egg hunt. And if you love the taste of Chantarelles, Pines, or Shaggy Manes, the find is much more rewarding.
Bunny Lola a fluffy moment of quiet peace for busy mom
Chelsea Pike loves her bunny-rabbit “Lola.” Having a pet that needs love and gives love without being too demanding is perfect for this busy mom.
“She is just the best pet ever!” Chelsea enthused about her fluffy friend.
Lola is a beautiful rabbit, unique because she has one blue eye and one half brown, half blue eye. She is sweet natured, affectionate and loves being held.
The pet was not for her kids said Chelsea: “I got Lola for myself, as a birthday present. She is just the right kind pet for me… a quiet one!
“When I am having busy days, or when the kids are driving me nuts, I go outside for a visit and she hops up to me and gets blissed-out with a few moments of pets and kisses, and in turn what she brings to me in life are snippets through my day of quiet-filled peace.”
