Nicola Valley British Columbia Canada including the City of Merritt, Lower Nicola, Quilchena and the surrounding First Nation lands.

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Paddleboard the Nicola Valley

Paddleboard the Nicola Valley

“Paddleboarding connects me to nature in a profound way.”

Why is this guy blogging about SUP’s?

I’m a mountain biker, bike geek, and bike shop owner whose shop is named “Breathe Bikes“. You might wonder, so why is this guy blogging about the stand-up paddleboard (aka SUP)? Fair question, but there is a connection.

paddleboard
Let me start to make sense of that by pointing out the similarities. Both a bicycle and paddleboard are self-propelled. That’s a big one for me because bikes probably represent the most efficient form of human transportation. You’ll go farther, faster, while using less fuel, on a bicycle than any other mode of transport. While paddleboards require a body of water that is relatively calm and it can be hard to find one suitable for traveling long distances. Both are powered solely by personal effort, using instruments that have no energy source other than physical exertion.

Being there

Connecting to nature is accomplished very well by either a paddleboard or mountain bike. Coasting over a pristine lake on a paddleboard is a little different than twisting down a man-made ribbon of (super fun) single-track, but both require and encourage being in the moment to appreciate our surroundings, connect to them, and show them respect. 

paddleboard

The last similarity I will point out is the benefit to our health. Physical activity is known to be a disease fighter, a mental wellness enhancer, and a way to have fun, which is just good for the soul! Mountain biking is a great cardio workout and develops muscles all over the body. Although the legs and glutes are the primary benefactors, we do get some core and upper body strength from wrestling the bars through a tricky section of singletrack. Paddleboarding is great for the whole body, but the main muscle groups that are being activated during a paddle are your mid back muscles (latissimus dorsi), shoulders (deltoids), arms (triceps & biceps) and abs. Paddleboarding develops balance.  Flexibility is added to the benefits, if you combine a yoga pose or two also.

Now the dissimilarities. The paddleboard and mountain bike connect to a different experience. One is an adrenalin-fuelled, thrill charged playground, while the other is a serenity filled, tranquil oasis. Elements of both are available in either activity, but overall there is a distinct leaning to calm while paddleboarding, and thrill-seeking on a mountain bike.

What’s the Difference?

I really enjoy the contrast between the two sports–the spicy heat of mountain biking is tempered by the complex umami of paddleboarding. They both enable hyper-awareness of our surroundings and how we interact with them. But the difference in attitude and perspective has a way of heightening the experience of both of them. Maybe there’s a jewel of wisdom in there somewhere!? I wonder what the world would look like if we could all appreciate the opposite of what we are normally drawn to, once in a while? Maybe it could help open our eyes to an understanding of a different way of life.

The Nicola Valley is known as a place where you can enjoy “a lake a day, as long as you stay”. In my five years in Merritt, I’ve enjoyed a few of them, but I know I’ve only scratched the surface. Kentucky Lake has been my go-to for paddleboarding over the last year since I first stepped aboard a board, but I’ve also enjoyed the Lundbom Lakes. I plan to try out Nicola Lake, when my skills are more developed, as I understand the wind can be unforgiving and unannounced. Kentucky Lakes’s sister, Alleyne, is also on my list. 

Paddleboarding’s profound connection to nature

paddleboard

Paddleboarding connects me to nature in a profound way. I appreciate the quiet stillness of gently coasting over a glass-smooth lake, with the occasional sound of thousands of aspen leaves fluttering in a gust of wind.  And a view of a distant mountain range following me like Mona Lisa’s eyes, above the tall pines lining the shore, awakens a sense of connection that is unlike that of a mountain bike. The bike provides its own connection. I wouldn’t trade it for all the still waters in the world, but there is something about standing and moving on water and the feeling of “being there” that is beyond compare.

The shared connection

paddleboard

Bikes and paddle-boards are solitary conveyances. Skilled and strong paddleboarders are capable of carrying passengers and pulling other boards. And as I witnessed on my last paddle, chauffeuring sun-tanning friends on an air mattress! The shared experience is bound to create lasting memories among friends. And, no couple should miss floating next to their partner, gazing at the clouds while lying in a state of relaxed content!

There are many choices for adventures and experiences in the Nicola Valley, and my personal favorite is bike riding, but I invite you to give paddleboarding a try, on one of our many lakes for a “beyond compare” experience.

The Nicola Valley Paddleboard Company owned by Dorothy Jordan, offers a training program and adventure that strives to create a great place to learn. It offers an environment that is fun, challenging, and promotes teamwork and mutual respect.

At Breathe Bikes we offer rentals of paddleboards for full and half days, so contact us or come see us!

We’ll provide paddleboards, give you info, and send you off in the right direction!

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Merritt Summer Nights Market

Merritt Summer Nights Market

“People like to have a place to be able to shop unique items and congregate.”

Starting Friday July 6th, 2018

Small town summer nights markets…… if you haven’t experienced at least one, you should! StartingMerritt Summer Nights Market Friday July 6th, 2018 there will be more than ever to experience in the Nicola Valley. We want something new and exciting. Something to do on Friday nights. Merritt Summer Nights Market! A place to congregate and encourage business, and what better place than right down town Merritt?

An opportunity for local downtown and home businesses

There are a lot of small home businesses in Merritt, but not many platforms to sell their products. In the day and age of social media, it is easier than ever to get your business out there for free. But really, where else can you go to sell your products? Sure there is the odd craft fair. Maybe an event every so often like Canada Day in the Park, the Garlic Festival or the Fall Fair. But other than that, where do you go?

Merritt Summer Nights Market

Looking east down the stroll

The reality is, people like to have a place to be able to shop unique items and congregate. To take a little cash and maybe buy themselves something you can’t buy in a general store. Maybe it is just a garage sale antique, or something nostalgic from their childhood.

For me I like to find unique gifts for Birthday’s, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day etc. I like to find unique jewelry for myself. I love my “real” jewelry, but I am a lover of “junk jewelry” and hand made items. I like things that are different, often statement pieces. I often find it is the cheap earrings that I just happened to stumble upon on some crazy clearance that often are the ones people admire most!  

And there’s the food…

Then there is the smell of a Summer Night Market. You know the one- the fried onions, pulled pork,

Merritt Summer Nights Market

Will there be fresh berry pie?

donairs, hotdogs, and mini donuts. The smell of fried food we all know we shouldn’t eat, but secretly relish in enjoying.

We are inviting vendors for different food. And for now we know we have…home baked goods. Love home baked goods. The banana bread, zucchini loaf, cookies, pies and squares we all take home in two’s so we can eat one to ourselves, and serve the other to guests so they think we baked (or at least I do LOL).

Stroll down the middle of the road.

Merritt Summer Nights Market

Cars now…but wait!

There is something to be said about being able to stroll down the middle of a road. One that is otherwise occupied by cars. That feeling of seeing the road as something different than a path for cars. It is now a place to greet people, stop and have a chat. Seeing the businesses that line the sidewalks with their doors open letting the cool Merritt Summer Nights Market air in after the sweltering summer heat has eased off. I don’t know about you, but I always feel more prone to walking in to a business with the door wide open. Almost like they are inviting you to come in and browse without pressure. Somehow it seems friendlier, and I find it’s amazing how such a small gesture subconsciously makes you want to go inside.

 

Let’s get this going! Participate in the Merritt Summer Nights Market!

We are just starting out. We’ll see if we can attract all the amazing small businesses, nonprofit orgs, the delicious food vendors and music to make this a small town success in our town of Merritt. Join us in making this Friday night event a success!

I invite you, I encourage you, to come down to Quilchena Avenue and enjoy a Merritt Summer Night Market. Shop all the local businesses, come for the food, the fresh produce, and some great finds, but stay for the experience. The experience of the Nicola Valley!

See you there!

 

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Experience Merritt BC Living

Experience Merritt BC Living

“The diversity keeps life and living exciting!”

Experience the “Dream” of small town living in the heart of the amazing Nicola Valley, Merritt BC

Want to experience living in a small town? Wondered if would be all that you have dreamt it would be? Well I am happy to share with you the reasons I love Merritt BC living. 

Merritt BC living, in the Nicola Valley, has given me the chance to experience  amazing diversity with the people, the colorful cultures, the landscape, and many experiences beyond any other community I have lived in!

We are nestled in the Nicola Valley, with a charming community, Merritt. And we are also IMHO blessed to be surrounded by first Nations Bands and can experience all of the wonders of their culture people and history. Much more on that to coming blogs. I will just say, if you haven’t been to a POWWOW or a first nations event, get out and go!

There are winding rivers,  sparkling lakes, beautiful creeks, natural river pools to swim and fish, amazing wildlife and forests spread over this entire valley with landscapes from wide open grasslands to dense pine and fir forests.

And it’s not just our location, our diversity in nature and landscapes, it’s our people! And there is about 8000 of us!

We have the best People!

People who love small towns like me!  People who have had family ties go back generations! Like the Pooley’s, the Voght’s, the Guichon’s, the Garcia’s. Many people I meet tell me that they were born and raised here. Or they moved away for work or to raise a family, and then they returned.

If you spend time living here to experience the beautiful community and the surrounding country it grows on you! And you grow on Merritt! People get to know you, you grow roots. You can’t help it! It just happens! It is hard to go anywhere where you don’t run into a friend or acquaintance.

We have are very own “mystery masked dancer” and a grapevine!

Merritt BC living

Experience Merritt masked dancer

The diversity here keeps life and living exciting!

Like our masked dancer! He has become famous in Merritt! Everyone is talking about him, and he makes (most of us ) smile. Who is he? Why does he sing and dance with a creepy mask on in public! Stay tuned for more to come as we “unmask” the mystery! 

We have a grapevine! A Facebook grapevine that sometimes takes on a life of it’s own. Do you want to know who is doing what, where, or when in town? Do you want to know instant gossip? This is the place to be! Check the grapevine! It really brings out the diversity I am talking about! There are 6626 members. Join in or simply watch! Believe it or don’t. Your call.

I love the grapevine because it is a place for people of Merritt to express themselves. Also because it is amazing to watch the town’s people come together in tragic times, like the fire last year of an apartment building where so many people lost everything they owned! Love that I live in community of such caring and generous people!

Experience Outdoor Adventure 

I can say for certain that Adventure and Play go hand in hand for me! It is never-ending!  Of course you may have heard Merritt’s mantra? “A Lake A Day As Long As You Stay” Well, that is a true story. My plan is to discover them all! I want to share it here!  I love exploring! See a back road, take it. See a fork in the road, take both! You will discover the most magnificent beauty in the world! IMHO!

Merritt BC living is a different experience every day.  My best times are when I take my old 4×4 jeep and find the “roads less traveled”.  Most often I feel rewarded with something that ignites the senses. A big healthy  mama bear with cubs, a gigantic moose, colorful wildflower fields, or even just a glimpse of landscapes as seen from a perspective I have not experienced before.

“An Adventure a day, as long as you stay” is a good mantra we use for Merritt too.

Experience Diversity in  Music and Arts

Music Festivals, Art, Musicians and Artists. I must declare that we have the best of the best!  In 2003 we have the honor of being named Country Music Capital of Canada. Make sure to visit the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame when you are here. Music and Art are often combined together in events like the Bass Coast Music and Arts Festival or the Rockin River Country Music Fest.

I have been to these and they are just an exciting part of Merritt BC living. No words can describe the experience of actually being in the sun drenched valley with the Coldwater River flowing through your toes as you await the stars to arrive! Yes the twinkling kind in the sky and the Star artists for the shows! It is without a doubt, a natural stage for a festival that would rank best in the world! New Festivals arriving this year too! 

Merritt BC Living

Experience Music Festivals like these people at Rockin River Music Fest

Merritt BC Living

Or these people at Bass Coast

The Arts are everywhere!

Of course in the heritage Court House Arts Gallery, the walls of the buildings all around town, in the local cafes and our amazing Art Walk each July to showcase Local Artists in businesses around town! “Take a walk on the art side” when in Merritt BC.

Our Art Walk is a summer feature in Merritt, just like the music festivals!

Now, those are a lot of reasons I love living in Merritt BC!

If you have dreamt of small town living, come and see what Merritt BC living is like!

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Merritt Canada Art Walk 2018

Merritt Canada Art Walk 2018

“If you want to collect the beads for a bracelet, come early!”

Time to get out and see our local artists! July 3rd to July 31st.

We are excited to begin Art Walk 2018 in downtown Merritt! We want to show off the local art and culture. Our art walk this year has 19 artists Art Walk participating in several mediums.

  • painting on canvas
  • stone painting
  • tile painting
  • photography 
  • mixed media 
  • fabric art 
  • woodwork 
  • and pebble art! 

Seventeen businesses, services, and our Courthouse Arts Gallery are hosting the artists and supporting both the Chamber of Commerce and the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council.

In its sixth year, the Art Walk attracts community members and visitors alike. Our community is introduced to artists new to the local scene and well-known favorites. And some locals pop in to see businesses they haven’t visited yet.

Our visitors enjoy a walk around our downtown, seeing both sides-art and business.

Art Walks are everywhere!

One of the benefits of our Merritt Art Walk, is hearing the stories of other Art Walks elsewhere! From big to small, the opportunity to connect art to the workings of a town or city is a big attraction. Some of the people we meet are Art Walk buffs, and travel to different communities to take in the art scene.

There are communities with themes, like local landscapes. And contests for prizes, from the businesses for art pieces. And event hook ups like art auctions and dinners.

We love to visit Art Walks when we are visiting other towns, but our favorite is our own, in Merritt, Canada.

How about a Bead Bracelet incentive?

Art WalkIf you have heard, or read this in time, or if you participated locally last year, you know that 100 lucky people can buy a silver bracelet at the first stop at Community Futures on Voght, on the first day (or until they are gone). And at each of the locations they receive a bead, or charm, to add to the bracelet. When you are done they have a beautiful charm bracelet memento for the art walk.

I’ve seen all the 2018 beads and they are something! From the medical symbol (the caduceus) to a tiny cup and saucer, to a t shirt bead, Jeanine at Vision Quest has done a great job matching up beads to the businesses they are located in.

One, a rainbow bead, even symbolizes a town issue from several months ago, making the bracelet a topical one for 2018.

So, Who’s Matched Up?

Art Walk

Joan Jennings

1. Joan Jennings, a mixed media art quilter, is showing her new work at Community Futures. She loves to experiment with surface design variations, and try new things in her art form. Joan was inspired by her travels this year, and her art is colorful and lively!

2. Joel Reid, a prolific local artist, has his work in the office at the Civic Centre. He has a unique art style, with a graphic quality and signature of urban graffiti. He works in charcoal, acrylics, oils, and spray paint. Joel is also working on several community art pieces we hope will be on display soon.

3. Cindilla Trent, Pat Tombe, and Bev Veale are showing 3 kinds of art at the Courthouse Arts Gallery– fabric art, unique wooden bowl, and paintings respectively. Cindilla’s detailed and beautiful quilts are just one of her art forms. She also works with clay, mosaics, and beads (in the Gallery Shop). Pat Tombe creates unique wooden pieces- bowls, plates, and hollow forms. He adds embellishments such as carving, pyrography, dye, paint, and texturing. Our Bev Veale, painting in the valley for decades, and active for years in our arts community, has a summer collection of paintings and drawings on the Gallery Walls.

Despite the Odds

Art Walk

Wyatt Collins

4. Wyatt Collins, a 20-year old aspiring Nlaka’pamux artist, is at the Kekuli Cafe. Wyatt, despite having autism, is overcoming the odds and has discovered his unique style in Abstract Expressionism. He uses fluid form and drip painting techniques. This show includes some new pictograph work.

5. Glenn and Susan Parkinson, creators of glass art images, are at the Interior Savings Credit Union. They work in a variety of styles, including fractured glass mosaics, leaded stained glass, and fused glass.

6. Vicki Strom, a weaver, spinner, and potter, is displaying her creative garment weaving at the Community Policing Office. Vicki has studied the Sauri weaving art form in Japan, from the master Kenzo Jo, and brings the concept to her own pieces.

Connection with Nature

Art Walk

Natalie Rostad Desjarlais

7. Natalie Rostad-Desjarlais, a mixed media artist working with stone, natural pigments and canvas

painting, is at Earthwalker Spiritual Shop. Through her stone paintings and work, Natalie shows her connection with nature. She harvests and makes her own pigments from earth and stone, as well as using acrylics.

8. Fran McMurchy, a painter working primarily in watercolor, is at Espresso, Etc. Fran loves the feel of the watercolor and its soft color layers, but also uses acrylics with its bold and intense colors. She enjoys using both mediums.

9. Gale Simpson, a paint artist inspired on her walks and hikes. is at Lynda’s Cafe. Trees, birds, and animals fill her acrylic paintings. Gale, always interested in painting, began taking art classes when she retired.

10. Lori Desy and Jill Fitzer, with their popular pebble art, are at Black’s Pharmacy. They started making pictures for family and friends as gifts. Collecting their materials by hand. Jill and Lori spend hours lakeshores, river banks, and seaside beaches.

11. Renee Bauwens, a local painter using acrylics and watercolors, is at Spaner and Webb. Renee teaches art to children, initiating the Art Buds class at the Gallery. She also is creating digital paintings as home decor art to be sold internationally online.

Artists as Entrepreneurs

Art Walk

Pauline Ouellet

12. Pauline Ouellet, an artist working in oil, acrylic, colored ink and watercolor, is at Vision Quest. Her intimacy with Canadian landscapes evident in her work, Pauline has developed a passion for the mountains, valleys, and seascapes of British Columbia. She also makes hand painted jewelry.

13. Mordichai, musician, filmmaker, and artist, is at Breathe Bikes. Mordichai was the editorial cartoonist for the old Merritt News. Currently Mordichai enjoys multi -media expressions, including digital and oil painting, and things that fall in between.

14. Jean Kiegerl, an artist working with watercolor, acrylics and oils, is at Home Hardware. She finds an amazing array of colors in everyday objects. She says that educating her mind to see and then create that vision artistically is a never-ending cycle. Jean often gives classes for painters, and teaches drawing.

Capturing Journeys and Life Experiences

Art Walk

Faye Gustafson

15. Faye Gustafson, an experienced artist working in oil on canvas, is at Purity Feed. She paints people,

animals, and symbolic objects within their environment to capture their journeys and life experiences. Her goal is to expose the emotion and character that is daily life. Faye often teaches art to children and is giving a local painting summer camp at the Gallery.

16. Angelina Brooymans, a nature photographer, is at Save On Foods. Black and white images are her favorite medium, but she does color as well. Angelina also produces museum quality giclee prints, and helps other local artists by photographing and printing their art.

17. Diane Kiernan‘s work, creating beauty through painting, is at Nicola Valley Museum and Archives. Diane lived a creative life, from large murals to intricate tole painting, fabric art and jewelry making, gardening and decorating homes. Diane’s Art Walk show this year is curated by her daughter, Stephanie Kiernan.

Merritt Art Walk 2018

“I’m guided by my objective to leave parts of this world more loved, and more beautiful, and to leave a gentle footprint on precious Mother Earth”. Diane Kiernan

Art Walk

Diane Kiernan

We probably won’t be bringing a stylish red car like the one Diane is seen with here. Most Art Walkers put on their comfy shoes and head out with friends. Three of our locations are cafe’s, so there are even refreshments to buy along the way, while you are enjoying the art! Support our local artists, and businesses!

Come and join us on our Merritt Art Walk 2018!

And if you want to collect the beads for a bracelet, come early! Starts Tuesday, July 3rd.

 

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Merritt Restaurants – Fine Dining in Ranch Country

Merritt Restaurants – Fine Dining in Ranch Country

“The Quilchena Hotel’s One Eleven Bar & Grill has it all!“

Just north of Merritt, Canada, on Highway 5A

Whether you’re seeking a fine dining experience, a casual pub dinner, or an outdoor patio and BBQ, the Quilchena Hotel’s One Eleven Bar & Grill has it all!  It is not only a beautiful destination, just a 20 minute drive north of Merritt on Highway 5A, but the scenery is divine!
 
This historic 1908 hotel is located in the small community of Quilchena, “where the willows grow”, the name given by local Indigenous Peoples. Purchased by the Douglas Lake Cattle Company at the end of 2013, it has undergone many tasteful upgrades, in keeping with the hotel’s Edwardian-era elegance. 
 
It took me awhile to realize that the restaurant’s name, “One Eleven Bar & Grill”, originates from the Douglas Lake Cattle Company’s brand, |||. These 3 bars, from a perspective other than cattle branding, indicate the number “one hundred eleven”. Hence, One Eleven. Clever!

Clever Stuff Going On At The Quilchena Hotel’s One Eleven Bar & Grill

There is a lot of clever stuff going on at the historic Quilchena Hotel these days, particularly in the restaurant!  Not only have they completed much-needed renovations in the restaurant and saloon, they have engaged a top-notch chef, Chris Grimley. 
 
Following his chef’s training at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Chris worked at the Prairie Creek Inn at Rocky Mountain House and the Langara Island Lodge in Haida Gwaii. He now brings his fine culinary skills to the Quilchena Hotel’s One Eleven Bar and Grill.  Chris is young, keen, and creative! He uses fresh, local ingredients wherever possible, and varies the menu depending on what is in-season. 
 

Trip #1 to Quilchena Hotel’s One Eleven Bar & Grill

fine dining

Fish and chips, heavy on the coleslaw, light on the chips, as requested

fine dining

Summer Greens

 
 
For my first trip to the Quilchena Hotel’s One Eleven Bar and Grill after this year’s opening in May, I enjoyed lunch in the saloon with two pals. My fish and chips with coleslaw were splendid. One pal reported that her Summer Greens salad with berries was delicious and very berry-loaded. The other said that his burger with arugula, goat cheese and beet slices, was “the best burger ever”.  He vowed that pickled beets would become an essential ingredient of his home-made burgers!
 
fine dining

Trip # 2 – Here’s the Beef

fine dining

Bavette Steak

Famous for its beef, Douglas Lake Cattle Company pairs perfectly with the Quilchena Hotel’s One Eleven Bar and Grill. This is where we are treated to locally-raised grass and grain fed beef, aged to optimal tenderness, served in a variety of forms, from burgers to roasted prime rib.

Saturday nights are Prime Rib Night so I invited my friend from North Vancouver to join me for dinner. I neglected to make our reservation early enough to secure a table in the dining room, so we made our way to the saloon, where the same menu is available.
 
We opted out of the prime rib because it looked like way too much food. Instead, we tried two of the dishes I’d spied on my previous visit: the Bavette Steak and the Chicken and Pasta.
fine dining

Chicken and Pasta

 
Bavette steak is the French name for flank steak. Mine was cooked perfectly and served with cauliflower puree, a mild chimichurri sauce, roasted onions and herbed fingerling potatoes. The steak was sublimely tender and the vegetables delicious. 
 
My friend’s quarter Chicken Supreme was served over house-made pappardelle pasta with mushrooms, bacon, herbs, leek and shaved parmesan. She was impressed.
 
The presentation was delightful. We “mmmmm’d” our way through our meals, a sure sign they were delectable. 

An Exquisite Combination

We had no room for dessert, sadly. On my previous visit, however, I enjoyed a slice of New York cheesecake with strawberry salsa. With the salsa’s slight spiciness and the addition of chopped, fresh mint leaves, I found the combination exquisite.
fine dining

New York Cheesecake with Strawberry Salsa

 Trip #3 to Quilchena Hotel’s One Eleven Bar & Grill

It has been awhile since there has been a fabulous new chef in the Nicola Valley, so I was keen to return to Quilchena Hotel’s One Eleven Bar & Grill.  I called friends to join me for Sunday dinner, and I reserved a table for four in the dining room.
 
To start, my friends chose fun cocktails from a list of nine unique “Quilchena Spring Cocktails”.  I chose dry pear cider from the Valley’s own Left Field Cider Company.  
 
 
fine dining

Mediterranean Flat Bread

My iron-deficient friend ordered Bavette Steak, another decided on Mediterranean Flatbread, another chose Fish & Chips, and I opted for the Smoked Brisket Sandwich. Yum!
 
Accolades all around!
 

Experience Fine Dining in Ranch Country

 
Whatever your mood and your stomach desires, you are sure to find something to satisfy both at the Quilchena Hotel’s One Eleven Bar & Grill.
 
Open Thursday through Sunday, reservations recommended. Call 250-378-2611 or email: QHotel@DouglasLake.com
 
Cheers!
JGS
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Nicola Valley Arts and Culture-Experience!

​Nicola Valley arts and culture!

Our artistic and cultural style is full of variety, against a background of pine trees and golden grasses.

Nicola Valley Art

Artist Jean Kiegerl

Of course, we experience arts and culture wherever we are…

Nicola Valley arts and culture is worth planning an experience around!

Arts and culture feeds our soul…
And our geography informs our culture and our art.

The Nicola Valley, in southern interior BC, Canada, with its sage hills, clear creeks, and warm sun encourages the kind of slow pace that inspires art in all its forms.

And the rich history and culture of the valley elicits respect for what has gone before, and invites a sense of possibility for what is coming.

Nicola Valley arts and culture: country music, graffiti art, rock paintings, children’s books, local blogs, plays performed by theater students, dance lessons…

 

What is Culture?

Let’s define the terms we will be writing about…

Culture Definition

What is Culture?

Live Science: Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.

So, culture is the big concept, …

A definition and opinion from Study.com: …Think about what makes you and your family special. What language do you speak? What traditions and beliefs do you have? Do you enjoy special foods and wear clothing to represent your family or history? The culture of a group of people is the traditions and beliefs that they practice in their daily lives. 

This gives us a wide range of topics to write about! Social habits! Language! Benefits of cultural diversity!

But a second meaning of culture suggests the direct interaction with social and artistic expressions, as the following quote suggests…

Huffington Post: If you can count on one hand the number of times you’ve gone to a museum in your city, a theater performance and a concert, you’re missing out on the enriching world of culture that is there to be enjoyed. Why should you turn off the TV for once and get out there to take in some culture?

“Take in some culture” like a museum tour, a concert, a theater performance, or art exhibit. It helps us absorb or comprehend our lives and experiences. And it’s fun!

What is Art?

Merritt Arts and Culture

Merritt Artist Joel Reid

What is Art? Always a lively discussion!

There are lots of quotes on this question. Lots of answers.

So art is one of our earliest expressions of culture. It helped early humans to organize their lives, to understand the world around them, and to communicate those understandings. And that is what art does for us. It helps us to understand how we feel about things and helps us to organize our world. SVCC

(I am definitely adding a reason to engage with art…get more organized! How about you?)

“Art is an expression that transcends religion, culture, country, people and time.” Amit Ray

And discussions on this question are endless, everywhere.

We often have these discussions ourselves during afternoon teas at the Courthouse Arts Gallery on Nicola Avenue. “Is this art?”

“No? How come?”

“Yes? Why? What makes it art?”

Pour another cup of tea and we’ll figure it out.

Where is the Nicola Valley?

Nicola Valley is in the southern interior of BC, near the west coast of Canada.

Nicola Valley Arts and Culture

Nicola Valley Artist Bev Veale

The town of Merritt, in the Nicola Valley, is the center of the Coquihalla highway system, with easy four lane access to large and small communities, a regional airport, and two international airports.

In this central location we have quick access to many cultural experiences not only in our own valley, but also over the mountains to other communities with engaging arts experiences.

The Nicola Valley is sunny and dry ranch country, surrounded by rolling hills, lakes, and creeks. You’ll see Ponderosa pines, sagebrush or rabbit bush, and bunch grass as you come in to our valley.

We are…

  • in a valley surrounded by hils and mountains
  • on the Gold Country Tour
  • close to the Shuswap valley
  • and just a short and breathtaking drive to the internationally-known Okanagan Valley, with its famous wine tours and art galleries.

The Nicola Valley is a hub of BC highways, and a growing hub of musicians, artists, and performers…

And What Is Nicola Valley Arts and Culture?

Merritt Street Art

Merritt Bus Bench Street Art

Our valley inspires original country music, landscape paintings, and sculptures made from natural stones and branches.

Street benches that look like wagon wheels…

We are the home of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Walk of Stars, and the country music and western themed murals of artist Michelle Loughery. First Nations pictographs and stone structures are overlooking our lakes and creeks.

We also host the Bass Coast electronic music and art festival, Home Routes concerts, and put on school wide SD58 Arts Festivals.

The Nicola Valley arts and culture style is full of variety, against a background of pine trees and golden grasses. From stilettos to cowboy boots, chainsaw carvings and beaded earrings, to flute concertos and banjos, the Nicola Valley is a center of creative expression….

Come and See For Yourself!

Experience Arts and Culture in the Nicola Valley!

Nicola Valley Courthouse Arts Gallery

Nicola Valley Courthouse Arts Gallery

Stop downtown Merritt and get oriented. Follow the Walk of Stars route, check out the murals, visit the museum. Spend time in the Courthouse Arts Gallery and gift shop, with goods like local tea and honey, guitar string bracelets, hand weavings, art on the wall.

If you come in July, tour our Art Walk with artists displayed in twenty downtown businesses and civic centers. or attend our country music “Rockin River Fest”.

Here in late November? Join us for Country Christmas and our Festival of Trees.

And if you are here on a Friday, drop into our Open Mic Night at the Kekuli Cafe. Bring your instrument, or favourite poetry.

Get in touch with us to discover featured musicians at the Country Music Hall of Fame or in our outdoor Spirit Square.

Maybe we can set you up with an arts tour!

Complete with local refreshments, of course…

  • Visit the Nicola Valley Courthouse Arts Gallery and Artisan Shop
  • Check out the Public Art Works by our local artists.
  • And next see the Michelle Loughery murals? And hear the community story of their origin?
  • Want to get a taste of our local music scene, with the likes of Bobby Garcia and Al & Denise?

We’ll see what we can do…

Nicola Valley Arts and Culture awaits!

Love the arts!

Jano

Nicola Valley Arts and Culture

       (All media here by permission)
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Nicola Valley Food Adventures

Nicola Valley Food Adventures

“…I love nothing better than hiking for awhile, then finding a sweet spot in the sun to spread out a blanket, yummy foods, and delightful bevvies.”

After over thirty years in the Nicola Valley, and an increase in weight of ten pounds per decade, I feel well-qualified to blog about Nicola Valley Food Adventures!

I love the Nicola Valley and all that it has to offer, and I am a Foodie, so I am especially keen on Nicola Valley Food. As well, I adore adventure, so I am always up for discovering new Nicola Valley Food Adventures.

What is a Foodie?

The English Oxford Living Dictionary defines Foodie as: A person with a particular interest in food; a gourmet. 

Yup, that would be me!

And since I love to write almost as much as I adore food and adventure, I am going to blog about the fabulous foods of the Nicola Valley, as well as adventures that involve food, whether home-cooked or prepared in a restaurant.

I can’t go anywhere without packing a goodly bit of nosh. I blame it on my deprived childhood: six siblings fighting over scant servings.

Food Adventures of My Youth

From an early age, adventures included food. I remember when my older brother and I (he eleven, me six) packed up a can of creamed corn in a plaid shoulder bag, and embarked on an adventure. We walked downtown, climbed to the top of Quesnel’s water wheel, opened the can of creamed corn and devoured its contents. Creamed corn never tasted so good!

Casbar Drive-in movies with all of us kids sardined into the Pontiac station wagon always included very buttery popcorn and a chocolate bar at intermission. The downtown Carib Cinema: a bag of Liquorice Lozenges or a box of chocolate-covered raisins. Coming home from a day at Dragon Lake: a soft ice cream cone or a Coke Float.

Sunday drives: sandwiches wrapped in waxed paper, an orange for dessert.

Tobogganing in winter was generally followed by a steaming cup of hot chocolate and cinnamon toast. Drives to the Coast included a stop for a hamburger and French fries in Hope. And trips to visit the Grandparents in Alberta involved camping at Mt. Robson, roasted wienies and marshmallows, and those cute little boxes of cereal for breakfast. Birthdays: angel food cake; sports days; boiled hot dogs on steamed buns with fried onions. Sunday drives: sandwiches wrapped in waxed paper, an orange for dessert.

We loved our trips to visit our cousins in Prince George, where we could count on a fresh batch of Auntie Al’s Nanaimo Bars waiting for our arrival. While there, my cousin introduced me to her favourite movie watching food: Cheezies and grape pop.

Time at Skaha Beach in Penticton wouldn’t be complete without a cardboard container of salty fries, drowning in ketchup and vinegar.

Trips to Vancouver included a trip to the White Spot Drive-In on Granville

Trips to Vancouver to visit our paternal grandparents often included a much-anticipated trip with Uncle “Fud”  to the White Spot Drive-In on Granville Street to enjoy the best burgers, fries and pop, served on a tray bridging the rolled-down windows of the jeep. What a treat!

White Spot Drive-In on Granville

One trip with my Dad included a stop in the Fraser Canyon for a huge bag of fresh bing cherries upon which my younger sister and I gorged ourselves, only later to have them all come up. They had tasted much better going down!

Adventures included food; it was as simple as that!

Adventure = Food

I was hiking with a new friend last year when I was suddenly consumed by the thought of a wienie roast! It dawned on me that almost all of the time I had spent outdoors during my lifetime had involved food in some form or other, and that I felt quite deprived when it didn’t!

My friend was happy to take along a banana, a Gatorade, and a chocolate bar. He would get frustrated with me taking time to pack and then eat a picnic. I would spend time creating a fabulous feast to take on our outings, as I love nothing better than hiking for awhile, then finding a sweet spot in the sun to spread out a blanket, yummy foods, and delightful bevvies.

A Nicola Valley Food Adventure on top of Mount Thynne

His preference was to stop for a minute, eat his banana, gulp his Gatorade, and continue hiking. The chocolate bar was saved for the ride home.

I required Food Adventures!

Nicola Valley Food Adventures

Nicola Valley Food Adventures

Wildflowers on the way to Mount Thynne

A primo Nicola Valley Food Adventure that we enjoyed last July, was a trip up Mount Thynne when the wildflowers were in bloom.

We drove out Coldwater Road, crossed under the Coquihalla and continued up the road through Brookmere, always a scenic journey. When almost to the top of the mountain, we parked and hiked the ugly, steep bit, with my picnic pack on my back. After a good hike, we found a perfect little hollow, protected from the cool wind, where I lay down my blankie and spread out my delicious fare.

Fabulous Food + Nicola Valley Adventure = Nicola Valley Food Adventures

Variety is the spice of a fine picnic, and I’d included kalamata olives, roasted red pepper strips, hummus with carrots and celery for dipping, feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano, as well as a delightful, chilled Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir. I’d even carefully wrapped and packed my favourite champagne flutes from which to enjoy the bubbly.

Nicola Valley Food Adventures

To me, it couldn’t get much better than this! Fresh air, exercise, wild flowers, fabulous food, fine wine and the most spectacular of views! This was a true Nicola Valley Food Adventure!

Nicola Valley Food Adventures

View from Mount Thynne

However, my friend wasn’t a Foodie and, unfortunately, he didn’t revel as I did in my lovely picnic.

When I told my son this story, he asked, in disbelief, “Who isn’t a Foodie?”

Truly! My boy was raised to enjoy and appreciate great food, and it was unfathomable to both of us how someone wouldn’t adore food as much as we did!

It soon became apparent that I couldn’t be a good adventure buddy with someone who doesn’t appreciate great cuisine in the same way I do; who doesn’t see an adventure as something with which to pair fine food. He was, undoubtedly, an incredible Nicola Valley Adventurer, but he was not a Nicola Valley Food Adventurer!

Here’s to Nicola Valley Food Adventures!

Nicola Valley Food Adventures

Atop Mount Thynne

Stay tuned, my friends! I look forward to sharing many Nicola Valley Food Adventures with you!

Cheers!

JdW

Nicola Valley Food Adventures

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Things to Do for Seniors in Merritt

Things to Do for Seniors in Merritt

“I’m a senior on the go, never knowing what I’ll decide to do next.”

What an adventure! Starting a blog will be easy and fun, I thought. Right? Well, it’s not just about writing. It’s about things to do for seniors in Merritt!

Things To Do For Seniors In Merritt:

-the Seniors Spring dance

-the “new”  path along Voght Street

-a visit to the Community Garden behind the hospital

The Seniors Centre was not somewhere I had been before.  Honestly, I thought it would be a place where really old people sat around, played cards and gossiped.  Not so!!!  When I walked in, there were a number of women around tables decorating hats.  When I asked why they were decorating them they told me it was for the spring hat dance contest on Saturday night.  Now, I have to admit that I haven’t been to a Saturday night dance for umpteen years, so I decided I needed to go.

Seniors on the Go in Merritt

 

The Spring Hat Dance was a lot of fun

May 12/18     Two smiling, beautifully hatted ladies greeted me at the door and took my ticket.  Punch, both alcoholic and non, sat on a sideboard where we could help ourselves along with coffee and water. I enjoyed the three- piece band (music by Randy Chillihitzi) that played good old country dance music, a bit of rock n roll and tossed in a few modern tunes to boot. Since I grew up with these songs it was a trip down memory lane for me.  One thing for sure, we seniors really know how to dance and wow can some of us rock!

Seniors on the Go in Merritt

The food was tasty pot- luck appetizers.  Yumm.

Would you believe admission was only $10.00?

Will I go again?  You betcha!

For more information about what real seniors do and to find out what other fun is planned including:

  • swimming
  • shuffleboard
  • exercise
  • cribbage
  • carpet bowling
  • bridge
  • floor curling
  • horseshoes
  • pot luck suppers

Phone:  250-378-3763

Email:  msca2@telus.net

Have yourselves as much fun as I did.

 

Enjoy A Simple Walk – The Path

On the way up to the community garden I remembered reading an article in the Merritt Herald  about the new path that ran along the edge of Voght Street.  I was thinking it might be fun to walk there, particularly on a hot day.  It looked shady, cool and interesting- especially from the inside of the car as we flew by, always a quick way to check out new stuff.Seniors on the Go in Merritt

So here I am on the wide, paved, smooth path with greenery, trees and some recognizable plants at the edges of the pavement.  The sun is smiling down on me, a few fluffy white clouds are floating by and a cool breeze is blowing away the heat.  Life is good.  Some wild pea plants that grow back a little from the edge looked tempting so I confess to pulling a few shoots for a nibble.  They taste exactly like fresh peas if you get them very young and their little purple flowers are good too.  Just be absolutely sure you know what you’re eatin

If you make a mistake, the path starts across the street from the hospital.

Well!  The path went only about ½ a k and ends too near Mickey D’s for my own good.  Still, it is pretty and the peas were tasty.  Enjoy!

 

Fellow Seniors – Dig This! The Community Garden

Come with me today to visit Merritt’s community garden. It sits quietly behind the hospital in an alfalfa field, with parking on Reid to avoid crowding the hospital parking lot.

Seniors on the Go in Merritt

We are in the process of starting some new projects.  By the end of summer we will have:

  • a gazebo
  • a pollinator garden
  • a possible beehive
  • planters for the food bank and soup kitchen
  • a public area under the sign for people to pick a few samples

Most of the above are started already, the food bank and soup kitchen gardens are planted and our personal gardens are growing well.   I feel happy to see the tiny plants popping up out of the ground despite the cold, hot, rainy, dry weather we are getting.  Very unpredictable this year.

Visitors are always welcome

Anyone who happens to be working that day will be glad to show you around and tell you how we got started.  The part of the garden outside the fence is for public use so pick a few strawberries, snip some chamomile for tea or try the swiss chard.

The gazebo is a cool place to have lunch on a hot day, not only for the shade it provides but because there is usually a cool breeze too.  Please bring your own chairs and enjoy some peaceful down time.

By July, the height of the blooming season, the pollinator garden will be gorgeous.  Right now we are discussing which plants would give the best results and make the bees and other pollinators happy.

To protect our little plots we do request that visitors leave their pets outside the garden and thank you for  not smoking in the area.

If you would like more information or would like to join the community garden contact us at:

nicolavalleycommunitygardens@gmail.com

I’m a senior on the go, never knowing what I’ll decide to do next.  And with lots of things for seniors to do in Merritt, what would you like to do?

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Moving to Merritt, Canada

Merritt, Canada

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Merritt

Moving to Merritt, Canada

“Merritt to me means the place I first experienced the snow, camping, fishing, skating, and swimming.”

For the past eight years that I have lived in Merritt, Canada, I have experienced all four seasons most years.

I grew up in a small town close to Mexico City….

Heck, only 21.2 million people living in the metropolitan area! It’s hard to believe that this number represents 20% of Mexico’s entire population. I guess we never know what is out there until we decide to leave our comfort zone. I had been abroad only once and the idea of coming to Canada was an opportunity to start all over again.

It’s never easy to leave family and friends, but life brings unexpected opportunities that you just cannot pass up. I had no idea how far Merritt was from the Vancouver International Airport. All I knew about Canada was their famous hockey and its friendly Canadians, eh! Soon I learned that hockey is more than a game to Canadians.

Canadians always seemed to have fun finding a way to communicate with me.

While working in the tourism industry back in Mexico for over 10 years, I had the opportunity to interact with people from different places and walks of life. I have to say that Canadian people always did their best to establish communication using their body language, hand gestures or sounds. When other people showed some kind of frustration due to my broken English, Canadians always seemed to have fun finding a way to communicate with me.

I have so many experiences I can tell…

But let’s go back to my first time arriving at the Vancouver Airport back in 2008. Not having great experiences from other big airports, I must say I was a little bit predisposed to think it would happen again. When the customs officer asked me the reason for travelling to Canada, it seemed that my answer caught him unguarded.

“I want to be here in Canada when my son is born.”

“I want to be here when my son is born” I said. Then he asked, “When is your son due?” “My son is due today!” I replied. At this moment his face showed some kind of skepticism. I guess my story was hard to believe, so he asked to speak to my wife. Once he saw her in a wheel chair due to the pregnancy, he stopped asking questions and sped up the process.

The rest of the process was uneventful until I stepped outside the airport. It was past midnight when we headed to the parking lot, and I could still smell the cold air. The anticipation of knowing that snow might fall soon was pleasant enough to stop for a moment. It was a cold night, but the excitement diminished the coldness. Somebody mentioned that snow was coming. I guess that was the smell I perceived.

“Welcome to Merritt, Manuel!”

Not sure how long we drove until we stopped at Tim Hortons. “What is Tim Hortons?” I asked. When we are in a new place, many times we are not 100% there, but the smell of freshly brewed coffee and fresh baked donuts brought me back to reality. I am not sure where we stopped; it seemed we had traveled for quite a while since we left the airport. The trip continued for a few hours until I was able to see some lights far in the distance. Then I heard, “Welcome to Merritt Manuel!”

My first morning in Merritt, all I saw was snow.

Merritt, Canada

The following morning, looking through the window, all I saw was snow. This time I was not seeing the snow through a television; this time the only thing between the snow and myself was the window. Like a big, bright, white blanket the snow covered everything, even the big pine trees.

As a person from Mexico City, there is nothing close to describe the snow until you experience playing with it. I have been asked many times for its texture, weight or scent, but this is something you need to experience on your own. That’s my answer to my friends back in Mexico. For the past eight years that I have lived in Merritt, I have experienced all four seasons most years. Yes, sometimes one season is longer than the other, but at the end of the day, there is always something to do as a family.

Merritt, Canada

Photo Courtesy of Bass Coast

Merritt, Canada

Merritt is at the heart of BC’s Interior, a welcoming stop for any traveler. It’s located in the Nicola Valley about 271 kilometres from Vancouver, BC.  For some people, Merritt may be a small town, but it has a big reputation for its numerous country murals, fishing spots, lakes,  and music festivals.

Talking about its music festivals, these days Merritt has something to offer to different audiences such as the Bass Coast and the Rockin’ River Festivals.

 

Merritt to me means a great place where I started growing roots and now call HOME.

Whatever the reason that brings you here, I am sure you will make fond memories in this town called Merritt. Merritt means something different for each person; you can see that in the two recent videos produced by the City of Merritt. If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to check this video out and this one too. 

Merritt to me means the place I first experienced snow, camping, fishing, skating, and swimming. Volunteering on a community project and most importantly meeting my Polish wife were two of my best experiences.

In summary, Merritt to me means a great place where I started growing roots and now call HOME.

As I stumble through my future, I am looking forward to sharing with you more of my experiences in Merritt, Canada!

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Community Blogging Journey

Hair Straight Back

“I am going on a Blogging Journey”

“Our community is embarking on a ground breaking exercise”

Who would have thought that at this stage in my life I would be embarking on a “Blogging Journey”!

Just threw the old proverb “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” out the proverbial window!

The last time I was going through a life changing experience I co-wrote a country song! Wanna hear it?

This was a friend effort indeed – Composed and produced by Karen Fowlie and joining her in vocals  Tammy Weymouth and Christie McFee.- also known as” Fowl Mouth McPhee.”

Scary stuff right now. We just went through three days of intense blogging training with our instructor, EH Canada Guru, Greg Girard.

Our community is embarking on ground breaking exercise. Saturating the universe with Merritt and Nicola Valley info!

How it started!

Merritt and the Nicola Valley has an abundance of tourism inventory that many communities would kill for – so why didn’t we have an abundance of tourists? Tourism Nicola Valley invited tourism adviser Greg Girard of EH Canada to speak to community stakeholders to show us how to fix this problem.

He said, “I was shocked that Merritt is not a top adventure destination – you have all the inventory”. That resonated with me and for the record I thought the same thing over 10 years ago when I first came to Merritt!!!

During his presentation Greg told stories of other community successes. Then the light went on and the birthed the community blogging idea and project. It did not take long to roundup 9 enthusiastic bloggers and one dog!!!

 

About EH Canada!

ehCanadaTravel.com is the most in-tuned website about current technology trends, and traveler habits. It is the first tourism website in Canada where tourism businesses, travelers and ehCanadaTravel.com can add content to the website. These content creators are referred to as “Canadian Travel Influencers”. On social media look it up #CanadianTravelInfluencers”.

How ehCanadaTravel.com rolls …

ehCanadaTravel.com is a “boots-on-the-ground” tourism website. The co founding brothers, and fellow ambassadors, self research the entire country. 99% of the text information and photos provided on the website comes from their cross country road trips researching communities, adventures, parks, trails and places. The brothers are people persons. They enjoy being on the road living in tents, campers, hotels and/or vacation homes. Meeting people in the tourism industry, learning more about Canada and sharing tourism knowledge is how they roll. When they are not rolling, you can find them hunkering down in a rental home somewhere in Canada researching a region and working on the website. Where is their home base? Their office is in Parksville, BC, Canada on Vancouver Island. The best way to reach them? Call the toll free number, email or yell really loud.

With a little push from Greg, we are on our way!

Nine community bloggers have committed to producing at least two blogs a month with topics embracing, adventure, trails, mountain  biking, food and local cuisine, First Nations history, attractions, business, things to do, seniors, newcomers info and some pet friendly info by our local pet blogger Bailey!

Check them out they are amazing!

  • Travis – Mountain biking / Trails Blogger
  • Etelka – Attractions Blogger
  • Diane – Seniors / Newcomers Blogger
  • Jackie – Food & local cuisine Blogger
  • Jano – Arts & Culture Blogger
  • Gerome – First Nations / History Blogger
  • Meagan – Business Blogger
  • Manuel – Business Blogger
  • Julie – Outdoors Adventure Blogger
  • Bailey – Pet Blogger

I am truly honoured to be connected to this dynamic crew. We may be different but we share the same ideals for the end game – to promote our community in a good and positive light. Yes we get to spread the word with good stuff!!! This light force will override the negativity that rears its ugly head occasionally on Facebook. Don’t get me started on that, I may have to exercise my big girl voice!

My role in this blogging journey!

My mission is to inform the world about the attractions in Merritt and the Nicola Valley – we have some cool stuff!! Our community has an authentic feel and a great small town vibe easy for me to write about and share with others. My commitment is two-fold, one as a blogger and the other to assist with coordinating our newly formed group! They are all truly amazing with tons of passion. It is indeed my pleasure to embrace all my co-bloggers as we embark on this ground breaking blogging journey.

Coming soon my sidekick – Pet Blogger – Bailey!

Community Blogging Journey

There is still a bit of work to do with our newest addition – Bailey. Many hands will have to make this one work. Touring pet friendly places in our community, travelling pet tips right from a dogs mouth and of course meeting fellow pets. This little guy already has a following in our community and will soon be ready to expand his reach!! We should be starting to pound the pavement in the next couple of weeks. Watch out world Bailey’s coming!!!

There is always room for more talent – so if you have an interest and would like to contribute either as a guest blogger or wanting to join the team, connect, and let me know.

Do you think you have what it takes to become a member of this team?

Show your stuff!!!!!!

 

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