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Experience Savary Days

A Blog By: Jen Vasseur

I am not talking about an official event when I am talking about Savary Days.

 I am talking about spending some amazing, quality family time for as many days as one can possibly muster on Savary during the summer. 

Even if you can only squeeze in one or two days, or maybe you’re lucky enough to get in a week on Savary – the gentle, easy going nature of the island will leave you smiling for days afterwards. 

A day on Savary often involves the joy of getting there.  Leaving the mainland and sailing over the deep green ocean either by the jolly water taxi, or in your own boat, arriving at the bustling government dock, or throwing over an anchor – once you set foot on the island you know you are on Savary time. 

People are just happy on Savary.  Friendly, sun-seekers – simply there to relax.

Go to the beach.  Take your picnic and bevies, and your beach towel. Feel the soft sand between your toes, throw a Frisbee, run, splash and belly flop into the warm sea, laugh with your friends and make memories for your kids while they build driftwood shelters and collect purple clam shells.  Smell the sun in their hair, feel the cool of the shade under the fir trees, cosy up in a cabin, gaze at a billion stars.
Repeat the next day or 7...Savary Days.

My Favourite Days In Powell River

A Blog By: Marc Camenzind

I like to think of myself as more active than the average person. On a day off instead of sitting in my living room waching TV or reading a book, I would much rather be out on a trail or swimming. Thats why I find my self drawn back to Powell River summer after summer. There are very few places in the world that have better trails on as nice of lakes and oceans as we do. With all the trail networks and lakes in our areas, my summer is truly not long enough to see and enjoy everything Powell River has to offer (maybe I can turn hiking and kayaking into some sort of a co-op work term for University.. haha wishful thinking I suppose). Facing the reality that this could be my last summer back to Powell River I wanted to see and try some new things. I realized that over the last couple summers I was doing the same hikes and going to the same swiming holes over and over, mainly because I knew I could expect great things, but I wanted to see more.

Earlier this summer I realized, after hearing Darren (my boss here at the tourism office) rave about the Stillwater Bluffs continuously, that I had never been there. After being verbally attacked by the entire office staff for admitting I had never been to this beautifull spot, I made it my next priority. My next day off I got together with two other friends and went off on a new journey. For anyone who has not been to the bluffs, you defintiely should go. It is surrounded by a network of trails that bring you out to the beautiful bluffs with amazing views over looking the Malaspina Straight. We spent the entire day walking along the ocean, exploring new cliffs and finding hidden swimming spots. After bouncing up and down the bluffs we stopped at the top of one of the bigger bluffs and enjoyed the lunch I packed: almonds, apples, dried cranberries and a beer each(life doesn't get much better). Although it wasn't a hot sunny day, it was still enjoyable and beautiful. The strong wind that blew over the bluffs and the waves crashing into the shore, made the trip even better, we were essentialy storm chasers for the day. I may have found a new hobby, the crashing waves and howling winds were fantastic. I paid several more visits to the breathetaking bluffs throughout the summer.

On to another adventure, I just recently went over to Texada Island to visit Sophie a good friend of mine and her boyfriend Sam. Recovering from a recent trip through the West Coast Trail, they both were a little tired, but eager to be out side on this beautiful day. I hopped on the Texada ferry and for $6.33 with my BC Ferries Experince card I was over on the unique island in 30 minutes. We spent the first couple hours of my visit testing our nerves and friendships over a game of golf. This awesome 9 hole, greenfee drop box, self service course was a perfect way for me to get back into the game of golf, which I once thought I knew how to play half. $5.00 each was a steal for the laughs and good times that were had between the tee boxes and greens. However don't expect a lushes and green course, you are paying five bucks, but nonetheless I wouldnt change the course at all, as it fits the culture of Texada perfectly. Rough around the edges, a little dry and rocky, yet friendly to newcomers and an unforgetable memory.

Being a beautiful, hot day there was really no other option, but to go for a cool off at Hayshelt lake, better known as the Texada Quarries after our game of golf. One of the coolest places to swim on the entire coast, Hayshelt lake was formed by old mines that were filled with water from a natural spring. Nesseled in the forest just off from the road, this hidden gem welcomes everyone with its warm waters and outstanding scenery. The white cliffs and blue, blue water provide a back-drop similar to Greece, although you are still surronded by the familar West Coast forest. The rest of the day was spent basking in the sun, cliff jumping and being entertained by the tiny salamanders that graced us with their presence. All in all I could not have asked for a better day and I suggest anyone looking for a good time and great memories with friends to visit Texada for there next adventure. 

Summer Send Off

A blog by: Chelsea Fortin

      Each night when I retire to bed and lay my head down on my pillow I think about how fast the summer has come to an end. I remember when I was 8 years old and the 2 month summer vacation felt like an eternity and each sunny day spent playing at the beach seemed to last forever. With such joyful memories floating through my head it makes me sad to know that my happy-go-lucky care free summers have come to an end.  High school graduation has come and gone and this summer has been spent focusing on many changes.  In less than a few days I will be moved out and in a week I will be starting my first year of University. With the stress of getting ready for school, student loans and packing my bedroom into boxes a night filled with nothing but laughter, entertainment and friendly faces was definitely in need.  With the annual Blackberry Street Festival just around the corner I knew this was the perfect opportunity!

     On the evening of Friday August 19^th Marine Avenue was closed to traffic and the annual Blackberry Festival Street Party kicked off at 6:00pm. Five blocks were filled with everything from live music, street hockey, a BMX bike show, contests, games, balloons, and of course food and blackberry desserts were in no short supply.

   A few weeks before the big event my co-workers and I here at the Powell River Visitor Centre got together to brainstorm how we were going to get involved.  After a few discussions and lots of great ideas we finally settled that our booth should promote an active lifestyle.  In no time it was settled that Tourism Powell River would host a Wii Just Dance Party Competition, complete with loud music, prizes, awesome costumes, strobe lights and a fog machine. Without a doubt this booth caught everyone’s attention and had the whole street on their feet, watching and dancing along.  Adults and children of all ages took part and we gave two Powell River t-shirts as prizes to the male and female with the top scores. This game gets your dripping with sweat and is a great way to have fun while being active at home! If you have never played the game before its simple, all you have to do is hold the Wii controller in one hand, pick your favourite song and follow along with the dance moves on the screen. 

     The street buzzed with excitement, dancing and laughter for over four hours, the Wii Just Dance Party as well as the 50/50 draw hosted by Tourism Powell River was a great success. Shortly past 10:30 when the sky was completely filled with darkness and the street party was coming to an end everyone walked down to the Willingdon Beach Park to find a comfy spot with family and friends to sit back, relax and enjoy a spectacular firework display. Thanks to the sponsorship of Quality Foods the unforgettable evening ended with a beautiful bang.

 With the annual Blackberry Festival past and September only days away the summer season is coming to an end.  Spending my summer working at the Powell River Visitor Centre influenced me to enjoy the outdoors like never before.  I took full advantage of my summer experiencing it all on the West Coast from kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and camping. I made the most of the Upper Sunshine Coast from Saltery Bay to Lund including quality time exploring our nearby neighbours Texada and Savary Island.  With so many adventures left I am looking forward to returning home next summer to pick up where I left off. I hope everyone enjoyed their summer as much as I did. If you have yet to see Powell River, and the Sunshine Coast starting planning your trip for summer 2012!

     Cheers to the end of summer :)

August Activities

A Blog By: Kamilah Charters-Gabanek

With the end of summer approaching, August always becomes a busy month, filled with all the summer goals I wanted to accomplish. Around the office I wrapped up the last of my summer projects, and in my free time I enjoyed several only-on-the-west-coast activities.

The beginning of the month started off with a bang, as my brother celebrated his 17th birthday. This year (I'm sure with a little bit of my Visitor Centre influence) my parents treated him to a three hour kayak tour out of Desolation Sound with Powell River Sea Kayak. I lucked out and was invited to accompany him on the guided tour. We drove out in the early afternoon to Powell River Sea Kayak, located right beside the historic cabin of Cougar Nancy. It was a great sunny day to explore the Okeover Inlet, with super calm waters, perfect for beginners like my brother and me. Both of us have sea kayaked before, but our tour guide taught us several great tips and general information that will be valuable for any future excursions.

Crossing the inlet, our guide pointed out different wild life specific to the west coast, as well as a detailed and entertaining history of the Lund/Okeover Inlet area. On the steep rock cliffs above us, we could see petroglyphs painted thousands of years ago in a brick-red colour. Heading back to Powell River Sea Kayak, we passed several friendly boaters, but in general it was a very quiet and relaxing day on the water.

After thanking our guide for the awesome tour, and my brother gaining an interest in the idea of a career in adventure tourism, we finished our day off with a late lunch on the patio of Nancy's Bakery. My brother definitely enjoyed his birthday present, and has since been out kayaking with his friends. All in all, the slightly unconventional birthday present proved to be a success and I would strongly suggest it to anyone stuck on birthday present ideas or just looking for something to do. The Upper Sunshine Coast offers many adventure recreation businesses, so that people of all ages can experience this amazing part of the west coast.

At the Visitor Centre, my co-worker and I hosted a Blackberry Member Marketplace. The Marketplace showcased members of Tourism Powell River to the public and prospective businesses alike. We served refreshments at a hot dog stand generously donated by Quality Foods. Under our tent outside the office, we held a raffle as well as a pottery wheel demonstration by Down to Earth Clayworks. Footprint Nature Explorations brought in a kayak to display in the office, and with all of the excitement outside, it turned into a busy day for us at the Visitor Centre.

As the end of August quickly wraps up, I'm making a point to enjoy as many outdoor activities I can before I head back to school in Vancouver. Today after work I'll be heading up to West Lake for an afternoon swim. Happy end-of-summer everyone! Stay tuned for recap about the exciting booth we hosted at this year's Blackberry Festival.

Livin' Local

A Blog by Kelly Hodgins

The much-anticipated Edible Garden Tour took place this weekend, under perfect August skies. Powell River’s green-thumbs traversed gardens from Lund to Westview that were selected to exhibit different, innovative, and interesting techniques in food gardening. Growers were able to compare their plants’ progress, discuss techniques, muse about failures and successes, and get inspiration about plants they hadn’t yet tried or food crops they didn’t know they could grow. As always, everyone came away with new knowledge and new ideas! The day dawned clear and sunny, so mom and I hopped on our bikes to pedal the city and allow ourselves to become enchanted by each garden in its showy, full-blooming, lush, mid-summer glory. 

The Edible Garden Tour is organized by Transition Town Powell River and the Powell River Food Security Project, with help from the PR Literacy Council and Skookum Gleaners. These groups are some key players in Powell River’s thriving local food movement. All are movers and shakers in getting Powell River to a greater level of food security so that more people
are producing food to make us more resilient in the event of a disaster when food supplies may be cut off, as well as less dependent on imported foods.

(photo credit: http://prfoodsecurity.org/2009/06/)

The crummy start to summer has been forgotten by our forgiving and hardy gardens. You’d have no suspicion that we had a rough, wet June and July when you look at these gorgeous, loaded-with-food, colourful gardens today! Now that August has arrived with her sunshine in tow, things are growing and harvest is in full swing. It’s so exciting at dinnertime to walk out to the garden and pick the peas, spinach, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, basil, swiss chard, kale and patty pan squash for a colourful kaleidoscope stir-fry served over new potatoes with parsley and even homemade butter.  Powell River’s renowned 50-Mile Eat Local Challenge kicked off on the day of the Edible Garden Tour... I think I succeeded in the first night of my challenge! With the way that the gardens are working their magic this year, I don’t think anyone involved in the 50-mile diet will find it a challenge to source their local food or will even get bored of their diet in the 50 days, with all the selection in our gardens this year! 

If you are visiting Powell River, stop by our visitor centre to pick up a “Farming and Local Food in Powell River” guide so that you can find local gardeners to support in your time here. If you’re here on the weekend, plan a trip to the Open Air Market to marvel in the array of August bounty, pick up your groceries, get a coffee, enjoy the music, and perhaps buy a treat from one of the bakers’ stands.

Local food is growing in Powell River! Not just this month, with the sunshine and lush harvest, but also in the entire movement toward support for local food and growers. It’s exciting and positive, and we are proud that Powell River is such a leader in this trend.

Powell River's the Place for Pedallers

A Blog by Kelly Hodgins

     Recently, I participated in the enormous BC Ride to Conquer Cancer, a bike ride from Vancouver to Seattle. After riding in this incredible event, I came home and used “Google Realtime” to find out what people were tweeting and blogging about the ride as well as “Google News” to see who’d written any articles about it (thanks Think! Social Media for teaching us these handy search tools!). While investigating, I stumbled upon a “Letter to the Editor” of the North Shore News. A Vancouver cyclist also training for the Ride to Conquer Cancer had written in relaying all the hostilities he’d encountered while riding in the city. I was astounded to read his long list which included such incredulous claims as motorists swerving into the bike lane to cut him off and people laying glass on the bike lanes!

     As I read, I considered my luck at being a Powell River cyclist. Powell River is a mecca for bikers.  We have designated bike routes, and cyclists are a very common sight on our roads. Residents love to traverse town by pedal power, and travelling cyclists adore the scenic, wide-shouldered oceanside route along Highway 101 to the Saltery Bay ferry. We meet many pannier- and tent-laden cyclists riding the popular “Circle Route” up Vancouver Island, through Powell River, and down the Lower Sunshine Coast, but the Powell River segment of this loop is undoubtedly a favourite. Powell River also embraces Bike to Work Week each year with events, prizes and huge community involvement. As the summer ramps up, more and more people are out pedalling the town and it’s exciting to see. We have a bike-friendly city and aside from the few stimulating (read: challenging) hills, offer a cyclist’s paradise. 

     Road cycling and bike-commuting is one thing, but the mountain bike scene in town is another matter altogether. Mountain biking in Powell River is un-REAL. We locals always knew we had it good, but last year, the BC Bike Race discovered us and this has blown our region into ranks with such legendary biking destinations as Whistler and Squamish.  Mountain biking is an ever-expanding—no, exploding—sector in our adventure-packed tourism industry and we are getting the international spotlight shone on our miles of mind-blowing trail networks. We can’t wait to visit with the 450 BC Bike Race mountain bikers from all over the globe on July 5^th as they race in Powell River for the second year. It is so exciting to meet these inspiring, adventurous riders with their exciting stories and backgrounds.  I cannot wait to be down at Willingdon Beach this year to share stories with and shake my cowbell for them!

   Powell River’s Cycling Association, government, and motorists are friendly to cyclists of all kinds. I love coming home for the summer, taking the insurance off my car, and exploring the city with a beating heart, pumping muscles and harder breath. Getting out of my car and onto my bike each summer allows me to explore my home at a slower pace, savouring the views, air, bird songs, raindrops, and scents of grass, wet huckleberries, and warm pavement. 

     North Shore drivers, I am saddened that you and your cyclists don’t see eye-to-eye. However, to you exasperated North Shore cyclists, I recommend a refreshing trip to Powell River!     

What’s Been Happening Around the Visitor Centre?  Events, events, events! 

Blog by Kamilah Charters-Gabanek

It’s always a bit of an adjustment to return to Powell River each summer after busy semesters at school in Vancouver. However, I’m always kept equally busy by the many events and endless things to do and see on the Upper Sunshine Coast. My job here at the Visitor Information Centre allows me to participate in these events in an administrative fashion, while continuing to gain a broader understanding of the tourism related possibilities of this community.

Summertime in Powell River provides activities and events catered toward all age groups.

This month alone, Tourism Powell River has been involved in several events around town. We participated in Bike to Work Week, setting up a booth in front of the office to provide bikers with nourishing snacks donated by Quality Foods. Tourism Powell River’s “Super Speedy Spandex Squad” racked up quite a few kilometres and is looking forward to participating in this event next year. Some of us around the office have continued to bike to work, proving Bike to Work Week an inspirational success!

Tourism Powell River presented Savoury Bight with the award for best chowder at this year’s Chowder Challenge at the Lund Shellfish Festival. The Challenge was a sold out event, involving several different restaurants from Lund to South of Town.

2011 has been a busy year for new festivals in Powell River. Just this month, Tourism Powell River participated in the first annual Powell River Blues Festival and Spot Prawn Festival. The Blues Festival brought internationally acclaimed artists to the Beach Gardens Resort & Marina for three days of great music, food, and vendors.

Tourism Powell River organized an ocean-themed photo contest at the first-ever Spot Prawn Festival. Held at Willingdon Beach, the Spot Prawn Festival celebrates all the ocean has to offer, from live prawn sales to chef demos and contests. We’re excited to join in the festivities again in 2012!

The Tourism Ambassador Program aboard the Queen of Burnaby sailing started up a couple weeks ago. Each day there will be one student on the ferry from the 8:10 am to 3:15pm sailings. We are there to provide tourists with information traveling between Powell River and Comox.

All of these events, and the many yet to come, have kept us summer students happily busy.

Coming up on July 2, the Visitor Centre will be holding a BBQ fundraiser, and right after that is the BC Bike Race on July 5. Later in the month, we’re hosting our annual VIP day here at the office. For more information on these events, and others held around the community, come stop by our office!

Later next week we will be visiting several members of Tourism Powell River, to gain a better understanding of the businesses available in our community and to pass this on to the tourists who stop by our centre. Look out for an update on what we saw and experienced on our familiarization tour. Maybe you’ll read about something you’d love to do or see in Powell River!

A Celebration of the Sea - Lund's Shellfish Festival is Just Around the Corner
by Angela Devita

Living on the coast, we “Powell Riverites” are blessed with the gift of the sea and the food it provides us. In celebration of this gift, the community of Lund hosts the annual “Shellfish Festival”, which includes three days of local music, boat tours, cooking demonstrations and of course, tons of seafood! The festival kicks off with a bang at the Chowder Challenge on Friday, May 27th at the Lund Community hall from 6-9 PM. Local restaurants will go head-to-head in order to earn the title of Best Chowder. Participating in this year’s challenge include the Lund Hotel, the Boardwalk Cafe, Nancy’s Bakery, the Laughing Oyster, Tree Frog Bistro, Manzanita, Savoury Bight, Hemingway B&B and the Lund Deli. The competitors will all come prepared with their most delectable chowder and festival goers will decide which one stands above the rest. Upon arrival, guests will receive numbered Dixie cups and a voter’s card. Then, the chowder sampling will begin. Voters will then cast their vote and will receive a full serving of their favourite. The chowders range from cream-based to Manhattan-style, and everything in between. Along with their chowder, voters will enjoy an assortment of local food including salads, oysters, salmon and freshly steamed prawns. This year, there will also be a silent auction. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Powell River Visitors Centre or by calling (604) 485-4701.

Can’t make it out on Friday night? Well you can head out to Lund on Saturday or Sunday and take in the rest of this amazing festival. Local aquaculture farmers will be set up on the dock from 12pm- 5pm on both days with some of the freshest seafood around. Come and see oysters being shucked right before your eyes. On Sunday, there will be a pancake breakfast provided by the Lund Volunteer Firefighters, as well as an oyster contest. For the contest, judges come from all over BC in to sample and award the BC’s Top Oyster. There is also a People’s Choice Award. The festival finishes with a cooking demonstration on Sunday night, followed by a sunset tour. So bring the entire family and head out to Lund and join in the celebration of BC’s coastal shellfish.

What have you been up to? I'm just so busy!

Blog by Jen jen 

My mum asks me this question every time we talk on Skype; "What have you been up to?" And my pretty much standard response is; "Oh you know, running around after the kids, work, bit of this, bit of that - I'm just so busy!" But then, I really have to take a minute and think - why am I just "so busy?"

Well, it's because I live in Powell River, and this place has an energy that buzzes, hums, murmurs and pulses at every waking moment.  I know it's the mountains, and the rainforest and the ocean that create this perfect storm of energy.  It's the "isolation" to create your own fun, the ripples of the arts and music scene, the sunsets that blow your MIND - the view, the fresh seafood, the snowy alpine, the new generation, the solitude of the coast.

So, after my last conversation with my mum, I took that minute to reflect on just what had been keeping me busy in the last few weeks and I came up with this:

- A Sunday hike to Gibraltar Bluffs with the kids and the student from Spain.

- A wiener roast at Gibsons Beach with some great friends.  Oyster's picked right off the beach and roasted on the beach fire, bevvies in plastic cups, conversations about our different cultures (many of us are happy transplants from faraway lands, while others have been here for generations), kids all cozy and bundled up and oblivious to the cool March weather because there are too many stars in the sky to count.

- Work

- A night out with the girls to the "Expose Yourself" Art show at the new Townsite Brewery.  Talent = amazing.  There was poetry, a girl punk band and some amazing art, including that of Autumn Skye Morrison.

- A ski trip to Mt Washington - OK, so it's not Powell River, but it is our ski hill (we look at it every day) and many a local takes the BC Ferry cruise across the Georgia Straight to ski on the mountain with the most snow in BC.

- A cheer for the mountain bikers in the Vancouver Island MTB cup, racing in Powell River.  And a cheer for the hockey boys (along with 1000+ locals), our Powell River Kings - who are number 1 in the BCHL this year.

- Pick-up/drop off kids

- Dinner out at a new local restaurant that has delicious food and amazing ocean views - the place was packed!

- A Sunday mountain bike ride around West/Hammil Lake with the kids - really challenging for them, but they did it and had huge smiles and high fives all round at the end of the ride.

- Work

OK, so you get the picture..it's the best kind of busy there is.  Did I mention the sunsets...

2010 BC Bike Race featured on Ride Guide TV

Check out the latest video feature here on the BC Bike Race, including the Powell River stage, as featured on Ride Guide TV. Looking forward to welcoming them back again in 2011. 

Have Canoe Will Travel

Blog by Darren Robinson

Ever dream of exploring our coastal back country the way they did back in the good ol days....by canoe? There is nothing more enriching than being on the water surrounded by pristine nature, floating gently atop the calm waters totally engrossed in the moment. Now imagine that this is your life for the next 5-7 days. If this sounds like your kind of journey, the Powell Forest Canoe Route needs to be on your bucket list for 2011.

The Powell Forest Canoe Route consists of numerous canoe-loving lakes (8-10 depending on your route preference), rivers and creeks with deciduous covered lowlands and soaring coastal mountain peaks. And best of all, it is a relatively unknown BC gem, one that is often compared to the likes of the more infamous Bowron Lakes canoe circuit.

The portages are along beautiful trails, gorgeous streams, and lush rainforest terrain. There are twenty recreational camping sites along the route, allowing you plenty of time for rest and to explore the natural bounty of the area. Spring, summer and fall are all ideal times to take this trip, although fall seems to be a favourite amongst many that have experienced it. Wildlife viewing opportunities are also abundant along the route no matter the season.

For more information on the Powell Forest Canoe Route, be sure to visit the following web sites:

http://www.canoeingbc.com/canoeroute.html 

http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Powell-Forest-Canoe-Route-near-Powell-River-BC-241

Want to experience the Powell Forest Canoe Route, but lack some essential gear? Mitchell's Canoe, Kayak & Snowshoes has specialized in the canoe route for two decades! They offer canoe rentals, outdoor gear, and even transportation to and from any of the lakes. They also offer the most up-to-date information and route conditions, so give them a call at 1-866-90CANOE or visit www.canoeingbc.com

Batteries not Required

Blog and photos by Darren Robinson

Advertising works! Sometimes though, in ways advertisers probably never expected, or hoped for. I saw a mildly amusing television commercial about giving the gift of computers and I-Phones to your family and friends so you can all have a “virtual Christmas” this year. Who needs to actually spend quality time together when modern technology allows us to creep each other through tiny, buffered windows all season long? Well the commercial got to me. No, I didn’t hit the local electronics retailer and dump a few thousand dollars on gadgets. Instead, I grabbed my camera and my four year old daughter and we headed up Duck Lake Road for some real winter family fun. With technology advancing so rapidly these days, my mission was to show my daughter how we used to have winter fun back when I was a kid. You know, the days when Atari and Pong were at the forefront of innovation.

The snow that was falling in the area was awesome!

Powell River got hammered with the white stuff, so hunting down a good play area for snowman building, angel-making and good old fashioned snowball throwing was rather easy. No ski resorts, no fancy sleds, no snowmobiles, and best of all, no handheld gadgets to distract us from daddy-daughter interaction. I just wanted to see how much fun she could generate with her own imagination. And the moment we stepped out of the car near Haslam Lake she put that imagination to work.

Her winter playground consisted of nothing more than a short slope, a partially frozen pool of water and a heap of fresh falling snow. We spent nearly an hour here having sliding contests, breaking the ice-pool with rocks and arming ourselves with snowballs, just in case a cougar decided to show his face. Good thinking huh?

We then continued down the road to where the Blue Trail meets the road. Nothing terribly special here in the way of roadside attractions, but the snow was intense here and Sadie just couldn’t wait to get back out into the thick of it. This time, our goal was to make a huge snowman that would wave at any like-minded adventurers that decided to pass on Facebook in favour of a more natural reality.

Once the three-tiered snow dude was built to our satisfaction, my daughter came to an unsettling realization.

“Daddy, what are we going to use for his eyes, nose and mouth? Did you bring any carrots?”

Um, no. Thinking quickly, we slipped into a trickling creek on the side of the road and I asked her to find the best pair of rock eyes she could find. His nose was nothing more than two broken twigs forming a triangle. His mouth was a piece of fern that we shaped into a smile. His arms? Deadfall.

Voila! My young apprentice-of-life is now armed with the necessary skills to pull off an impromptu snow being whenever called upon.

Here comes our first passer-by! So we pose together like a couple of hams beside our new friend and wave as the vehicle’s occupants wave back with enthusiasm. They looked genuinely happy to see such a simple moment in a rather complex day and age.

I could tell my daughter did not want the day to end just yet. Neither did I. So Sadie decided we needed to build another snowman on the other side of the road, one that could greet drivers coming from the opposite direction. Again, good thinking.

Two snowmen later, I could see that the winter daylight was fading quickly. Plus Sadie’s hands were now wet and she could no longer ignore the discomfort, as much as she wanted to. So we hopped into the car and headed towards home. Normally when we drive, we listen to our favourite songs on the cd player. But this time, Sadie wanted nothing more than to open up her window and listen to the snow fly past, still trying to catch some in her mouth.

It’s like we just spent the entire afternoon, totally unplugged from the modern world, while completely plugged into the moment and each other’s company.

That night, after many hugs and snuggles from my worn-out daughter I thought again about that commercial earlier that day. Those advertisers were absolutely right. I do need to go shopping ASAP...

For a warmer, more waterproof pair of child’s winter gloves for the next time the snow flies on the Sunshine Coast.