Kate Dodd ~ From Prairie Girl to Alpine Accountant 4 SUMMER 2009 Mount Washington Special Events 15 FALL 2009 2009 Mount Washington Accommodation Guide 16 Volume 19, #2 60-70 Marmots to be released on Vancouver Island in 2009 23 milehigh.ca MILE HIGH NEWS ON MOUNT WASHINGTON Bike, Hike & Unwind on Mount Washington Hike the Trails in Strathcona Provincial Park Photos: Tony Radomi, courtesy Mount Washington Alpine Resort Lake Helen McKenzie, Paradise Meadows, Kwai Lake, Mount Becher... out of naming features in the park. But it’s you’ve been there, done that – but how much do you know about these no frivolity; she says it’s advantageous for places you’ve seen? their website. This club has been respon- So too was the B.C. Geographical Names people hiking in the backcountry who sible over the past 90 years for naming database. might get lost. continued on page 10 Curious about their beginnings, many of the geographical features of Elms writes of three other men who ‘The Marmot’ set out to find the Strathcona Provincial Park. played a vital part in naming park fea- history of 24 mountains, lakes and Lindsay Elms, who some would argue tures: W.R. Kent, Einar Anderson and meadows in Strathcona Prov. Park. is a modern-day pioneer, has written a W.W. Urquhart, who led a sur- book called Beyond Nootka, which thor- vey party in the park in 1913- The Comox District Mountaineering oughly investigates the history and ori- 14. Club (www.comoxhiking.com) has an gins of many of the major geographical Ruth Masters, a member of extensive list of features on Vancouver features on Vancouver Island. His accom- the mountaineering club since Island and the origins of their names on panying website was a valuable resource. the 1930s, has made a hobby Published for your convenience by RICK GIBSON of Royal LePage in the Comox Valley • www.rickgibson.ca • [email protected] 2 THE MOUNT WASHINGTON MARMOT • SUMMER / FALL 2009 Kudos to Andrea Lee of the Strathcona Two IPC technical directors from News In Brief Nordics Ski Club, who in March earned a Switzerland visited the site, including silver medal at the Canadian cross-coun- one man who had also attended the 2007 Encompassing people, places try ski championships in Ontario. Also to event. He said, “You guys are in line for a and happenings at Mount Darcy Sharpe, who finished first in his world championship now.” Washington. age category at a provincial snowboard The Resort has applied for an able-bod- slopestyle event at Big White. ied World Cup event in 2012. Sharpe The Canadian Association of Disabled said it’s a long shot, but once a resort Skiers honoured Mount Washington in makes an application “it puts you on the April as Ski Area of the Year. The radar; people know that you’re serious.” Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive The Resort is expecting upwards of 250 Snowsports (VISAS) nominated the An IPC athlete from China plays with Rowan, athletes and support crew to train at resort for its dedication to helping dis- a dog from Pacific Assistance Dog Society. Mount Washington prior to the 2010 abled athletes. Mount Washington pro- Winter Olympics. They already have six vides VISAS students with reduced lift Olympic Update snowboard teams, five biathlon teams tickets and annually donates space in the and three cross-country teams that have The 2010 Winter Olympics are less Alpine Lodge for the organization to committed, Sharpe said. operate during the winter, president John than a year away, yet one event at Countries that will be represented Stevens told the Comox Valley Record. Mount Washington Alpine Resort include Canada, the United States, last winter made it seem like the Sweden, Germany, France and Congratulations to Allison Forsyth, Switzerland. Paralympic teams that will Olympic Games were already here. championship skier, for a couple of practice at Mount Washington prior to pieces of big news. Mount Washington The Resort hosted its second their Winter Games include Norway, has dedicated a trail to the Comox Valley Cavin Donald, a former VI Riders mem- International Paralympic Committee Denmark, Finland, Ukraine and Austria. Olympian: “Invitation”, a popular run for ber from Campbell River, was crowned (IPC) World Cup in three years from The Spirit of B.C. Community racers off the Sunrise Quad Chair, is now 2009 King of the Hill at Mount March 11-14. Committee is concentrating on the known as Allison Forsyth Giant Slalom Washington this winter. Donald, who “It was inspirational,” said Don Sharpe, Olympic torch run, which will stop in the Race Course. And in February, at the was first crowned King of the Hill in Resort Director of Business Operations. Comox Valley on Nov. 2. Courtenay has Mount Washington Ski Club gala, 2007 when he was 16, was judged along “It was absolutely wonderful,”said Susan been designated a celebration city, and is Forsyth received a marriage proposal - to with other competitors in big air, Kelsey, who heads up the Comox Valley planning a big event at Lewis Park to her- which she said yes! slopestyle and rails to determine who is Spirit of B.C. Community Committee. ald the torch, Kelsey said. most consistent in all elements of Kelsey is also a former Olympic athlete, The torch will pass through Courtenay, freestyle. Donald also attended the B.C. having won a bronze medal for swim- Comox and Cumberland on its way INSIDE Freestyle Provincial Team tryouts at ming in the 1976 Summer Olympics in down Vancouver Island. “We’re gearing up for 2010,” she said. More events are 5 • New Interpretive Hut Opens Whistler in May and has earned a spot on Montreal, Que. “We hosted (the World the team for next winter. Cup) in 2007 and it was a big success; we planned leading up to the Games, includ- 8 • Mount Washington Biking Map just built on that,” she said. ing the Canada Day parade in Courtenay, Paul Crawford’s 9 • Mount Washington Hiking Map Courtenay glass artist There were 270 volunteers working the the theme for which will be “2010 work was a focal point during the IPC 11 • BC Parks Maps & Trail Guides event, and Comox Valley schools “adopt- Olympics,” she said. World Cup in March: Crawford designed 15 • Exclusive! Mount Washington ed” the 20 participating nations, cheering “We’re going to have a float in the all 99 etched glass medals for the event. Accommodations & Events Guide them on during the week of events. parade and have a real presence on that day. “More than anything, we want peo- 18 • Mount Washington Village Map Mount Washington President Peter Students also took part in the medal cer- ple to be aware of the Olympics and raise 23 • Agressive Marmot Release for 2009 Gibson turns 60 this summer. When you emonies, holding the trays of medals so the spirit in the Valley – get people excit- 24 • Shop & Dine in the Comox valley see Peter this summer- wish him a happy dignitaries could present them to the winning athletes. ed about the Olympics,” she said. 28 • Mount Washington Real Estate Guide birthday Mr. President! BEACHFRONT LUXURY From $129* per person Experience the newest luxury resort on Vancouver Island this winter with The Beach Club Resort’s Winter Getaway Special. Rates starting at $129 per person with complimentary shuttle services from Mount Washington Alpine Resort For reservations call 250-248-8999 or 1-888-760-2008 or visit our website www.beachclubbc.com * Based on availability THE MOUNT WASHINGTON MARMOT • SUMMER / FALL 2009 3 Summer is Festival Time on Mount Washington The Save-On-Foods family picnic is set for Canada Day July 1, as usual. The Beer Festival celebrates 10 years on Friday, July 10, while the Wine Festival is 11 years strong on Friday, Aug. 7. The Disc Golf Tournament returns on Saturday, July 18, a fun way to spend some time outdoors. Last year’s Culinary Festival was so Alpine Marketplace, taking place in the popular that the Resort is expanding on Resort Courtyard from noon to 4 p.m. the theme this year. “We learned after the Defert has visited vendors near and far in first year that it can be a really popular an effort to collect local products that will event,” said Tim Defert, Resort Director, tantalize the tastebuds. Hospitality Operations. New this year is a Wellness Retreat The festival has a new sponsor this Aug. 28-30 – a weekend for nurturing year, Comox Valley Economic the mind, body and soul. “It’s a real grow- Development’s Agri-Food Program. ing trend; people are looking for calm, The Event begins with a wine and serene, yoga-style events,” said Don Photo: Susan Quinn cheese reception on Friday, Sept. 4 Sharpe, Director of Business Operations. (Labour Day weekend) where guests will “Imagine doing yoga on top of the Kate Dodd In Profile... have an opportunity to meet the guest mountain on a beautiful, sunny day.” chefs and sample local wines and appe- Every five years during her adult life, who are more skillful, and dedicates her tizers made with local products. The retreat will feature healthy meals, Kate Dodd has switched jobs. Until mountain time to her job. Dodd joined Guest chefs include Brad Long of the wellness classes that promote health and she joined the staff at Mount Restaurant Makeover show on The Food relaxation and yoga options. Local the accounting field in 1989 after a varied Washington Alpine Resort, that is. Network (he’s also executive chef of experts will be on hand for pampering career. “I have a patchwork quilt past,” with guided edibles walks, seminars on Veritas, a restaurant dedicated to sustain- Now, she’s having so much fun she she says, smiling.