Huckleberry Hounds

Pick a handful and enjoy! High in Vitamin C, super powered antioxidants, the Huckleberry has been a favourite for thousands of years. I put together some links, recipes, and stories for you to make the most of nature's summer treat.



Huckleberries are an iconic memory of growing up as a child on the Sunshine Coast, BC. My family goes back 4 generations here, and I remember huckleberries vividly everywhere while playing with my cousin Pierre in the back yard forest trails connecting my Great Uncle Norm Berdhal and Great Aunty Eveyln's place in Gibsons with my cousins Diane, Gary, Lee and Lizette Berdahl's place at the other end of the well-used family trail. We would eat them by the handful. Tart yet so tasty.

I spoke with Sechelt Nation Elder Jamie Dixon about his child hood memories and the role of huckleberries in the Shishalh First Nation tradition.

Jamie said he has memories of eating handfuls of huckleberries as a kid growing up in Deserted Bay on Jervis Inlet with his Grandfather while they would be hunting grouse by canoe and hiking.

The British Columbia government archives say this area got its name in 1860 by Captain Richards, RN, while surveying the water, and referring to a Sechelt Village or seasonal camp on the south shore. The archives say that some "Indians" landed there in their canoes when a grizzly bear attacked and killed four of them. After the incident they never returned to the area known to First Nation's as Tsuahdie or "place to shelter."

Jamie tells a different story. He remembers an entire tribe of thousands of people were killed by small pox brought in from blankets traded and given to the natives when they would visit Gastown in Vancouver, BC to watch the funny white people who would stumble around all silly (drunk). The only survivor out of an entire tribe of thousands was just one young girl. That tears me up knowing how heavy that must be on Jamie's heart to recall that story, and I am grateful he shared it with me.

I was really honoured too that Jamie, who's Sechelt name is "Mas-Swiya" would so joyfully share the history of huckleberries with me. His traditional name means the 4 Nations and 4 Directions. I high sacred honour indeed!

He told me that huckleberries are high in Vitamin C. I have included some nutritional facts below that will blow your socks off!

The Sechelt people, Jamie said, would eat them fresh and also dry the huckleberries for the winter by putting them in a horse clam shell wrapped in cedar bark. He noted that huckleberry season also meant one thing... blueberry time was coming!

Sechelt Elder, Greta Picard aka Gretz Ky concurs. She remembers:

Berry picking was a great staple in our household when we were children. We used to go picking berries with the whole family, not just our parents, but with our Auntie Ruby, Lori, Lee, Brenda, Howard. I don't remember where we would pick, just remember us all being together and we always had a lot of fun. Our Mom's used always be laughing. Crump that was over 40 years ago, lol

Now I discovered there are lots you can do with huckleberries besides enjoying them fresh picked. Here are some suggestions I found on websites.


• Huckleberry Pie
• Huckleberry Fritters
• Huckleberry Cake
• Huckleberry Jam
• Huckleberry Crisp


Beverly commented:

Don't forget scones, muffins and pancakes!


I was amazed to find out that huckleberries are considered a super food! Check out these facts from the web and a recipe for making huckleberry pie below.


Nutrition & Health Benefits of Eating Huckleberries
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-huckleberry-8277.html


* One serving of wild huckleberries has more antioxidant power than any other fruit or vegetable, thus helping a person to fight against aging, cancer and health diseases.
* Huckleberries aid pancreas in digesting sugars and starches.
* Since the berries are high in iron, they help in building blood.
* Huckleberries are used in preparing packs for relieving running sores, eczema and skin disorders.
* They are associated with lowering cholesterol; protecting against heart disease, muscular degeneration, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and peptic ulcers; and healthier elimination.
* Being a good source of vitamin B, huckleberry supports and speeds up the metabolism rate, keeps skin and muscle tone healthy. It improves immune system function, promotes cell growth and division and helps in preventing pancreatic cancer.
* Since it is high in vitamin C, the berry protects body against immune deficiencies, cardiovascular diseases, prenatal health problems, and eye diseases.
* It also helps in protecting the cells against the damaging effects of free radicals and prevents premature skin wrinkling.
* The tea made from dried huckleberry leaves proves helpful in case of poor starch digestion.
* The berry ensures proper functioning of nerve and muscle tissues, such as the heart and skeletal muscles, due to its high content of potassium.
* The potassium in huckleberry regulates water balances and eliminates wastes.
* Clinical studies show that huckleberry promotes eye health, especially in case of diabetic patients.
* It fights infections, promotes insulin production and treats urinary tract infections.
* Huckleberry It acts as a laxative and treats diarrhea naturally.


Tips


* Add a little honey to huckleberries to bring out their taste.
* Huckleberries can also be added to fruit salads.
* Dry the leaves of huckleberry and use them to prepare tea.
* Huckleberries are used for preparing tasty jams, pies, cobblers and preserves.



I also found quite a few recipes as the berry is versatile for substituting with most berry's out there. I have included one, which I am sure will be a favourite, huckleberry pie!


RECIPES
http://www.gingerich.com/recipes/huckle/01pie.html

Huckleberry Pie
3 c Fresh or frozen huckleberries
1 c Sugar, (scant)
1/2 ts Almond extract
1 ea Pastry for double crust pie
1 c Grated apple *
2 tb Flour
Dash of salt

* This does not alter the flavor, but stretches the berries Measure ingredients into a two quart mixing bowl and mix well. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Cover with top crust and bake at 375 degrees for about one hour or until nicely browned. Makes one 9" pie. Yield: 6 Servings. From www.ichef.com




Its no wonder bears love huckleberries. Its amazing what we can learn from nature if we give it space and reverence in our lives.

I would like to suggest to the bear "powers" that maybe we should be planting more huckleberries in the wilderness so bears have something to eat since we have developed much of their traditional land for parking lots and urban sprawl. Add in a few apple trees and they will have their own mountain wilderness oasis and not have to depend on our garbage.


BOOK JAMIE FOR A WILDERNESS TOUR
If you would like to learn more about indigenous plants and first nations, Sechelt Elder, Jamie Dixon has a life long experience as a wilderness survivor educator and cane take you and your group out. He can often be found teaching children young and old about the importance of local food growing in our very own back yards.

To book a tour or class with Jamie, he can be reached at 1-604-885-3140, Pacific Standard Time.



Knowing you can eat a lot of what grows around you makes me laugh to myself. I recall when we went to this expensive first nations restaurant that was around the Davie and Denman Street area in downtown Vancouver, BC. We paid big bucks for a fantastic meal that could have been picked from Stanley Park right next door! LOL

Thank you so much to Jamie and Gretzy, and to all of you for reading my blog, and your great feedback, comments, likes, story suggestions and well wishes. BACK AT YA!

All the best, Duane's World Excellent!

It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast!

http://duaneburnett.com
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett

Duane's Facebook Profile
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=570266071

Duane's Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duane-Burnett/132243609016?ref=ts

Sunshine Coast BC Canada facebook FAN PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459


LINKS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huckleberry

http://secheltnation.ca/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shishalh

http://archive.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/bcgn-bin/bcg10?name=14518

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deserted_River

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_clam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jervis_Inlet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grouse

EastLink: TV Listings Format Stays

EastLink personally responds to your complaints.
New channel listings format to stay.




EastLink who owns DCCNET aka Coast TV or Coast Cable for those of us on the Sunshine Coast, BC changed their tv listings from music to voice over commercials on June 24th, 2010.

I asked you what your thoughts are of the changes? Almost 30 comments later...

I took that feedback to EastLink for a reply minus your names. And they were tremendously good about giving me a thoughtful response, so for that I am thankful.

Below is what you said, and Eastlink said.....

First you said:

NEW FORMAT: What do you think of the new larger sized ads and voice commercials on the Coast TV channel listings? Before it was just music playing, no voice ads. The channel listings took up 1/2 the page and now are 1/3 the page. Each ad now has a radio like commercial. There is also now a side box with lotto and weather information. What's your opinion. Thanks Duane


COMMENTS
Marc Buzzell
sounds like evolution i love sound designing to create the idea of being somewhere your not via radio type commercials

Kera Mchugh
ian has a GREAT voice for commercials... and although this format may not be popular with the viewer, i'm sure they're much more popular with the advertisers... i heard about it the other day and thought, wow, that's definitely advertiser friendly!

Krista Sabiston
I miss the old format! I don't like all the ads, I didn't mind them before because they weren't so 'in your face'. The weather and lotto numbers are pointless to me, being as I can't buy lottery tickets and if I wanted to see the weather I would change the channel to the weather network. And finally, I don't like how the channels change in groups of four, opposed to one at a time. Depending on what you're looking for, I find that you can't see what you want as easily when they all move at once. I also think the channels listed move slower than before, but I'm not 100% sure about that one.

I used to use the channel listing all the time. Not only would I look for something to watch, but when I wasn't interested in watching anything, I would just leave it on like the radio.

I can't stand channel surfing, looking for something to watch.. but with this new listing format, I've stopped watching as much.

Marc Buzzell
Did you know that you cant walk into coast cable in sechelt anymore, you now have to call Atlantic Canada. I was bringing my box back and I couldn't, i had to take a day off work 2 weeks later to wait for them to pick up my internet modem

Penny Berdahl
I miss the music......It was nice no commercial music :(

Linda Shearsmith
Miss the music!

Jill Devonshire
love the Mute button

Duane Burnett
ok, re below - this is not from me - just reporting in:
A friend called and said the things people are saying:
MISS the MUSIC :( (tons of people say this)
Channel 10: the page trembles, its junky, messages are crappy, so disappointed in loss of music, the weather degrees are different (i.e., do not match the (same) on the Weather Channel (Channel 36),

Verna Chan
I find it completely useless to find out what's going on on tv--I use the internet Zap2it listing now--much easier. Television is already tough to watch with so many ads!

Kelly Arnold
I dislike the new format... There's less info on the shows I'm watching (they no longer list the name of the episodes) and I also liked the music (isn't there already enough advertising on tv?) Lottery numbers, unnecessary... weather, no problem. The new format focuses more on advertising than it does on it's original purpose: a channel guide. On the plus side, I'm so annoyed by it that I no longer turn the t.v on because it reminds me how I should be doing something more valuable with my time!!

Howard Paull
I think it totally sucks.

I really enjoyed listening to the music on there. Which I later found & saved on youtube for my own listening pleasure.

Now it's all about those stupid voice ads. I mute it now when checking out the t.v. listings. Borrriiingggg ! ! !

Shawn Hill
Me too. Channel 10 use to be awesome. I miss it :(

Heather Pearce Lyons
i prefer the music...

Deborah Ficko
I would have to agree..not one for t.v.. but, when working, was nice to have during meal prep to sing with the clients and sway together rhythmically! Bring back the tunes!! :)

Nichole Lagasse
I have neither cable nor satelite so um I cant really comment KILL YOUR TV!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Myrtle Winchester
With several areas in Pender Harbour and Egmont that do not have access to cable, it's not such a great advertising option to reach the folks up here. Everybody reads the Spiel and the Reporter though.

Linda Shearsmith
Useless!!

Jackie Compston
2 thumbs down

Erin Johnson
it was better before they changed it

Christine Moore
I liked the music! don`t watch tv that often! things change!but lets not go there !!!

Carole Carlton
I prefer the old format where you could read the ads and the listings. Not much into hearing the darn commercials it is grating - music was much better.

Rob Thomson
Don't know - watch only HD channels anyway with their separate listings. Analogue TV

Cassandra Langlois
not likely to be very successful for advertising. If i can't see it, i'm not buying. I would bet most people will retain more by seeing than hearing. Not to mention taking away the tunes wouldn't get my vote either....

Charlotte Moore
I think it's clever... I actually find that I get distracted by the ads...which means it works...then I have to watch it longer for the listing to come back around! lol It looks new and fresh, I think its a nice change.

Linda Reimer
I used to put it on for the music, and once in a while take a look at the adds, but now I dont even bother...

Jeffrey Paleczny
Huge ad area and audio instead of music is more annoying.
The actual purpose to list channels has been reduced in size. Therefore less chance to see channels and then you have to wait for them to come around again. Don't need lotto space. Keep to purpose and have more channel listing space and number of channels shown etc

EastLink replied

In an increasingly competitive environment, our customers continue to demand more. The fresh, new look of OnTVL was conceived to provide additional value to our customers including quick access to Environment Canada Weather, current lottery numbers, and a 90 minute view of upcoming programming.

With the increasing regionalization of traditional media, more and more local businesses need access to effective and affordable local advertising. OnTVL fills this community-focused advertising need.

Overall, the new look and added information has been met with excellent customer feedback, and has been further supported by increased customer viewership. This is not to say that OnTVL hasn’t received some criticism. We want to hear what our viewers think and consequently have taken some of that feedback and made changes to deliver a better viewing experience while maintaining our goal of providing quick, local information, television listings and an effective affordable means of local advertising.

Duane, in answer to your specific questions:

1. Have you been getting complaints from the public and do you plan to change the format back or keep it like this?

We will be maintaining this fresh new format, as designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

2. What's your experience in other communities across Canada?

While some customers have expressed disappointment in the loss of background radio, the response in communities across Canada has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers have expressed their satisfaction with EastLink’s commitment to provide a fresh, new look and to provide additional value on this channel.

3. What the advertisers feel about the loss of viewers?

Generally speaking, advertisers have realized greater response from their advertisements. This is due, in part, to viewers being able to access additional information like local weather.

++

So there you have it. First thank you to ALL of you who responded to the "Note" on my facebook profile asking for your feedback and opinions.

I kinda feel like CTV's Chris Olsen on your side right now :-) BIG GRIN

I am really loving this where we all bring our thoughts and comments together in one article. Hope you do to!

And again, thanks to EastLink for the official reply! Wasn't what many wanted to hear but at least the feedback was received and responded to.

One website I use regularly for an instant look at TV listings is

http://zap2it.com

All the best, Duane's World Excellent!

It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane

http://duaneburnett.com
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett

Duane's Facebook Profile
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=570266071

Duane's Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duane-Burnett/132243609016?ref=ts

Sunshine Coast BC Canada facebook FAN PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459

5 Prizes To WIN at Duane's World Excellent!

Win Tickets to Zac Efron's Charlie St Cloud, Allison Crowe, Definitely Diva, Just Yell Fire self protection course, Gibsons Cinema & a nutritious smoothie to wash it all down with! Got to enter to win!

Got a contest or prize idea. Contact me!
I am booking Duane's World for the fall, Christmas, spring and next Summer too!



Win Tickets to Allison Crowe & Definitely Diva:
Sechelt Festival of Arts
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100920116629029
Click "attending" to enter. Sechelt Festival of the Arts July 30th - August 7th 2010. Celebrating all forms of art at many locations in Sechelt. BC


WIN a "Just Yell Fire"
females self-protection course. Ends July 28th.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138737626150082
Click "attending" to enter contest. "Just Yell Fire" Empowering Girls To Protect Themselves. Buck Fever & Duane Burnett offer you a chance to WIN a spot in Canada's first ever "Just Yell Fire" workshop, this July 31st in Gibsons, BC. Value: $100.


WIN 16oz Organic Juice or Smoothie!
Every Thurs. ENDS Aug 26th
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131051133573504
Click "Attending" to Enter. Liquid Livin' Room, Juice and Smoothie Bar and Duane Burnett are giving away a delicious 16oz Organic Juice or Smoothie every Thursday for the summer! Contest Ends August 27th.


WIN 4 Tixs to Zac Efron's Charlie St Cloud
at Raven's Cry Theatre
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112262692158978&ref=ts
Click "Attending" to Win 4 tickets for 1 lucky winner & their friends from Duane Burnett & Raven's Cry Theatre to Zac Efron's Charlie St Cloud filmed in Gibsons, BC. SHOWING July 30-Aug 5. Contest Ends July 28th.


WIN 2 FREE Movie Tickets to the Gibsons Cinema!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=280362049113&ref=ts
Click "attending" to enter. Every month Gibsons Cinema and Duane Burnett are giving away 2 movie tickets! http://www.gibsonscinema.ca/

NEW CONTEST JUST ADDED!

49 WINNERS!
7 Slushies A Day For 7 Days at Pier 17 + Aug 1-7
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146838488664333&ref=ts


This is kewl, I just got a shipment of a new homeopathic pain relief creams to give away! stay tuned for that contest coming soon! http://www.topricin.com/

Good Luck, Thanks for being facebook and twitter friends. Best Wishes!! Duane

If want to do a contest with me let me know!
I am booking Duane's World for the fall, Christmas, spring & next Summer too!

It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane

http://duaneburnett.com
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett

Duane's Facebook Profile
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=570266071

Duane's Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duane-Burnett/132243609016?ref=ts

Sunshine Coast BC Canada facebook FAN PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459

Sunshine Coast a Mecca for Cycling

Share The Road With Cyclists! Tips & facts for drivers & cyclists.

The Sunshine Coast, BC is a mecca for cyclists and cycling tours with its beautiful scenery and winding roads perfect for road bikes, tour bikes, and mountain biking.



Its extremely close proximity to Vancouver, Canada and magnificent 40 minute ferry ride has a huge magnetic pull on outdoor adventure enthusiasts from the Lower Mainland to come explore what I call the Upper Mainland.

It means drivers need to be super alert, share the road, be patient, and respect that their vehicle is 5,000lbs of machine up against a couple hundred pounds of fragile flesh.

I was traveling down the hill in Selma Park, near Sechelt, BC when I saw a vehicle trying to pass three cyclists.

This particular area of Highway 101 and Selma Park Road has a blind curve plus a hill and is brutal for local drivers to get out of their neighbourhoods so accidents happen along the road quite often.



It reminded me how popular the coast is for tour bikes, cycling, motorcycling and mountain bikers.

As we are trying to support green sustainable transportation, and accidents do happen a lot on Highway 101, and when it involves cyclists we know who wins, I decided to put together this heads up to share the road and include a few safety tips.

I remember when I worked as the Terminal Supervisor for BC Ferries, Langdale, talking to many cyclists who were from far away places like California who biked up the west coast and were doing a circle tour through the Sunshine Coast, up to beautiful Powell River, across to Vancouver Island, down to Victoria or Vancouver, and back to Washington state.

Back in June I wrote an article about the chronic accidents on Highway 101 or Route 101 which connects the Sunshine Coast.





Accident HWY 101 Sunshine Coast Highway
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com/2010/06/accident-hwy-101-sunshine-coast-highway.html


In that article I referred to the horrible accident where a vehicle wiped out two very popular mountain bikers traveling along the side of the highway in Halfmoon Bay putting both boys into the hospital with multiple injuries and pretty much ending their careers as professional mountain bikers.

It is critically important that vehicle drivers be alert for cyclists and motorcycles on the road like when you are opening the door of your parked car.

We all want to encourage green transportation but not when it results in a blood red catastrophe. These are often our friends and family on the road


http://www.sunshinecoastcycling.ca/

ICBC, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia offers several tips to cyclists and motorist on their website which I have reprinted here as a good read.
http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/roadsafety-activities/educators

applying your smart driving skills

Cyclists
Cyclists commute to work as well as ride for recreation, so you can expect to see them on the road at any time of the day or night. Be aware that bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as drivers. Observe carefully at all times. Cyclists, like pedestrians, are vulnerable.

Be especially careful near children on bicycles. Children are used to adults watching out for them, so they tend to be unaware of danger. They also have poor peripheral vision, and often find it hard to judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles. They may not know the traffic rules or how much room it takes vehicles to stop.

see
Shoulder check — shoulder checking is important because bicycles and riders are narrow and can easily be hidden in your blind spot. Make sure you shoulder check before you:

+ open your door to get out of your vehicle. Check your side mirror as well. One of the most common causes of crashes involving cyclists is drivers who swing their doors open without checking.

+ pull away from the curb

+ move to the right.

+ Pay attention at night — observe carefully, especially for bicycles coming in from side streets. Some cyclists may not have lights, reflectors or reflective gear.

+ Be careful when passing — before you pass another vehicle, make sure you check for oncoming cyclists and cyclists in front of the vehicle you are passing.


Scan at intersections — be especially careful to:

+ Shoulder check for bicycles before turning right.

+ Watch out for a cyclist ahead waiting to turn left if you’re driving straight through.

+ Check carefully for oncoming cyclists before making a left turn.

+ Check carefully for cyclists crossing the road when coming to a place where a bicycle trail meets with a road.

+Be aware that a cyclist riding along the through road could be approaching faster than you think.

think

Know the rules — cyclists follow the same rules and regulations as drivers.

+ Yield to cyclists as you would to any other vehicle. If you have the right-of-way at an intersection, proceed if it is safe. A cyclist will expect you to follow the rules of the road.

+ Be aware that cyclists don’t always stay on the right. To make a left turn, for instance, they need to move over to the left lane. If the lane is narrow, or if there is glass or a pothole on the right, a cyclist has the right to move out toward the middle for safety.

+ Pay attention to bicycle lanes. For more information about these lanes, see chapter 4, rules of the road.

do

Space margins
Allow following distance — allow plenty of following distance.

You need to be able to avoid hitting a cyclist who falls. Cyclists who wobble are probably inexperienced and are more likely to fall than experienced cyclists. Give them even more space than usual.

Allow side margins — a significant number of crashes involving cyclists result from side-swiping. Make sure there is enough space if you want to pass a cyclist. On a narrow road, wait for a clear, straight stretch that will allow you to pull out and give the cyclist room.

Remember, you are allowed to cross a single solid yellow line when passing a cyclist, provided you can do it safely. On a multi-lane road, change lanes rather than risk crowding the cyclist.

Even if you pull just
slightly into another lane
to pass, you are changing
lanes. Remember to
mirror check, signal and
shoulder check.

Communication
Recognize hand signals — understand the hand signals that cyclists use. A cyclist may signal a right turn by extending the right arm straight out.

Make eye contact — a cyclist often uses eye contact to communicate. Make eye contact if you can. She or he is probably trying to anticipate your next move.

Avoid honking your horn — don’t honk your horn at a cyclist unless you need to give a warning. A loud honk could startle a cyclist and even cause a fall.




Strategies: being a safe cyclist
If you are a cyclist, you’re responsible for sharing the road in a way that keeps you and others safe.

Be predictable. Cyclists are more predictable if they follow the rules of the road.

Be visible. Because bicycles are narrow, you need to work at making yourself visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in the dark or in poor weather.

Position yourself so drivers can see you. Avoid riding in blind spots.

Ride defensively. Think and look well ahead. Be assertive, but remember that a conflict between a cyclist and a motor vehicle usually results in injury to the cyclist.

Ride legally.

In B.C., you must wear an approved bicycle helmet. If you ride at night, your bicycle must be equipped with a front white headlight visible at 150 metres, and have a rear red light and a red rear reflector.



Cycling BC website features the very popular annual mountain bike race in Roberts Creek, British Columbia, then known as the "Rat Race" (C) Duane Burnett www.cycling.bc.ca



Cyclist Traffic Rules
1. Beware of parked cars
2. Stop for stop signs
3. Look for traffic all ways
4. Slow down and look
5. Yield to traffic before crossing
6. Ride in a straight line
7. Shoulder check before turning
8. Use hand signals to tell other drivers what you’re
going to do
9. Ride on right hand side
10. Turn with care


Road Hazards can include:
■ road surfaces: railroad tracks, gravel, water/
mud, snow/ice, oil
■ bumps: driveway entrances, rocks, debris,
sewer covers, lane markers
■ holes: drain covers, depressions in
pavement, metal covers, drain grates
■ sharp objects: glass, rocks, nails, wire,
metal pieces
■ intersections
■ animals


Your Bike Injury Fact Sheet*
Bike injuries in childhood are common and potentially disastrous

The facts
■ Biking is the most popular outdoor activity among young Canadians. Between 86% and 90% of children aged 10 to 14 are bicyclists.
■ More than 150 Canadians die each year from bike injuries. Children aged 5 to 14
account for about half of these deaths.
■ Every year, over 50,000 children are seriously injured in bike related mishaps.
■ Almost half of all the children injured are under 10 years old and 25% are under 7.
■ Eighty-five per cent of bike injuries in childhood do not involve a motor vehicle.
■ The vast majority of children who are involved in bike mishaps (85%) are within six blocks of home.
■ The human skull can be shattered by an impact of 7 – 10 km/h, and children’s skulls are more vulnerable than those of adults.
■ A fall from 2 feet (60cm) can cause permanent brain damage; a fall at a speed of
20 km/h can result in death.
■ Head injuries account for 75% of all deaths from bike injuries.
■ Cycling mishaps are the leading cause of hospital admissions for head injury in
children.
■ Survivors with brain injury may suffer seizures, intellectual and memory impairment, and personality changes.
■ The lifetime costs for a head-injured Canadian — including intensive care, long-term hospital costs, lifetime care and support at home — are estimated to be in the range of $1 – $1.5 million.

Wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk
of head injury by up to 85%,
and the risk of brain injury by 88%.

Thanks to ICBC for putting together this excellent educational information.

Please remember to share the road and enjoy the beautiful Sunshine Coast for your cycling tour!

Thanks so much for reading my blogspot articles, all your likes, suggestions, comments and feedback. Best Wishes!!!! Duane Burnett

It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane

http://duaneburnett.com
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett

Duane's Facebook Profile
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=570266071

Duane's Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duane-Burnett/132243609016?ref=ts

Sunshine Coast BC Canada facebook FAN PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459

Ocean Tribute for Lucky Mandala 13

"Like" the mandala?

Photos + History + Links + Meaning Behind the Mandala Symbols


Update Nov 15, 2010
SLIDE SHOW

the ocean rises from the sky and is painted on the earth, duane


It's lucky 13 for the Roberts Creek Community Mandala on the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada. Public painting runs from July 19-25th. Rob Marion who spearheads the original design each year gives me the exclusive heads up that it will be a spectacular tribute to healing the oceans. Now it is up to the community to come and paint it in with their Love.

UPDATE
July 29, 2010
Added a youtube video of the Mandala by BlueStar2010.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oF-u4cB0JQ



UPDATE
July 25, 2010
400+ NEW Photos. The Mandalafest was a huge success with sunny skies, great music, a blessing to the four directions, a visit by a butterfly, and a fly past by the Fraser Blues Aerial Demonstration Team. Check out the photos from today's Mandala Festival on the slide show or flickr website.


Chris Yeske from A Different Point of View surprizes everyone with a print out of an aerial view of the completed Mandala 2010 at this years festival.




UPDATE
July 23, 2010
Today I spoke with some really awesome folks from around the world and talked with Tami Barnes from Alabama about the inner makings behind a Mandala. Her and people around the world just love it and are thankful for the healing prayers for the Gulf. Tonight I flew with the Fraser Blues Aerial Demonstration Team as part of the Gibsons Sea Cavalcade Opening Ceremonies and managed to get this shot of the Mandala as we flew by.


Come Fly With Me Fraser Blues Photos & Story
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com/2010/07/come-fly-with-me-fraser-blues.html


UPDATE
July 22, 2010
Thank you to my facebook friends who shared the links on their Gulf Oil Spill pages and personal profiles. 2,500 views in 1/2 a day. What a great way to spread the healing love to the World's Oceans. Wonderful people from from Washington DC, Philadelphia, Europe, Florida and beyond are loving the Mandala Tribute to the World's Oceans and want to do one in their cities and towns too! How awesome is that!!!!
150 NEW PHOTOS uploaded today too.

UPDATE
July 21, 2010
Popped down to see how the Mandala is coming along, one word: BEAUTIFUL! Uploaded 170 new photos to Flickr and also figured out I could put a slide show here too!
I see many of you have been tagging photos on my facebook fan page. Thanks so much!

2010 Mandala FLICKR PHOTO ALBUM Here

WATCH PHOTO SLIDE SHOW



TAG You're It!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=189952&id=132243609016



UPDATE
July 20, 2010
A whale swam by the Mandala on July 20th.. "paint it and it will come" says the facebook fan page. How awesome is that the Mandala tribute to ocean healing adorned with paintings of whales gets a visit by a whale!

UPDATE
July 19, 2010
Stopped by to check out the first day of painting and its looking beautiful. Uploaded a bunch more new photos to the 2010 photo gallery. Please see all the links below.



Sunday, July 18, 2010
I sneaked down to take a peak preview and what I can see transforming over last year's stunning mandala representing transformation is two giant killer whales like a ying yang symbol.

Rob told me he wants this year's Mandala to be a tribute to healing the world's oceans, especially in light of the horrific Gulf Oil Spill by BP.




The site of the Mandala was actually part of a location shoot for a spoof of BP and the Gulf Oil Spill called Oil BP Naughty to Nature. The video received 10,000 views in its first week and accolades from around the world.



Story Behind the Making of Oil BP Naughty to Nature
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com/2010/07/story-behind-oil-bp-naughty-to-nature.html

Erica Snowlake told me the 13th year is crucially magickl (sic magical) as its aligned with the 13 moon intention to recognize natural time here on our mothership- so already so many cosmic coincidences are happening....

its also a prayer to the earth and the oceans whose guardians are the whales - whose songs set up the fertility for the planet- so we are representing mother earth as turtle island in the center and praying for her and our well-being

it is also the foretold 9th tier of the Mayan Prophecy of the Dawning of the Unfolding - this being the 9th tier which signifies Cosmic Co-Creation - where all beings realize we are entwined in common purpose to honor and respect one another and the divine gift of LIFE!



it is actually happening this week-end! and will continue to harmonize over the next accelerated time to come...

the design is of orcas seals and salmon raven and eagle and we are intentionally honoring the first nation peoples of the coast and the indigenous people of the planet who hold true knowledge of this prophecy and who have always held the earth in sacred light

this time is called the uniting of the natives and naturals and represents the harmony of the first nations people and the star nations tribe (who have walked through spirit to be here - this is us!) so we are all delighted to have reached this supreme alignment and the mandala is especially expressive of this conscious unity!!!!



Public painting begins at noon Monday July 19th thru Friday the 23rd...best to come early folks - bring hats to wear and hats to share! Suggested donation $10-$20.

2010 - our 13th mandala! 13 moons 13 grandmothers - give it up for Mother Gea - this mandala is a prayer!!! Blessed with water from Amma's puja!

It became increasingly plain to me that the mandala is the centre. It is the exponent of all paths. It is the path to the centre, to individuation.... C G Jung

Organizer Pamela Messner told me that the design is, as always, a surprise to us too until Rob paints it... This is the 13th year...



Pamela says the first mandala was painted by five people to cover up nasty anti Creek graffiti painted just before Creek Daze.. Rob Marion, Erica Snowlake, Alice, who's last name escapes me, Andrew Dido and Ray Jenkins. It had grown and changed dates over the years...

Creek Daze is Roberts Creek's annual community fair usually the 3rd weekend of August, and the most environmentally friendly parade on the Sunshine Coast with a festive mardi gras feeling to it.

we tried earth Day but it was always too wet...settled on July as the weather is better...

We have a core group of volunteer coordinators... me, Erika, Rob, Sullivan (my Daughter) Dean Schutz... and volunteers who help out here and there...



it is funded through the generous donations of local humans and businesses..

it is not paid for by the local governments as many people think it is free to the public to paint... just show up, first come first served and we provide everything....

CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED BY PARENTS WHEN PAINTING AS WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH VOLUNTEERS TO DO THIS....

DO NOT PAINT UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN ASSISTED...

Pamela continues, Last year we had over 450 people paint on it and expect more this year...there may be times when it is too busy to accommodate everyone who shows up but that just means waiting for it to thin out and we will try to do our best to make room for as many as we can...

We begin washing and designing the template this week in the evenings and public painting will begin July 19 at noon and run daily noon til 7ish until it is full, which we expect to take four days, five at the most, again depending on turnout...

THESE DATES ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT... WE WILL NOT PAINT IN THE RAIN..



This is a remarkable event bringing together professional artists and the greater public... people have come from all over the world to be a part of this painting and it has become an image that people associate with the whole Sunshine Coast, not just The Creek...

We ask people not to bring their own paint as it often washes away when we do the final wash....

Bring water, sunhats, sun protection...

Donations can also be made year round at the Sunshine Coast Credit Union to the Roberts Creek Mandala Fund.

When the painting is done... the Manafestival will happen...this is NOT the Day out of Time celebration... it is the Manafestival... celebrating the Mandala....

The Mandala Fest Dance Cavalcade is at the Roberts Creek Little Legion, Saturday, July 24th.

Each year, Chris Yeske from A Different Point of View sets up his aerial photography and captures a spectacular overhead shot of the finished mandala.





++

The Day Out of Time Celebration is a separate event that celebrates the Mayan Calendar every July 25th.

Thanks Pamela, Rob, Erica and everyone who makes the Creek Mandala happen year after year. It truly is one of the best events and heart of just not Roberts Creek but the entire Sunshine Coast inspired by love, spirit and community.

Some links, comments and photos below!

Thanks again for reading my blogspot articles, all your kind comments, feedback, story suggestions and likes! Best Wishes, Duane Burnett

COMMENTS

Lauren Realz
"duane, i posted this on my page as well!!!
LOVE IT!!! awww....gives me chills.....wish we could all come together in all or our towns and do the same...."

In Memory of the Wildlife & Ocean Life killed by the 2010 Gulf oil spill
‎@Duane, thank you very much for the additional info and for everything else you have been doing to bring awareness to and to pay tribute to the Gulf during this very difficult time.

Lauren Realz
this is awesome. i wish i could be there! what a great thing for a community to do...we should all follow suit,,, im outside of philly....another great place....

Jeannie Meyer
I just friended you Lauren! Where are they doing this...hell I want to start one!! I live near D.C. That would be a great place to do one!!!! We could do it during The Spill into DC!!! That would be awesome!!

Deborah Ficko
Took a stroll to see.. amongst all the talented artists within their flow of healing energy.. a magical moment it came to be.. so apropos for our present misery..to the future, may it speak!! :)

Tami Barnes
Birmingham, Alabama
Hey Duane, thanks so much for this! Everyone loves it and I wish we could all make a pilgrimage to see it in person. I'm afraid if I came, though, I'd stay!!! You are all just terrific and so talented! How wonderful that you're painting a mandala in tribute to our Gulf! Perhaps we could get you to come to Alabama to do one for us here? The Gulf Coast is terribly depressed in every way just now, as expected, and it would be a wonderful way to support the area and keep the world focused on the issues.

Chris P. Madden
Hey Duane, i have really been enjoying your pix of the Mandala; seems so close i felt like i had a paintbrush in hand. I was wondering if you, or a friend, was going to make a musical slideshow and put it on YouTube? I have been loving that process with The Venus Project vids i made, and i know others love them too. So much more fun than just pix...

LINKS

Official Website
http://www.robertscreekmandala.org/

Roberts Creek Community
Mandala facebook fan page "Like"
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roberts-Creek-Community-Mandala/132864961112

A Different Point of View
aerial photography of mandala
http://www.adpov.ca/mandala/

PHOTOS

TAG You're It!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=189952&id=132243609016

2010
http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157624398946975/

2009
http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157621769040215/

2008
http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157606373499234/

2004-2007
http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157603249818446/

It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast!

Hope you liked! Come and Join me on facebook or twitter! Duane

http://duaneburnett.com
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett

Duane's Facebook Profile
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=570266071

Duane's Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duane-Burnett/132243609016?ref=ts

Sunshine Coast BC Canada facebook FAN PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459

Sunshine Coast's Best Social Media Networker is...

Congrats WINNERS! 1st unofficial Sunshine Coast, BC social media networking awards. Two emerged as your favourites. The people's choice. Here are their stories...

And the best social media networker on the Sunshine Coast for 2010 is ...



OK, but first I am going to say congrats to each and everyone of us who have given facebook and twitter a try. It's so new, and for me a steep learning curve as its is I am sure for each and everyone of us.

And BEFORE we get to the winners, hehehehehe, who were also kind enough to share some excellent social networking tips, here are your comments which lead to the decision!


Know a GREAT Coast Business that uses facebook and/or twitter really well?

Kim Kerr Fenton
Unwind Knit and Fibre Lounge does!! We use FB to let folks know about what new stock there is, who's coming to knit night, what is fun about town. Twitter: ditto! I love seeing new fans on the page and like to offer special deals to my FB and twitter readers such as discounts and freebies. It is the best way to get all the news that is fit to knit!

Teresa Nightingale
The Sweet Chef - April tweets several times a day, we always know what she's doing/baking!

Bodacious Lifestyles
We love using facebook and twitter to keep our customers and 'fans' up-to-date, announce new products, offer specials to facebook followers. We've seen a huge response - especially here on the coast. It's a great way to reach people and get involved in community. Thanks for asking:) Lorna - Bodacious Lifestyles Inc.
(also love to see so much facebook activity here on the coast - it's a great way to get and stay connected!)

Leo Gregory
Here are a few: Aquathought, Brian Hubenig design; Just Business People Canada magazine; The Wild Bistro (kera and hubby); Bonar Harris who organizes music at the Wild and of course yours truly ANCA Consulting Inc, a Naturally Autistic ANCA organization. oh, we appreciate Coast Accountants and a few others, as well as you Duane and your wonderful photography etc... And yes, The Aweet Chef - wow - there are many others like The Garden Bay Hotel - Ron is the owner, fabulous guy and so on...

Leo Gregory
I don't know if they all use facebook but definitely Bonar, The Wild, Aquathought doand us.

Leo Gregory
Because Brian has integrated himself with the online autistic community that I connect with, so have you for that matter. As a business man in his industry, he has supported through his online presence and socialization those in the autistic community who might not of thought to connect with small businesses, locally-nationally or internationally. The Wild Bistro is fab because I get to know what is going on there and when - so if I need a bit of r&r time and something nice is happening there, I know immediately via the fb network they have.I don't know if Bonar is a business - but it is the same with him too, he is always posting and I can keep up easily with when I need that music night or that spoken word night etc... It is a fingertip away and very connected to my own autistic network and community on fb. It is the same with what you do, you always keep me in the know, in the loop - better than the newspapers. Also the tourism org. here - I get to find out what is going on such as local events, whenever I want Hope I have explained, expanded on this OK??? As for my company - all my clients are kept in the daily loop with what is happening at ANCA as well as the international crowd we support and serve. It is fab!!!

Lynette Legault
Loumidees does to keep all you awesome ladies dressed well at really paycheque friendly prices...50% off tomorrow!! Stop by and see what all of you are missing. Way to go women in small business and of course 2 men:)

Melina Cassidy
Wild Bistro. Hands down.

Brian Hubenig
Leo at ANCA... She's a hub of a very large community internationally. Regular posts and updates, linking to news sources and resources for autistic people. Leo messages people directly when there's a major story or topic ensuring her friends have the opportunity to discuss the topic with others. Leo does a great job of moderating the discussions ensure that people are treated with respect.

Locally I have to say the Wild and Bonar (killer combo – I know what's going on all the time). Why I like the Wild so much is because they promote artists. Giving a venue to artists is so important and in turn the patrons support the musicians and the bistro – a wonderful combination

Donna McMahon
I appreciate the Wild's notes about menu items and reminders of upcoming events.

Margaret Page
Duane, I think you are the best! M.

Verna Chan
Yep--you use it really well Duane and I agree with many others, The Wild does a great job of keeping everyone informed about what's going on at their place--and they keep it fun!

Claudia Ferris
The Wild Bistro gets my vote for giving us regular updates. I also like that Kera asks folks about important issues such as the introduction of the HST - Kera and I both use Facebook to get a read on where our businesses are at to help us properly represent them in our roles as directors of the Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce. I love ... See MoreFacebook as a way of gauging opinion and getting great ideas around many of the issues I deal with on the Chamber and the Sunshine Coast and District Labour Council. My Facebook friends are super smart and have great ideas!

Mardi Ahmed
Wild Bistro

Claudia Ferris
Duane you also get my vote as the most helpful social networker on coast. I have really appreciated you posting all the event stuff from the various organizations I'm involved with.

Heidi Zurbrugg
Wild Bistro... they send out upbeat updates re. menu and upcoming events (music, spoken word). I always wish I were at the Wild when I get the updates.

Jack Amble
Roxanne Haddrell Personal Tax Service keeps me informed on new income tax developments. It is always nice to know about new income tax laws ahead of time so I can do some tax planning. She also has some Tax Humour posted there for when I need a laugh. Roxanne is also an active supporter of the SC Food Bank. I like to see local businesses giving back to the community.

Deborah Keith Geoffrion
I think the Wild led the pack here...way ahead of everyone else in grabbing hold of facebook tools for business and social networking. As a matter of fact whenever I am speaking to another business about getting a facebook page I suggest they become a fan of the wild to see how its done.

Heidi Zurbrugg
Plus, the Wild backs it all up with great food and experiences. Important point.


So, who do we choose as the best at social media networking based on all these comments???

From my experience and being on facebook and twitter extensively, combined with all your wonderful nominations and feedback....

I am going to say Kera Mchugh at the Wild Bistro in Gibsons, is the clear favourite with April Querishi of the Sweet Chef as a close 1 1/2. LOL better then second!

Congrats Wild Bistro & The Sweet Chef!

I asked both the Wild Bistro and Sweet Chef to please share with us their social media secrets and insights that they thought were behind people choosing them as their favourites.

This is great information if you want to be on facebook or twitter.

In their own words....



Kera Mchugh & Ian Backs
Wild Bistro, Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 604.886.1917
http://www.facebook.com/wildbistro
www.wildbistro.com/liveatwild
http://twitter.com/wildbistro


1) What exactly are the things you do on facebook and twitter for your business that people like?

on facebook i make note of upcoming shows, i try to post any daily specials - ie. soup or muffins or desserts that might be special that day, and make commentary about current affairs that directly impact us... i do this on both the wild bistro page, and my personal profile... sometimes they match, sometimes not.

i also run informal polls/surveys, ask questions that i'm having trouble forming an opinion about, look for insights & suggestions from customers & friends when we're faced with a decision that has more than one possible outcome....

and sometimes, i simply post my feelings about certain topics... generally i keep those to my personal profile rather than the WB page...

on twitter, it gets whatever i update my status on FB to - i don't really do anything specifically via twitter, who has time???


2) Why and What are the benefits of this medium to you and your customers/fans.

i think our FB fans benefit by a) having up to date info all the time, b) having an opportunity to share their opinion or ideas, c) giving input about a topic that potentially impacts them, d) getting some inside scoop that can help them make informed decisions, especially about where/how to spend whatever little extra they may have

i think we give our customers a little sense of ownership, and at least a sense of inclusion, when we ask for their opinion on things, and i believe that significantly increases loyalty... because they feel like we care about what they have to say... and we absolutely do! we may not always act on everything, because we can't act on every single suggestion, as often they differ on the same topic... but we definitely consider every one and then make decisions using that information.

3) Do you have any recommendations for other organizations and businesses on how to be the best at facebook and twitter?

there's a fine line, i think, between being open with your customers and opening up your business to them - i try not to be TOO open, because that doesn't leave me any room to change my mind and creates a lot of opportunity for more questions, which then eat up more time... AT THE SAME TIME, we don't really have a lot to hide - we're pretty open & honest with people face to face, so why not be so on facebook too... i think people appreciate it...

the other thing is not to air dirty laundry - i try not to comment about things that annoy me personally or that are particularly negative in nature... at least not about PEOPLE...

i think our customers get a sense that they really KNOW us from our interactions on FB - people read our personal status and get a sense of who we are, and whether or not we're on their wavelength... i think that also makes for more loyal customers... and it helps us to increase our customer base with people who are like us, with similar tastes, philosophies & outlooks, which in turn then makes the whole restaurant more enjoyable for everyone who comes here...

and, it's entirely possible that everything i've said above is complete hogwash and it has no real impact whatsoever! :D





April Querishi,
The Sweet Chef Bakery,
Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 604-989-CAKE(2253)
Custom cakes, gourmet cookies and designer wedding cakes.
http://www.thesweetchef.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibsons-BC/The-Sweet-Chef/120439028633
http://twitter.com/thesweetchef

1) What exactly are the things you do on facebook and twitter for your business that people like?

It’s important that we engage our customers and followers in conversation. People want to be involved in what’s going on in your business. People want to be a part of a community such as your business. Make them feel welcome and engage them in conversation.

If you’re friends with me on my personal Face Book page then you get a chance to see another side of me. I’m a wife, mother, daughter and person in your community and I understand where you’re coming from. I’m just like you!


2) Why and What are the benefits of this medium to you and your customers/fans.

It keeps you up to date on all that’s going on in the bakery such as new a product launch, upcoming events and where to find our great products.

It’s a great way to let people know what special you have that day/week/ month.

We also like to include industry events and news in our dialogue. It gives an insider’s look into an industry such as baking and pastry arts that people wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to see.


3) Do you have any recommendations for other organizations and businesses on how to be the best at facebook and twitter?

Make a commitment to do it. Follow through and be consistent. You need to post on a regular basis so people have a reason to come back.

++

Some awesome advice. Thank you to both Kera and April for taking the time to share with us their trade secrets on social media networking. Thank you to all of you who nominated your favourites! Should we do it again next year?

Thank you so much for reading my blog! All your comments, feedback, "Likes" and story suggestions are super greatly appreciated! Best Wishes, Duane Burnett

How Well Do You Tweet? by The Entreprenette Gazette
19 great tips on better tweeting and social networking!
http://theentreprenettegazette.com/2010/06/09/how-well-do-you-tweet/

It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast!

Hope you liked! Come and Join me on facebook or twitter! Duane

http://duaneburnett.com
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett

Duane's Facebook Profile
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=570266071

Duane's Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duane-Burnett/132243609016?ref=ts

Sunshine Coast BC Canada facebook FAN PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459

Waterfall Lookout Wheelchair Friendly in Roberts Creek

SEE ALL 50+ PHOTOS

WATCH PHOTO SLIDE SHOW


A wheelchair friendly look out over a beautiful waterfall rises from storm devastation in Cliff Gilker Park in Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast, BC.



In April 2010 a spring storm took out a hiking bridge in Cliff Gilker park.

The forested park is very popular for all its beautiful waterfalls and creeks, especially with the dog crowd. I use to go all the time with my dog Tundra as it was cool in the summer and offered lots of refreshing pools for them to swim in and have a drink.



I call the Sunshine Coast a dog's Disney Land. A real paradise for our four legged friends. Not to mention "A Clean Get Away" too.

Everything Reminds Me of my Dog
by Jane Siberry Tribute to Tundra RIP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1hjM-VknFc



The winds often blast the west coast and this time several trees crushed one of the main bridges in the park that also goes over the central waterfall.

Since Tundra has passed away in January 2010, I have slowly gained the courage to try to heal by going through our old haunts together and in the process created this photo essay of the bridge being rebuilt.

SEE ALL 50+ PHOTOS

The new hiking bridge has a beautiful new observation platform that is great for wheelchairs. The forest trails leading to the bridge have all been made wheelchair accessible and connect to another observation platform which offers a direct view of the waterfall.



What a wonderful job the Rotary has done. I think time in nature is so healing for the spirit and this is a living tribute to those with terminal illness who can now be brought out into the light of the forest and the cleansing water.

The parking lot, trails and observation deck all easily and conveniently connect within a very short distance of each other. The main park trails however are not wheelchair accessible and are your typical forest paths often made my ground water runoff in some areas.



The Rotary Club's on the Sunshine Coast do a great deal of good in our community including a recently completed wheelchair accessible children's playground in Sechelt, BC and an accessible fishing dock at Trout Lake in Halfmoon Bay.

I wrote a story about it previously on my blogspot. Here is the link to find out more about other Rotary projects. http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com/2010/06/sechelt-childrens-playground-wheelchair.html



I think its awesome that the Sunshine Coast is making the coast more accessible and wheelchair friendly.

I would appreciate any help from community groups with a project in memory of my Siberian wolf dog Tundra to install wheelchair accessible and dog friendly drinking fountains in parks up and down the coast. A donation can be made at any branch of the Sunshine Coast Credit Union to "Tundras Drinking Fund" or please contact me directly if you are a community group, business or corporation.

Tundra's Accessible Dog & People Friendly Drinking Fountain Fund
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibsons-Sechelt-or-Madiera-Park/Tundras-Accessible-Dog-People-Friendly-Drinking-Fountain-Sunshine-Coast/277458507945

Thanks for reading my blog, all your comments, feedback and story suggestions are always greatly appreciated. Best Wishes, Duane.

SEE ALL 50+ Photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157624510207618/

Some comments on my facebook profile:

Sharon Charboneau
that's a good thing! We can't forget that our friends with disabilities want to share in the beauty of the Coast just as the able bodied do, to the best of their abilities.

Leo Gregory
Great for our son Anthony!

Sharon Charboneau
and my husband Dane who now needs a walker sometimes

Darla Deter
Way to go Duane... you are a man of the Gods ♥

It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast!

Hope you liked! Come and Join me on facebook or twitter! Duane

http://duaneburnett.com
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett

Duane's Facebook Profile
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=570266071

Duane's Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duane-Burnett/132243609016?ref=ts

Sunshine Coast BC Canada facebook FAN PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459

Come check it out!