No Travel Plan : October 2011

Decorating for Halloween Done by the Best!

SUMMERLAND, BC - Halloween is a huge business in North America. Last year, we spent more than $5.8 billion on everything from costumes and candy to decorations and parties. For many people - it's even more important than Christmas.

Why so much enthusiasm? Halloween is the one time of year when we can dress up as whoever or whatever we want. You've always wanted to be a witch, ax-murderer or even a playboy bunny? Go ahead and have fun with it.

But above all - I believe we love October 31 because deep down - we all crave (and need) a good scare once in a while. Exploring the "darker side" of life both intrigues and inspires us. Do ghosts exist? What's it like to be dead? What do witches really do? It's an opportunity to set aside our day-to-day thoughts and ponder the unknown.

Halloween also brings out the creativity in many of us. There's always one person in every neighbourhood who goes above and beyond - transforming their house into a destination for trick-or-treaters, young and old. Janice Blackie-Goodine is one of those people. She's an Oscar-nominated set decorator, and lucky for Summerland residents every October she showcases her talent.

Blackie-Goodine's Trout Creek home already has the perfect look for a haunted house. But it's her experience, attention to detail and passion for decorating that turn this blank canvas into a spooky delight.

The day we stopped by, she invited us into her yard to look around. There's so much to see! The dinner table scene is my favourite. What can be more entertaining than unsavory characters chomping down on "finger food"?

A tasty lunch of finger food!

It's bone-chilling cold out here - good thing I'm wearing my MEC fleece!

Many of Blackie-Goodine's decorations are left over from the films she has worked on. The skeleton below was used as a prop in the Canadian-made film Passchendaele.

Rough day

If you think these pictures are great - just wait until you see the display in person. Blackie-Goodine's house will be lit up for the Halloween weekend. She says children get a real thrill out of her work and return each year to see what's new.

Her house is located at the corner of Thronber St and Landry Cres in Trout Creek. It's a popular neighbourhood for trick-or-treating because it's flat. (Translate: children will last longer and you'll have more candy to eat!)

Blackie-Goodine is also a talented painter. See more about her work at janiceblackie-goodine.com

Have a safe and Happy Halloween everyone!

-erin

One Person's Junk is Another Person's Work of Art

SUMMERLAND, BC - In an effort to satisfy my constant curiosity, Erick and I often find ourselves travelling down any back, side or dirt road that our car or bike will permit. Sometimes we hit a dead end but other times we stumble upon the most unusual things. Bush Art Gardens is one of those places like no other.

Bush Art Gardens

a friendly welcome

Bush Art Gardens is located on Canyon View Road in Summerland. When I first rode by on my bike, I thought to myself; "Wow - these people don't hide their junk. Clean up your yard!" But then a certain buck - sitting in a chair and wearing sunglasses - caught my eye. Immediately I knew there was something unique about this "junk." Every item, from potted plants to dried bones to rusted pots and pans, has its spot - thoughtfully placed on the lawn.

It's like reliving the past - where old hamster cages are turned into gardens, animal bones form little creatures and an old trailer provides a moment for peace and quiet.

natural creations

step in ...you'll be surprised

plants for sale

Bush Art Gardens (a clever play on Butchart Gardens near Victoria, BC) is run by Carla and Wayne Mcleod. For more than a decade they've been operating under the slogan "Nuthin' but Bloomin' Junk" - proving that any piece of junk can take on new life if you fill it with carefully selected plants.

With pride, Carla and Wayne run their business on an honour system - something you'd only see in a small town. Many of the items in their front yard are for sale. If you see something you like, leave your cash in one of the red gas cans. No questions asked.

we need more people like Carla

Bush Art Gardens makes us realize how much garbage we produce. Most of these items were bound for the dump at one time - discarded as trash - but the Mcleods see something more. They demonstrate how one person's junk is another person's work of art. Even if you don't purchase anything, a visit to this outdoor museum will have you thinking twice next time you toss out an old appliance or pair of shoes. I think I'll suggest they make a garden out of my old laptop!

Bush Art Gardens is near Summerland Sweets, the Kettle Valley Railway Trestle and several fabulous wineries. It's worth a stop if you're in the area.

Bush Art Garden's - 7004 Canyon View Rd. Summerland, BC Phone: 250.494.7041

- Erin

Best Diner Food Yet...Guy Fieri Listen Up!

MANNING PARK, BC - Dave's East Gate Diner is one of those places you can easily miss as you're driving between Greater Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley. But tucked away next to a gas station along Highway #3 is a gem made in food heaven. Once you've been, you'll be saving your appetite and timing your trip around a stop at Dave's. The menu is full of classic, hearty, home-style diner favourites we all love!

Dave bought East Gate Diner with the retro theme. Over the years he's added to the memorabilia. He says it's kinda fun. While you're waiting for your food, you definitely won't be bored.

Dave has been cooking for years and also runs a catering business. He's dishing up everything from all-day breakfasts, to over-flowing BLTs to gourmet dinner specials like roast beef or veal.

Dave's Dinner Special - homemade meatloaf with fresh asparagus, green beans, peppers and baby potatoes.

If it's not the awesome food that keeps you coming back - it's Dave and his partner Melody. Their warm welcomes make East Gate Diner feel like you're coming home for dinner. Dave and Mel's passion for quality, comfort food and to-die-for homemade desserts is reflected in every meal they serve.

Chef Dave & Melody (Courtesy: eastgatediner.com)

East Gate Diner is the kind of restaurant you'd expect to see on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. No doubt Guy Fieri would devour this place.

The diner is located at the east entrance of Manning Provincial Park in the building next to Ultra Fuels. Hours vary during the winter - so it's best to call if you're heading through.

Terry David Mulligan is a fan

For more info - check out eastgatediner.com

-Erin

Grouse Grind

NORTH VANCOUVER, BC - It's known as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" and it never gets easier. At least not for me. I can't speak for high-level athletes like the Vancouver Canucks. But even for them, the Grouse Grind is no walk in the park.

The Grouse Grind® (which is a registered trademark) is a 2.9 kilometre trail up the face of Grouse Mountain. It's a challenging trail and not for everyone, especially unprepared tourists. This was my fifth time climbing the Grind. I usually take time to snap a few photos and don't worry too much about my time. But being fairly competitive I really wanted to finish under an hour - which I did. My companions finished in about 46 minutes. The super-fit athletes are considerably faster, around 30 minutes.

Gets the heart going!

A long way up

A few things to keep in mind if you are planning to climb the Grouse Grind:
Check grousemountain.com to make sure it's open. Weekends are very busy. Also, bring water, a snack and proper footwear. Plan for poor weather too, just in case. And remember, it's straight up the entire way. Take lots of breaks if you need too. Plus, you have to pay $10 to take the gondola back to the bottom.

Made it!

Trail facts (courtesy Grouse Mountain):

Length: 2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles)
Elevation Gain: 853 metres (2,800 feet)
Base: 274 metres above sea level (900 feet)
Summit: 1,127 metres (3,700 feet)
Total Stairs: 2,830

Statistics: More than 100,000 people hike the trail each year

On average it takes up to an hour and a half to complete the hike. For novice hikers, two hours is recommended

Hikers range in age from 7 to 90, with an equal male/female split

-Hikers were first recorded on Grouse Mountain in 1894 when a hunting party shot a blue grouse bird and named the mountain in the bird’s honour.

-Today's Grouse Grind was first developed in 1981 by mountaineers looking for a challenging, convenient aerobic workout to sustain them for their longer hikes.

-A revival began in the early 90s, when the trail was named the Grouse Grind in conjunction with the first ever Grouse Grind Mountain Run.

And the view is amazing...