I’ve had the great fortune to get to know the always wonderful, Chef Eric Pateman of Edible BC quite well over the past few years.  His energy and passion for food and a healthy lifestyle are infectious!

If you haven’t been to his retail store on Granville Island, be sure to put it on the list of must visits when in Vancouver.  All the products sold are either grown and made in BC, or from points across Canada; with many being organically produced.  Eric and his team are thoroughly versed on the exciting culinary growth taking place here in particular, within British Columbia.  From small mom and pop operations to larger suppliers who are meeting the demands of a savvy consumer, this is a great spot to shop for your home or a gift. 

The recipe below is suitable for Celiacs and is absolutely yummy!  Plus Spot Prawns are readily available right now.  All of the ingredients listed are from Granville Island Market, however you should be able to locate them in your local community.

www.edible-britishcolumbia.com

BC SPOT PRAWN BISQUE (Serves  eight)

Pair with:  Sumac Ridge Stellar’s Jay Brut 2002

Ingredients

• Head and Bodies of 2 lbs of BC Spot Prawns (Seafood City)
• 1 Onion, Finely Chopped (Green Grocer)
• 2 Large Carrots, Roughly Chopped (Green Grocer)
• 4 Large Ripe Tomatoes, Roughly Chopped (Green Grocer)
• ¼ C Brandy (Liquor Store)
• 500 ml Whipping Cream (Milk Man)
• 2 Tbsp Lobster Oil (Edible BC)
• Dungeness Crab

Method

Place the prawn heads, onion, carrot, tomatoes and brandy in an 8L stock pot and cover with enough water to go approximately 4 inches above all the ingredients. The exact amount of water does not matter since you will be reducing this stock.

Bring the pot to a soft boil and decreasing the heat, simmer until the liquid is almost level with the ingredients.

Using a stick blender or traditional blender, puree the ingredients together and return to the pan and reduce again by half.

Remove the pan from the heat and strain the liquid through a very fine strainer twice and return to a clean saucepan.

Add the cream and return the pan to a low heat and reduce the liquid by half again.

Taste the soup and season if required, but most likely all the sweetness from the tomatoes and carrots, and the saltiness of the prawns will create an almost perfect taste.  Just before serving, garnish with the lobster oil and Dungeness crab meat.

Sit down and enjoy with family and friends!

First Nations Children Celebrate Their Vibrant Culture

The real history of Harrison began many thousands of years ago with the first original inhabitants. Although there is no certain date, best archaeological estimates are that people lived here some 10,000 years past, shortly after the retreat of the last ice age.  And while little remains from this early period, we do know that the indigenous people were the predecessors of the Stò:lo people.  Today, this vibrant community located approximately 90 minutes from Vancouver, is a favourite getaway for families with kids of all ages.  There’s so much to see and do here, year-round, however the late spring and summer times are really outstanding.

Take the scenic drive out Highway 7 as the road winds through some of the prettiest county this side of the Rockies. A family favourite of household is a visit to Xá:ytem – the Longhouse Interpretive Centre. Here you will experience an amazing historical tour of the area’s First Nations culture. Enthralled by the stories and songs shared by the tour guides, the fascinating historical details of life over the past 150 years is warmheartedly woven together with the wisdom and knowledge of the thousands of years old oral culture of the Sto:lo and Coast Salish peoples. Integrating the treasured heritage of First Nations with that of the early settlers makes for a truly memorable visit with family, especially children.

Hit Harrison

‘Main Street’ Harrison is an eclectic mix of architecture, mostly from the 40s to 60s.  The mood is casual, with that small town energy – friendly retailers whose kids help out in summer, to elders striving to maintain the coziness of the village while integrating modern conveniences (wireless internet), with contemporary new structures. One thing is glaringly obvious – the streets and lakefront beaches are remarkably clean, as is the lack of obnoxious city sounds of loud music and vehicles. The lakefront is alive with water activities come the good weather so if you’ve only made it a day trip, don’t forget the bathing suits, towels and sun screen!

Quaint and comfy restaurants – most perfectly suited to family dining, dot the lakeshore. For a more intimate and upscale environment with well behaved children, enjoy the Copper Room located in the always fabulous Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa.  This is one special place to stay overnight too!

Nearby Neigbourhoods

As you travel either to or back from Harrison along the spectacular Highway 7 route, there is a special place located at the confluence of the Harrison and Fraser Rivers. The Kilby Historic Site is the last remaining site of the heart of the once-bustling community of Harrison Mills.  Period-costumed interpreters discuss transportation, geography, farming and the logging industry from the 1920s and 1930s with their guests. Visitors are enthusiastically encouraged to tour the General Store Museum, stop for a snack and pet the farm animals too – city kids will love this experience!  And if you go over the May 24^th long weekend, be sure to pack the kids’ favourite teddy bear for the Teddy Bear Picnic. Full details are on their site.

Getaway Details

www.tourismharrison.com, www.xaytem.ca,

www.kilby.ca, www.harrisonresort.com

Photos courtesy of Tourism Harrison and R. Bond, CtoC Productions

Scroll down the home page of  getawaybc.com here for the fun video of Harrison

David Hancock and Karen Bills of Hancock Wildlife Foundation View Eagles

And while you’re visiting the area, check out the scenery aboard a riverboat tour with Fraser River Safari.  For schedules and tour details visit www.fraserriversafari.com.

Sandpiper Golf Resort's Owner, Betty Anne Faulkner and eagle,Sonsie share a wink

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is working with the team at Xa:ytem Interpretive Centre  during the festival as well.  Drop by to see the live exhibit of the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl and maybe, if you’re lucky, Meredith the Bald Eagle may be visiting.  Xa:ytem features local native art and gifts in their First Nations gift gallery too.  There are great gift ideas for Christmas.  For directions and hours of operation visit www.xaytem.ca.

Extend your eagle viewing adventure with an overnight stay at Sandpiper Golf Resort and Rowena’s Inn.  This exquisite heritage Manor is the former summer home of the Pretty Family. Filled with favourite family antiques and heirlooms, including a photo wall revealing the faces of the family behind the home, the ambiance is cultured and luxurious.  Enjoy a lavish hot and cold breakfast in the solarium located off the main dining lounge, or stay in one of the four west coast chic cabins – each complete with king-sized bed, soaker jacuzzi tub and river rock fireplace – a perfect retreat to relax with a glass of wine while admiring the view out over the river.  Whether you choose to stay at the Inn or in a cabin, the eagles will soar past gracing you with their majesty.  Visit www.sandpiperresort.ca for package details.

The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society – OWL – is a dynamic organization comprised of people who care deeply about the safety of birds of prey.  The web site offers information on educational programs and special events, as well as contact information should you site a bird in need.  Please visit www.owlcanada.ca.

All Photos Courtesy of R. Bond, CtoC Productions

Interior cabin at Sandpiper Golf Resort and Rowena's Inn

And one of the largest and most popular of those reasons is Golden Ears Provincial Park, an incredible 55,590 hectares of widely undeveloped wilderness.

Named for the twin peaks of Mount Blanshard, which are said to shine gold from the setting winter sun, Golden Ears lies in the Coast Mountains, north of the mighty Fraser River.

It extends north through untouched mountain areas to the wall of mountain peaks and valleys which divide it and Garibaldi Provincial Park.

The park houses one of the largest campgrounds in the province with 353 vehicle/tent campsites welcoming visitors to two locations inside the park, at Alouette Lake and Gold Creek campgrounds, backcountry or walk-in camping at Alder Flats on the West Canyon Trail and Panorama Ridge on the Golden Ears trail, with advisories that some of the more out of the way sites do not have facilities provided.

Fifty-five campsites also adorn sandy North Beach, an open beach in front of the forested sites, and a great place to watch meteor showers in early August.

Underneath a canopy of second growth western Hemlock, western red Cedar and Douglas Fir tress, campers and day trippers can be found exploring the park on foot, by boat, on their bikes and on horseback.

Campers can swim at all campgrounds and day-use areas and canoeing is popular on Alouette Lake with rentals available in the Alouette day-use area.

Freshwater fishing is also available at Alouette Lake, Mike Lake and Gold Creek.

A four-lane cement surface boat launch at the south end of Alouette Lake has overnight parking available for vehicles and trailers.

Boaters should note, there is no nearby marina to moor boats overnight.

The highlight of the park is the scenery and the highlight of Golden Ear’s is the camper’s ability to enjoy the exposure to so much of what makes British Columbia famous.

An extensive network of trails through which campers can enjoy the scenery and explore the area makes up over 20-kilometres of gravel/dirt paved adventure.

Hiking, cycling and horseback riding can be done on any one of a series of trails which make up the web throughout the park.

Golden Ears has the most available hiking trails this close to Vancouver. Over a dozen trails lead to various destinations throughout the park, including the – 8-mile/12-km – one-way journey to the Golden Ears themselves.

Near the park headquarters, small Mike Lake is the starting point for the Alouette Mountain Hiking Trail – 12-miles/20-km return – to the summit of Alouette Mountain. Once finished, you can enjoy a panoramic view across the Fraser Valley into Washington and west across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island.

A shorter possibility is the – 2.6-mile/4.2-km – Mike Lake Trail. Search the understorey for signs of old logging equipment and wildflowers such as the delicate pink azalea, with petals shaped like five-pointed stars.

Golden Ears is a desired destination and beginning of a British Columbia adventure for the first time and return traveler.

Golden Ears Provincial Park lies in the Coast Mountains 11 km north of Maple Ridge on the north side of the Fraser River. Access to the park is by vehicle via Highway 7 or Dewdney Trunk Road through the District of Maple Ridge. If heading west, turn right onto 232nd and if heading east, turn left onto 232nd; then turn right onto Fern Crescent and follow road into park.

Campground dates:

Alouette campground is open from April 1 – October 9

Gold Creek campground is open from April 1 – October 9

North Beach campground is open from June 16 – September 4.

Camp fees range from $10-24 per party, per vehicle per night, with rates available to persons with disabilities and no fees for campers under 13 years of age.

Winter fees from October 10 to March 31; reduced services.

The closest store is in Maple Ridge approximately 14 kilometres away. There is a pay phone located at the park entrance.;

The award-winning country fair is more than 100 years old and comes to town each July, taking place this year July 19 and 20 at the Albion Fairgrounds, located on 105th Avenue.

Agricultural activities abound as well as demonstrations and competitions, food, fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Some examples of the fun in store include the 4-H show, midway, logging sport demonstration, KidStuff area and more.

Non-stop musical entertainment roves around the site and stage performances take place throughout the two-day event.

Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors and is free for children six and under. Two-day passes are available for $10. Parking at the fairgrounds is available for $2.

The gates open at 9 a.m. both days.

To get to the fairgrounds, take Lougheed Highway eastbound from downtown Maple Ridge and tun left at 105th Avenue.

Info: 604-463-6922 or www.mapleridgefair.com.

Home show

Also taking place each year is the annual Ridge Meadows Home Show, which is also held at the fairgrounds and Planet Ice, adjacent to the grounds.

This year’s home show takes place May 2-4. The event typically boasts 300 or more exhibitors, one of the largest home shows outside of Vancouver.

Demonstrations and seminars take place throughout the days and there is even a children’s festival for the kids.

Concession, a wellness fair and psychic fair round out the annual event.

Admission is $2 per person, $5 for families, and free for seniors.

Info: 604-467-3950 or www.ridgemeadowshomeshow.com.;

“We call it the largest in North America,” said Elaine Golds, conservation chair and vice-president of the Burke Mountain Naturalists. “It can’t be confirmed which is the largest in the world, Pitt is second, I believe.”

Surrounded by terrain which makes only the south end accessible by road, it’s just 16-kilometres north of Maple Ridge.

The lake is a collection of untapped resources and spectacular sceneries surrounding a body of water known for its large waves and temperamental nature.

A sunny cruise down 208th Street will lead to the Grant Narrows Regional Park at the southern end of the Lake, where camping, boating, fishing, water sports and hiking await.

And the rivers upstream from the lake into the valley are considered some of the best fly-fishing in the world.

“The oceanic tidal action of the lake and the many waterfalls make for active water,” said Golds. “Canoers and campers can be quite surprised sometimes by the strong lapping at the side of their boat.”

The lake has more than 50-kilometres of shore line ripe with natural wonders. The south end of the shore is a piece of the Widgeon Valley natural wildlife reserve-accessible from Pitt Lake by canoe, day-hikers can plan a trip to the Widgeon falls.

The lake is a popular boating and camping destination for the variety of activity available. Marked trails prepared for the hiker, dot the shoreline. A collage of views are available throughout the trails and the southern marshes are renowned as an excellent bird-watching area. They’re a frequent haunt of the amateur ornithologist, and contain ready-to-use bird stands.

The web of rivers and streams which mark the coast line offer a number of opportunities for exploration. Known for rocky coves containing small islands, the sandy beaches are consistent stopping points for boaters and great spots for fishing.

And relaxation can continue in a natural hot bath. The lake boasts what some campers, including Golds, consider the best hot springs in B.C.

Fishing is what made this area famous though and the upper rivers of the Pitt valley boast great year-round fishing. Linked with a number of other water sources, it offers a variety of species in its waters, giving anglers the opportunity to fight steelhead and choose between their days catch of bull trout. For Dolly Varden and trouts, casters stick to the deeper bays, however a good five-pound rainbow trout is not abnormal in the open lake.

The lake boasts a number of small natural campsites with full accommodations, facilities and services being available in Maple Ridge.

- www.bcadventure.com/adventure/explore/vancouver/fraser_valley/pitt.htm

Some popular local spots:

Golden Ears Provincial Park

Golden Ears park is the province’s busiest park and most popular campgrounds.

The park has three vehicle-accessible campgrounds: Alouette has 205 sites; Gold Creek has 148 sites; and North Beach has 55 sites.

There are also two group campgrounds and walk-in back country camping.

Alouette and Gold Creek have hot showers and flushing and pit toilets, while the more rustic North Beach has no showers and pit toilets.

Campfires are allowed in the provided fire rings only, unless there is a fire ban, and firewood can be purchased.

Camping fees in the regular season are $22 for Alouette and Gold Creek, $14 for North Beach, $5 for back country and $22/party for group sites. Shoulder seasons offer discounted rates.

To avoid disappointment, use the reservation system. Between 40 and 62 per cent of the campsites are dedicated for reservations, with the remainder offered throughout the season on a first come, first served basis.

The first-come sites fill up quickly, with the “full” sign often appearing about mid-week throughout the spring and summer.

You can reserve up to three months in advance. Reservations are taken at www.discovercamping.ca, 604-689-9025 or 1-800-689-9025 for a fee of $6.42/night to a maximum of $19.26.

Access is from Dewdney Trunk Road – turn north on 232nd Street, right on Fern Crescent and follow the signs.

Maple Ridge Campsite

Maple Ridge Campsite is a 50-site private campground offering both tent and RV sites, each equipped with one community fire pit, free wood and picnic tables.

There are no electrical hook-ups available, but a pay phone is on-site as well as wheelchair-accessible restrooms with flush toilets.

Campers are offered one free family pass to the Leisure Centre facility in downtown Maple Ridge.

Maple Ridge Campsite has a stream running through, a series of nature trails and a children’s playground.

It is a great place to enjoy local fishing, hiking and the amenities offered at nearby Maple Ridge Park.

This is a municipally-owned campground and which runs May 1 to Oct. 1. To book ahead, phone 604-467-7357.

This site is located in the 23400 block of Fern Crescent, on the way to Golden Ears Park.

Rolley Lake Provincial Park

Located nearby in northern Mission, Rolley Lake is also quick to fill up – catching much of the overflow from Golden Ears.

Rolley Lake offers 64 vehicle-accessible campsites. The campground has flush toilets and hot showers. Campfires are allowed in provided fire rings only, unless a fire ban is in place, and firewood may be purchased.

The vehicle-accessible regular season camping fee is $22 per party per night. The seniors’ rate (during shoulder season only) is $11 per couple per night.

Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available. For reservation information, see the Golden Ears Provincial Park listing.

To access the park, take Dewdney Trunk Road east into Mission, then turn left on Bell Road.;

Opening each year in May, Raptors Ridge offers several different experiences for those wanting to learn more about the nature and handling of birds of prey, most notably hawks and falcons.

Raptors Ridge was developed by Karen Kamstra. She uses strictly captive-bred birds and has on-site a number of red-tailed hawks, Harris hawks, peregrine falcons and owls.

The facility is open by appointment, seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are several different adventures to choose from, depending on how much time you care to spend and how much you want to learn:

- The Hawk Walk provides you with instruction on handling raptors, with a demonstration by a Harris hawk and falconer.

Learn about local birds of prey during this one-hour course.

Cost: $32 per person.

- Raptor Discovery is a three-hour course for those wanting to learn more about the handling of birds of prey. An experienced falconer teaches you how to approach, handle and pick up hawks and falcons.

Cost: $75 per person.

- Falconer for a Day is a full-day course lasting six hours, teaching enquiring minds the art of basic falconry. Experience the thrill of having a trained raptor fly to and from your fist, learn the falconers’ knot and how to make some simple equipment, assist in hunt training with decoys and learn more about birds of prey. Bring a packed lunch.

Cost: $138 per person ($145 with lunch).

- Falconry beginners course.

Five days. Learn the basics about falconry, like husbandry of birds, first aid, hunting and legal aspects of owning a raptor.

Contact Kamstra for more details.

Raptors Ridge is also seeking donations for its Barn Owl Box Project. In partnership with local schools, nest boxes are placed at selected sites for barn owls.

All courses must be pre-booked and are dependent entirely on good weather.

Raptors Ridge is located at 26021 100th Ave. in Maple Ridge. From Vancouver, follow Lougheed Highway east, making a left on 240th Street and a right on 102nd Avenue. Follow 102 until it becomes 100th Avenue and watch for the Raptors Ridge sign.

Info: 604-831-HAWK (4295).;

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday, the fair operates in the heart of Maple Ridge’s downtown with something for everyone.

The market opens Saturday, May 10 and continues until Saturday, Oct. 11.

In addition to all the goodies to view and purchase, activities are available to keep children entertained.

Each November the market society hosts a harvest market, while each December brings a winter market.

Purchase fresh produce, baked goods and preserves direct from their producers and experience a natural taste of Maple Ridge.

If you don’t feel like taking home some of our great fresh foods, visit the artisan booths for a peek at the local artistic community.

- Visit haneyfarmmarket@hotmail.com for more information.;

Maple Ridge has an endless array of recreation opportunities for everyone – for the high level adventurist, for the explorer in all of us or the family wanting to make lasting vacation memories. It is no wonder why those who live here love their community so much and why those who visit wish they could stay. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the scenic beauty, friendly neighbourhoods and year-round family-friendly activities.

On behalf of council and our citizens, I welcome you to our community.

Gordy Robson, mayor of Maple Ridge

Phone: 604-463-5221

Fax: 604-467-7329

E-mail: grobson@mapleridge.org

Maple Ridge website: www.mapleridge.ca