I had two options for Earth Day – join the Newcomers Club for a beach get-together or hike the Triangle Lake Trail with the Halfmoon Bay Hikers. Earlier this year, I had committed to improving my cardio because, other than a few hikes and a couple of games of golf, I had not raised my heart rate in any significant fashion in over six months. So, I chose the hike. Now these gals are a very energetic group and I must admit that about halfway along, I was wishing I was on the beach! Happily, the following day, I suffered no ill effects and, as one friend put it, I felt a bit “virtuous” for having completed the two-hour trek
Last week, a friend and I hiked in the Big Tree Recreation Site just north of Trout Lake. It was my first time there and the absolute majesty of this forest took my breath away. Aptly named, it was only a minute or two before I encountered a “Big Tree,” the base of which is surrounded by a fence. A sign explains that the fence “around these ancient trees is to protect them from the adverse effects of soil compaction.” While we are drawn to touch, to hug, to measure these trees, it is damaging to their growth and we are asked to keep our distance. In fact, stepping back so that you can take in their soaring height is an optimal way to experience them.
The Hike for Hospice fundraising campaign gets underway in May, with many teams along the Sunshine Coast (like the Halfmoon Bay Hikers) participating. Their website (coasthospice.com/hike-for-hospice) proclaims “you can run, walk, wheel, ride, hike or whatever-you-like, while raising funds on your own or with a Team!” Funds go towards a range of free services for those facing “a life-limiting illness.” Hospice “provides comfort, support and compassion to you and those who love you.”
If you are a first-time hiker, or you want to expand your hiking territory, the Halfmoon Bay Community Association trails page at halfmoon-bay.ca/trails/ is an excellent resource. The Trail Elves do a fantastic job of keeping our trails safe.
Here’s a few upcoming Halfmoon Bay Happenings:
Area B Director Justine Gabias is holding her monthly community outreach at Coopers Green on Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to noon. Join her and fellow residents for coffee and conversation!
Save these dates for this year’s Halfmoon Bay Community Association events: July 14 – the Halfmoon Bay Fair; July 26 – Lazy Daze #1; and Aug. 16 – Lazy Daze #2. Their annual general meeting will be held on June 13. Event volunteers and sponsors are invited to send an email to [email protected]. Marketplace Vendors can contact me at [email protected]. Details will be provided on their website soon (www.halfmoon-bay.ca).
