Celebrating on the Islands!

Last week we decided to have our son's birthday a little earlier than usual, so within a week we planned and hosted his party.  We found planning it within a short time was very liberating and forced us to be a bit more creative.  This year the kids were old enough to help us paint signs on pieces of driftwood we collected from the beach.  We silk screened a few shirts (that we picked up at the GIRO) with our "outback tour koala logo" and got busy turning a little "reef" in front of McConvey Road on Gabriola into the Australian outback.   You can walk to this beautiful stretch of sand when the tide is low from the Descanso Bay Campground picnic area, or take a kayak or raft in high tide. This is a beautiful place that feels like a deserted island, we've all decided it's one of our favourite spots on Gabriola. (Submitted by Tina Lynch)

Gabriola Campground- Descanso Bay

Located just a short distance from the Gabriola ferry terminal, Descanso Bay Regional Park offers 32 camping sites on a beautiful 40-acre oceanfront property. There are three bays, one of which is a designated shellfish-harvesting beach (check for closures). There is also a great picnic/day use area with gorgeous sandstone beaches. Just off the shore is this small "island" that makes the perfect destination for those that would like to do a quick little paddle. To make reservations at the campground located at 595 Taylor Bay Road call 1 250 247-8255.

The Golden Shoe Hunt- Regional Parks & Trails

The Regional District of Nanaimo has organized the 4th annual Golden Shoe Hunt. There will be 6 clues, one given each week from April 16th and May 21st, leading to six shoes in six locations. The hunt is meant to include those of all ages and requires no bushwhacking, so you can stay on the Regional Parks & Trails. If your lucky enough to find a token from one of the shoes, take it in to Oceanside Place in Parksville by May 31 to receive your prize.

Gabriola Island has a regional park, the Descanso Bay Regional Park is located within walking distance to the ferry and has a beautiful picnic area next to the sandstone beaches as well as some great camp sites, I'm hoping that one of the shoes will be placed here.

Here are the clues that have been posted so far, check the RDN site tomorrow for clue three (just be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page). Happy Hunting !
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clue Number Two:For the week of April 23rd - 30th
Travel south to find this suspenseful trail and The Abyss!

Clue Number One:For the week of April 16th - 23rd
You’ve been to the bridge, now walk the trail from the other end… t’u’an to? Regional