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)

Ride to Conquer Cancer

 Vanessa, Tina, Guy & Mike - our Gabriola Heroes

This past weekend marked a pretty special occasion for our family, my sister Tina Lynch & husband Guy Parcher participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, in honour of our dad Jack Lynch.

Our dad who was diagnosed with terminal, asbestos related lung cancer in July 2011 and I remember how happy he was when Tina and Guy told him that they were doing this ride for him – he was hopeful that it might make a difference for others.

Right now, 2 in 5 people will hear the words: "You have cancer' in their lifetime, and the ride works to change that.” The ride raised over $11.2 million dollars for the BC Cancer foundation, and monies raised went back to the communities that they were fundraised in.

The journey took them from Vancouver down to Seattle and despite the downpour of rain, there were people all along the way to cheer on and provide some much appreciated encouragement to the riders. There on the finish line we watched them cross the line on Father’s day – my dad’s spirit with them, it was so moving watching all the riders come through – I know he would have been so proud of them all!

To all those of you who supported the riders - thanks so much for your generosity...

The change to "Designated Agency"

Effective June 1st Designated Agency became the provincial industry standard.

So what does that mean to you as a Buyer or Seller?

On Gabriola, with Coast Realty Group (Gabriola Village) Ltd. being the only physical office on the island, and our relatively small geographical area, two teams and a selling managing broker, when the office lists & sells a property there will be many times we will continue to be in a Limited Dual Agency as before, where the brokerage represents two parties impartially.

However, when there has been no previously agency relationship, & depending on circumstances we may also see where your individual agent is designated to work for you, instead of how it previously was as the brokerage being your agent. We have a new “Working with a REALTOR form” which helps outline our duties and obligations.

the last... Tour de Gabriola

The weather held out yesterday, and it was a fantastic day for the final tour de Gabriola.  It's hard to believe that it was 7 years ago that Randi and I rode in the Good Heart Ride which raised much necessary funds for a defibrillator.

The following year, the Tour de Gabriola was created to start to raise money for the Gabriola Health Care society & over the years raise money it did nearly $25,000.  With the clinic nearing completion, this was the last year of the ride.

It was absolutely amazing to be there in the beggining and finishing it up yesterday!  The organizers and volunteers did an amazing job.  I'm so glad for the opportunity to participate.

Cycling on Gabriola

Maybe it's time to dust off that bike seat and head to Gabriola Island for a ride!
It's the perfect day trip, just walk on the ferry with your bike and head down North Road when you get here, this changes to South road in the Silva Bay area.   There are lots of side roads to go down and explore and a few hills to conquer along the way, the loop usually takes 1hr and 15 minutes to an hour and a half.  We've been doing lots of laps and zigzag paths around the island as training for our upcoming "Ride to Conquer Cancer" ride from Vancouver to Seattle on June 16/17.  On the May long weekend,we were lucky to have our teammates from Nanaimo and Mike (owner of North Road Sports) join us for a 30km loop around the island.

For more bike routes on Gabriola, search for routes on Mapmyride .

Submitted by: Tina Lynch

A walk in the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve.

This is a beautiful park located just off of North Road (near Degnen Road) on Gabriola Island.  The single trail loops through part of the 65-acre reserve, taking you through the lush forest, on small bridges and stepping across the river on large stones. 
I've gone with my kids many times and it takes us about 30-40 minutes, we do stop along the way to take a look at things as we go (and there is also a geo-cache located in these woods), so you may find it quicker.  You are asked to go by foot only and stay on the trail in this park, due to the delicate ecosystem.
Here is a link to Randy Young's website, he has mapped out a lot of Gabriola's amazing trails and his website is a fantastic resource if you want to explore the trails on the Island.
Submitted by: Tina Lynch

Syttende Mai ! Happy Constitution Day Norway.

Today, May 17th is Norwegian Constitution Day, a national holiday back in Norway.  We don't take the day off here in Canada, but we will make some time today to celebrate with some other Norwegians living on Gabriola. 
The photo above is the cake that my mom made to celebrate, they call it a Kransekake which is a traditional cake made mainly of almonds, icing sugar and eggs. 
It's a great day with lots of festivities in Norway, the most important is the parade which includes everyone from young children to the elderly, most dressed in the traditional outfits.
Hope you enjoy the day!