Kingfisher Used Books

Kingfisher Used Books at 4486 Marine Ave. in Powell River.

I have a passion for browsing book stores. Right across the street from our condo in Powell River there's a great used book store just packed with literary treasures. It's called Kingfisher Used Books and it's owned by Sharon and Peter Deane.

The books are organized by subject to help you find your treasures. Stools are strategically placed so you can easily reach the bottom shelf or sit and try out a prospective selection. I always find something to add to my collection of local and off the grid books.

A well organized collection of books at very reasonable prices.

If you are traveling up the Sunshine Coast, Kingfisher Books is an easy walk from the Westview Ferry Terminal. After you park, take a stroll up Wharf Street to Marine Avenue. Turn left and the bookstore is on the east side of the street. You can reach them at (604) 414-4573. They are open 7 days a week.

Here's another suggestion. After you find a great book, take it with you across the street to Rocky Mountain Pizza and Bakery. Here you'll find fresh brewed coffee, lattes, yummy baked goods, sandwiches, soups and, of course, pizza. Sit in the back for a view of the Strait of Georgia or at a window table to see all of the action on Marine Avenue.

On the way back to the ferry, stop at Marine Traders on Wharf Street. They have a huge selection of boat, fishing and outdoor supplies.

So whether you live in town, are here to visit, or just passing through, visit Marine Avenue. There's something exciting happening all the time. -- Margy

Heriot Bay Inn and Marina

Heading up Lewis Channel on the way to Quadra Island.

Even people who live off the grid like to have a vacation on the grid. Last weekend we treated ourselves to a short holiday at one of our favourite places, the Heriot Bay Inn and Marina on nearby Quadra Island.

Rounding the north side of Cortes Island.

We went by boat from Powell River. There are several routes, but we chose the scenic one via Desolation Sound and the north side of Cortes Island.

BC Ferry leaving for Cortes Island.

If you aren't travelling by boat, you can reach Quadra Island by car via BC Ferries from Campbell River on Vancouver Island.

Heriot Bay is on the eastern side of Quadra. The original inn was built in about 1895, rebuilt in 1912 and updated since.

We chose to stay in the marina with our Bayliner 2452. They have diesel and gas, and offer slips for boats large and small.

Our Bayliner (the small one) at the Heriot Bay Marina on the second dock.

There's also a dinghy dock for people from the nearby anchorage at Rebecca Spit to tie up. Call ahead for a reservation or check in on Channel 66a to get a spot. Amenities include water, showers, laundry, Internet, and some power hookups. The village grocery store is within walking distance for re-stocking.

Getting to the Inn from the Marina.

Other accomodations options include rooms in the inn, suites and cabins, or oceanside tent and RV campground spots.

The Heriot Bay Inn.

We love to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Inn's Heron restaurant. There is inside seating, but we love the outside deck with marina and ocean views. There's also a pub for music, watching games on TV, or dancing.

Dining on the deck at the Heron Restaurant.

The Heriot Bay Inn and Marina are open all year long. Travelling in winter or shoulder seasons offer a substantial discount, but with such reasonable prices coming during the summer is your best bet.

Heriot Bay Inn and Marina

1 (888) 605-4545

(250) 285-3322

Marine Channel 66a

www.HeriotBayInn.com

673 Hotel Road, Heriot Bay, BC V0P 1H0

Have you been to the Heriot Bay Inn or Marina? How was your stay? -- Margy

Riding the Rock

Leaving Powell River on the North Island Princess

Not far from Powell River is Texada Island. It's formed on a volcanic rock and limestone bed that was ground down during the ice age. With many visible outcroppings, it's nickname is The Rock. Texada is 50 kilometres long, and has many forest service and logging roads. That makes it perfect for exploring by ATV.

We left Powell River on the BC Ferries North Island Princess. She runs multiple times daily. Crossing takes about 35 minutes and it's a beautiful ride with views up and down the Straight of Georgia, Vancouver Island and occasional porpoise and whale sightings.

Camping in an old gravel pit reclaimed by millions of daisies.

The population and several active quarries cluster on the northern half of the island. The southern end is open land that has been logged periodically. That's where we headed. On the way through Gillies Bay, we stopped at the Ravenous Raven Lodge and Restaurant for dinner. It was an excellent way to start off a weekend getaway.

Riding a forest service road on Texada Island.

At the end of paved Shelter Bay Road we turned right onto dirt surfaced Bell Road. Main dirt roads are in good shape with occasional potholes. Standard vehicles would have no trouble, but farther south 4X4 is necessary. Many of the spur roads require an ATV, off-road bike, horse, or human foot power.

Signs point the way to Anderson Bay.

At the junction of the forest service road we wanted there was a sign leading the way to Anderson Bay at the south end of the road. There's an old gravel pit past Second Lake, other wide spots along the road, or the recreation site at Bob's Lake remote no service camping.

With full tummies, we set up camp and relaxed as the sun set behind the tall pines and firs. The next morning we offloaded our bikes and set out to explore.

Beautiful ponds and lakes abound.

A map from Powell River Tourism gave us the big picture. We continued south on the forest service road towards Anderson Bay.  Until the final decent, it was fairly wide and rolling. I made it about half way down before I slowed my quad to a crawl. Wayne is a more advanced rider so he pressed on ahead.

Wayne on an old logging road overgrown with millions of daisies.

We worked our way back to Bob's Lake for a lunch break at a picnic table. No one was camping on such a nice summer weekend. In fact, over the 24-hour period we were camping and riding we only saw four vehicles and no other quad riders.

Bob's Lake forest remote recreation site.

There are two main forest service branch roads heading south, Bell Road and Thompson Road. In between there are many old logging roads and a gas pipeline service route available to explore. We used the pipeline route just south of our campsite and joined a logging road that took us through some older growth trees to the east side of the mid-island ridge with ocean views across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island.

Riding a section of the pipeline maintenance road.

We connected with Thompson Road, headed south and reconnected with Bell Road. With impending showers cutting our camping short, we loaded our bikes, packed up and headed back to the ferry terminal at Blubber Bay. Named for its whaling history, it's now home to an Ash Grove Cement Company transfer site.

Historic concrete manufacture site at Blubber Bay.

After putting our quads away, we headed to the Costal del Sol in Powell River for some upscale Mexican food while the thunderstorms gathered and the rain began.

Here are some links for more information about Texada:

Texada Arts, Culture and Tourism Society
Texada Island Wikipedia
Texada Island Geology
Texada Island Maps
Texada Island Recreation Sites and Trails
Texada Island Events
Texada Island Accommodations
Ravenous Raven Lodge and Restaurant
BC Ferries

I invite you to visit Texada Island, whether or not you come to ride The Rock. It has beaches, forests and anchorages galore. It's a place for quiet reflection, or active enjoyment -- something for everyone.

This story was also shared on my Powell River Quad Rides blog and as a guest post The Powtown Post. -- Margy

Julie's Airport Cafe in Powell River, BC

Julie's Airport Cafe in Powell River, BC

I wrote about Julie's Airport Cafe back in 2011 when she first opened. I've known Julie since she was a server at the Marine Inn and then Kane's here in Powell River. Julie had a dream of opening a restaurant of her own, and from the beginning it's been a success.

The original name was Julie's Airport Market and Grill. There's no longer a market so Julie can focus on what she does best, make some of the best food in town.

Wayne and I went for breakfast and were blown away at Julie's remodel. Wow!

But I'm sure glad she kept the airplane theme.

Julie's is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch. You never know who you'll find at the next table, a neighbour, a local bigwig, or someone who just flew in to get some good eats.

On a recent visit we discovered a unique "table." It's part art and also a place to sit and eat. It was created by O.C. "Dobie" Dobrostanski, the artist from Dogwood Studio on nearby Texada Island.

The Warbird Tables created by Dobie Dobrostanski from Texada Island.

The fuselage of the airplane is a wall mural, but the wing and tail are tables where customers can sit and enjoy breakfast or lunch. How cool is that?

Hand painted giant saw blade and helicopter rotor blade over the door.

The walls and ceiling of Julie's are covered with aviation pictures and aircraft models.

Some of the many airplane models hanging from the ceiling.

If you live in or visit Powell River, you've got try Julie's for a tasty breakfast or lunch. Then head on over to the airport and watch some real airplanes take off and land. -- Margy

Magpie's Diner's Now in Cranberry

I have a friend in Powell River that's also named Margaret. We both have float cabins up the lake, and they were both built by our friend John.  Margaret and her husband Art are the proud owners of a very popular restaurant named Magpie's Diner.


Margaret started Magpie's Diner on Glacier Street. When that location became too small, she moved to the Townsite's historic Rodmay Hotel and reopened it's cafe as Magpie's Diner. This year, Magpie's has moved once again, to an even larger space in the community of Cranberry.

Magpie's Diner serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We like to stop for breakfast when we are heading into town.

We usually order the same thing, a cheese omelet with a side of spicy chorizo sausage for Wayne, and the Not-So-Big Big Breakfast for me with one egg, breakfast meats, homemade hash browns, and toast. But everything on the menu is great from all day breakfasts, to Bennies, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and homemade desserts. You can even get a bottle of Townsite beer to go with your meal.


I love the new location. The building is an historic structure that housed Wilshire's Store. The old counter and stools are still in use. Margaret invites local artists to display on her walls, and she uses local produce and products whenever possible.

If you live in Powell River, I'm sure you already know about Magpie's Diner. If you are coming for a visit, make sure it's part of your travel plans. -- Margy

Olsen's Landing

On sunny days up the lake, we like to explore. In several places there are logging docks. During off hours, you can use them to access shore.


Last week we headed up to Olsen's Landing. In the early 1900's, families who lived in the remote Olsen Valley would bring garden vegetables down to Powell Lake. From here, they would take them by boat to Powell River for sale.


Today, the landing is used by logging companies to extract logs and cedar shake blocks to transport down the lake to Block Bay.


We've had minimal snow so far, but the rising Coast Range has a small base. See the pointed peak on the left? It's called Beartooth Mountain.  Have dinner at the Shinglemill Pub at the south end of Powell Lake and get a piece of Max Pagani's Beartooth Pie. It's a delectable ice cream pie big enough and tall enough for two to share. -- Margy

Powell River Kings Hockey

Wayne and I love to go to Powell River Kings Junior "A" Hockey games. Our hometown team draws players from around Canada and occasionally the United States. It's great hockey and lots of fun joining our neighbours to cheer the players on. GO KINGS GO!

For about a year, there's been no concession stand for food during games. But good news, the wait is over. They city has selected Planet Cleve to take over running indoor food sales.

The last time Wayne and I were at a game, they were outside with their mobile food cart. Now getting a "best burger on the planet" from Planet Cleve will be even easier.  Or choose a pulled pork sandwich, hotdog, or prawns. A recent Facebook post says there will be even more choices inside, including the "best fries on the planet." We'll have to try some of those next time.

But it's awfully hard to focus on hockey between bites. She looks, she bites, she scores. Yum!

Update: Powell River Kings games are still the best "game" in town, but the food concession is  now the Bite Club offering traditional and healthy options.

Little Red Caboose Cafe in Blaine, WA

Thursday was a day off for me.  I took Wayne to the Vancouver Boat Show for Off the Grid presentations then took my time getting back to Bellingham. My first stop was the Peace Arch International Park, a free zone between the Canadian and U.S. border crossings.

After clearing customs, I stopped in Blaine, Washington. After strolling around the marina and looking at boats, I got hungry. I drove down Blaine's main drag, aptly named Peace Arch Portal Way, and found a cute little cafe in a remodeled caboose.

Not only is the Little Red Caboose Cafe cute, it has great food.  It's family owned by Dave and Susan Smith. They are open for breakfast with traditional combos and early morning sandwiches, and lunch with sandwiches (including Philly cheese steak) and salads. Or just stop by for a latte inside or on the patio.

I opted for a wrap. Sorry, I was so hungry I took a bite before taking the picture.  But that lets you see how good it looks inside and out.

I love trains.  I love good food. I can't think of a better way to combine both into a fantastic treat.

Do you have any special family owned restaurants or shops that you love to visit? I'd love to hear about them. -- Margy

Critter Cuisine

I should feel bad. I ate this week's camera critter. I just couldn't help myself.

I've been waiting a whole year for The Crab King floating restaurant in Steveston BC to open. It's a seasonal restaurant, and this is my first summer visit to this historic seaside village. Just like the name sounds, they specialize is fresh caught and cooked crab. So fresh, they are critters in a tank before they become tasty cuisine on your plate.

The tables are outdoors with views of the Steveston Harbour and all of its fishing boats. After you order at the window, a waitress covers your table with butcher paper ready to catch the shells and mess of cracked crab. I got the half crab. It was really good, but I could have eaten a lot more. Half a crab ala carte was $12.95. A bit pricey for lunch when you add a coke and fries, but worth the wait. -- Margy

Boardwalk Restaurant in Lund BC

The Boardwalk Restaurant is located in Lund, BC, where Highway 101 (the Pan-American Highway) meets its northern terminus on the Strait of Georgia. The restaurant sits gracefully on pilings over the shallow bay behind the Lund Marina. Take a walk along the scenic boardwalk and stay for a wonderful meal.

I had some business to conduct in Lund (delivering some Coastal BC Stories books to Deborah at Tug-Guhm Gallery), so I took the opportunity to have lunch at The Boardwalk Restaurant. The location over the water right next to the marina can't be beat . Even though it rained earlier in the day, they let me eat outdoors on the deck.

The menu is varied, with an emphasis on local seafood. The day I was there you could get spot prawns right off the boat, and fresh clams, mussels, sockeye salmon, ling cod, and halibut. There are other items including burgers and steaks. The Boardwalk is known locally for their excellent fish and chips.

Since it was lunch, I opted for the one piece salmon fish and chips. The salmon was battered in a very crispy crust and came with homemade fries and tartar sauce. A small portion of fresh greens with vinaigrette rounded out the tasty meal. To go along with it, I picked an on-tap beer from the new Powell River Townsite Brewery. Now that make a "working day" well worth the trip.

You can find the Boardwalk Restaurant in Lund, BC, or reach them at (604) 483-2201. -- Margy

Vancouver Airport Floatplane Facility

I regularly make the trip to and from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to travel to and from Powell River, or to pick up Wayne. The Canada/US border crossing time is hard to estimate, so I build in extra time just to be safe.

Last week I arrived 45 minutes early, so I walked across to the float plane portion of the South Terminal. Float planes (seaplanes) take off and land in the Fraser River. That can be a bit tricky with tides and currents working either together or in opposition. Mix in some wind, and you really have to give a hand to the professional pilots.

Several airlines serve passengers at the private and public portions of the YVR Floatplane Facility. They include:

• Saltspring Island Air
• Seair Seaplanes
• Tofino Air
• Harbour Air Ltd

If you like plane watching, there are lots of benches along the riverside path. Here are two of the planes I saw.

If you are at YVR and have some time to spare, head over to the South Terminal. Park in the free day use lot and walk across the street. If you get hungry while you're there, head into the Harbour Air terminal and you will find the Flying Beaver Bar & Grill. They have great food and drink, and a high flying view. -- Margy

Julie's Airport Market & Grill

Thirty years ago, Wayne and I visited Powell River while on a flying camping trip. We needed fuel and then walked to the Airport Market for ice and snacks. We hopped back in our plane and away we went -- for twenty more years until we returned to make Powell Lake our home. If you would like to read about some of our flying adventures, check out Wayne's Up the Airway.

I've often driven passed the Airport Market, but have never stopped. This week I learned from a real estate agent friend, Harry Zroback, that our friend Julie bought the market about six months ago and was having a blast. So today, as I was getting ready to catch a Pacific Coastal flight back to Bellingham, I decided to visit Julie and grab a bite of lunch at her market restaurant.

The sign out front says Julie's Airport Market - Grill and Groceries. Outside, the lot was filled with pickup trucks, so I knew the food was going to be good and plentiful. Besides, I know Julie and her pride in a job well done. Inside there is one shelf of emergency items a passing pilot or nearby neighbor might want, but the emphasis is on the restaurant part of the business. And there was Julie, doing a bit of everything: taking orders, manning the till, cooking, and serving.

Julie asked if I wanted breakfast or lunch. Lunch I said, and she directed me to the specials board. I picked the steak sandwich. It came medium, just like I ordered, on top of garlic toast, covered with grilled mushrooms and garnished with onion rings. The side of fries was crispy and huge. A meal fit for a logger, but I gave it my best. You can bet I will be heading back to the Airport Market for breakfast or lunch on my next trip to town.

You can read about Julie and her prize winning derby fish in Up the Lake. And you can take a peak at the newly remodeled Julie's Airport Cafe by clicking here. Don't worry. She's kept the airplane theme. -- Margy