Category Archives: history

Mystery blazes

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Alistair

High in the mountains above Nelson, the indefatigable Doug Thorburn has discovered blazes that mark a forgotten trail. The purpose of the trail is unclear, but it passes through a fine old–growth stand of cedar hemlock. Some blazes are still visible, … Continue reading →

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BC Parks party

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Alistair

On Saturday, August 13, 2011, BC Parks and the Friends of West Kootenay Parks threw a spectacularly successful party at Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park to celebrate the centennial of BC Parks. Under cerulean skies, they offered helicopter rides to the … Continue reading →

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Whispering pool

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Alistair

A year ago, I realized that an obscure piece of local architecture had one of the oddest characteristics to be found in this area. Discussed on the main website on a page about Curiosities, it is our local whispering gallery. The structure … Continue reading →

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Promoter incompetence

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Alistair

I am enthusiastic about this region—something clearly shown by this website and blog. So, I am unenthusiastic about regional promoters who misrepresent us. There seems to be streak of incompetence that runs through local tourism promoters. What else are you going … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, history | 8 Comments

Canada Day fireworks

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Alistair

Canada Day has fireworks. Ottawa marks it with fireworks; Nelson marks it with fireworks; most cities of any size in Canada do. But, why? How did this come about? Canada’s national day—it once was called Dominion Day—did not used to … Continue reading →

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Mentor passing

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Alistair

I hope that the handful of people who follow this blog will forgive me for wandering somewhat off topic. This website and its blog explore the natural world around Kootenay Lake. Other than to describe what I see, I don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, history, weather | 2 Comments

PIMS’ wrecks

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Alistair

During the low water of March, I like to visit some local relics of the steam age. Some shipwrecks that are usually underwater become visible. Today, however, instead of visiting them physically (it is raining), I explored them virtually. I … Continue reading →

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Fort Shepherd cairn

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Alistair

I may be one of only two people alive today to have attended the dedication of the cairn at Fort Shepherd some sixty years ago. I was reminded of the event by a feature Greg Nesteroff wrote for the Nelson Star … Continue reading →

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McDonald’s Landing

Posted on February 5, 2011 by Alistair

In 1894, Duncan A. McDonald filed a pre–emption for some land at Six Mile on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. The landing named for him is located near the east end of Lower Six Mile Road. It is one … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, history | 6 Comments

Plural ascending

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Alistair

Many of us are pleased to live in the West Kootenay. Yet it seems that some think we live in the West Kootenays (plural). The West Kootenay was formed when the Kootenay district was split into East and West portions … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, history | 15 Comments