by Allison Smith
As I’m sitting here writing this month’s column, sunshine is streaming through my window, I can hear birds chirping happily outside and the first few days of our April “heat wave” have arrived. “Sunny and warm for the next week!” crows the weatherman, happy to finally be able to give his viewers a positive forecast for the first time in months.
After all, we’re over a year into Covid now and for many, getting outside seems to make a huge difference to our mental outlook.
For this next stretch of sunny days we’ll trick ourselves into thinking that the warm weather is here to stay (wilfully “forgetting” that these lovely April days will inevitably devolve into our typical wet coast spring in weeks to come) and we will stream from our houses and out onto the beautiful Saanich Peninsula.
We all have our favourite spots to get out to, and will gladly share them with anyone who asks. We know how lucky we are to live where we do, with so many amazing locations right on our doorstep. But maybe that’s too much of a good thing, sometimes? Maybe you visit Island View beach every few days, but how often do you explore outside your usual go-to’s and add a new favourite to the list? And how do you choose where to begin a new adventure when there are so many starting points?
In “Ask the Experts” (pg 18), seven local kids, from ages four to 14, are eager to share their favourite things to do locally with us all. From Oak Haven Park (a recent addition to my favourites list) to Country Bee Honey Farm and even the local library, I promise there is something for everyone in these suggestions! Whether you’re six or 60, getting out and exploring someplace new on our beautiful Saanich Peninsula is always a worthwhile endeavour. And maybe these kids hold the secret to your new favourite hidden gem!
