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Dancers Exploring Vancouver Island Funkanometry Music Vancouver Island Talent

Funkanometry’s Fast Footwork Wows the Crowd!

Flashback to the Ladysmith Days Festival on July 31st, 2022. The Events Program indicated that a Dance Duo named Funkanometry would be performing. Word got around that these young men were becoming a huge hit! As a former dance instructor, I was curious to watch their performance and be introduced to their unique style of dance.

Soon after locating a bench seat in the front row of the Ladysmith Transfer Beach Amphitheatre, a small group of people arrived at the side of the theater. The group included two young men dressed very casually in dark pants, white runners, and T-Shirts with the letter F on the front. Hmmm….Was this the duo?

A large group of teenagers started screaming as the duo walked towards the center of the outdoor floor. Interesting reaction? The duo seemed confident, calm, and approachable. When the music commenced, I quickly understood the appeal of this gifted dance duo! Wow!

Funkanometry performed in Ladysmith July 2022. Video by Sandra Walther

Rush and Fryer are pros! They were highly entertaining! They demonstrated amazing musicality and unique choreography. They were energetic and clearly loved dancing.

When a young girl ran up wanting to join in dancing, they did not falter or hesitate–they kept performing and adapted to the situation. Their dancing and presentation resulted in smiles and happiness across the multi-generational audience. We all wanted to see more of Funkanometry.

Funkanometry performance July 2022 video by Sandra Walther

Rush and Fryer had unique moves and really played with the audience. We were totally engaged. This Vancouver Island duo was talented and definitely had the potential to “go places” much beyond our beautiful island.”

Funkanometry plays with the audience July 2022 Ladysmith. Videoed by Sandra Walther

I believe it…you’re hot all right! Funkanometry combines many types of dance to create a unique and fun style of their own.

Each dance number had its own individuality, and interactive humour was the constant element between the duo. The dancing felt positive and uplifting.

Funkanometry Duo having a great time performing in Ladysmith July 2022. Video by Sandra Walther

In this dance number Jacksun and Carlow really seemed to be relaxed and having a wonderful time interacting with the audience. Their smiles and energic moves certainly had me smiling and tapping my toes! I feel so proud that these talented young men are from Vancouver Island, Canada.

Funkanometry Duo Jacksun & Carlow at Ladysmith July 2022. Video by Sandra Walther

Rush and Fryer made it to the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent in 2022 and danced a risky, judge controlled choreography as one of eight acts selected for the finals of Canada’s Got Talent on Tuesday, May 14th 2024.

Jacksun Fryer and Carlow Rush continued to amaze the audience and raise the bar! They definitely received my vote. Go Funkanometry! You barely missed obtaining first place and the 1 Million dollars prize! As the Runner-Up performers for Canada’s Got Talent 2024, you have successfully made Funkanometry a household name across Canada! Congratulations!

You are living the dream! We’ll continue to be watching and sending our positive energy from Nanaimo! @Funkanometry

Categories
Adventure Exploring Outdoors Exploring Vancouver Island Hiking trails

Hike Historic Harewood Colliery Dam Park. Vancouver Island.

Introducing Harewood Colliery Dam Park–officially recognized as one of Canada’s Historic Places. This blog post is dedicated to explaining some of Harewood Colliery Dam’s historical significance while illustrating the beauty and features related to my theme of Hiking trails around Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.

Colliery Dam Park during Autumn (October).

The Colliery Dam Park, at 635 Wakesiah Avenue, is a popular destination in Nanaimo for a multitude of reasons. Parking is available in several locations around the park. There is wheelchair access to the first lake which is a popular picnic spot during summer. Fresh water swimming (no lifeguards) and fishing is permitted in the lakes. Although dogs must be on leash on the majority of the trails, there is an off leash area with lake access on the upper dam. The trails offer a variety of fitness options from easy to fairly steep climbs.

Colliery Park trails—May

In addition, Colliery Dam has historical significance to the Nanaimo area. The Dams were built in 1910-11 by the Western Fuel Company. Originally the water was necessary in coal mining to wash coal, and be utilized by miners, mules and horses. Many of the homes in the historic area of South Harewood eventually gained access to, and benefitted from, this fresh water supply.

Colliery Dam fresh water lakes—May

While researching about Harewood Colliery Dam, one of the most informative websites I discovered was from Vancouver Island View. vancouverislandview.com Colliery Dam Park In Nanaimo

Beautiful foliage and bird songs—May

The photos I am sharing of Colliery Dam Park were taken on several walks and hikes in the park during mid May, September, and October. We avoided the summer months, as this popular park gets too busy for our Covid safety comfort level.

Autumn—some of the wooden bridges and stairs sections along the trails.

The following photos were taken during autumn (September and October) on some more challenging trails around the park and surrounding areas.

Autumn. Colliery Dam Park.

The deciduous trees are dropping their leaves — particularly the giant Maples. It’s a harvest feast of colour and lush undergrowth. Note the cedar stripped off the trunk of the cedar tree. Aboriginal People traditionally used cedar to create art, baskets, regale, and hats. Cedar bark is stripped in a lengthy narrow section, then the chosen tree will be left to heal and continue growing.

Autumn hiking group soaking up the lush rainforest.

Feeling the richness of the woods around us…

Autumn—Colliery Dam

Time for our photo shoot beside Granny Falls (also known as Chase River Falls).

2 photos of Granny Falls —Autumn

Compare Granny Falls a month later…

Granny Falls (Chase River Falls) Colliery Dam

Another interesting site to explore is the tunnel of graffiti! It’s a fun art experience for all.

The tunnel of graffiti!

Since Covid 19 surfaced, a covid face mask mysteriously appeared inside the tunnel protecting Marilyn Monroe’s stunning face.

Bridges and trails around Colliery Dam—October

There are many trails to explore around the Colliery Dam Park. I will return again soon! In the meantime, there are other hiking locations to explore and Sophia’s (our cat) antics to share.

Keep Safe and Keep Optimistic! S

Categories
Adventure Exploring Outdoors Exploring Vancouver Island Seaside trails

Nature Fun in Sunny Nanaimo!

August 2021

We are so thankful to reside on gorgeous Vancouver Island, Canada. During Covid 19 lockdowns non-essential travel was not permitted to our amazing island paradise. As our province currently has over 82% of all residents aged 12 + with at least 1 dose of covid vaccine and over 60% of all people in B.C. fully vaccinated against Covid 19, restrictions are carefully being lifted and travel has resumed once again.

Pipers Lagoon is fun during the day and gorgeous during sunset time.

This blog post shares a few fun ways to explore nature and relax around the Nanaimo area. Piper’s lagoon area with its long spit and choices of swimming in the lagoon or the Pacific Ocean is always a favorite of ours. Whether you are swimming, relaxing, climbing rocks, checking out the trails, or embracing nature and recreation water activities this location has it all!

Practicing safe kayak rolls while the BC ferries pass in the background!

The Pacific ocean surrounds Vancouver Island and is our highway to connect Vancouver Island with the mainland of western Canada. There are 200 Gulf Islands located in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the B.C. mainland. Water vessels are common sights from kayaks and SUPs, to sailboats and pleasure crafts, or ferries and freighters.

There are so many beautiful sights when Kayaking around Vancouver Island

If interested in exploring the nearby Gulf Islands, here is a great website to check out. https://www.hellobc.com/places-to-go/gulf-islands/

During the heat waves and sunny summer days, the refreshing Pacific Ocean is a popular location for swimming, kayaking, and playing in the refreshing salt water.

More photos of beautiful Pipers lagoon

Sometimes curious river otters or harbor seals entertain or pop up nearby in the ocean to visit. When the Herring or Pilcher fish are running you can also see sealions and sometimes a magnificent whale, or a small pod, make appearances.

If you prefer a busier, more urban seaside location then downtown Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton park area might be more suited to your taste. There are lovely flat walking areas along the seawall and around the park to the marina area.

Maffeo Sutton park in Nanaimo

Music and Art events occur on a regular basis throughout the summer. The Dragon Boating competitions are held in this location. You can also locate the small walk-on ferry transport vessel which commutes between downtown Nanaimo and Newcastle (Saysutshun) Island and Marine Provincial Park. Another tiny commuter ferry departs from the marina area to the famous floating restaurant Dingy Dock Pub on Protection Island.

Maffeo Sutton Park sculptures and history.

The park embraces the Arts and there are dozens of interesting sculptures and statues reflecting historical figures and events scattered throughout the grounds.

For the sand loving individuals, there are several sandy beaches located just beyond the Nanaimo area. One option is to drive 34 km to Parksville and relax on Rathtrevor beach. Check the tide schedule as low tide requires a lengthy walk to the edge of the ocean!

Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville.

If you prefer to swim and relax on a fresh water lake, there are many options for this too! Long Lake is popular for water sports, swimming, and picnics. Motorized vessels (Sea-Doos, water skiing) must keep to the middle of the lake. Non motorized vessels (kayaks, SUP, big floats stay around the outside of the lake. The Nanaimo Rowing Club has their clubhouse here so it is also common to see rowers practicing. There is a swimming zone by the beach/picnic location.

Relaxing at Long Lake, Nanaimo

For people who prefer more shade and trails through woods or marsh areas, there are extensive opportunities to explore this type of habitat too. One example is the marsh and pond around Oliver Woods park.

Oliver Woods pond and marsh area, Nanaimo

Multiple species of ducks and birdlife can be viewed here as well as amphibians, wild berries, wildflowers, and occasionally a beaver is visible.

Abundant floral displays mainly wild….

My goal was to expose a taste of a few of the beautiful and diverse locations around my home of Nanaimo. In future blog posts I will concentrate on specific hikes or nature explorations in our rainforest or oceans of Vancouver Island.

Meanwhile, I conclude this blog post with another option for relaxation. Let me suggest… reading a wonderful book from a hammock under majestic 120 Foot + evergreen trees.

Cheers! Have a wonderful day!

Stay safe everybody. Cheers from Nanaimo, Canada.