BCAA

editor'snote B.C.'S WILD WEST Coast seems a particularly fitting focus this issue, given the roiling controversy over the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline that would see Alberta oil pumped from Edmonton to Kitimat and onto overseas tankers anchored offshore. In fact, our impulse to go coastal was triggered by the federal government's recent reversal of its plans to automate B.C.'s last manned lighthouses, 27 in all, after a massive outcry from the public and the coastal fishing and boating communities. This about-face got us thinking here at Westworld: about how much we take for granted about the coast, whether we're talking state-of-the-art search-and-rescue programs, mysterious marine wolves, rare Kermode bears and terrifying rogue waves, or cultural and historical legacies (world class First Nations art and the Port Edward North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site come to mind). By the same token, how much are we overlooking, we wondered, when we refer to this absolutely enormous and diverse landscape with bitesized monikers such as "the West Coast"? After all, we mean a coastline stretching 25,725 km, most of it inaccessible by road, including an estimated 40,000 islands. BC Ferries' stalwart, year-round service notwithstanding, the majority of British Columbians are unlikely to set foot on even a fraction of this length. So, we thought we'd try bringing the character of the coast a little closer: with a series of stories that reflect, in some small way at least, its tremendous environmental and cultural diversity, its history and iconic highlights, its unique communities and way of life. In the process we hope we've shared some different ways of thinking about the coast and new ideas for how to experience it. Because it might be a big, big world out there, but the best of B.C.'s wild West Coast is a lot more accessible than one might think. Anne Rose, Editor arose@canadawide.com 8 WESTWORLD p08-09_EdNt_Mlbg.indd 8 >> SPRING 2012 mailbag Pipe Dreams Your magazine is a real treat. Reading Kerry Banks's article on Roger Goldammer (Profile, Winter 2011) reminded me of the time I had a similar experience – as in, a hot right boot. Well, not quite the same: I wasn't on Utah's Bonneville Speedway on Goldmember, but on a bumpy country road in Yorkshire, England, riding behind my dad on a BSA 250cc. I was 12; the year was 1937, and we were going fast – at least 60 mph. But I was having difficulty keeping a foothold until I wedged one foot into a place that seemed safe and secure. That is, until I felt extreme heat under that right foot. My boot sole had been "cinderized"! Dad was tickled pink I'd stuck it out so long without complaining. Mother wasn't amused: I needed new boots. But the experience didn't put me off motorcycles. I married a guy with a Norton, and two youngsters later we still had wheels plus a smart sidecar with fitted mattress – a great mobile playpen (seat belts hadn't been thought of yet). –Mary Foster, Burnaby Excellent article on local lad Roger Goldammer. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree they say – and equally so in this case, as Roger's father, Dietrich, is also quite an innovator. His home-designed, self-built helicopter was featured at Expo 86 in Vancouver. –Allastair Fergusson, via email the online version; the introductory video added a whole new dimension. Well done! –Bruce Wishart, CEO, Tourism Prince Rupert Size Matters? Ian MacNeill's "Driven to Excess" (Hot Topics, Winter 2011) presents an interesting perspective on people purchasing cars beyond their real needs – and he makes some very good points. However, MacNeill does overlook the issue of safety. Despite the increases in vehicle safety equipment, size directly dictates who survives in an accident, and this dictates my purchases. Certainly a Smart car, no matter how much manufacturers talk about its "cage," is a dangerous thing to be in when colliding with a pickup truck. –Edward Peck, via email Come Sail Away Andrew Findlay begins "Sailors' Delight" (Fall 2011) with a quote from "a friend in the know" likening "boat ownership to taking a long, warm shower while tearing up $50 bills." I, and many of my friends in the know, liken boat ownership to taking a cold shower by an open window on a chilly, windy day, with all our clothes on – while throwing all of our money out the window. –Mardie Wolsey, Surrey, B.C. 'Kay Walking Rink Reverie I remember skating on frozen fields in Ontario and Saskatchewan, being yanked short by tufts of grass or reeds coming up through the ice. Kerry Banks's "Odd Man Rush" (Winter 2011) put a tear in my eye, thinking of my own dad outside in the dark in his Cowichan sweater, flooding the rink on our Ottawa lawn. The sound of clearing away the snow – well, more tears. Thanks so much. –Maja Grip, Tsawwassen, B.C. I really enjoyed the Winter issue's pond hockey story, including the extra features in Thank you, Ian MacNeill, for noting that pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections, marked and unmarked (Hot Topics, Fall 2011). I cross the same intersection every day – dressed in bright clothes – and rarely does a motorist stop. Instead, many drivers yell at me, saying I should walk to the traffic lights a few blocks away. –Mary Sherlock, Vancouver To comment: Email us at westworld@bcaa.com or arose@canadawide.com. Or, write us at Westworld Letters, BCAA, 4567 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 4T1 (fax: 604-268-5565). Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Courtesy Roger Goldammer 1/26/12 2:41:14 PM

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