Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/303885
Some of us on Vancouver Island are very cognizant of the fragility of our life here. Being from Southern California and having experienced earthquakes first hand, I am acutely aware of the need for preparation. Living in Willis Point, a small mountain community just 25 minutes outside of Victoria, we have a volun teer fire department. With just one access road in and out, being ready for a disaster is part of our everyday life. For the last three years, my husband and I have taken on the "task" of disaster pre pared ness in conjunction with the WPFD. It can be hard to convince a small com munity that this is going to happen to us, here. We've published checklists in our quar terly community newsletter, posted reminders on the community bulletin boards, arranged with a local vendor for a discount on earthquake supplies, all in an effort to keep awareness up. Your series of earthquake preparedness articles by Steve Burgess ["Prep Talk" columns in editions mailed to coastal residents] have now become part of our "litany" to the community. They are informative and to the point (it so happens that our community newsletter is called The Pointer). Thank you for allowing us to reprint your articles in our newsletter. Reminding the community of the need for readiness is our goal – your articles facilitate that need in a clear, concise and easytoread manner. Judy Estrin, Victoria Museum Minding A friend of mine brought in the Spring 2014 issue of Westworld yesterday, and showed me the article on Ladysmith's First Avenue ["The Street"]. I would like to thank you (and John Lee) for the glowing review of our local, all volunteerrun Ladysmith Museum. As I was the person responsible for most of the content, with the help of some very dedicated volunteers, your endorsement of our hard work made our day. A recognition of this scale does not happen every day. Again, thank you for the article, as I am sure it will bring in more visitors this season. Bernardien Knol, Curator, Ladysmith Museum Birds of a Feather Regarding "Nests of Hope" by Liz Bryan, I really enjoyed this article in Westworld's Spring edition. An avid bird watcher like myself is always inter ested in reading any story about birds (and learning something new, of course). Well done. Kim Mernett, Alexis Creek One More Gem Further to your editorial pages ["Vancou ver's Hiddens Gems"] in the Spring 2014 Westworld, another "Hidden Gem" not to be missed is the London Heritage Farm historic site. Situated in a picturesque setting on 4.6 acres across from the south arm of the Fraser River in southwest Richmond, near the historic village of Steveston, the 1890s farmhouse was built by the London family and has been restored and fully furnished in period themed rooms. Surrounding the farmhouse are lovely heritage flower and herb gardens, a beautiful setting for strolling, picnics or enjoying the peace and tranquility. Tea and homemade scones with jam and goodies are served in our countrystyle tea room. The farmhouse is open September through June, and the park and gardens are open year round. We hope your readers will visit this historic site and enjoy the day. Mary Lou Schootman, London Heritage Farm Society To comment: Email us at westworld@bcaa.com or kmah@canadawide.com. Or write us at Westworld Letters, BCAA, 4567 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 4T1 (fax: 6042685565). Letters may be edited for length and clarity. SuMMeRTIMe. There's something a b o u t t h e l o n g , bright days that brings on that famil iar urge to pack our bags and hit the road. But for many British Columbians, that can mean a dilemma: head out of town and miss the year's best weather, or stay home and pass up a chance for new adventures. While we can't help with that quan dary, we can show you a few options to explore, both at home and away. In this issue of Westworld, we venture from one coast to another to discover two fasci nating and very different destinations. Starting on page 20, writer Karen Burshtein takes us on a road trip along Cape Breton Island's legendary Cabot Trail to savour not only spectacular views of the Atlantic but also a true Celtic heritage kept alive by spirited (and extremely helpful) islanders. Back on the West Coast, we head to sunny San Diego for a visit to Balboa Park (page 28). Set to turn 100 next year, the sprawling 1,200acre attrac tion is, as writer John Lee tells us, pos sibly North America's greatest urban park. Aside from beautifully groomed green spaces, Balboa offers onestop entertainment, whether your interests run to museums and galleries or zoo outings and concerts. Of course, there's no place like home for summer adventure. If you plan to stay in the province this season, our "Fresh Trax" department (page 12) uncovers some can'tmiss options across B.C. – from the top outdoor music festi vals to a newly opened Valemount lodge where you can trek into the wilderness with a friendly llama at your side. Wherever you roam this summer, we hope you make the most of your holiday – and travel safely. Kim Mah, Editor editor's note mailbag Getting Ready 8 W e s t W o r l d >> s u m m e r 2 0 1 4 Visit: Over 145 CAA Of ces Click: CAA.ca/hertz Call: 1-888-333-3120 FOR YOUR INFORMATION: Advance reservations required and must include your CAA Club Discount Code (CDP#), along with Promotional Code (PC#) 196700. PC# must be included in reservation or offer is void. Subject to availability, this offer is redeemable on weekly rentals of most car classes at participating Hertz airport locations in Canada, the U.S., Puerto Rico and Mexico. Blackouts may apply. Offer excludes Adrenaline, Prestige and Dream Car Collections. 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