text:
- Summer 2020 Newsletter
- Friends of Strathcona update
- Fall 2019 Newsletter
- Spring 2019 Newsletter
- Fall 2018 Newsletter
- Last year you read about the Heathens court case where B.C. Parks ticketed them for illegal camping in the Park. Here are the court documents describing the second hearing (8 Mb pdf). You may find them interesting.
- Spring 2018 Newsletter
- Fall 2017 Newsletter
- Spring 2017 Newsletter
- See our Heathens page for the latest news….
- Fall 2016 Newsletter
- Spring 2016 Newsletter
- Alpine to Ocean Adventure – Bedwell Hikes
- Spring 2015 Newsletter
- 'Best of the Fest' Vancouver International Mountain Film Tour
- Stewards of the Future
- Fall 2014 Newsletter
- Bedwell Trail Update, August 2014
- Spring 2014 Newsletter
- Trip and Action in Victoria on Wednesday May 14
- Bill 4: Major downgrade for BC Parks
- Newsletter feedback on the role of volunteers
- Fall 2013 Newsletter
- Ranger Cabin Proposal
- Charles Turner, 1950-2013
- 2013 Bedwell River Trip Report
- 2013 Bedwell River Trip
- Spring 2013 Newsletter
- Park Protectors Get Their Day in Court
- Fall 2012 Newsletter
- Summer Hikes in the Bedwell Valley
- Park Protectors Take Government to Court
- Spring 2012 Newsletter
- Legal Challenge to CWR Park Use Permit
- SPPAC Recommendations Ignored
- Fall 2011 Newsletter
- Peaceful Direct Action Coalition
- Bedwell Centennial Trail
Fall 2019 Newsletter
Spring 2019 Newsletter
Fall 2018 Newsletter
Spring 2018 Newsletter
Fall 2017 Newsletter
Spring 2017 Newsletter
Fall 2016 Newsletter
Spring 2016 Newsletter
Alpine to Ocean Adventure – Bedwell Hikes
The Friends of Strathcona Park will be hosting a hike for the public through the beautiful Bedwell Valley this summer. The hike, which will take five days and four nights, will follow a wild route through the valley which was discovered by the Friends several years ago. The hike will take place from August 1st to 5th.
"This is one of only three valleys within the park that go from the alpine all the way out to the ocean", says Kel Kelly, a director with the Friends. "The other two valleys, the Megin and the Moyeha, are much more difficult to access than the Bedwell."
The hike will require two groups, one coming down the valley from Bedwell Lake and another coming up from the Pacific, launching at Tofino. The groups will meet halfway, exchanging car keys to allow everyone to get back home. "We've done this trip several times already", says Kelly, "and it's always fun when the two groups meet and share stories of their adventures going up and down."
The Bedwell route goes through a variety of fascinating ecosystems, including alpine meadows, a rare high elevation maple forest, old growth cedar and fir groves and past several magnificent waterfalls. The river itself is never far away. Swimming at the end of a hot day of hiking is an exhilaration beyond description. Hikes with the Friends are renowned for their camaraderie and fun.
There are still spaces available. Hikers must be experienced and fit and are expected to carry everything they need for shelter, food, clothing and comfort in their backpack. The trip, which usually takes four days, has been extended to five to allow more time for enjoying the scenery. Participants will be asked to cover the costs of transportation, including the water taxi in and out of Tofino.
"We encourage anyone who is fit and eager to come with us to see one of the most beautiful places on the planet", says Kelly.
For more information contact:
Kel Kelly at 778 992 0246 or at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Jack Welsh at 250 334 2321 or email@example.com
Spring 2015 Newsletter
Best of the Fest' Vancouver International Mountain Film Tour
Strathcona Wilderness Institute Society is hosting the 'Best of the Fest' in Courtenay on March 20 and Campbell River on March 27 as part of their outreach & fundraising initiatives. SWI is a non-profit society which operates the two summer information centres in Strathcona Park: at Buttle Lake between Campbell River & Gold River; and at Paradise Meadows near the Comox Valley; where they organize nature talks, walks & hikes for the public. For details see http://strathconapark.org/.
Stewards of the Future
The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, is proud to introduce Stewards of the Future: an exciting new high-school and youth initiative.
The province-wide program supports young British Columbians in exploring their own communities, discovering and documenting unique attributes, identifying and researching key issues of concern, and investigating stewardship initiatives.
Please forward this to any educators, youth organizations, or conservations organizations you think would be interested.
Fall 2014 Newsletter
Bedwell Trail Update, August 2014
Unfortunately, someone has recently removed most of the ribbons marking the Bedwell Centennial Trail. The identity of this "someone" isn't hard to guess. As long as the Centennial Trail exists and is being used and enjoyed by hikers, it hurts the government claim that a commercial trail is necessary. Obviously a trail CAN be created for non-commercial reasons by non-commercial park users. At the present time, despite the removal of many ribbons, the Bedwell Centennial Trail is still usable, and it's still being used, but it's not as easy to follow over its entire length as it was when the ribbons were in place. The trail also needs some maintenance clipping in spots where salmon berry bushes have put out new growth. Until improvements are made, it's not a trail for less savvy hikers. Hopefully this will be a temporary situation.
For me, the Bedwell Centennial Trail is, and always has been, a political trail. Ever since the government opened the valley to logging, then dumped it from the park "because it had no park value because it had been logged," then were forced to return it to the park after the Strathcona Blockade of 1988, I've enjoyed watching the Bedwell Valley gradually healing itself from the massive commercial impacts which have been inflicted upon it.
In the years since the Bedwell was clear-cut logged, it's felt very good to look down from the surrounding heights and see the forces of nature steadily working to destroy the old logging bridges and large sections of the defunct logging road. It's been good for my spirit to watch the valley gradually covering the huge, ugly logging scars with new trees. I've enjoyed thinking that perhaps, if we left it alone for a few hundred years, the Bedwell Valley might once again become what it was; a beautiful, wild, west coast rainforest valley, with wolves, bears, and herds of elk free to carry out their lives, without being messed about by humans.
The Bedwell Valley, like most of Strathcona Park, has endured a rough history. After having spent most of my life in the park trying to ignore industrial garbage, blast holes, logging slashes, logged and dammed lakes, discarded fuel drums, entire abandoned mining camps with tons of rusting machinery leaking various fluids, it's become obvious to me that the government idea of the purpose of Strathcona Park is much different than mine. Governments pretend otherwise for political reasons, but their actions (and the garbage, clear-cuts, and other gruesome reminders) speak for themselves.
It's impossible to ignore the fact that almost every government action, since Strathcona Park was created in 1911, has been directed toward opening the park to commercial and industrial interests. The physical damage is plainly seen in almost every corner of the park. Historically, whenever someone produced a scheme for making money from the park, governments have always been quick to open the way.
This happened recently when government altered the Strathcona Park Master Plan to allow a commercial operation into the Bedwell Valley. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (CWR) wanted to extend their dude ranch operation into the park, and petitioned the government for permission. The resort wanted to build a high-impact horse trail into the Bedwell for the use of their clients. A foot trail already existed, but it had been closed by the government because a vital link in the trail (the last remaining logging bridge across the Bedwell River) was on the verge of collapsing into the river.
Leaving aside the question of whether the proposed high-impact trail was needed or wanted by anyone but the resort, the government said the resort proposal was the only feasible way to make a trail in the Bedwell. Building and maintaining the trail and the vital bridge, government said, was too expensive – the government said it had no funds for parks – and impossible for volunteers.
This was the government line, but non-commercial park users thought otherwise. They believed that, after years of commercial abuse, the valley deserved to be free from high-impact commercial operations. They agreed with the Strathcona Park Master Plan which (even after it was altered by the government to open the way for the resort/dude ranch proposal) held that Minimal Human Impact was an essential guiding principle for Strathcona Park.
I believe that the government was mostly wrong, but they were right that huge bridges like the one the loggers needed (and a horse trail would require) are very costly, probably too costly for volunteers. But a volunteer built trail was far from impossible. The solution was actually quite simple. The volunteer trail builders figured it out quickly. There was no need for a volunteer trail to cross the river. Voila. If the trail doesn't cross the river, a costly, intrusive bridge becomes unnecessary and irrelevant. After weeks of intensive scouting, volunteers laid out a scenic route which skirted numerous bluffs and other obstacles, and stayed on the southeast side of the Bedwell River, all the way from Bedwell Lake to the Strathcona Park boundary. Downstream from the park, not far from the ocean, the trail makes one river crossing, on an existing bridge.
As I said earlier, the Bedwell Centennial Trail is a political trail. Stopping governments isn't easy, as many of us learned during the Strathcona Blockade of 1988, but sometimes it's possible. The Bedwell Trail was built in an effort to stop the government from opening the Bedwell Valley to yet another intrusive commercial enterprise. Despite the government line, it's not necessary to invite high-impact commercial operations into the park. Volunteers CAN build a trail in the Bedwell. They did it. The trail is there. Of course the government (or someone connected with government – isn't transparency wonderful?) would like it gone. As long as the trail exists and is being used by the public, it shows that (despite the government line) it's not necessary to allow a commercial outfit to build a high-impact commercial trail into the park for commercial purposes. The Bedwell Centennial Trail (or Alpine to Ocean Trail, call it what you will) is a practical, low-impact, non-commercial, easily maintained trail, and it's entirely built by volunteers and hasn't cost the public a cent. So far, unfortunately, the trail hasn't achieved its political objective, but who knows?
Meanwhile, for those who feel so inclined, it might be helpful to send your thoughts on the situation to wherever (or whomever) you think will do the most good. Remember, letters sent to government are never seen again. If you do the work of writing a letter, please use it fully. Send it where it might be seen by others. Send it to newspapers, etcetera, as well as government. There's a list of possible recipients on the FOSP web-site. I thank you. Karl Stevenson.
Spring 2014 Newsletter
Trip and Action in Victoria on Wednesday May 14
The Friends are taking part in an action to present Environment Minister Mary Polak, NDP Environment Critic Spencer Chandra Herbert, and Green Party MLA Andrew Weaver with the 166,000 signature SumOfUs petition to keep BC's parks free of industrial activity. Meeting time will be 9:30am on the steps of the legislature with the presentation to be at 10:00.
Other groups taking part include The Wilderness Committee, CPAWS, Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Forest Ethics, BC Wildlife, BC Nature, and the Suzuki Foundation. Speakers will be Peter Woods(CPAWS), Gwen Barlee(WC), and Kel Kelly(FOSP)
You can still sign the petition to the BC Government… "Keep BC's parks free of industrial activity! Revoke the Park Amendment Act immediately." at http://action.sumofus.org/a/bc-parks-open-oil-gas-mining/
Bill 4: Major downgrade for BC Parks
The Government of British Columbia has opened the door to industrial development of BC Parks by downgrading their protection in the BC Parks Act. Parks occupy only 14% of BC, but apparently that is too much to be left alone. The premier and her government are looking for ways to make it easier for industry to build pipelines for transportation of Tar Sands diluted bitumen from Alberta to Asian markets, and natural gas from fracking in north-east BC. Other activities such as mining and logging could now be possible as well. If a park is in the way, then too bad. Bill 4, the act that enables this downgrade, was rushed through without public debate.
Currently a Park Use Permit must pass the test of the "protection of provincial protected areas and the integrity of their associated ecological, recreational and cultural values". Bill 4 downgrades this protection by allowing the Minister of the Environment to issue a permit for research related to constructing pipelines, mines, or other industrial developments. If the research proves favourable to industry and government then park boundaries could be altered to accommodate the project.
Please add your voice against this Bill 4 and the Park Boundary Adjustment policy. Here are two online polls you could add your name to:
Newsletter feedback on the role of volunteers
In our last newsletter we asked, "What is your opinion of the role of volunteers in B.C. Parks?" The comments we received follow this paragraph. These opinions do not necessarily reflect those of FOSP directors, but simply are a representation of our membership's responses.
- Love that there are volunteers – act as "observers/watchdogs". And sad that our gov'ts have forsaken the support of the most critical value – namely healthy environment.
- As always, the labour of love done by volunteers makes my heart soar! Thank you FOSP.
- OK if strictly controlled and for public use.
- Their role is increasingly important as we see more provincial cut to BC Parks.
- Please continue the never-ending work of park protection and wilderness preservation.
- I'm too old to participate myself, but hooray for other people!
- They do a great job. Maybe they should have expanded roles due to gov't cutbacks on Park Rangers.
- We hiked Bedwell Lke trail for the first time this year and were full of appreciation and admiration for how well the trail had been maintained. We gather this was done by generous and hardy volunteers. It's fortunate there are such volunteers to help the Park, but really the BC gov't should be investing funds and manpower to at least support the volunteers. This park is a huge asset for the citizens of BC and visitors from elsewhere, and deserves provincial funding.
- Volunteers add so much to the quality of experience of the parks. However, volunteer energy can lag due to burnout and lack of support. There should be more government support for the BC Parks system and there should be designated wilderness areas – no commercial recreation activities in these areas.
- I haven't given it much thought, but it might be a good idea if the government hired students to do some of the work.
- Volunteers connect the community to the Parks. I think there is more room for volunteers in the Parks.
- Absolutely critical – through reduced funding, the Provincial Government through the parks service has allowed our once magnificent Park system to become second rate.
Fall 2013 Newsletter
Ranger Cabin Proposal
As you may know the Strathcona Park Public Advisory Committee and BC Parks are currently discussing a proposal by the Alpine Club of Canada to manage and maintain the existing Ranger Cabin on the Plateau to provide backcountry accommodation and day-use facilities for the general public. Below you will find the BC Parks Request for Information and the Conditional Support of FOSP Directors. We encourage you to respond to the Request for Information with your own thoughts and concerns.
BC Parks Request for Information
Strathcona Park, Forbidden Plateau Ranger Cabin
BC Parks and the Strathcona Park Public Advisory Committee have been approached by the non-profit Alpine Club of Canada with a proposal to manage the ranger cabin on Forbidden Plateau as a fully accessible public facility. The cabin is located near Hairtrigger Lake, 6.5km from the Nordic Lodge and 10.5km from Mt. Albert Edward.
The cabin is currently only used sporadically by park staff and the park maintenance contractor. The Alpine Club of Canada is proposing to manage the cabin for both day-use as well as reservable overnight accommodation, potentially all year. The building accommodates approximately 8-10 beds. Estimated overnight visits/persons 100 (winter/spring), 210 (summer), 40 (fall). Provincial backcountry fees would apply for overnight use while day-use would be free or by donation.
As this facility is government owned, BC Parks is seeking public input prior to considering this proposal,. Your comments are requested on the following:
- Do you support the management of the existing government owned Ranger Cabin as a publicly accessible accommodation and day-use facility?
- Do you support the transfer of building management (by way of a park use permit) to an independent operator, i.e. Alpine Club of Canada (Vancouver Island Chapter) or other non-profit group?
- Do you have any specific concerns (i.e. Environmental, Social, Safety Related) regarding such a proposal?
Please send all responses by October 15, 2013 to Andy Smith, BC Parks, 1812 Miracle Beach Drive, Black Creek, BC, V9J1K1 or email (preferred) email@example.com
Responses will be shared with the Strathcona Park Public Advisory Committee members who will consider and discuss all comments prior to providing the BC Parks West Coast Regional Director with any further recommendations.
Conditional Support of FOSP Directors
The Friends of Strathcona Park directors decided to support this proposal with the following conditions:
- A Level 2 Parks Assessment will be done before proceeding. Issues such as sewage disposal, water supply, condition of building, impact on sensitive areas, and transportation of supplies need to be addressed.
- The general public has equal access opportunities to the hut with no preference given to the ACC or any other group. No group should be able to monopolize the use of the cabin.
- The PUP is not transferable. It will only be granted to the ACC.
- No preference will be given for commercial use over public use.
- There can be no transfer of management to a commercial operator.
- The question of Parks using other groups to repair deteriorating facilities in return for the use of an area or facility needs to be addressed. The lack of proper funding for maintenance is leading to this practice.
- The regular parks fee schedule should apply to this facility.
- Must comply with the Park Act and Regulations.
Charles Turner, 1950-2013
The recent tragic death of Charles Turner shocked us. Charles supported our efforts to keep Strathcona Park wild by volunteering for trail building in the Bedwell Valley, and now continues his support posthumously. Thank you Charles, rest in peace…
Obituary (from the Comox Valley Echo, August 30, 2013)
TURNER, Charles May 20, 1950- August 16, 2013 . Charles Turner was born in London, England on the 20th May, 1950. He passed away on Friday the 16th of August, 2013 doing what he loved. We are comforted to know that his last act was to try and reach out to press the emergency button. Charles began his interest in the outdoors growing up in England and camping in Wales with his family. He traveled the world, climbing mountains and sharing his passion. Charles accomplishments in mountaineering included successful assents of Aconcagua and Mount Kilimanjaro; climbing all mountains over 6000 feet on Vancouver Island; completing all 20 lifetime climbing objectives with the Island Mountain Ramblers and completing the Island Qualifiers with the Alpine Club of Canada. He had many adventures including skiing and climbing Baffin Island in the winter and phoning home from Nepal to ask if he needed to bring his skis, broken by a yak rolling on them in the Himalayas, to show the insurance company. Charles was an inspiration and a hero, especially to young people and his kids; introducing many to the joys of the outdoor world. He was an expert mountaineer, telemark skier and amazing and loving father. He will be eternally missed by his two children, Joe and Maddy, his son-in-law, Tim and all his family and friends. We miss you Charles and we will always love you. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. Charles would like to continue inspiring people to enjoy the outdoors so if you would like to commemorate him, please send a donation to the Friends of Strathcona Park in his name.
2013 Bedwell River Trip Report
From August 4th – 8th, 2013 twenty-four participants backpacked the Bedwell Valley in Strathcona Park on the newly completed Bedwell Centennial Trail. There were two groups of 12, one travelling from ocean to alpine led by Kel Kelly and Karl Stevenson, and the other from alpine to ocean led by Carol Hunter and Bob St.John.
We couldn't have asked for better weather… sunny and warm every day, with only a bit of fog in the valley near the sea, and only then in the early morning.
Log of the Alpine to Ocean Group:
Sunday, Aug 4
Both groups met at the Driftwood Mall at 8 am to organize car pools. The vehicles were arranged so that drivers would be coming home in their own vehicles at the end of the trip. (This meant of course that the 2 groups would have to meet on the trail to exchange keys!).
After a few stops along the way, we were finally hiking up the Bedwell Lake Trail. As this section of the trip would be the most gruelling as far as elevation gain goes, we took our time, stopping frequently for water breaks. We also had swim breaks at Baby Bedwell and Bedwell Lakes. The water was refreshing but warm.
The Bedwell Centennial Trail heads south from the information sign at the Bedwell Lake campground. The trail was established by the Friends of Strathcona Park in the early 1990's, and has in recent years been improved by the Friends, mainly to avoid crossing the Bedwell River at Ashwood Creek and at the Living Bridge.
After heading down the trail for a short distance we arrived at our first campsite on a rocky bluff overlooking Oinimitis Lake. Water was plentiful from the infant Bedwell River cascading over small waterfall nearby. From this perch we had excellent views of Big Interior Mountain and of the upper Bedwell Valley down which we would be travelling the following day.
Baby Bedwell Lake with Mt Tom Taylor
Oinimitis Lake with Big Interior Mtn
Monday, Aug 5
This day, and for the rest of the trip, we were all up by 7am and on the trail before 9. Our first obstacle was the K2 Creek crossing. Normally, walking or scooching across the two cedar logs would not be worth mentioning, except for the fact that the crossing is at the crest of a waterfall of considerable height. Needless to say we all made it across, with many photos and a movie to bear witness.
Three waterfalls were up next: Doran Falls (named after two brothers who helped build the original trail), Cliff Hanger Falls, and Appreciation Falls (named in appreciation for all the trail builders). They all provided an excuse to stop and cool off in their spray.
The avalanche slide should have been the next point of interest, only this day its absence was notable. A low snow winter (or actually a more normal snowfall winter) didn't produce the huge snow slide that we have seen in the past 3 years. A lone remaining chunk of hard-packed snow remained, perhaps left over from the previous year. As we rested nearby, it too was literally falling apart.
The large grove of impressive maples below the slide still amazed everyone. The only grove like it in the entire valley, no-one had a convincing theory for its origin… sometimes you just have to accept that nature has its secrets and it is best just to enjoy them.
An old logging road built in the early 1960's starts below the maples. While overgrown and washed out in places, it still provides an easily followed route. At the confluence of You Creek and the Bedwell River we made our second camp. A game of 2 truths and a lie provided entertainment in the evening.
Relaxing in the Maples
Tuesday, Aug 6
The trail follows the old road to Ashwood Creek with one major detour around a washout. The Ashwood provides for another good place to camp, although this day we used it for a relaxing break. We were a bit surprised to meet a group of 8 army reservists heading up the trail from whence we came. They seemed to be a very determined group… perhaps on a secret mission.
Both Ashwood and You Creeks were low, and the crossings were simple… merely rock hopping in most cases. If the streams had been high due to off-season travel or a rainstorm, then logs would have to be used in the crossings.
From Ashwood Creek to the Living Bridge the old road crosses to the north side of the Bedwell River. Our recently build trail stays on the south side, thereby avoiding the two river crossings. While this part of the trail has some ups and downs, the rewards are great views of the surrounding mountains (Mariner, Tom Taylor, Big Interior, Ursus, and Cotter) and varying vegetation zones.
After leaving Ashwood Creek we left the shores of the Bedwell and ascended to the Notch, and entered a grove of old growth forest missed somehow by the logging company. This relatively small stand of 500 year old cedar and fir reminds us of the folly by BC Parks of selling the timber in the valley in the 1960's.
At Sundew Lake we met up with the second group that was led by Kel and Karl. Here we spent time trading stories and experiences, and had the all important exchange of car keys!
For the rest of the day we were basically following the Bedwell; passing through the Blaney Creek swampy area, by a good gravel bar for swimming, and on to Sam Craig Creek with its mining era relics scattered about. Just past this creek, and over a small hill we came to our 3rd camp on a very nicely situated gravel bar.
Some excitement happened around 2am when we were all awakened by an animal making loud calls from across the river. Its eyes could be discerned reflected in our headlamps. The initial thought was that it was a cougar, but internet research by Carol suggests it may have been a descendent of foxes who escaped captivity long ago.
Bedwell River with Mt Mariner
Mountain tarn
Wednesday, Aug 7
This was our hilliest day, after day one. Three spurs of Ursus Mountain need to be crossed to reach the old logging road again at the Living Bridge. The rewards, as mentioned earlier, are worth the effort. After cresting the first hill we were presented with two lily-padded tarns. They and the views of Mariner Mountain were worth a long rest break. The third and highest hill had a rocky spine from which the views were even better, including a glimpse of Bedwell Inlet.
Once down from the hills, we made a short side-trip to the Living Bridge. Its name comes from the trees and vegetation growing on the top of the last remaining logging road bridge spanning the Bedwell. The bridge has suffered somewhat since our last visit, and its days would seem to be numbered.
We continued on the old road to our final camp at Gayle McGee Bridge. The road is now very overgrown, and makes for a somewhat tedious trek. We arrived a little too late to make a side trip to the old Prosper Mine, instead many enjoyed a dip in the Bedwell.
Living Bridge
Thursday, Aug 8
Our last and easiest day took us down a gravel road to the head of Bedwell Inlet, passing through Clayoquot Wilderness Resort along the way. On the dock while waiting for our water taxi we each had a turn to reflect on our trip, and how it may have affected us. It was heartening to hear the positive responses everyone made.
Thank-you all for supporting the FOSP in its struggle to protect Strathcona Park. Our hope is that those that make this journey will come away with a renewed respect for our natural environment, and how important it is for us to protect it from commercial exploitation.
Kel Kelly, Karl Stevenson, Philippe Damiano, Linda Fuerniss, Susan Holvenstot, Glen Christensen, Colin Jackson, David Stapley, George Penfold, Marilyn Armstrong, David Gledhill, and Gabe Gledhill.
Claudia Greenaway, Samantha Babcock, Ian Holm, David Weaving, Alison Vardy, Michael McNulty, Eileen Sowerby, LeRoy McFarlane, Simon Rook , Wayne Gornall, Carol Hunter, and Bob St John.
The two groups meeting near Sundew Lake
For more photos see our Facebook albums for our upstream and downstream groups.
For more trail information read the Bedwell Trail Guide by Karl Stevenson
2013 Bedwell River Trip
From Sunday, Aug 4th to Thursday, Aug 8th the Friends will once again offer a fabulous trip up the Bedwell River from the ocean to Bedwell Lake trailhead. Over 5 days participants will hike up a seldom travelled valley on a trail the Friends have established over the last few years. This year we added an extra day to afford a more leisurely pace to enjoy the views and to relax beside the river.
The trip offers extraordinary views of Mts Mariner, Ursus, and Big Interior, beautiful tarns, an enchanting maple tree forest, spectacular waterfalls, and a chance to enjoy it all with wonderful people.
The water taxi from Tofino limits us to 10 participants. The Comox District Mountaineering Club is partnering in this adventure by offering the same trip in the opposite direction from Bedwell Lake trailhead to the ocean… so you can choose your preferred direction.
Participants should be reasonably fit to cover 34 km over 5 days with an elevation gain of 1100 meters. You will also need to be self-sufficient with your own tent, sleeping bag/mattress, cooking equipment, and food. A cost of $100 covers transportation from/to Courtenay including the water taxi.
Call Kel Kelly at 250-337-8348 to reserve a spot now!
The Friends will be holding their AGM on Saturday June 22, 2013 at 3164 Hellicar Road, Courtenay from 2 – 4pm. Please RSVP Jennifer Pass at (250)334-2321 or firstname.lastname@example.com if you plan on attending. A potluck dinner to follow… please bring a plate, cup, cutlery, and a chair (we will have a few extras). We hope to see you there!
New Directors for 2013-2014
Kel Kelly
Marlene Smith- Schalkwijk
John Milne
Jack Welsh
Pipo Damiano
Bob St.John
Spring 2013 Newsletter
Friends of Strathcona Park
Courtenay, B.C.
Box 3404, Courtenay, BC
Canada V9N 5N5
Park Protectors Get Their Day in Court
January 28, 2013 – (Courtenay, B.C)
A case that could break new legal ground and increase protection for provincial parks in British Columbia is set to be heard in BC Supreme Court beginning on February 4th. Initiated by the Friends of Strathcona Park, the judicial review will challenge the authority of the provincial government to ignore the public interest in preserving and protecting parkland in British Columbia.
"This case is about ensuring the Minister of Environment protects the parks for the good of the public," says Bridget Horel, a spokesperson for the group. "Allowing a private company the exclusive right to bring horses into a wilderness area diminishes the park for all of us."
The case revolves around the granting of a park use permit to Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (CWR), an exclusive private resort. In 2011, CWR was granted a permit to bring guided horse trips into a secluded and pristine wilderness area in Strathcona Park. Friends of Strathcona, in seeking to overturn the permit, is asking the court to find that that the government holds these lands in trust for the public and must make these decisions within that framework.
"British Columbians support the idea that the parks are for the general public," says Scott Bernstein, lawyer for Friends of Strathcona. "No government has the right to give away rights in a park if it is not in the public interest. Granting rights that only one business and its high-end clients can enjoy at the expense of the environment is certainly not in the public interest"
West Coast Environmental Law is supporting Friends of Strathcona by partially funding this legal challenge. "West Coast agrees with the Friends that decisions about what goes on in Strathcona Park, and other provincial parks, need to focus first and foremost on what's good for the park, and its ecosystems and recreational users, and not on business interests", states Andrew Gage, Staff Counsel for West Coast.
The judicial review will be heard in Supreme Court in Vancouver from February 4 -8. The public is welcome to attend.
|For more information contact:
Fall 2012 Newsletter
Summer Hikes to the beautiful Bedwell Valley
Trip # 1 – Monday, July 30 to Thursday, August 2
Trip #2 – Wednesday, August 29 – Saturday, September 1
Hello friends of Strathcona Park,
The Bedwell Trail has been officially closed by BC Parks for a number of years now, based on unsafe river crossings. Working under a volunteer agreement with BC Parks, we cleared a route from the "condemned" Living Bridge to Sam Craig Creek in 2010. Last year, working under another formal volunteer agreement, we cleared the old trail from Bedwell Lake down to the Ashwood River.
In order to provide safe passage for hikers between those two disconnected trail ends, we flagged the route over the last remaining "hump" to provide continuous guidance from alpine to ocean. For reasons that make sense to them, we have been asked by BC Parks to remove the flagging over that section of the route. While that does not seem sensible to us, in the interest of maintaining a positive working relationship with BC Parks, we have agreed to do that.
So, our first trip in will be a Flag Removal hike, following the beautiful route that we have established. We will be going in via water taxi from Tofino on Monday, July 30th and coming out the same way on Thursday, August 2nd.
We will spend the first night near the Gayle McGee suspension bridge on the river …..a gorgeous camping spot. On day 2, we will carry our gear up to the gravel bar near Sam Craig Creek and set up there for the next two nights. On day 2 we will hike up the valley for a picnic to remove the flagging tape on "the hump". Day 3 is a day for rest and relaxation on the river. We will hike all the way out and return home on Day 4. The pace for this trip will be leisurely. Hikers need to be in decent physical condition and able to carry all of their own supplies.
The second trip will be a guided hike from alpine to ocean through the entire valley, beginning up at Bedwell Lake and descending to the sea. We will carpool to the Bedwell trailhead on Wednesday, August 29th and come out to Tofino on Saturday, September 1st. As the Bedwell Trail is officially closed, we will be following the route through the vallley that has been established by the Friends. Hikers need to be in good physical condition and able to carry all of their supplies.
As the water taxi service is expensive, and there will be no work requested of participants, we are asking for a contribution of $50 per person to help defray expenses for each trip. We want to show the Bedwell in its summertime glory to as many people as possible.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you can join us, and which trip (or both!) you prefer. If you have any questions at all, please contact me. There will be more detailed information available on logistics for the trips closer to the start dates. We look forward to hiking the wild west side of Strathcona with you!
Kel Kelly
ph: 250 337 8348
Friends of Strathcona Park
Courtenay, B.C.
May 24, 2012
Park Protectors Take Government to Court
In a case that could break new legal ground, the Friends of Strathcona Park have filed a petition in the Supreme Court of British Columbia to challenge the ability and authority of the government of BC to ignore the public's interest in preserving and protecting natural resources in favour of supporting private business interests.
While the specific case revolves around the granting of a park use permit to an exclusive private resort, allowing horse tours into a wilderness valley within Strathcona Park, it also raises the broader issue of the violation of public trust by government on a broad range of other issues.
"Whether the local issue is the creeping privatization of B.C.'s parks, the sale of BC Rail, the diminishment of health care services, the abdication of environmental assessments, the pressure to construct oil pipelines without consultation, or unprecedented permission for new mining projects, almost every British Columbian can relate directly to a feeling of loss of control over their "commons", says Kel Kelly, a spokesperson for the Friends' group.
"We have entered a new era, where the partnership between governments and private interests is so strong that it is rapidly eroding places, natural wonders and ideas that hold a powerful place in the hearts of most British Columbians. Things we have long held as sacred and public are being stolen from under our feet", says Kelly. "We have no alternative but to challenge these thefts of public assets, both on the ground and in the courts. That is what this case is about."
The Friends of Strathcona have garnered support from the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF), an initiative of West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL), who are dedicated to saving the environment through law. "West Coast agrees with the Friends that decisions about what goes on in Strathcona Park, and other Provincial Parks, need to focus first and foremost on what's good for the park, and its ecosystems and recreational users, and not on business interests", states Andrew Gage, Staff Counsel and EDRF Liaison for West Coast.
"We believe we have a strong case here", says Kelly, noting that the petition to the court is based on strong substantive grounds. "Permission for this park use permit was granted by the government despite overwhelming opposition from every community adjacent to the park, from every public input session and from a wide variety of citizens' groups."
The Friends will be arguing that there are limits to Ministerial discretion in granting a permit including that the permit cannot violate the public trust and that the Minister of Environment must consider environmental impacts in granting a permit.
"This is an important case for all of us who want to protect our commons for future generations", says Kelly. "We feel we have a good chance to win this battle."
For more information contact:
- Kel Kelly at 250 337-8348 or firstname.lastname@example.com
- Marlene Smith 250 337-8220 or email@example.com
- Andrew Gage at 604-684-7378 or email@example.com
Spring 2012 Newsletter
The Spring 2012 issue of our newsletter is out! In it you will find…
- The Park Use Permit and Why Are We Are Going to Court
- BC Parks Volunteer Strategy Workshop – North Island – Feb 28, 2012
- Mount Washington Resort Local Area Plan
- SPPAC Report
- Our Upcoming Annual General Meeting
- Communication
- FOSP Membership Form
Read it here in pdf format…
Legal Challenge to CWR Park Use Permit
In February 2012 we received a copy of the Park Use Permit for Clayoquot Wilderness Resorts which allows CWR to have exclusive horse use of sections of Strathcona Park. This permit was granted last December in spite of overwhelming opposition from the public for the last four years as expressed through the "public hearings", Park's website, letters to the Minister of the Environment (copied to FOSP), position taken by the Strathcona Park Advisory Committee (SPPAC) and letters in the media.
Since we found out about this upsetting, but not unexpected, development we have been preparing our legal challenge. We are in the final stages of preparation, and anticipate the filing of legal documents in April which will commence the action.
We appreciate the support of those who love Strathcona Park and who have written letters opposing this permit. Unfortunately those letters have not been effective. It is necessary to challenge the procedural unfairness and exclusivity of the permit. There is quite a bit of cost involved in this. Our goal is to raise about $15,000 to cover the court proceedings. If you could help us out it would be very much appreciated…
SPPAC Recommendations Ignored
Over twenty years ago a very high profile protest in Strathcona Park saw the first Canadians ever arrested and charged for defending a park. In response a Master Plan was developed and a Government appointed Advisory Committee struck to safeguard that plan.
In 1988 the threat came from mining. But today as a member of the Strathcona Park Public Advisory Committee (SPPAC) I observe a strange state of affairs. Now it seems, the pre-exisiting mining company operating in Strathcona appears to be the only organization that actually takes the advice of SPPAC seriously. BC Parks has lost sight of why SPPAC was created in the first place: to avoid conflict by providing a substantive opportunity for the public to review and comment on management decisions.
For example, earlier this year, after a grossly-flawed public input process, the Minister of Environment, ignored overwhelming public opposition and the advice of its own advisory committee and approved a park use permit for Clayoquot Wilderness Resort to operate commercial backcountry horse tours in Strathcona Park. The advice of SPPAC was that, despite loose wording, the intent of the Master Plan did not permit horse riding. This was brushed aside and an amendment was made to the Master Plan in direct conflict with the position of the public body charged with safeguarding it.
Adding insult to injury, an inordinate amount of BC Parks staff time and therefore money was allocated to facilitate this application at a time when park infrastructure is rapidly decaying and is neglected due to budget cuts.
Once drafted, the terms of the permit were provided to the Strathcona Park Public Advisory Committee for comment and 'advice'. Despite providing valid and reasonable suggestions to modify these terms, for example that the length of the initial permit be reduced from an overly-generous twenty years to ten, the Regional Manager to whom SPPAC 'advises' simply rejected every recommendation. This is a worrying breach of BC Parks' own mission statement that commits to managing our provincial parks in the public trust.
I think, as a committee member representing the public on matters concerning Strathcona Park, that it is important for everyone to know, that it is glaringly apparent that the public has no input whatsoever into the management of our Provincial parks, and that in the case of our oldest park their representation through SPPAC is systematically minimized, short-changed and flat out ignored.
This should come as little surprise as indicated by Premier Clark shrugging off the recommendations of the Strathcona Centennial Expedition: that the Government reaffirm its commitment to manage parks in the public interest.
As the centennial year of BC Parks, 2011, draws to a close it is shameful to report that the glorious legacy left for us one hundred years ago is under direct attack from the very Government responsible for protecting it. I urge readers who value our parks to communicate to our MLA in the strongest terms that they wish their voices to be heard and heeded where conservation and protection is being called for.
-Philip Stone
Fall 2011 Newsletter
The Fall 2011 issue of our newsletter is out! In it you will find…
- A First Hand Account of Last Summer's Trail Building, by Ken Van de Burgt
- Additional comments on the trail project, by Karl Stevenson
- The Strathcona Wilderness Festival, by Carol Hunter
- Update on Clayoquot Wilderness Resort Park Use Permit, by Kel Kelly
- Peaceful Direct Action Coalition update, by Kel Kelly
- T-shirt Sales
- An Appeal
- How can we get a higher profile for our parks?, by Marlene Smith
- FOSP and the OCCUPY MOVEMENT, by Jack Welsh
- FOSP Membership Form
Read it here in pdf format…
Peaceful Direct Action Coalition
July 7, 2011 – PRESS RELEASE
Comox Valley coalition to focus on education for peaceful direct action as a democratic responsibility.
We perceive our Comox Valley community, the communities of British Columbia and the communities of the nation of Canada to be in grave danger. The danger threatens our long term economic, social and environmental health, the three pillars of sustainability:
The danger comes in the form of eroding economic equality, devastated social programs, attacks on working peoples' rights and unfettered environmental damage. It comes in the form of privatization of public resources, diminished civil rights, a lack of accountability to the citizenry and an ever-deepening corporate /government partnership that is moving our elected officials farther and farther away from serving community interests.
There is a new mythology that is emerging as a result of decades of effort, and that mythology is being perceived as being true. It includes such myths as:
- "If it's legal, it's okay"
- "As long as we 'mitigate', we can do as we please"
- "Pretending to hear the people is the same as listening to what they are saying"
- "The economy is the cornerstone of everything"
- "Citizen input comes only from special interest groups"
- "Peaceful direct action is terrorism"
There are many more myths that are being manufactured to support the agenda of our governments and corporations, and like all of those listed above, a moment of serious reflection reveals that they are not true.
According to Socrates, the original democratic thinker, only just laws are deemed worthy of compliance; otherwise, he said, the citizen has a duty to obey a higher authority. Disobedience of the law, he stated, is justified by appealing to the principle of necessity.
Slavery, residential schools, apartheid, military invasions, voting rights only for men, head taxes, DDT, the Vietnam war, the use of chemical weapons, discrimination based on gender, skin colour or sexual orientation were all legal in their day. That does not mean they were ever just or fair. Most of these "legal" abominations were overcome by careful, considerate, peaceful means, including the practice of peaceful direct action.
British Columbia can claim a proud history of successful direct action campaigns. From Ginger Goodwin and his work for miners' rights in Cumberland to the suffragette movement, to the century-long struggle of the Doukhobors, to the Critical Mass bicycle protests on the streets of Vancouver today, British Columbians have spoken out and acted repeatedly against unjust laws.
In the environmental movement, the arrest and detention of 64 brave souls in Strathcona Park in 1988 led to the creation of statute parks in the province. The arrest and detention of more than 800 people in the "Clayoquot Summer" of 1993 ultimately brought a measure of environmental sanity and some "peace in the woods" for a prolonged period of time.
Over the last 20 years governments and corporations, working together, have methodically clawed back these victories and made significant efforts to turn our society away from genuine citizen participation and input. These days, once again, citizens and their opinions, are seen as obstacles to progress, and barriers to unfettered economic growth. The other two pillars of sustainability – social and environmental considerations – are once again being ignored. Therefore, once again, we believe it is time to mobilize the citizenry of British Columbia to take a strong, peaceful stand against the imbalanced and unfair practices of our governments.
Three coal mines in our beautiful community make no sense. A new gas station in the heart of our estuary makes no sense. The gutting of social programs for our most vulnerable citizens makes no sense. Turning our provincial park system over to private corporations makes no sense. Yet, despite every effort by our community to work within "the system" to prevent these things, they are all proceeding anyway.
Countless thousands of volunteer hours have been spent preparing briefs, doing research, attending meetings, participating at open houses, forums and public hearings. We can never be accused of not having worked hard within "the system". Most of this input has been ignored or overruled. We believe that the only thing left to us is to follow Socrates direction to fulfill our democratic duty to work against unfair and unjust laws and practices.
We will work as a coalition to provide education on peaceful direct action in our Comox Valley community. We hope to mobilize hundreds of citizens to relearn that peaceful direct action is a fundamental democratic right, to remember that when governments are ignoring the will of the people, it is our responsibility to react strongly, collectively and peacefully.
We know that we are far from alone. We are well aware that many others in our community and across British Columbia are also at the end of their patience. We invite other Comox Valley groups, organizations and individual citizens to join us and encourage other communities across the province to organize similar coalitions of their own.
It is time for us to stand up, and stand up together.
- Friends of Strathcona Park
- Comox Valley Water Watch
- Sierra Club Comox Valley
- Council of Canadians
- nocoalmine.net
- World Community Development Education Society
- Coal Watch Comox Valley Society
- Comox Valley Peace Group
Bedwell Centennial Trail
GPS track of the trail/route from Bedwell Lake trailhead to Bedwell Inlet (approx 34 km).
The Bedwell Valley Trail, or Bedwell Centennail Trail as we call it to mark the 100th anniversary of Strathcona Park, runs from Bedwell Lake in the alpine to the head of Bedwell Inlet, a distance of 28 kms. The original trail was constructed by the Friends in the early 1990's, and generally followed a logging road dating from the 1960's when the valley was logged. The road has now been washed away in many places, and a critical bridge over the Bedwell River (the Living Bridge) has been condemned by BC Parks, resulting in the trail being closed for the past few years.
In 2009, the Friends embarked on a multi-year project to re-open the trail.
- Phase I: In October 2009, the Gayle McGee swing bridge was re-anchored and re-tensioned.
- Phase II: In August 2010, 4.5 km of new trail was brushed out from the Living Bridge to Sam Craig Creek.
- Phase III: In August 2011, 11 km of old trail was refurbushed from Bedwell Lake to Ashwood Creek.
- Phase IV: In 2012, to complete the trail, the 5 km route between Sam Craig and Ashwood Creeks, and the old road from the swing bridge to the Living Bridge, would need to be brushed out.
For reasons best known to BC Parks, we were not allowed to brush out the route from Sam Craig to Ashwood Creeks in Phase III. However 10 of us did the entire trip from the Bedwell Lake trailhead on Jim Mitchell Lake Road to Bedwell Inlet, and then on to Tofino via water taxi. The whole trail/route is well flagged, and could easily be done in 3 days. WARNING This is a seasonal trip only, best done in July through September when water levels are low. If heavy rain is encountered enroute, you may be stranded between impassable streams for a day or two. There are logs over most streams, but they can also be waded when conditions warrant.
View a video of last summer's trail building (Phase II)…
View a video of repairing the Gail McGee Bridge (Phase I)…
Big Interior Mtn from Bedwell Lake
Doran Falls, upper Bedwell River
Slide from Big Interior Mtn.
Elk cow near slide
Trail along old road
Bedwell River bar
Mariner Mtn. from Bedwell River


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GM Design Director Kip Wasenko calls it "the Corvette Duntov would have built to win LeMans."
Now some lucky – and very wealthy – person will have the opportunity to buy this hand-crafted custom 1963 Corvette unlike any other in the world, complete with a jaw-dropping modernistic design and a twin-turbo, mid-engine setup that boasts 0-60 times below 3 seconds.
The Corvette V7 Twin Turbo will be on the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Auction to be held in Palm Beach, Fla., from April 5-7.
Barrett-Jackson's website defines the car as "a stunning reinvention or vision of the future," and with the automotive industry's coveted GM Design Award resting snugly in its rear pocket, who can argue with that statement about this stunning vehicle?
The split window coupe has been "passionately resculpted and shaped with swooping lines and breathtaking style," Barrett-Jackson boasts, and "the new cab forward design allows the motor to be viewed through the original rear window's openings." In fact, the entire split-window area rises on pistons to let that magnificent motor be seen in all its glory.
And what a motor it is. The LS V8 engine has dynoed at a remarkable 1,067-hp and 915 lb.-feet of torque. Compare that to a ZR1's 638-hp and 604 lb.-feet of torque, and you have an idea of just what kind of monster is lurking underneath the Twin Turbo's sleek black exterior that features an industry first "suislide" articulating door system. We don't know exactly what that means, but if it's on this car, it has to be way cool.
Technically speaking, the Corvette features a custom tube dual ladder frame, Penske Racing fully adjustable suspension, huge six-piston Baer brakes with cross-drilled rotors, and custom HRE wheels resting inside Michelin's widest tires. It also has race-style seating from Cobra with full Crow harness system, along with conveniences like power windows and HVAC – but no audio system. The only sounds you'll want to hear when driving this car is that of the motor!
Barrett-Jackson via Autoguide.com
V7 Twin Turbo Corvette Concept Makes SEMA Splash
SEMA Corvette Super Coupe Concept

subset: commoncrawl


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If you want to survive in the game of sports betting, Today's Soccer Prediction Sites in Guide then you have to use effective money management. I recommend that you follow these guidelines at all times.
- Only invest what you can realistically afford to lose. Sport Prediction Today you have to remember that you really do not need to start with al a lot of money. I got started with only $100 dollars and I followed the system and my money has doubled over and over again over the course of years.
- Do not make your initial bet too high. Only invest 5% of your total bankroll for a flat betting system (in which you bet the same amount each time) and no more than 2% for a progressive system. You need to be patient here and allow your systems to do their slow and steady work.
- Increase your initial bets when your bankroll has increased by 25%. This will increase your earning power, Today's Soccer Prediction Sites just remember to stick to the suggested percentages in #2.
- Remember to Diversify your portfolio. If you have a total bankroll of $1000 and 4 systems that you would like to use, then each system should be allotted $250 and you have to keep those amounts separate.
You have to be disciplined in your use of your systems and in your money management strategy. It can be difficult especially you are doing exceptionally well or if you are losing badly. You may be tempted to deviate from the systems or the money management guidelines in either of those situations. But do not, Goal Predictions Today just remain diligent and the rewards are sure to follow.
Today's Soccer Prediction Sites in Guide?
Wasn't it me that predicted that Twins manager Ron Gardenhire would be the first baseball manager to be shown the door in 2006? Yes I also think that Barry Bonds is being unfairly accused of using performance enhancing drugs? No Gardenhire is doing just fine these days as he and his troops prepare for a crucial three game set in the Twin Cities tonight.
Minnesota (59-41) has won 34 of 42 since June 8 to cut what was an 11-game deficit in the wild card to a half-game.
"We're just playing really good baseball," said manager Ron Gardenhire, whose team was 25-33 nearly seven weeks ago. "People keep talking about the streak we're on, but streaks don't last two months or a month and a half."
The Twins caught the struggling Chicago White Sox, who have led the wild-card race for most of the season, by completing a three-game sweep with a 7-4 victory Wednesday. Minnesota and Chicago are right behind the New York Yankees, who open a three-game home set against Tampa Bay on Friday night.
The Tigers under veteran skipper Jim Leyland have maintained their composure and now must deal with the newest phenom in the American League and that would be none other then rookie pitcher Francisco Liariano. The Twins look to keep rolling Friday behind Liriano (12-2, 1.93 ERA), who pitched poorly against the Tigers in two relief outings this season, allowing seven runs and 11 hits in 3 2-3 innings for a 17.18 ERA.
Since being moved into the rotation, though, the rookie left-hander has become a leading contender for the CY Young Award, going 11-2 with a 1.59 ERA in 13 starts. Minnesota is 2-7 this season against Detroit and has been outscored 64-25. In a three-game sweep from April 28-30 at Comerica Park, the Twins were outscored 33-1. The Tigers (68-33) have the best record in the major leagues, and their 30-13 mark against divisional opponents is also tops in baseball. Detroit leads the AL Central by 8 1/2 games over Minnesota and Chicago.
The question mark for all contending teams is the starting pitching and the Tigers send a struggling Zach Miner to the hill tonight. Miner has lasted only 6 2-3 combined innings and given up 10 earned runs in losing both of his starts since the break. In his first seven starts after being recalled in early June, the right-hander was 6-1 with a 2.57 ERA and didn't allow more than three runs in a game.
Detroit gave Miner a five-run lead after one inning Saturday against Oakland, but he surrendered five runs in the top of the second and was pulled after a season-low 2 1-3 innings of a 9-5 loss.
Detroit has lost 9 of the past 12 in Minnesota and will be a dog tonight!
Bob Acton
Online Sports Betting
Betting Exchange Place Markets - Wise Up And Win
With the explosion of internet betting gone are the days when betting on the like of the NFL, NHL or the NBA are confined to just the outright winner or match handicaps (where the outsider is given a lead in order to make the best more even). As competition within the world of internet betting has mushroomed so has the range of bets offered as they compete to become 'the leading exponent of US sports'. On any match now you can bet on 'over & under' which is betting on whether you reckon the total amount of points scored will be over or under a given number. Wider afield you can go for what the first scoring play will be or even who the Man of the Match award will be given or MVP (Most Valuable Player).
As a result the popularity of US Sports betting has also risen simply due to the fact that there is more for the 'leisure' bettor to get involved with and more enticing odds that those in the two horse race that is one side or the other to win. Whilst there is a huge lobby to restrict internet betting in the US the feeling that the bird has flown the nest is very strong as off-shore operators are queuing up for the business and many have now even listed themselves on the UK stock exchange giving them an immediate credibility.
For those of you with a nervous disposition it's probably worth turning away now as the biggest growth area in betting in the US, outside of the monster that is Poker, is College sports! Yep, I'm afraid bookies will take bets on almost anything if the appetite is there – one was taking bets on how would die in the latest Harry Potter book another on the outcome of the Michael Jackson trial. Is nothing sacred, apparently not? And the NCAAF is no different – but before we judge to harshly, let's not pretend that private underground wagering on the College sports has been massive for years so why not bring it out into the open. For those interested, Florida State and Miami are joint favourites in the ACC Conference Championship.
In the more mainstream fields Indianapolis just head the betting in the NFL over New England for the Superbowl XLI, its hard to split the Detroit Red Wings and the Ottawa Senators (who, with a name like, that should certainly know better than have a bet) in the Stanley Cup and in the MLB World Series its very tight in the betting between the New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.
Well, happy betting as our eyes start to turn away from the World Cup (that's soccer to those who only follow the US stuff) and look forward to a new season of Hockey, Baseball, American Football and Basketball
We hope this helps but visit TheSportsman.com or read the paper, out every day for more tips and hints.


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Bond of Brothers: How a childhood friendship helped Duke star Grayson Allen come of age
As Duke tries to defend its 2015 NCAA title, here's the low down on the Blue Devils' star player, sophomore guard Grayson Allen.
As Duke tries to defend its 2015 NCAA title, here's the low down on the Blue Devils' star player, sophomore guard Grayson Allen.
The week 12 Ravens vs. Steelers matchup has been postponed once again, and is now set to take place on Tuesday night at 8pm EST. The game, which was originally scheduled for Thanksgiving night, has now been pushed back twice due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Ravens organization. ...read more
Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley will face off for the AEW championship next Wednesday on Dynamite. SI's Justin Barrasso spoke with SI host Kaitlin O'Toole about what to expect from the matchup, and Omega's relationship with New Japan and how that might influence AEW and New Japan's ...read more
This weekend, in a highly anticipated exhibition matchup, Mike Tyson will face off against Roy Jones Jr. at the Staples Center in eight 2 minute rounds on pay per view. SI's Justin Barrasso spoke with Kaitlin O'Toole on what we can expect from the fight, and how it might be a ...read more
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is off to a good start to his career, and that's putting it mildly. The rookie QB is on pace to set first year marks for completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns. So, how would you describe Herbert in one word? Sports ...read more
Tom Brady and the Buccaneers take on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs this weekend in a matchup between the GOAT and perhaps his eventual successor for that title. Both teams seem destined the playoffs so is Tampa vs Kansas City the Super Bowl matchup you most want to see? Sports ...read more
Unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. faces two-division champion Danny Garcia Headlining Fox Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event Saturday, December 5 from Arlington, Texas. Garcia joined Sports Illustrated to discuss the matchup and explains why Mike Tyson's return to ...read more
Incredibly, the NBA season is only one month away as the league will have a quick turnaround from the still recently completed bubble playoffs. So, it is time for some way too early MVP predictions for the award winner in 2021. Sports Illustrated host Robin Lundberg, SI's Ben ...read more
You know the traditional Thanksgiving foods...turkey, stuffing, mac and cheese and other favorites. But which NFL player is most like each dish? Sports Illustrated host Robin Lundberg got Anthony "Spice" Adams to give his plate take matching football players up with food as Adams ...read more
Football on Thanksgiving. Basketball on Christmas. Holiday traditions that warm the heart of any sports fan on an annual basis. But which is actually better: NFL on turkey day or NBA on Xmas? Sports Illustrated host Robin Lundberg and Anthony "Spice" Adams made their picks for ...read more


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It is an Issue, Period!
[ Read More ]
Yes, it's an emergency! By Arfa Shahid Here's the thing about menstruation—it hurts. Period cramps are uncomfortable for women in general, but for those diagnosed with dysmenorrhea, the pain is debilitating and cramps leave you doubled over, unable to move. For many, it directly impacts their everyday activity. Dysmenorrhea is often accompanied by menorrhagia—extremely heavy


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RLHTalent Management assists current top entertainers, new to the industry talent on the entertainment front which include Musicians, Actors, Actresses, Models, Film Makers and more. If you think that you have the talent to go all the way and just need the right management to help you achieve your dreams perhaps we can be of help.
Holly Harrell lands national ad campaign for Little Royal's Hair products.
Holly has a promising career as a model and young actress.
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Bonita Lines
ESTHERVILLE – Funeral services for Bonita Lines, 86, of Estherville will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville. Visitation will be from 12:30 until the time of the service only on Thursday. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Estherville.
She died Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at Avera Holy Family Health in Estherville.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home of Estherville is in charge of arrangements.


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|The Heritage Foundation Since its founding in 1973, The Heritage Foundation has served as a research and educational institute -- a think tank -- whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense
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Syrias Growing Islamist Extremist Presence
On 08.02.12 07:30 AM posted by James Phillips
President Obama reportedly has signed an intelligence finding that authorizes U.S. support for Syrian rebels seeking to overthrow President Bashar al-Assads dictatorship.* It remains unclear what is included in this covert aid, publicized in what looks like another leak, or when the finding was signed.
But the United States must be very careful in picking Syrian opposition groups to support.* As Syria melts down in an intensifying civil war, al-Qaedas black flags have been planted in growing numbers inside Syria.
Islamist extremists in eastern Syria, many of whom had flocked to fight U.S. troops inside Iraq or provided logistical support to Al-Qaeda in Iraq, have been exercising a growing influence inside the armed opposition to the Assad regime. Many foreign militants, including radical Libyan Islamists, have also joined the fighting in Syria. The Guardian reported the unease of one Syrian rebel who noted that the al-Qaeda-affiliated groups often have greater financial support, better weapons, and more military expertise than the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the umbrella group that links many of the local rebel forces:
They have better financing than the FSA and we have to admit they are here. They are stealing the revolution from us and they are working for the day that comes after.
Concern about what happens the day after is a major reason that the United States should be extremely careful about how it helps Syrias splintered opposition. Washington should calibrate its efforts to bring down Bashar al-Assads dictatorship in a manner that does not inadvertently contribute to the rise of an Islamist extremist dictatorship that becomes a base for international terrorism.
The U.S. has so far provided non-lethal supplies, such as communications gear, to the opposition but apparently has refrained from transferring arms. But Syrias opposition forces have obtained a growing arsenal of weapons from the black market, defected or captured soldiers, and foreign sources. Rebels in northern Syria have reportedly acquired nearly two dozen MANPADS (man-portable air defense systems) that were transferred to them in Turkey, probably supplied by Saudi Arabia or Qatar, the leading Arab supporters of the Syrian opposition.
The MANPADS, shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, will undoubtedly come in handy in countering the Assads regimes increased use of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, particularly in Aleppo, where the rebels have staged an offensive to gain control of Syrias largest city.
If the opposition can consolidate its control over Aleppo, Syrias commercial hub, then Syria could reach an important turning point. But the question of what form of government ultimately replaces the hated Assad regime remains very much in doubt.
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text: Pokémon GO and Archaeology for kids! July 29, 2016José A. MármolArchaeological Media, Augmented Reality, Community Archaeology, Day of Archaeology 2016, Digital Archaeology, Education, Excavation, Public Archaeology, SpainArchaeology, Arqueología, didactics, educación, education, escuela de verano, go, jose marmol, kids, Murcia, niños, pidgey, pokeball, pokemon, pokemon go A nice pic taken during the realization of this didactic activity with kids. Enjoy! José A. Mármol Related posts: Archaeo-drome project. Being teachers to be archaeologists! Kids are Scientists and Engineers Too – Archaeology Fieldschool for Kids, University of Connecticut De Archeologische Waarde van Pokémon Go Digging with Kids: Historic Archaeology, Education, and Fun Monte Miravete project – 19th century Archaeology in Murcia (Spain). Pokemon, philosophy and coffee Archaeology Remixed: The History of El Presidio de San Francisco, California Goes Digital Gaming in Archaeology


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Lard companies have jumped on the socially responsible bandwagon by releasing 'diet lard', a new product for fat people who don't really like salad but like lard. Diet lard is being produced in half pound blocks, with claims that it has 50% less fat than the traditional one pound block of lard.
Lite Lard spokesman, Jock McLean, said diet lard can be the cornerstone of a well-rounded diet for well-rounded customers. 'While diet lard may or may not help with weight loss, it will greatly help in improving fat people's body image. When a customer is called 'lard arse', they can point to the label and say 'no, diet lard arse' as they return from the fridge with another block of lard.'
Life-long lard fan Clive Smith said he was initially sceptical about diet lard as he was worried that the distinctive pork fat aroma would be diluted. 'But after eating 50 blocks of diet lard in three days, I can hardly taste the difference. Plus I have lost so much weight by going to the fridge twice as often that I could fit through the front door and leave the house if I wanted to, which I don't as I prefer to stay in and eat lard. I love lard.'
Health officials caution that diet lard is no magic bullet. 'We tested diet lard and there were no traces of magic bullets, or any bullets whatsoever. If people want bullets, magic or otherwise, they should go to a gun shop. Firing a gun loaded with diet lard is simply not recommended' said Health Ministry spokesman David Kane.
Mr Kane said that people who were serious about losing weight needed to be sensible about it and use the two proven methods of taking up smoking and bulimia.
22nd March 2013


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The Jezebel inbox receives all sorts of interesting messages, from helpful tips to furious gibberish. Often, the missives strike us as poetic — in the chaos of the mailbag, we can find a sense of peace. As such, we have taken it upon ourselves to let some messages grow into the poetry they are meant to be. And we will do so by presenting them as Haikus. In today's installment, a PSA regarding a post entitled, "Disturbingly Tan Mom Arrested After 5-Year-Old Daughter Gets Sunburn."
Date: Wed, May 2, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Subject: over tanned 5 year old daughter - just a comment or two
I just need to say
that sun exposure can lead
to cancer of the
skin, and this can be
untreatable, also that it
coarsens skin, so that
the OK skin of
youth turns into a turtle-
skinned middle ager.


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The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, Indonesia, is now on the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger. IUCN Member, Fauna and Flora International, will be among the groups working with local authorities to address the issues raised and bring this site back to its full potential.
Road construction and agricultural encroachment are among the major threats of this area. Tony Whitton works for Fauna and Flora International in the Asia-Pacific region. He is very pleased with the result from the World Heritage Committee in Paris.
The Committee took this important decision after several years of debate, and we now need to ensure that it leads to a real action on the ground to tackle long standing threats. Fauna and Flora International's Tony Whitton knows how to do it.


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All fighters competing at Saturday's Bellator 43 event today hit the scales to make weight for the show.
Today's official fighter weigh-ins took place at the First Council Casino Hotel in Newkirk, Okla. The same venue plays host to Saturday's event, which airs on MTV2.
The evening's 14 participants included Bellator 43 main-eventers Rick Hawn and Jay Hieron, who each made weight without issue. The two welterweights meet in the finals of Bellator's season-four tourney with a future shot at champion Ben Askren on the line.
A preliminary card bout between George Burton and John Bryant was apparently scratched. WEC and DREAM veteran Chase Beebe came in four tenths of a pound over the traditional one-pound allowance given to non-title fights and has two hours to make 136 pounds.
The full weigh-in results included:
- Rick Hawn (170.8) vs. Jay Hieron (170.8) – welterweight tourney final
- Bryan Baker (184) vs. Joe Riggs (184.6)
- Chase Beebe (136.4)* vs. Jose Vega (135.8)
- Vince Lucero (263.6) vs. Ron Sparks (255.2)
- Michael Osborn (155.6) vs. Mike Schatz (155.8)
- Rich Bouphanouvong (178.2) vs. David Rickles (177.6)
For more on Bellator 43, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.
(Pictured: Jay Hieron)


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Guggenheim Investment Advisory announced Wednesday that it had launched of the Guggenheim Alternatives Platform, a web-based platform designed for independent advisors. The platform enables advisors to "build and implement customized hedge fund portfolios for their clients by connecting them to Guggenheim Investment Advisory's deeply researched menu of hedge fund managers, according to the company.
"We made it easy to use," Michael Christ, head of Guggenheim Investment Advisory, told AdvisorOne at Schwab Impact 2012 in Chicago. "We come from the advisory world, so we understand the issues they're confronted with in getting access to hedge fund managers."
The platform is unique, he said, not only in the access it grants to managers, but also in the supply, support, research themes and allocation concepts it offers. The investment team consists of 40 individuals that "are all seasoned, come from various backgrounds and speak the nine languages of across 10 countries."
"We created the platform for ourselves in 2006," Christ noted. "We used it to solve for our own needs, so therefore made it available to advisors."
He added that the platform is flexible, and "can fit into the investment philosophies of our advisors" in three ways.
"The first is that they can pick managers off of a 50-managers list. If you think about the size of the hedge fund universe, there are 10,000 managers, so we scoured the industry for the best."
The second method is that advisors "can take some of our guidance in regards to market themes and invest in that manner."
The third, Christ said, is that they can invest in one of the firm's strategy portfolios, which cover the gamut of alternatives.
"It's an institutionalized approach, and we separate out the due diligence on the operational side from that of the investment side."
Specific characteristics of the platform include:
- Access to 50 hedge fund managers
- Investment minimums beginning at $100,000
- Coverage of a range of strategies, including distressed, multi-strategy, equity long/short, opportunistic credit, trading/macro and commodities, across major and emerging geographies
- Integration with the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation's (DTCC) Alternative Investment Products (AIP) protocol, which provides monitoring of all funds on the Guggenheim Alternatives Platform
- Opportunities to access capacity-constrained managers
- Thematic portfolio construction guidance and analytic tools
- A web-based implementation process
- Immediate and ongoing guidance and support from Guggenheim Investment Advisory's investment, operational and client service teams
"We are delivering a flexible and scalable way for advisors to access what we think are the best hedge fund managers and give them the resources to effectively implement solutions for their clients," said Christ.
Guggenheim Partners currently has $160 billion in assets under management with 25 offices in eight countries.
Check out complete coverage of Schwab Impact 2012 at AdvisorOne, including:


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I want to start off by saying how glad I am that CNN finally got rid of that ridiculously self-important dinosaur Larry King and how much I've been enjoying the new Piers Morgan Tonight show! After watching the first four nights, it's bloody refreshing to see an interviewer who doesn't (overtly) pander to his guests and actually seems to give a shit about finding out something more than the typical publicist-driven crap you read in the tabloids without putting me to sleep. Hey, I love Charlie Rose as much as the next guy, but at times the high-handed tone and mental high-fives he trades with his guests can make you feel like you're sitting through a Doctoral Seminar given in a language you don't understand!
His first night with Oprah certainly got the most headlines, but his sit-downs with Howard Stern and Condi Rice were great and last night's casual back-n-forth over a beer with Ricky Gervais was brilliant! And near the end of the interview, Piers asked a question that resonated with me as well…
Piers Morgan: Do you get to enjoy the fruits of your hard work?
Ricky Gervais: No…I enjoy the hard work! I wake up and it's a privilege that I can have an idea…nothing gives me an adrenaline rush like an idea.
I have always felt the same way about what I do for a living. The idea that I can make a living at taking photographs of interesting people is mind-boggling, but the added benefit of actually loving what I do is a cherry on top.
Piers Morgan Tonight is on CNN nightly at 9:00PM and you can also follow his pithy thoughts on Twitter


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Mar 3rd No Hassle Hosting
Welcome to Port Huron Computers. We are a Michigan owned and operated business that works with other businesses in the area to provide exceptional support and customer service. We have built our business on honesty and integrity. We could offer multiple packages and services like everyone else but you don't need it. The package we offer will suit ... Read More »
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Vinegar Pot - Charcoal Petrol Grey
In a nutshell: This vinegar pot comes in two sizes; 3 litres or 4.7 litres. Colour is a gorgeous petrol grey colour with a glazed body and lid, plus cork and tap.
3L: 16cm diameter x 22cm height
4.7L: 20cm diameter x 25cm height
Additional pot and vinegar information
Preparing the new Pot
How to make a vinegar mother
Vinegar in a nutshell
About Digoin
We have sourced our impressive stoneware vinegar pots from one of France's oldest surviving ceramic manufacturers in Burgundy. Founded in 1875, they still make the mustard pots for Maille and other familiar kitchen items, such as yoghurt pots, water jugs and terrine bowls. Using clay sourced in the Loire valley, Auvergne and Burgundy, the pots are handmade by artisans. Fired at a very high temperature (1250°C) then fixed with some unique glazes which makes them non-porous and perfect for storing liquids.Traditional glazed stoneware has always been the ideal material for making and storing vinegar because of its resistance to acid and its total protection from light.
Once you've learnt how to make homemade vinegar, you'll become addicted to its use. We often have a nip to help the digestion, mix it with honey and a little hot water to stave off a cold and add it to our stocks, soups and stews on a regular basis.
Check out our recipe section for more inspiration.


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South Waikato hapu Pouakani says it would have been working on a court injunction to halt the sale of Mighty River Power today if the Government had not delayed the sale.
"That was the meeting we were going to have today but of course the decision has given us more time to meet and consider the way forward," Pouakani spokesman Tamati Cairns said this morning.
Pouakani this year won a Supreme Court ruling in its favour in relation to the Waikato River bed near Mangakino where Mighty River has dams.
Prime Minister John Key yesterday announced the partial sale of Mighty River would be delayed from late this year to sometime between March and June next year to allow the Government time to consult affected iwi.
The announcement was in response to the Waitangi Tribunal's interim recommendations on the Maori Council's claim that the sale should be delayed until Maori water rights were dealt with. However, Mr Key ruled out the tribunal's recommendation of a hui to consider Maori water rights on a national basis.
The Maori Council had also threatened court action if the Government pressed ahead with the Mighty River sale. Deputy chairwoman Rahui Katene this morning said the council's claimant management committee which includes Pouakani was to meet later today to discuss the Government's response and take legal advice on their next steps.
She said what was missing from Mr Key's response yesterday was a pledge to deal with Maori who were not necessarily represented by the Iwi Leaders Group.
"It's great they deferred the sale of shares but they do need to talk to the right people. While it's good that three or four favoured iwi are going to be able to sit down with the Government, it does need to be talking with Maori Council which represents all Maori."
If the Government did not engage with the council, "We do have other options and we are considering where to go from here".
Mr Cairns said Pouakani was still considering how it would move forward with its case. The hapu had not considered shares in Mighty River as a potential form of redress and had not been approached by the Crown for discussion of its case or consultation over the Mighty River sale since it won its Supreme Court case earlier this year.
Meanwhile, as Mr Key was announcing the Mighty River delay yesterday, Hawkes Bay iwi Ngati Kahungunu announced it was taking its own claim to the Waitangi Tribunal over fresh water.
Chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana said his iwi saw the delay to the Mighty River sale as an opportunity to bring definition to the merits of unsettled claims by Ngati Kahungunu hapu before any rights were sold off.
Mr Tomoana said Ngati Kahungunu had the second largest aquifer in New Zealand, "and it is paramount that this treasured resource is protected".


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The acclaimed BCMS seminar is a free, half-day event designed exclusively for business owners considering the sale of their business. It's a "credible, refreshing and enlightening insight" into the business sale process, created and presented by award-winning BCMS founding director Dave Rebbettes.
In three short hours, Dave and his experienced co-presenters share key insights and analysis from 25+ years of deal-making.
At the event you'll discover:
- Why a range of potential acquirers is crucial
- What really creates the value in your business
- The most common errors made when selling a business – and how to avoid them
- Tips, techniques and cases studies drawn from hundreds of successful sales
Free Seminar
Who should attend
Business owners
Half Day
Dave Rebbettes
The presentation was very interesting, informative and opened my eyes to the other world of buying and selling a business...Seminar attendee, 2015
An excellent event. Our situation is fluid, and our objective is to explore all our options…Seminar attendee, 2016
We wanted to understand what would make the business attractive for a purchaser at a future date... this seminar has helped identify areas that we need to work on.Seminar attendee, 2015


text: Who am I?My name is Len Morales Jr. I'm a Scottsdale, Arizona based artist born and raised in the coastal town of Oxnard located in Ventura County, California. I continue to refine a unique abstract and impressionistic style that conveys peace, light, and passion. I also produce landscape and portrait photography. My work is spiritually driven and influenced by my love for family, life and for others.100% Self TaughtI have never taken art classes. I have continued to work and experiment with various mediums. I predominantly produce large format pieces on canvas and I consistently strive to add lively, unique pieces that reflect the love, beauty and the light of my surroundings. My private collection includes abstract, figurative and photography pieces. My paintings are created in various mediums including acrylic, water color, pastel, and oil paint. Furthermore, I also create digital prints that are based on my original photos and draw in pencil and charcoal.Commission me to Create for you!I'm available to be commissioned to create personalized and exclusive fine art pieces including portraits and landscapes. I also can be hired to do special portrait and creative photography. I can create any size piece for almost any space. I take special pride in making my customers happy no matter what, and that's why I offer a 100% Guarantee With No Risk on every piece I sell and install. If you're not 100% satisfied for any reason, I will paint you another piece until you are. It's that simple.Charity and Community WorkI provide support to Raising Up Humanity, an international non-profit organization with current operations in Israel, focused on helping bring peace to turbulent areas in the Middle East. Additionally, I have been a contributing artist and supporter to the Both Ends Burning Campaign, an organization securing the basic human rights and reforming the adoption laws for children, and the American Heart Association. Most recently I've been supporting Phoenix Charity and Development Appeal and a Harvest Partner of Greg Laurie, Harvest.org.100% ARTIST GUARANTEEOnce we hang or install one of my unique paintings, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the unique beauty it brings to your space. However, if you decide you don't like it for any reason, you can send it back to me, and I will paint you another piece that you do like. It's that simple!For more information visit: http://gallerylen.com/Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com: 310-795-5219


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Enter Location
Your neighborhood Petco is open and ready to welcome you back with new cleanliness and safety standards. Shop in-store or try our new curbside pickup service and get 10% off your entire order with pick-up in 1-2 hours.
Our Orion Township location is your one-stop destination for pet supplies and premium pet services. Find high-quality products, grooming, training and veterinary services, and knowledgeable, helpful partners in-store. Our revamped selection of dog and cat food now makes it easier than ever to choose a complete and balanced diet for your pet - without artificial ingredients. If you're looking to grow your furry family, pet adoption events in-store can introduce you to your new best friend. Dedicated to pet health and happiness for over 50 years, we're your partners in providing the best care for the pets you love.
Orion Township pet owners, your nearby PetValu is closing its doors but you can still get everything your pet needs at your nearby Petco location or on petco.com and the Petco app.
Petco offers similar services you are accustomed to at PetValu like self-service dog wash stations and grooming. You can also enjoy some perks you may not be accustomed to such as:
Petco takes pride in our commitment to your pets, so PetValu customers can be assured that their pets are important to us. Our experts ensure you get help finding all your pet's health and wellness needs as you transition to Petco from PetValu. See what else Petco can offer new PetValu customers here.
Yes, Cyber Week deals will be available both in store at Orion Township Petco and online. Cyber week deals begin on Cyber Monday at 12 am local time. Check your Orion Township Petco for store hours.
Yes, Petco Orion Township is open right now with limited services and hours
No, Petco Orion Township does not have a full-service vet hospital
Yes, Petco Orion Township provides vaccinations
Yes. Curbside pickup is available at Petco Orion Township. All of our products that are eligible for store pickup will show this option on the product's detail page.
All Petco stores are cleaned and sanitized daily as part of our normal business operations. In light of COVID-19, we're increasing the frequency and extent of those cleanings and taking proactive steps to ensure all Petco locations (including stores and our distribution and support centers) have ample hygiene and sanitation supplies available.
Out of an abundance of caution, we're making disposable gloves and masks available to all Petco partners, and requiring that all partners wear masks while working in our stores. Additionally, we have installed plexiglass barriers in Petco stores located in areas that are highly impacted by COVID-19, and are in the process of making this safety feature available in stores nationwide.
Each Petco store has several hand sanitizer dispenser stations in place at varying locations throughout the store, and we've instructed our store teams to ensure hand sanitizer is also available at all checkout locations, grooming salons and other high traffic areas of the store.
Using in-store signage, we're encouraging customers to help us keep our communities safe by maintaining at least six feet of distance from others, limiting the number of people per shopping trips when possible, and other recommended precautions.
2675 S. Rochester Rd. Rochester, MI 48307(248) 829-3951
1217 Coolidge Hwy Troy, MI 48084(248) 643-0694
29335 Orchard Lake Road Farmington, MI 48334(248) 553-2786
Meet adoptable cats and kittens from your community, lovingly cared for right here at your Petco in partnership with a special local Animal Welfare Organization.
Find daily meals, prescription food, treats and more at our in-store pantries. Freshly made at local kitchens and instantly frozen, JustFoodForDogs meals are delicious right out of the package.
Whether you're looking for a fashionable makeover with a full-service bath and haircut, a quick trim or an a-la-carte service, your neighborhood Petco groomer is here to care for them completely.
Bathing your dog at home can be a messy process. Our in-store self-wash stations let you give them the quick, quality wash and leave the clean-up to us. We also provide shampoo and conditioner, so you can pop in and pop out with ease.
Proper training is essential for you and your dog to live happily ever after. We offer group and individual classes for all ages of dogs based on a positive, rewards-based program you'll both love.
Don't risk losing your dog or cat to a deadly disease. Bring your pet into the Vetco Vaccination Clinics where we offer a variety of affordable vaccinations care services to help ensure the health and well-being of your dog or cat.
Creating healthier relationships between pets and pet parents starts with a healthy pet. Whether it's a simple vaccination or a full-service consultation, we care every step of the way.
Adding aquatic life to your home or workplace can be a complicated task. At Petco, our experts make it easy, and can help you quickly find the species, habitats, food and supplies you need to create your perfect world of water.
When you need it now, PetcoNow brings Petco's high-quality, premium pet products right to your door. From food to toys, to grooming supplies and flea protection, get what you need, when you need it.
Pet care when and where you need it. We provide a full range of non-emergency veterinary services in the comfort of your home. Our mobile services are convenient, stress-free and personal.
We carry an assortment of essentials for companion animals (fish, reptiles, turtles, rabbits, etc.) including bedding, food and habitat accessories
The most fun your pet can have without you. Give yourself a worry-free break while giving your dog valuable time to socialize and play in our secure, professionally supervised indoor park


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How many eunuchs were estimated to have been employed by China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)?
On This Day
1800 – In the United States' presidential election The Electoral College casts votes for president and vice president that resulted in a tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.
1834 – The Zollverein, German Customs Union, begins the first regular census in Germany. No surprise is expressed when the data confirms that Germans like sausage and sauerkraut.
1910 – Modern neon lighting is first demonstrated by French engineer Georges Claude at, somewhat incongruously perhaps, the Paris Motor Show.
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A short, sharp hit of history in video format. Acclaimed Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde was the toast of London society in the 1890s until things came decidedly unstuck through an association with a young British aristocrat, Lord Alfred Douglas, known as 'Bosie'.
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British politician, who became earl at the age of 11. From 1784-1751 he was First Lord of the Admiralty. The navy deteriorated under his control and fell into disrepute. He is said to have originated the sandwich as a convenient form of food, to allow him to gamble without interruptions for meals.
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