Reel Reports

Jesse and his 20 lb. 5 oz. Chinook Click for more photos

On Tuesday morning Jesse Danchak came back from his guided fishing tour with more to show for it than just a sun kissed nose; he brought back a 20 lb. 5 oz. Chinook. This means Jesse now leads our Spring Fling Derby as his fish beat out our previous leader, Krista’s, fish by 4 oz. Both guests caught these fish while riding with Russ, a long-term guide for Painter’s Lodge and April Point Resort & Spa. At this point it’s fair to say Russ has bragging rights… but it’s a long season. Unfortunately, I wasn’t working yesterday so I missed the excitement of Russ and Jesse’s arrival at the dock. Luckily, one of our crew members stepped in and snapped a photo of Jesse and his salmon.

That wasn’t the only cool story I heard upon my arrival back at the office today. One of our water taxi operators, Greg, said that last night around 9 a cruise ship was sailing through Discovery Passage right as our April Point Connector was making a run between resorts. Cruise ships are impressively massive when viewed from shore, so you can imagine how small you’d feel in the water next to one. Greg did the safe thing and drove the Connector behind the cruise ship to avoid the wake, but still had to compete with a surprise 8 foot wave. Meanwhile, passengers were cheering that they wanted to go over the wake but Greg did the responsible thing (talk about overcoming peer pressure) and veered away. I really hope fate has it that I’m on the Connector the next time this happens – sounds like a thrilling ride!

See you in a few,

Joanna

Mother's Day at April Point Resort & Spa Click for more photos

The April Point Dining Room saw hundreds of families and couples come through today as we hosted our Mother’s Day Brunch.  Guests arrived at the resort by the dozen via the April Point Connector and the Connector 2 from the Painter's Lodge Dock. We had both boats operating because of the large volume of people travelling who were eager for the awesome food.  My favourite thing about brunch is that it has no barriers. It seems you can enjoy this hybrid meal anytime between 9 am and 3 pm, it’s not confined to a conventional menu (we served various kinds of seafood, desserts and there was even a ham being carved) and it can be either a relaxed or formal dining experience.

Whatever shape their brunch took, I am confident the moms who joined us went home full, happy and full of vitamin D... that sunshine was something else!

See you in a few,

Joanna

TJ and Katie exchanging vows on the Discovery Lawn. Click for more photos

Wedding season that is. TJ and Katie chose a wonderful weekend to tie the knot; there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and they became our first bride and groom of 2012. (I guess it wasn’t such a bad mother’s day gift for their moms either!)  Weddings at Painter’s Lodge are set on the Discovery Lawn overlooking Discovery Passage.  It's no wonder we’re steadily booked with weddings throughout our entire season. I’ve even heard couples already inquiring about available 2013 dates.  I guess our recipe of an ocean/mountain backdrop, green grass and happy couples is one that has been tested to wedding perfection.

Elsewhere at the resort, our corporate group from Country Grocer set off on guided fishing tours and wildlife adventure tours. Although our fishing guests had high hopes, no one took the spot of our Spring Fling Derby leader, Mike, who is still ahead with his 15 lb. Chinook from Monday.

Our entire crew is in for a busy Sunday as we expect to see over 400 guests come through for a taste of our famous Mother’s Day Brunch.  What can I say, those eggs benny certainly make for a happy Mother’s Day!

See you in a few,

Joanna

A standard clove hitch knot. Click for more photos

If you can’t tie a knot, tie a lot. If you were to ask me to tie up a boat to our dock this is what I would do and it would inevitably look like spaghetti.  I should start by saying that I fear that day because I don’t trust my spaghetti and don’t want to be held responsible for a boat floating away. Luckily, we have some great fishing guides and dock crew who really know how to tie a knot and they won’t let that happen.

I took an impromptu crash course in knots today taught by Dave; one of our April Point Connector Operators (and seasoned mariners).  Dave informed me that there are *thousands of knots, but only a couple to live and die by.  Those essential knots would be the clove hitch and the bowline (pronounced bow-lynn). Both of these knots are standard for tying a boat to anything, they hold well and are easy to undo. There is even a helpful little story about a bunny to remind you of how to tie a bowline. The story is definitely geared towards young children–probably ones in cubs or scouts–but it’s bound to stick.

Lastly, there is the “Figure 8 and Lock” (I kind of made up this name by how the knot was explained to me). A quick alternative to conventional knots, this is the one I see most of our crew using. You make a basic figure 8 with the rope then–poof! – lock it up. If any of the aformentioned knots fail me I’ll just take the fool-proof advice I opened with or whip out my iPhone. Why? **There’s an app for that.

See you in a few,

Joanna

*Back in the day, sailors would kill time while at sea by playing with rope; inadvertently creating different knots.

**There seriously is.

The Spa at April Point Click for more photos

Guests of April Point Resort & Spa have the ability to choose their own vacation adventure.  While some visitors may desire the rush of a rapids tour or the excitement of reeling in a 20 lb. salmon, others may define true adventure as  “checking out” – mentally and physically. (I’m looking your way, workaholics!)  This “checking out” is often achieved upon “checking in” to our Spa.

The Spa at April Point is an Aveda Spa offering body care, face care, hand and foot care, as well as entire line of services for gentlemen. The Spa is its own separate building and you must cross a small footbridge to get to it, as it sits on a large saltwater pond.  In my experience with spas, (and I actually have a lot) most of them play ambient nature sounds in order to mimic the feeling of being outdoors in an exotic, tranquil space.  At our Spa, if you want the peaceful outdoors… you’ve got it! The several indoor treatment rooms are modern and tastefully decorated but the most serene space is outside on the sheltered deck.  Guests of The Spa may choose to have their pedicure on the deck and set to authentic nature sounds; the ocean lapping the bluffs below you, a gentle breeze blowing off the water and through the trees, birds chirping, and, who knows, maybe an orca breeching!

While I was visiting The Spa this afternoon I overheard two female guests squeal in disbelief that you really could combine foot rubs and panoramic ocean/mountain views. Yes ladies, you really can have it all.

See you in a few,

Joanna

"Acrylic Painting: The Positives of Negative Space" Click for more photos

I don’t consider myself an artist –not by any stretch of the imagination– but it doesn’t take one to know that Painter’s Lodge provides ample creative inspiration for those seeking it. In fact, I would argue that our natural surroundings at the Lodge lend inspiration to all of our guests, artists or not.  

Today marked the end of our first 2012 Spring Live & Learn Program. Over two days 13 acrylic painters honed their craft in our Discovery Room which overlooks the Painter’s dock, Quadra Island and the Discovery Passage.  Just as I enjoyed observing the acrylic painters create fantastic art, I look forward to watching our future Spring Live & Learn groups Blossom with Yoga, Contemplate Photography, Learn to Knit and Discover Gypsy Belly Dance. (We also have an entire schedule of Fall Live & Learn Programs up our sleeve!) Whether one finds their inspiration or just has fun, the stunning setting of Discovery Passage is the ideal place to learn, laugh and relax.

Watching the rain storm move towards us today from the mountains as thunder crackled in the distance and the tide made its way out for the afternoon certainly sent a sort of electricity through me. I may not release this energy on to canvas like painters do, but I still interpret it as inspiration… even if it’s just inspiration to stand still for 2 minutes and enjoy the view.

See you in a few,

Joanna

Low Tide Click for more photos

Hello!  My name is Peter and I am the new Assistant Front Office manager at the Canadian Princess Fishing Resort in sunny (and yes the Sun does shine) Ucluelet.  I have been living in Ukee for 10 years now and am really looking forward to my first season with “The Ship”.

Today I am doing a bit of cross training with Caylin at Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River.  Coincidently, I was here just over 10 years ago visiting friends.  It is all that I remember and more.  The desk staff are very friendly and did not even crack a grin when I told them about my directionally challenged drive here (I have got to learn how to ask for directions).

After dropping my bags off in my room I headed over to the Tyee Pub to grab a burger and catch the last of the Jersey / Philly game (go Jersey), where much to my surprise I found Harvey, (not the rabbit) one of our skippers over here to pick up the first of the Whalers we will be running in Ucluelet this season.

I don’t often get a good night’s sleep my first night in a hotel, but last night was as close has I’ve come in some time.

After a hearty breakfast, they had a “Meat Lovers” breakfast special of ham, bacon, hash browns, scrambled eggs and cheese all baked in a skillet, I met up with Caylin (on what I have come to find out is her last day here). 

She has been showing me the ropes so to speak.  This Media Training has been interesting and a bit challenging so far for an old Luddite like me.

I am looking forward to learning more about this new technology stuff and keeping all you fishers updated on the comings and goings at the Canadian Princess this year.

Cheers,

Peter

Photographers sharing their artwork at Critique Click for more photos

After a gorgeous weekend on Quadra Island, the 7^th Annual Photographers at Painter’s…at April Point wrapped up today. Amateur and professional photographers from all over B.C. arrived at April Point Resort & Spa on Friday afternoon and began a weekend packed with informative workshops. (In years passed, this event has always been held at Painter’s Lodge so this was many guests’ first trip to Quadra!) Taught by some of Western B.C.’s premier photographers, the workshops covered unique topics like shooting weddings in low-light, shooting for news, scanography, copyright, and communicating visually. On Saturday night guests of the event socialized at a wine and cheese reception, then on Sunday morning they took in a Discovery Tour aboard the Pachena Princess. The event culminated with Critique; an opportunity for amateur photographers to have their work critiqued one-on-one by the professionals.  Although Critique may sound intimidating, it had an incredibly relaxed atmosphere and was an overall fabulous opportunity to receive (free!) advice.

Throughout the weekend all photographers were welcome to hang their work at the resort. Check out the awesome talent displayed on what turned into the guest photo wall.

So... thank you, photographers! We hope each and every one of you found inspiration on beautiful Quadra Island. Aren't we lucky to live here?

See you in a few,

Joanna

This rainbow appeared as we were boarding the Sunset Tour Click for more photos

My second week as Marketing Coordinator has almost come to an end and I can’t believe how lucky I am to be here. In fact, I’m growing concerned that one of these days my boss will pop up and yell, “Just kidding!”, because this job is just too cool.  

Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of accompanying the gang from Country Grocer on one of our Sunset Tours. It had been pouring rain on and off all afternoon but come sail time the clouds broke up a bit and the most beautiful rainbow formed (see photos).  If you’re unfamiliar with the Sunset Tour, it is a 2 ½ hour jaunt on The Pachena Princess— a 52’ cabin cruiser with a covered cabin, on-board washroom and wrap-around viewing deck. The Sunset Tour sets off from April Point Resort & Spa and takes you into the hidden coves and inlets that make up the majestic Discovery Passage.  We learned about the history and culture of the area through our knowledgeable guide, Caylin, while deckhands Tristan and Terri served the (non-working) guests complimentary beverages and snacks.  Word spread of how unique this tour is so today more of our guests from Country Grocer decided to give it a whirl, except this time they opted for an afternoon cruise.  While we may not have seen the sun set, we had it high in the sky keeping us warm. (Yep, you guessed it. I got to go, too!) There’s nothing like the perfect combination of sunshine on your face, ocean breeze in your hair and good music playing on the stereo. Despite being the only non-adult on board, 10 year-old Rachel even had a fabulous time. Check her out driving the Pachena Princess in my photos! We spotted 6 bald eagles circling a portion of beach on Gowland Island and close to 30 more sitting pretty in the sandbar off of the Painter’s Lodge Dock. (Due to an extremely low tide these eagles were visible from Painter’s all morning.) 

So, you can see what I mean when I say, “Pinch me.”

See you in a few,

Joanna

Kelsey, Kalisha and Terry, Servers at Painter's Lodge Click for more photos

Well the big day finally came and now both Painter’s Lodge and April Point Resort & Spa are open for the 2012 season. You would be surprised at the amount of work that goes into re-opening these resorts after a long off-season. There are decks to paint, lawns to manicure, paintings to mount, carpets to clean and new crew members to train. Without fail everything always falls in to place on time and, usually in the same breath, we then welcome our first guests of the season.

Our complimentary water shuttle (The April Point Connector) between Painter’s Lodge and April Point Resort & Spa began running for guests today and one of our first passengers was a pup named Jordy. I was all set to hop on board with Jordy and take a ride to April Point when one of our return fishing guides, Ron, offered me a lift in a Boston Whaler. I happily accepted (wouldn’t you?). I promise to never complain that scenic boat rides are part of my daily work.

In addition to more boat rides, I look forward to Jazz at the Point every Tuesday at April Point, Sunday Brunch at Painter’s Lodge, BIG fish being caught, lots of sunshine and friendships formed with my new co-workers. 

Here’s a look at the 2012 Crew as well as some shots I took today around both properties. Recognize any of these faces or places?

See you in a few,

Joanna