One of my favourite things to do with my dad is head down to Bowbenders 3D archery range. My dad has been a hunter his whole life but at this point we really just need to get him a camera. He’s not much of a “killer” anymore and more just enjoys being out in nature; dragging an animal out of the bush is just way too much work. The Bowbenders 3D archery range is the perfect solution for this, nature surrounds you, you can “hunt” anything from deer to dinosaurs and there’s no need to drag an animal out of the bush and deal with all that when you’re done.
We always start our adventure with a trip to Tim Hortons and grab me an ice coffee and my dad a double double from there we drive on down to the range which is located on range road 71 which is the last right turn prior to hitting Willey West. Once we arrive my dad prepares his bow and I prepare my camera. We head into the bush chatting; my dad stops at every target to get his shot and I stop at every flower to get mine. I definitely slow my dad down with my need to get close ups of all the nature but I don’t think he minds too much.
The range requires a Bowbenders Club membership and you can find them on Facebook or the Eagle Point-Blue Rapids website for more information on that. Leonard Claffey, the club president says “It’s for practice as well as just a good walk and family enjoyment”.
The club is also involved in many other areas other than the 3D range. They are a major supporter of the NAS program which is the national archery in schools program.
“With the Archery club and the support of CIS Drayton Valley we’ve got archery equipment and instructors in every one of the schools in Drayton and the immediate area around Drayton. We’ve put in around $190,000 of archery equipment into the schools.” says Claffey.
The next program the club takes on with the kids is the Winter games and hopefully one day the Olympics. Recently 3D shooting has also become an Olympic sport so we could maybe even see something there one day in the future.
I’m no archer but I do know the fun to be had out on the range from my dad. The memories made there are never forgotten and it’s always a fun little walk for me and I love watching my dad participate in the sport he enjoys. The day always ends with a phone call from my worried mom because me and my dad said we’d be gone for an hour and it’s now been three. It’s easy to lose track of time with good conversation and beautiful nature surrounding you.
Winter time at Buck Lake
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Try these DV100 training routes
Just beyond the western borders of Drayton Valley is a series of township roads and secondary highways that creates an amazing training ground for anyone looking to tackle the DV100, DV60 or the DV40, this September.
To market, to market: Shopping downtown Drayton Valley
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Tips for beginner mountain bikers
Rocks, berms, extreme pitches, however you slice it, mountain biking is not for the faint of heart. But with a little can-do attitude and grit it can become a fun pastime during any age or stage of life. This summer Rae and Bell decided that they wanted to try something new. Although they were no strangers to road cycling, the purchase of a e-mountain bike got them off the asphalt onto the trail.
Three trips for your winter wonder list
Snowshoeing is a fun way to get outside, stretch your legs and add a little interest to your snowy winter walks. With the Eagle Point Provincial Park and Provincial Recreation area right on our doorstep there are endless places to explore by snowshoe. But for those of you who are just getting started here are three of my favourite places to get you going.
The rugged and refined in Alder Flats
So I have been telling you to explore your backyard and check out places like Evansburg, Breton and Eagle Point Provincial Park. But what about Alder Flats? What the heck is there to do in Alder Flats? To answer this question I have visited Alder Flats five times since July to have a new experience, discover a new place and give you guys some actionable ideas.
