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.
The joys of winter camping
Last winter some gals and I embarked on a trial cross country skiing/winter camping adventure on the Pembina River. The experience was amazing and left me wishing that winter was not coming to such an abrupt end.
The back 40
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Ten winter experiences close to home
Become a Free Press e-edition subscriber Brandy Fredrickson, Free Press Here are 10 budget friendly
Spaaah Experience
This prompted me to wonder what other hidden gems we had in Drayton Valley that could be used to make an at home spa day.
Rural Watering Hole Tour
Before there were clubs, and ultra lounges there was the rural bar. The rural bar was a place people would go to have a drink, eat some food, get a bit of news and maybe even get a haircut. The rural bar was usually built alongside or attached to the lone hotel in the community.
Rural rodeos you don’t want to miss
Rodeos have been a big part of the Brazeau and Beyond region since the Buck Lake Stampede first ran in 1929. The rural rodeo experience is not the circus you see in the larger locales. You’re closer to the action and it’s much more intimate.
