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.
Night skiing the Pembina Nordic Trails
Since November I have taken advantage of the moonlit nights by dusting off the nordic skis and hitting the Pembina Nordic Ski Trails.
Lakes and rivers offer recreation and relaxation
“Paddling Drayton Valley and Brazeau County lakes and rivers truly is a blessing! It’s such a beautiful area you can paddle the Brazeau Dam and see so many birds and nesting grounds,” said Titanich.
Keystone Heritage Trail
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Homesteaders Way: Hwy 13 Winfield to Alder Flats
Subscribe for the full Free Press The homesteaders way: Hwy 13 Winfield to Alder Flats
Golfing Drayton Valley
But there was lots to like. The course itself is in very good shape, in spite of our efforts to dig parts of it up with an over enthusiastic pitching wedge. And it was great to get out in some early morning sunshine.
