Following in the footsteps of Up the Lake, a second regional book regarding the Powell River region, entitled Up the Main, has been released by Powell River Books. This new publication focuses on Powell River stories, including boating, fishing, hiking, and kayaking, with an emphasis on ATV riding. A recent interview with the author in RidersWest magazine documents how this book was researched:

http://www.riderswestmag.com/features/nov_05/interview_with_writer.htm

Powell River Books is a new regional publisher specializing in stories of coastal BC. A PhotoCD containing slideshows and individual photos of the Powell River region (related to the making of the new book series) was released simultaneously with Up the Main. These publications are available from local retailers or via mail order, with additional information and a listing of retailers at:

http://www.PowellRiverBooks.com

A third book in this series, entitled Up the Strait, is scheduled for release in June 20006.

A new regional publisher, Powell River Books, has released its first book, a 218-page publication entitled Up the Lake. These Canadian stories of Coastal British Columbia highlight the Powell River region. This first publication includes 63 illustrations, with stories of outdoor explorations fromJervis Inlet to Desolation Sound. You probably won't be surprised to learn (from the title) that Powell Lake is the focus of this first publication. For more details regarding this book or to order online, visit the Powell River Books web site:

http://www.PowellRiverBooks.com

A second publication, now in-progress, wlll be entitled Up the Main. It will concentrate on ATV explorations in the Powell River region. You'll see an extensive advertising campaign for Powell River Books in April, with an advertisement in the Peak that will direct the public to local Powell River retailers who will stock this new book at discounted prices. Those who read Up the Lake are encouraged to provide feedback for future publications at the Powell River Books web site.

I started cold water swimming last year. You may ask, 'Why?' It is a new experience and from what I found out there may be some health benefit to it. Anyway I made a few observations.

Eldred River Valley contains a very extensive array of granite big walls that easily rival Yosemite. The area is easily accessed via two wheel drive vehicle (high clearance) and should appeal to any climber with an exploratory bent. Several routes have been put up ranging in difficulty from III/5.9 to VI/5.11/A4+. To reach the Eldred, travel via B.C. ferries to Powell River, then go to Lang Bay Approximately 15 km south of the Westveiw ferry terminal, or if landing at Saltery bay 10 km north. From Lang bay store head about 1km north to the goat lake main logging road. Follow the goat main for 35 miles (logging road signage is in miles in P.R.) after this pleasant two-hour drive you can't miss the walls. Access to Psyche Slab is from the pullout at mile 35 the West Main Wall trail starts at 36.5. The logging road is closed to the public from 5am Until 6pm Monday until Friday. Generally speaking traveling when the road is active should be avoided as 100 tonne logging trucks pose a serious objective hazard, use extreme caution at all times on the logging road. For further information, access or logistical support please contact Colin Dionne at Fjord Coast Expeditions in Powell River. Phone: (604) 487-0487 email: fjordcoast@shaw.ca