Upcoming Events

Okanagan Outdoor Activities Group | June 10

bike trip on the old Kettle Valley railbed in Myra Canyon

You are invited to the second outing of the newly established Okanagan Outdoor Activities Group.  The group has planned a bike trip on the old Kettle Valley railbed in Myra Canyon (Myra Bellevue Provincial Park).  The KVR and Myra Canyon are one of the Okanagan’s most important historical locations as well as having dramatic views of the Okanagan Valley.  The bike trip will be led by Maury Williams (Myra’s Men; Building the Kettle Valley Railway) and co-teacher (with Rick Garvin) of two historical/archaeological digs in Myra Canyon. 

We shall bike through the canyon, starting at the Myra end, and then stopping en route periodically for noteworthy explanations.  We shall end at the June Springs end followed by a visit to Morrissey's Camp #2 (the 1912-14 construction camp where Rick and Maury did the first dig. This camp was subsequently opened to the public in August 2022 and is located about 100 m from the June Springs gate).  Then we’ll bike back to the Myra parking lot.  Distance one way is ca 11 km over a flat well packed trail. 

Some particulars.       

Start time & meeting place:  10:30 am in Myra end parking lot 
Travel time:  from the UBCO campus it is about 50 minutes.  DON’T GO TO THE JUNE SPRINGS END.  Carry on McCulloch Rd past Gallaghers golf course, down the hill crossing KLO creek, and then watch for the sign to Myra.  The road up is gravel and can be a bit rough but easily passable by car (i.e., 4 wheel is not needed) - Total time at Myra Canyon:  ca 4 hours.  

Bikes:  Either bring a bike or rent from Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals (located at the entrance to the trail in Myra Station parking lot). If you rent you should make a reservation – see MCBR website.  
Lunch:  yes—also snacks, and bring plenty of water 
Dress:  be prepared.  Even if it is a warm/hot day bring extra clothing.  The weather can change quickly and dramatically – don’t be fooled by how nice it is in Kelowna. 

THIS IS IMPORTANT;  MAXIMUM NUMBER ON THIS BIKE TRIP IS TWELVE (12) – otherwise it is too congested on the railbed, especially since we’ll be stopping frequently.  CONTACT MAURY DIRECTLY TO RESERVE A SPOT: maurice.williams@ubc.ca

If there is interest beyond 12, Maury will arrange a second bike trip. 

And from the UBC Emeritus College:  If you are taking part in the activities of the Emeritus College Okanagan Outdoor Activities SIG, please recognize that you do so voluntarily for recreational purposes. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in good health and are comfortable with the activities you are taking part in. You must wear any recommended appropriate footwear and clothing and participate in a safe manner. 

Travel Group | June 13

Hiking, Cycling and Hanging Out in Morocco, March 2023
with Peter Wing, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Orthopaedics and Claire Weeks, Clinical Assistant Prof Emerita in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

In early March, 2023, in an effort to see exotic venues, use our aging muscles, visit family, reduce the wear and tear of travel and minimize our travel carbon footprint, we embarked on a 2-month trip to Morocco (via Montreal), Portugal, England and Scotland. This presentation will focus largely on the Moroccan segment of this trip: a 6-day guided hiking excursion in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains and a 2-week guided cycling trip in Morocco. We organized the hiking trip ourselves and joined a group of Vancouver friends for the cycling trip, and we can talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. One of us had been to Morocco more than 50 years ago and can comment on changes. We were there 6 months before the earthquake, and we can talk about the insights we gained about its effects from locals.

Format: Zoom
If you wish to receive the zoom link for the meeting and are not already on the EC Travel group list, please contact Paul Steinbok at psteinbok@cw.bc.ca.

A zoom link will be sent out before each meeting.

Seniors’ Sports Program | June 19

UBC Emeriti Seniors’ Sports Program focuses on modified small-sided games and racquet sport opportunities. An integral part of the UBC Emeriti Seniors’ Sports Program will include post-activity social. In the initial phase, programs begin in April until September.

The below schedule is subject to change. Please reach out to Harry Hubball harry.hubball@ubc.ca for the most up-to-date information.

NOTE ABOUT PARTICIPATION: Due to complex facility booking, sport-specific costs, and availability, the schedule will be posted at least 1-month in advance and ‘signed-up’ participants will be required to confirm their attendance 2 weeks prior. Those who have already signed-up for a scheduled sport will have 1st priority. Anyone who wishes to join an activity should contact Harry Hubball prior to the event to confirm availability: harry.hubball@ubc.ca

*SAFETY-FIRST & MODIFIED SENIORS’ SPORTS.

If you are taking part in the activities of the Emeritus College Sports SIG, please recognize that you do so voluntarily for recreational purposes. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in good health and are comfortable with the modified sport you are taking part in. You must wear any recommended safety equipment (e.g., shin guards, appropriate footwear, etc) as required and participate in a safe manner by obeying rules and regulations. Furthermore, to prevent injury, ensure that you conduct personal warm-up and cool-down strategies, prior to, and following participation in seniors’ sport.