To the seasons of life
In British Columbia, school starts are different in each school district. So you must check the school calendars. Of course, drivers need to beware of pedestrians at all times however, the increasing numbers of children out in particular times may increase the risk. It would be good that parents cautioned their kids about extra diligence around roadways and motorists as their heads may be full of thoughts of the dynamics of being at school.
Labour day weekend
As of 11:00 a.m. severe weather alerts for Nicola.
Trust environment Canada or authoritative weather.
Up to the Air, be there.
Xo
Down to the ground be found.
That moment and that exhilaration will draw.
The sense of being as the law.
More than survival you overcome.
Whether or not you be fun.
So, we found this resource for some British Columbia events through the first part of September. Just in case some of your plans have been upset.
A planetary parade is a celestial event where multiple planets appear close together in the night sky. On August 23, 2025, there will be a morning planetary parade featuring six planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—visible before sunrise. The new moon also occurs on this date, providing a darker sky for better viewing.
When to Look
The best time to view the alignment is in the two hours before dawn. The exact time will depend on your specific location, so checking a stargazing app or website is recommended for the most accurate timing.
Where to Look
The planets will appear stretched across the eastern sky, following the ecliptic (the path the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to follow).
* Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter will be clustered low on the eastern horizon and are the brightest and easiest to spot. Venus and Jupiter will be particularly dazzling.
* Saturn and Neptune will be higher in the sky, toward the southeast. Saturn is visible to the naked eye, while Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope.
* Uranus will be in the southeastern sky, and similar to Neptune, you will likely need binoculars to see it.
For the best viewing experience, find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon and minimal light pollution.
A Rare Alignment of Six Planets is Happening. You Should Not Miss This. This video from YouTube explains the rare planetary alignment and why you should try to view it.
Local weather channel conditions permitting.
The hotel has seen generations of rural cowboys farmers and workers dine dance and socialize.
The historic Coldwater Hotel, a prominent landmark in downtown Merritt, British Columbia, has a rich and complex history. It has played a central role in the community since its establishment, experiencing periods of growth, decline, and adaptation.
History
The first Coldwater Hotel was built in 1908 by William McIntyre. It was a modest two-story, 12-room structure. However, with the booming economy driven by the local coal mines and ranching, a grander building was needed. The current, more lavish Coldwater Hotel was officially opened in May 1910.
Constructed for around $6,000, the three-story building was considered one of the finest “dollar-a-day” hotels in BC’s interior. It featured a large barroom, a ladies’ parlor, and initially, 30 guest rooms which were later expanded to 60. The hotel’s most distinctive feature is its conspicuous copper dome, which is a recognizable landmark throughout the city. Throughout its existence, the hotel has had numerous owners and has been a continuous gathering place for residents and travelers.
Cultural High Points
* Community Hub: Since its opening, the Coldwater Hotel has been a central meeting place for Merritt’s residents. It has served as a social and entertainment venue with its pub, restaurant, and banquet facilities.
* Architectural Landmark: The hotel’s architecture, particularly its copper dome, is a significant part of Merritt’s historical identity and is considered a heritage building.
* Cultural Preservation: The hotel’s interior and restaurant are lined with antique artifacts, bottles, and other items that reflect the area’s history, providing a unique “taste of historical flavour” for visitors.
* Tourist Attraction: The hotel attracts European and Australian tourists, who come to experience its historical atmosphere and continuous service, which has been ongoing for over a century.
Low Points
* Historical Scandals: The hotel’s history includes notable incidents, such as a report in the Merritt Herald in 1969 of a dead man found in one of the rooms by a chambermaid.
* Economic Fluctuations: The hotel, like the city of Merritt itself, faced ups and downs tied to the local economy, particularly during periods when industries like logging and mills hit “rock bottom.”
* COVID-19 Exposure: In more recent times, the hotel was listed by Interior Health as a public exposure site for COVID-19 in September 2020.
Future
The Coldwater Hotel’s future is centered on preservation and modernization. In 2020, new owners Carson Wang and Grace Jiang began significant renovations. Their plans included:
* Structural and Interior Upgrades: Bringing in engineers to assess the building’s integrity, installing new flooring in the pub and restaurant, and converting long-term rental spaces back into functional hotel rooms.
* Exterior Makeover: The owners sought community input for an exterior renovation, considering different types of siding to upgrade the building’s look while preserving its historical character.
The ongoing efforts to renovate and restore the hotel, with community collaboration, suggest a commitment to maintaining its status as a vital part of Merritt’s downtown core. The hotel’s long history and continued operation indicate a strong desire within the community for it to remain a cherished historical and social landmark.
The Flat Earth Society has a fascinating and somewhat convoluted history! Here’s a breakdown of its beginnings, people, purpose, revivals, and related cultural aspects:
Beginnings and People
The modern Flat Earth movement gained traction with Samuel Rowbotham in the 19th century, who published “Zetetic Astronomy” in 1849, arguing for a flat Earth based on his Bedford Level experiment. He also founded a “Zetetic Society.”
The organization most commonly recognized as “The Flat Earth Society” was formally established in 1956 by Samuel Shenton in Dover, England, as the International Flat Earth Research Society. Shenton, surprisingly, was a Fellow of both the Royal Astronomical Society and the Royal Geographic Society. He believed his theory was rooted in common sense and lacked sufficient counter-proof from scientists.
After Shenton’s death in 1971, Charles Johnson took over, moving the headquarters to California. Johnson was a fervent believer, claiming a conspiracy against the flat Earth theory and asserting that the Sun and Moon were flat discs much closer to Earth. He also rejected the 1969 Moon landing as a hoax. The society’s philosophy under Johnson often drew from literal interpretations of the Bible. The society’s membership declined in the 1990s and effectively ended with Johnson’s passing in 2001.
The Flat Earth Society of Canada
Separately, the Flat Earth Society of Canada was founded on November 8, 1970, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, by philosopher Leo Ferrari, writer Raymond Fraser, and poet Alden Nowlan. Their aims differed somewhat from other flat Earth societies. They called themselves “planoterrestrialists” and aimed to challenge people’s willingness to accept theories on “blind faith” and to reject the evidence of their own senses. Their intention was largely parodic, using the flat Earth concept to promote critical thinking and media literacy. Leo Ferrari was a prominent figure, often appearing in media to promote their ideas, including a mockumentary where he was “outed” as a “globularist.” The Canadian society was active until 1984.
Purpose
The core purpose of the Flat Earth Society (International) has been to advocate for the belief that the Earth is flat, often drawing upon pseudoscientific claims, interpretations of religious texts (particularly the Bible), and conspiracy theories. They contend that gravity is an illusion and that Antarctica acts as an icy barrier surrounding the Earth. They aim to “oppose theoretical dogmatic assumptions” and restore confidence in “the validity of human perceptions.”
The Flat Earth Society of Canada, as mentioned, had a more nuanced, often parodic purpose: to encourage critical thinking by disputing a widely accepted scientific fact, highlighting how people can accept things on “blind faith.”
Revival
The International Flat Earth Research Society, after its decline in the 1990s, saw a revival in the early 2000s, particularly around 2009, largely due to the rising influence of the internet and social media. This new wave of interest has led to annual conferences and a global reach.
The Flat Earth Society of Canada was also “re-created” as an art project in 2003 by artist Kay Burns through her alter ego, Dr. Iris Taylor, leading to the creation of the Museum of the Flat Earth.
Museum
Yes, there is a Museum of the Flat Earth! It formally opened in May 2016 on Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada. This small museum is dedicated to the history of the Canadian Flat Earth Society, featuring historical collections related to the original 1970s group, personal effects of Bartholomew Seeker (a notable figure associated with the Canadian society who relocated to Fogo Island as the “guardian of the corner”), and contemporary displays addressing flat Earth debates. The museum is located in Shoal Bay and also includes a coffee bar and shop. Fogo Island is significant because Brimstone Head, a prominent geological feature there, has been labeled as one of the “corners of the Flat Earth.”
Songs and Tourist Attractions
While there isn’t a widely recognized official anthem or extensive catalog of “Flat Earth Society” songs, the concept has certainly inspired musical artists. For example, the Canadian band Barenaked Ladies released a song titled “Flat Earth” on their album “Detour de Force” (2021). There’s also a Belgian big-band jazz group called “Flat Earth Society” (FES) that has released albums since the late 1990s. During Canada’s first-ever Flat Earth Conference in West Edmonton Mall, one attendee, Rick Hummer (as his alter-ego Rolan Reedy), performed a flat Earth-inspired rendition of “Brown Eyed Girl.”
As for tourist attractions, the most prominent is the Museum of the Flat Earth on Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada. Visitors can also experience Brimstone Head on Fogo Island, often referred to as one of the “four corners of the Earth” by flat Earth proponents. The area also hosts the Brimstone Head Folk Festival, and the Fogo Island Inn offers world-class accommodations, making it a unique destination with a connection to the flat Earth narrative.
It’s clear that while the Flat Earth Society as a serious organization has seen its ups and downs, the concept itself continues to capture public imagination, sometimes for genuine belief and other times for artistic and critical inquiry.
The Sunlight we need to grow plants is on the downward drive to the fall equinox, the rapid pace of its march is demonstrated by July losing one full hour and 4 minutes by its end.
The amount of daylight on August 18th depends on your location. Here are some examples of daylight hours for that date in various places:
* Merritt, British Columbia, Canada: There will be approximately 14 hours and 17 minutes of daylight.
* Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: There will be approximately 14 hours and 13 minutes of daylight.
* Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: There will be approximately 14 hours and 37 minutes of daylight.
* Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada: There will be approximately 14 hours and 23 minutes of daylight.
* Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: There will be a sunrise at 6:07 a.m. and a sunset at 8:06 p.m. This is 13 hours and 59 minutes of daylight.
You can find the specific sunrise and sunset times for your location using a reliable source like timeanddate.com or a local almanac.
British Columbia
Farmers’ Markets in British Columbia and Canada
While an exact, single number for all of Canada is not readily available, data from the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) indicates a robust and growing market scene in British Columbia. As of recent studies, there are over 145 farmers’ markets across British Columbia.
Effect on Farmgate Price
Farmers’ markets have a significant and positive effect on the “farmgate price,” which is the price a farmer receives for their product at the farm gate, before any processing or distribution costs. Here’s how:
* Direct-to-Consumer Sales: By selling directly to consumers, farmers eliminate the need for intermediaries such as wholesalers, distributors, and grocery retailers. This allows them to capture a much larger portion of the final retail price, often receiving 100% of the price paid by the customer.
* Pricing Flexibility: Unlike a large grocery chain with standardized pricing, farmers at a market have the flexibility to set their own prices based on a variety of factors, including the quality of their product, the cost of production (e.g., whether it’s organic), and the local demand.
* Economic Impact: A 2023 study by the BCAFM found that member markets in British Columbia generated $155.3 million in direct sales. This revenue goes straight to local farmers and food producers, contributing to a substantial economic impact on the local community. Farmers who sell directly are also more likely to patronize other local businesses, creating a positive multiplier effect.
Disposition of Food
Farmers’ markets change the “disposition” of food by influencing its distribution and what happens to unsold products.
* Alternative Distribution Channel: Farmers’ markets provide a vital alternative to the conventional food supply chain. This is particularly beneficial for small-scale farmers who may find it difficult to meet the high volume and standardization requirements of large retailers. Markets also foster a direct relationship between producers and consumers.
* Community-Based Programs: Many farmers’ markets, such as the ones in Vancouver, have “Donation Station” programs. At the end of a market day, farmers and vendors can donate any unsold fresh produce, which is then distributed to local food banks, community food pantries, schools, and other programs that support low-income and food-insecure individuals.
* Reduced Food Waste: Farmers have more control over their inventory and can bring only what they believe they can sell. While some food may still go unsold, the direct sales model and donation programs help to minimize waste compared to the large-scale distribution system, where a single rejected shipment can result in a massive loss. Unsold produce can also be used for animal feed or composted.
As of 9:20 or 9:17, more precisely there are no extreme alerts for Merritt British Columbia according to Environment Canada.. check your locations
I’mTo photograph Jupiter and Saturn, you’ll need to work with a few key camera settings and pieces of equipment. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do to capture them, especially in the early morning.
A great opportunity for this kind of photography is happening on August 12, as Jupiter and Venus will be in a close alignment, known as a conjunction. They will appear as a single bright “double star” in the eastern sky just before sunrise. While Jupiter and Venus are the main event, Saturn will also be visible, though farther away.
Here are some general tips and settings to get you started:
* Equipment: A camera with manual controls (like a DSLR or mirrorless camera) and a sturdy tripod are essential. A telephoto lens (300-400mm or more) is highly recommended to get a decent size image of the planets.
* Camera Settings: Since the planets are very bright, you’ll need to use shorter exposure times.
* Shutter Speed: Start with a fast shutter speed, such as 1 second or less, to prevent the planets from turning into streaks due to Earth’s rotation. If you have a telescope with a clock drive (which tracks the movement of the stars), you can use longer exposures.
* Aperture: Try an aperture of around f/8.
* ISO: Use a moderate ISO setting, such as 3200, as a starting point. You can experiment with different ISOs to find the best balance between brightness and image noise.
* Focusing: Autofocus is not reliable for astrophotography. Turn it off and manually set your focus to infinity. Use your camera’s live view mode and zoom in on the planet to fine-tune the focus until it appears as small and sharp as possible.
* Technique: Use a 2-second timer or a remote shutter release to avoid shaking the camera when you press the button.
For a different approach, if you have a telescope, you can take a series of many short exposures, a technique known as “lucky imaging.” This involves using specialized software to stack the sharpest images and create a final, more detailed photo.
August 23rd dark sky…
There is a very good place to get the mileage to destinations when stopping in Merritt. The downtown tourist info Center 2202 Voght st is a convenience to employ.
A signpost with distances to several locations, including some in British Columbia and one in Alberta, Canada, as well as Bellingham in the United States. It looks like a fun and creative landmark, possibly in a park or a private yard.
The signpost indicates the following distances:
* West:
* Spences Bridge: 65 km
* Tofino: 550 km
* Victoria: 350 km
* Whistler: 330 km
* Vancouver: 270 km
* Haida Gwaii: 1500 km
* East:
* Hope: 120 km
* Calgary, Alta: 700 km
* Cranbrook: 650 km
* Trail: 435 km
* Osoyoos: 200 km
* Kelowna: 130 km
* Princeton: 90 km
* South:
* Bellingham, USA: 240 km
Based on the sign’s locations and distances, the signpost is likely located somewhere near Merritt, British Columbia, as this would be a plausible central point for these destinations.
The kilometers to destination are rounded off to 10 s making them less provoking to remember. EG Merritt to Calgary 700 KM from 704.
The cool shade of lawn and trees await stoppers at the downtown tourist information center also known as the Bailey house in Merritt, BC.
Hey Merit what do you say?
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 