Canadian lodge offers food and exercise

I once knew a woman who developed a Byzantine methodology for evaluating materials written for investors. Then she issued scores to various businesses – usually finding them lacking, of course – and hired herself out as a consultant, teaching these poor, benighted companies how to achieve high marks on her system.

The folks at the Middle Beach Lodge in Tofino may have met this particular woman, too.

They’ve recently proclaimed the beaches on the west coast of Vancouver Island the best in Canada for low-impact running. And in honor of that honor, they’re offering a series of running packages.

After all, you’ve got to give the people what they want.

And evidently, the people want to eat.

You may be forgiven if you mistake Middle Beach’s promise of 40 acres of oceanfront and almost a mile of private beach – as well as the name “Running Gourmet Retreat” – for a health-focused getaway.

But a look at the itinerary for the Nov. 24-26 and Jan. 26-28 retreats tells a somewhat different story.

You’ll arrive on Friday in time for a seafood chowder welcome reception.

Saturday morning starts with coffee and fruit. Then you’ll warm up and stretch for a run on the beach, which is followed by breakfast.

To kill time between breakfast and lunch, you can take in the wellness workshop, and in the afternoon you can choose from other workshops on such topics as making chocolate truffles, West Coast cooking, and wine pairing and tasting.

After that, dinner!

Let’s see. That’s one run and about 12 opportunities to replace the calories.

Carly Naesgaard, front desk supervisor, says that usually suits the guests – often groups of women friends – just fine.

“We do a bit of running, but a lot of it is just a social event,” she says. “Tofino is a beautiful place to be.”

On Sunday, you’ll have to make do with coffee and fruit prior to your run and breakfast after, before you check out at noon.

They can’t possibly have any food left to serve you lunch.

Andrea Carey, marketing director of Frontrunners Footwear in Victoria, leads the runs and Duane Bell, the lodge’s chef and general manager, oversees your meals.

Middle Beach Lodge has offered the package – which includes meals, workshops, the reception, and two nights’ accommodation based on double occupancy for $285 Canadian – for the last several years.

“We’re getting a few repeats already,” Naesgaard says, “so it must be good.”

Learn more at www.middlebeach.com or call (250) 725-2900.

The da Vinci load

We sure could use a guy like Leonardo da Vinci around these days. Anyone who was dabbling in robots, flying machines, underwater breathing gear and artificial heart valves more than 500 years ago could certainly figure out how to safely allow saline solution on an airplane or efficiently process the line at the Department of Licensing.

But instead we get someone like renaissance man Tom Cruise, self-proclaimed expert in religion, psychology, romance and movie stunts.

Perhaps we’d be better served deriving whatever wisdom we can from the past – say at “Leonardo da Vinci: Man/Inventor/Genius,” a tribute to Mona Lisa’s portraitist at The Museum of Flight in Seattle.

They promise “an inspired understanding of Leonardo”s unparalleled contribution to world history” and “interpretive insight into his character.”

The visiting exhibit, on display through Jan. 28, features 50 interactive and static machines based on da Vinci’s notes and sketches, including an ornithopter flying machine with a 34-foot wingspan.

You can also get a look at full-size reproductions of his paintings, like a little something you may have heard of called “The Last Supper.”

Admission for nonmembers runs $14 for kids between 5 and 17, $21 for seniors and $22 for other adults. You’ll find details about the exhibit and the rest of the museum at www.museumofflight.org. Or call (206) 764-5720.

Cinematic peaks

Local talent gets an audience at the seventh annual Rossland (B.C.) Mountain Film Festival, Nov. 16-19.

Organizers says it features “the very best in Kootenay mountain culture.”

I have no idea what that means.

However, I do like their idea of giving homegrown artists a chance to show what they can do. Last year, more than 1,000 audience members got a crack at 30 hours of film, and they’re widening the scope of subject matter for this year’s version beyond extreme sports entries.

The festival usually includes workshops as well, although they haven’t announced the schedule yet.

Keep an eye on www.rosslandfilmfest.com for updates. You can also call toll-free (866) 333-7702.

Regional events

“Best of the Northwest, Nov. 17-19, Seattle. This “Marketplace of Fine Art and Crafts” selects 250 artists to bring you metal, glass and wood sculpture, jewelry, wearable art, pottery, photography, mixed media and similar artsy-craftsy items. (www.bestnwcrafts.com/206-525-5926)

“Cut Bank Winter Festival, Nov. 18, Cut Bank, Mont. Get into the spirit of the season with the annual Christmas Craft Bazaar, an evening lighted parade, the Street of 10,000 Lights and more. (www.visitmt.com/406-873-4041)