Tag Archives: Dana Oikawa

Encore Brewing Co. And My Friend Dana

Dana and Brina - watercolour portraits during a visit to Fernie, BC Canada - working on painting people

My friend, who I’ve known since working at Lululemon’s warehouse 15 years ago, came out to visit last week. Their name is Dana Oikawa, and we managed to get a few of our favourite things in, during her stay with us.

Encore Brewing Co. Dana had also heard of this new brewing co and bowling alley in Cranbrook, so one of the first things we did was try out their menu and play some games (not bowling or beer but I will have to return for those things). The atmosphere was great, the staff was super friendly and helpful, and the tokens even had their logo on them. We both chose one of their pizza specials for lunch and they were delicious, even had some leftovers. I didn’t take many photos while we were there, but it’s nice to go into a new place and discover all the amazing details yourself. Don’t forget to go to the washroom!

Encore Brewing Co - my first time visiting the new Cranbrook brewing co and bowling alley.

We also stopped by Happy Cow Ice Cream, played disc golf with friends, enjoyed an evening at Nevados, walked the trail along the river, crashed the neighbours birthday party, played with the kids, slowly but surely devoured the flavours of four new cheeses from Le Grand Fromage, experienced treats from The House of Gato, and she even painted some watercolours with me.

My Friend Dana Is Coming To Fernie For A Short Visit. She’s Rad.

Short But Sweet Hike In Fernie

Fairy Creek Falls - Fernie, BC - easy short hike

It’s been a while since I’ve walked to Fairy Creek Falls and when some friends visit from Vancouver and you only have 2 hours of free time, it’s a great choice with great rewards.

Road Trip : An Afternoon In Pincher Creek

road trip through crows nest pass to pincher creek

My friend Dana was visiting her family in Calgary and we decided to meet up half way (we did this last year as well) in Pincher Creek, Alberta. The drive to Pincher Creek through the Crowsnest Pass is so stunning with its hard wind blown trees (above) blue lakes, striking mountains that slowly turn into rolling hills.

Our time in Pincher Creek is always a good time. We know nothing about the town other than what we’ve seen an experienced in these two trips. Every time we walk into a new place we don’t know what to expect but it has all worked out so far. Our meeting spot is Harvest Coffeehouse and we Treat. Yo. Self. at Celestial Bakery, did many short walks around the local trails and then ended up at Cast Iron Grill for dinner(eastern side of the main street). Cast Iron Grill looked like it could have gone either way – awesome or terrible – but it was amazing! I highly recommend it. Plus, they serve Fernie Brewing Co.

pincher creek - celestial bakery - treat yo self pincher creek alberta - beautiful landscape colours pincher creek - cast iron grill - fernie brewing co

Dana and Brina Together Again

Dana Oikawa and Brina Schenk in Fernie - By Bianca Sabatini
My friend Dana and her girlfriend Bianca Sabatini (who took this photo) drove to Fernie in November and I recently got my hands on this picture. I love that girl and I wish Vancouver wasn’t 12 hours away. This was when there was snow in Fernie. Remember snow?