good times, bad times

Well, it's days like today that re-affirm my love for the Comox Valley. It wasn't a nice lazy day, but a it wasn't to stessfull either. After my first sleep in my own bed in a couple weeks I was glad to be greated by a sunny, but frosty morning. After a confused few moments of half alertness I loaded the truck and proceded to drive to north on Hwy 19A to Courtenay. This is a good twenty minute drive and I was in dire need of a GOOD coffee. Luckily we have a terrific coffee roasting company in Royston (Royston Roasting Company) and they have recently opened a coffee shop. After a quick pit stop for a large Americano for myself and a homemade gingerbread man and an apple juice for my little buddy we were off to town to drop him off at his twice weekly pre-school. I parked at Lewis Park, took my bike out of the truck and walked Corb over to his pre-school. The sun felt great and frost was all but melted away. I hopped on my Giant Trance, and hit the road. Of course my tires were under-inflated for road riding so I cruised into Mountain City Cycle for some air, they noticed a bit of a squeak in my front disk brake so he put the bike on the stand adjusted this and that, checked out the drivetrain, aired up the tires and all with a smile and a few good trail recomendations. No charge. Lets see your car dealership do that. The downtown core really has everything you need in a few blocks, but is a nightmare to navigate in a vehicle. I made a few stops on fifth street, some hard times have come to many of the local shops and being forced to close out. I talked with three of the store owners and they all shared similar reasons for their new found misfortune, it all boils down to competition with the big box stores that have started to dominate our once quaint landscape. It's too bad because they all sell far superior products than the big box and their prices are typicaly at par and I always find at least one bargain when I shop the downtown core. Last Christmas I shopped exclusively local businesses and saved money and actually enjoyed my shopping experience. These people work hard to make you feel good and truly mean it when they say have a nice day. So next time you have a spare bit of time, use a big box store as a drop off point for your car or truck and walk or ride downtown. Re-discover shopping as it was meant to be and support your neighbour!