Things To Do Outdoors in & around Calgary!

Its amazing the energy, revitalisation & happiness you gain from being outside, in the heat of summer or in the snowbanks! As a child I was always outside, my parents bought their first home that sat on a large backyard where they built my brother and I a playhouse off our deck with a slide down and a sandbox underneath.... the home I grew up in also backed a spray-pool park which also had a soccer field, baseball field a large hill for tobogganing down and yet another park play area! Having been only 3 blocks from  school, I realise now looking back the opportunities I had all around me to allow me & my brother to stay busy outside and NOT inside on our Nintendo, TV or Computer! 


I sit here on my deck in Calgary squinting at my computer screen typing... (I'm trying to incorporate work & being outside now that I'm older with responsibilities haha) I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to be outside in this beautiful weather! This past winter my husband and I took advantage of the mountains more than we ever have (I learnt how to Snowboard!....after many falls, and a few tears! Such an amazing feeling to learn something that was sooo frustrating for me!) it was revitalising, exciting, calming & relaxing. For us, this is living! I'd like to challenge everyone to make this summer the BEST most adventurous summer yet! 


Here are Some Outdoor Activity Ideas - - 
Some are Priceless & require little to no money!
I will continue adding ideas as they are presented to me or I think them up! :) 
(copy & paste links I've included into your search browser)


Enjoy Life. Live it to its Fullest!

1. Camp: Find Camp Grounds Around Calgary Here: (http://www.campingaroundcalgary.com/)
2. Go to the lake (Ghost Lake, Lake Invermere, Sylvan Lake, Pine Lake, Sicome Lake)
3. Go quading/4 wheeling (Mclean creek, Indian Graves, Dutch Creek, Wipouras, Burnt timber, Caroline, Rocky Mtn House, Prairie creek, Nordegg, Ram River)
4. Boating (see #2 Lakes)
5. Fish in the Bow river off shore
6. Walk the trails in Calgary: Maps of Pathways & Bikeways Here: (http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Pathways/Calgary-pathways-and-bikeways-map.aspx)
7. Hang out at Stanley Park or Bowness Park, etc: Parks of Calgary Here:(http://www.discovercalgary.com/Calgary/SightsAttractions/ParksGardens/)
8. Go rafting in the Bow River or Sheep River in Okotoks: Rentals Here (http://www.lazydayraftrentals.com/)
9. Go Rollerblading
10. Go Biking
11. Have a campfire in your backyard in a Chiminea
12. Go hiking: See Canmore & Kananaskis Hiking Here: (http://www.kananaskis.com/canmore-hiking-trails.htm)
13. Go to an outdoor pool: Outdoor Pools in Calgary Here: (http://www.calgaryoutdoorpools.ca/)
14. Experience Calaway Park (http://www.calawaypark.com/)
15. Head to the Zoo (http://www.calgaryzoo.org)
16. Drink your morning coffee on your deck
17. Grow your own garden or a few herbs 
18. Take your dog out for a walk: Calgary Off-Leash Dog Parks Here: (http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Dog-off-leash-areas-in-parks.aspx?redirect=/offleash)
19. Take your kids to the playground: 15 of Calgary's BEST Playgrounds Here: (http://www.calgaryplaygroundreview.com/2011/08/15-of-calgarys-best-playgrounds.html)
20. Let your kids run through the sprinklers and let loose and run through the sprinklers too!
21. Grab a drink with friends at an outdoor patio
22. Stroll down 17th or 10th Avenue and shop instead of being inside of the mall for hours
23. Book a Shuswaps trip on a houseboat: Rent A Houseboat Here: (http://www.waterwayhouseboats.com/)
24. Slurp a milkshake at Peter's Drive-In (http://www.petersdrivein.com/)
25. Mow the lawn or the lawn of your elderly neighbour
26. Play catch with your spouse or friend at the nearest green space
27. Join a slow pitch team/soccer/football/beach volleyball etc: Calgary Sport & Social Club Here: (http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/main/index.shtml)
28. Read a book on your deck or on a bench downtown or at the park etc
29. Simply go watch a baseball or soccer game if you see one being played (take a bag of spitz!)
30. Sun tan on your deck or in your back yard!
31. Attend an outdoor festival: Find Outdoor Festivals Here: (http://www.discovercalgary.com/Calgary/Events/Festivals/)
32. Go to an outdoor concert
33. Enjoy a Rodeo, Exhibition or the Calgary Stampede!: Alberta Fairs & Exhibition dates Here:(http://www.discoveralberta.com/Events/FairsExhibitions/)

Canadian Pro Rodeo Dates Here: (http://www.rodeocanada.com/rodeo_schedule.htm

Check out Calgary Outdoor Club for Outdoor Fun this Summer 2012!!

http://www.calgaryoutdoorclub.com/events/)

Chas Zemluk

CIR Realty

Phone: 403-354-3777

www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com

Email: czemluk@cirrealty.ca

Favourite Cajun Shrimp!

• CAJUN SHRIMP!

• 
  

• THIS RECIPE IS JUST A TREAT! 

• It's quick, easy and if you like spicy...I would recommend using 1 full teaspoon of Cayenne :) Let me know what you think! -Chas-

• 
  

• 
  

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil

• 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions

1. In a large nonstick skillet, saute the paprika, thyme, salt, nutmeg, garlic powder and cayenne in oil for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add shrimp; saute for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, stirring occasionally.

                                                       Compliments of Chas Zemluk

CIR Realty

403-354-3777

czemluk@cirrealty.ca

www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com

Are You Getting The BEST Inspection?

Are You Getting The BEST Inspection?

What YOU as a BUYER need to know..

The home looks nice and appealing but what about the structure, roof, electrical, plumbing and heating components of the home? These are a few of the items that should be looked at before surprise costs eat into your budget that you were not planning on. Most of the compliments that I receive from past clients say that this inspection was the most educational and thorough inspection that they have ever had; this is what I strive for. Calgary’s reputation was built by people with high integrity, standards, and honour. It may be old fashioned but I’m proud of it.

Merv Stark, RHI

StarkPro Property Inspections

-Partner of Chas Zemluk Real Estate-

Viewing the cosmetics of the home is nice but other items can have unexpected costs if they are not investigated before you buy your home. No home is perfect. The primary concern for home inspectors is safety issues and major issues that can really hurt the wallet. A good home inspector will educate you about the home and issues that can be expected while you own your home. The following contains a brief example of common issues that I, a registered home inspector, find during a home inspection and the recommendations that I make.

Our extremes in climate change are hard on roofing materials but this can often be extended by installing a few extra roof vents to improve air flow from within the attic. Having been raised in the Calgary construction industry, I have never seen as much wind damage (lifted shingles), as I have so far this year. I have noticed fewer inspectors carry long ladders to view roofs properly but I will always try my best to check the status of each and every roof I come across.

Structure of the home from footing to the roof peak will vary, even if the builders carry a good name. The sub-trades they hire might get fired, but this home could be the home that was not done correctly. Water coming into basements is an issue I come across and can generally be prevented by grading away from the home and having downspouts extended away from the home.

Electrical should always be viewed, including behind the main panel cover. Melted wires are just one of many items found that could be a safety issue. Some insurance companies charge more or insist on immediate corrections if aluminum wiring has been used in the home. Former “grow-ops” that were never discovered by the authorities is another item that can sometimes be found at the main electrical panel. Since becoming an inspector in 2004, all current home owners in my past case experiences did not know that they had been living under these conditions.

Furnace/boiler covers should also be removed so the burners can be examined. An experienced home inspector, having viewed thousands of burners, may suspect premature abuse of the system. These details can be contributed to type, and heating manufacture, year made, former grow-op, air conditioner, internal parts starting to fail or simply caused from not changing the air filter on regular basis. This list can go on. Some experienced home owners did not even know that a filter was in a furnace.

Plumbing includes water tanks and materials used for supply and waste piping. Cast iron waste piping may have extra cost for insurance and some insurance companies want galvanized supply water pipes to be replaced. Certain plastic supply types and connectors are known for failure and a good inspector will point this out to you. It seems to be a secret that if a water softener has been installed extra maintenance is required for a longer life on the water tank. This is an extra comment that I have added into my easy-to-read report for my clients.

Having been a former adult construction instructor I spend extra time with my clients so they will learn more about these and other components of the home that I feel they should know about. The report provided is a way for you to understand the minor and major issues you may be facing with your purchase; a valuable tool in your home purchasing decision making.

Yours truly,

Merv Stark, RH

StarkPro Property Inspections

-Partner of Chas Zemluk Real Estate-

 

Chas Zemluk

CIR Realty

Phone: 403-354-3777

Email: czemluk@cirrealty.ca

Website: www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com

JUST LISTED- Mount Pleasant!

1 BED, 1 BATH, GRANITE, IN-SUITE LAUNDRY & STORAGE, LARGE BALCONY
SOLD

Bight, Sunny and beautifully renovated 6th floor corner unit awaiting Immediate possession! This open-concept condo boasts laminate flooring, big, bright windows, granite countertops, black appliances & stainless steel refrigerator. You're steps away from SAIT, The Mall, Tim Hortons, Tanning Salons, Restaurants, Lounges, Salons & shops...you dont have to drive anywhere if you dont want to!!


Enjoy your HUGE, south facing balcony with a fabulous DOWNTOWN view!


All utilities included in your condo fees of only $342/mth
1 leased parking spot included ($50/mth)


Please call, text or email to view this fantastic condo unit!


Asking $219,900 

MLS #C3515745




Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty


C: 403-354-3777
E: czemluk@cirrealty.ca

W: http://www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com/