a peek inside the fishbowl

Looking to try archery in Ottawa? (Or searching for a slightly different date night idea??) One of the easiest ways to get started is by booking a beginner lesson at the RA Centre archery range.

Mark has been getting more familiar with the facility and its offerings because he’s been playing in a recreational pickleball league there. He caught wind of their “try it out” program and booked a couple spots for us.

I was excited to discover my inner Katniss Everdeen, and also try my hand at something different.

I had no idea that the RA Centre has an indoor archery range and offers a variety of archery courses year-round. There are youth classes available as well, which is cool, because half the people in our try-it group were under the age of 20 and most of them seemed naturally good at it. Maybe it’s their limber limbs? ;)

Our class was a one-hour lesson, half of which was spent learning the rules and the basics. For the other half we were allowed to let our arrows fly (highly supervised of course)!

It actually makes for a really fun and unique date night in Ottawa, especially if you want to do something a bit active. There’s a bar at the RA Centre too, if you want to follow up with nachos and a pint.

We enjoyed ourselves and learned a lot during our archery class. The staff were really friendly and it was neat to finally see what archery is all about… OUTSIDE of Hunger Games… and while using proper equipment of course.

Mark was actually pretty good at it. As for myself, I discovered I do not have natural Katniss-level archery skills but hey, I guess I kind of knew that going in. ;)

If you’re interested in trying archery in Ottawa, registration is now open for both archery try-it classes and for the formal courses at the RA Centre.

Last weekend we took a stroll around the Mill of Kintail just outside of Almonte. I’ve only been here three or four times (and that’s including last Saturday) and I can’t rightly decide which season is best for a visit. It’s quite possible it’s all of them.

As you can see, we brought Sunny with us, who can be relied upon to be thrilled no matter where we are. It is hard not to get caught up in her excitement. I think I have one photo of her facing the camera. This is not it:

There are trails in behind the mill. The prettiest ones are by the water.

This is a view from the bridge, courtesy of Mark:

Afterwards we popped into Almonte to pick up some butter tarts from Bob’s Bakery. They did not disappoint!

Sorry, no photos of the aforementioned butter tarts but here I am, waiting for Mark to deliver:

My only regret was not picking up lunch and treats in Almonte and THEN going to the mill. I’m always up for a picnic, no matter the season.