Windsor Plywood French Creek: Brought to you in part by Windsor Plywood in French Creek, specializing in hard to source interior and exterior home finishing products, including flooring, doors and moldings and exterior project materials such as yellow cedar. Windsor Plywood French Creek carries high quality, responsibly sourced products and are committed to providing outstanding value and personalized one on one service to all of our customers, homeowners, do it yourselfers, renovators, builders, designers, craftsmen, and contractors. Regardless of the type or size of your project, Windsor can help you bring your vision to life, from start to finish. Let Windsor Plywood and French Creek help you with your renovation, new build, or building project. Visit them online, or call 752 3122.

Eddie Van Haddock & The Rockfish: In a little town by the sea where the stories never end, lived Captain Dave and his crew, every child's favorite friend. With a smile as wide as the ocean and a heart that's full of dreams, he sails a mellow submarine where magic gleams and beams. Every morning at sunrise, when the world awakes anew, Captain Dave and his crew set sail in waters deep and blue through the ticking clock of time. Where adventures come alive, they laugh and learn and play each day in their underwater dive.

Dave Graham: Captain Dave and the Secret of the Nanaimo Bar

Deep beneath the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, a bright yellow submarine glided gently through a school of curious fish.

"Steady as she goes, Larry!" called Captain Dave, his bushy beard bouncing as he spoke. "Nanaimo Harbor is just ahead!"

Larry the Lobster clicked his claws excitedly at the control panel. "Aye-aye, Captain!" he replied, his red shell gleaming under the submarine's lights. "I can't wait to stretch my legs—all eight of them!"

The Mellow Submarine, as bright and cheerful as a sunbeam, bobbed to the surface of Nanaimo Harbor. Captain Dave adjusted his captain's hat and peered through his telescope at the charming coastal city before them.

"What brings us to Nanaimo, Captain?" Larry asked, scuttling up beside his friend.

Captain Dave smiled mysteriously. "I've heard whispers, Larry, of a treasure more delicious than any we've ever sought before—the famous Nanaimo bar!"

Larry's antennae wiggled with excitement. "A bar made of treasure?"

"No, no," laughed Captain Dave. "It's a special dessert that was created right here in this very city. They say it's so delicious that just one bite can make you feel as happy as a clam at high tide!"

"Wow!" exclaimed Larry. "But how will we find it?"

Captain Dave tapped his nose. "We'll follow our noses, First Mate Larry! The sweetest treasures leave the sweetest trails!"

After carefully anchoring the Mellow Submarine, Captain Dave and Larry stepped onto the wooden dock. The harbor was bustling with fishing boats and sailboats, and seagulls swooped overhead.

"Take a deep breath, Larry," instructed Captain Dave. "What do you smell?"

Larry's antennae twitched as he sniffed the air. "I smell... salt water, fish, and... wait! Something sweet! Like chocolate and coconut!"

"That's it!" Captain Dave exclaimed. "That's our first clue. Let's follow that delicious scent!"

The pair followed their noses through the harbor, past colorful shops and friendly locals who waved at the unusual sight of a bearded sea captain and his lobster first mate strolling through town.

Suddenly, Larry stopped in front of a small bakery with a cheerful blue door. A sign above read "Harbourfront Bakery" and the sweet smell was definitely stronger here.

"This must be the place, Captain!" Larry declared.

Inside, they found a cozy bakery filled with the most wonderful aromas. Behind the counter stood a smiling woman with flour-dusted hands.

"Well, hello there!" she greeted them. "I don't often see a captain and a lobster in my shop. What can I help you with today?"

"Good day, ma'am," Captain Dave replied politely, removing his hat. "We're on a quest to discover the secret of the famous Nanaimo bar. Our noses led us here!"

The baker laughed merrily. "Well, your noses know their stuff! I do make Nanaimo bars here, and they're quite popular."

She reached into her display case and brought out a tray of delicious-looking squares with chocolate tops, a creamy yellow middle, and a crumbly brown base.

"These are Nanaimo bars," she explained. "Would you like to try one?"

"Would we ever!" exclaimed Larry, his claws clicking with excitement.

The baker handed them each a square. Captain Dave took a bite and his eyes widened with delight. "Shiver me timbers! This is the most delicious treat I've ever tasted!"

Larry was so happy he did a little dance on his tail. "It's amazing! But what's in it? How was it invented?"

The baker smiled. "I only know part of the story. The bottom layer is made of chocolate, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and nuts. The middle is a sweet custard buttercream, and the top is pure chocolate. But for the full history, you should visit Mrs. Marple at the Nanaimo Museum. She knows all about local history."

"Thank you kindly," said Captain Dave, carefully writing down the ingredients in his captain's log. "To the museum we go, Larry!"

As they left the bakery with a small box of Nanaimo bars for the journey (and a special napkin for Larry to keep his claws clean), they noticed a small gray seal watching them from the harbor.

"Hello there!" called Captain Dave.

The seal waddled over to them. "Are those Nanaimo bars I smell?" he asked in a smooth, velvety voice.

"Indeed they are," replied Captain Dave. "Do you like them too?"

"Like them? I LOVE them!" the seal exclaimed. "My name is Cocoa, and I have a nose for chocolate. Mind if I join your quest? I know some shortcuts around town."

Captain Dave and Larry welcomed their new friend, and together the three headed toward the museum. Cocoa led them through charming streets, pointing out historic buildings along the way.

"Nanaimo has been a city since 1874," Cocoa explained. "It was once a coal mining town. The name 'Nanaimo' comes from the Coast Salish people who lived here first. It means 'gathering place.'"

"Fascinating!" said Captain Dave, writing more notes in his log.

At the museum, they met Mrs. Marple, an elderly lady with twinkling eyes and silver hair tied in a neat bun.

"Welcome to the Nanaimo Museum!" she greeted them. "Oh my, what an interesting group of explorers!"

"We're on a quest to discover the secret history of the Nanaimo bar," explained Captain Dave. "The baker sent us to you."

Mrs. Marple's eyes lit up. "Well, you've come to the right place! The Nanaimo bar is indeed a special part of our city's history."

She led them to a display case containing an old recipe card behind glass.

"The Nanaimo bar became famous in the 1950s," Mrs. Marple explained, "but its origins go back further. Some say it was first created by a local housewife for a cookbook fundraiser. Others believe it evolved from similar desserts brought by European settlers."

"So nobody knows who made the very first one?" asked Larry, looking disappointed.

"Well," said Mrs. Marple with a twinkle in her eye, "there's a legend that the recipe was actually discovered by a sailor who visited Nanaimo long ago. He traded with the local bakers and created something magical. But we need proof to confirm such stories."

Captain Dave stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A sailor, you say? How intriguing!"

Mrs. Marple nodded. "If you want to learn more, you should visit Old Bill at the Dinghy Dock Pub. He's the oldest fisherman in town and knows all the old sea tales."

After thanking Mrs. Marple and spending some time exploring the museum's other exhibits about Nanaimo's coal mining past and Indigenous heritage, the trio headed to find Old Bill.

The Dinghy Dock Pub turned out to be a floating restaurant right on the water. Inside, they found Old Bill—a weathered man with a white beard even longer than Captain Dave's—telling stories to a group of fascinated listeners.

When he noticed Captain Dave, Larry, and Cocoa, Old Bill's eyes widened.

"Well blow me down!" he exclaimed. "It's not every day I see a submarine captain, a lobster, and a chocolate-loving seal in my pub!"

News traveled fast in Nanaimo, it seemed.

"We're researching the history of the Nanaimo bar," explained Captain Dave. "Mrs. Marple mentioned you might know some old tales about it."

Old Bill's eyes twinkled mysteriously. "Did she now? Well, pull up a chair, friends. I've got a story that few have heard."

The three gathered around as Old Bill lowered his voice.

"It was back in the 1800s," he began. "A ship's cook named Edward had a special recipe he guarded more closely than any treasure. He combined ingredients from all over the world: chocolate from South America, coconut from tropical islands, and a special vanilla custard technique he learned in France."

Larry and Cocoa leaned in closer, completely captivated.

"Edward settled here in Nanaimo after falling in love with both the town and a local baker named Eleanor. Together, they created a special treat that combined his worldly recipe with her baking skills. They called it 'Eleanor's Treasure' back then."

"So the Nanaimo bar was originally called Eleanor's Treasure?" gasped Captain Dave.

Old Bill nodded. "The story goes that they sold it from a small bakery near the harbor. Over time, as others began making it, people simply started calling it 'that square from Nanaimo,' which eventually became the Nanaimo bar."

"But how can we confirm this story?" asked Larry.

Old Bill scratched his beard. "Well, legend has it that Edward buried his original recipe box somewhere in Pipers Lagoon Park, under a tree marked with a ship's wheel. He was a sailor, after all, and old habits die hard. Nobody's ever found it, though."

Captain Dave's eyes gleamed with excitement. "A buried recipe? That sounds like a treasure hunt to me! What do you say, crew? Shall we search for Edward's recipe box?"

Larry clicked his claws enthusiastically and Cocoa clapped his flippers together.

With directions from Old Bill, the three friends made their way to Pipers Lagoon Park—a beautiful natural area with walking trails, rocky beaches, and plenty of trees.

"Remember, we're looking for a tree marked with a ship's wheel," Captain Dave reminded his companions as they began their search.

They spent hours exploring the park, checking tree after tree. Larry scuttled under bushes, Cocoa sniffed around rocks, and Captain Dave examined the older trees carefully.

Just as the sun was beginning to set, casting golden light across the lagoon, Larry called out excitedly from behind a large arbutus tree. "Captain! Cocoa! I found something!"

Captain Dave and Cocoa rushed over. Sure enough, weathered by time but still visible, was a small ship's wheel carved into the trunk of the arbutus tree.

"Well done, Larry!" praised Captain Dave. "Now, according to Old Bill, the recipe should be buried near this tree."

The three friends carefully dug near the roots of the tree, being gentle so as not to harm it. After digging down about two feet, Captain Dave's fingers touched something solid.

"I think I've found something!" he declared.

Carefully, he pulled out a small, rusted metal box. The three gathered around as Captain Dave slowly opened the lid.

Inside was a yellowed piece of paper, protected by the metal box all these years. Captain Dave carefully unfolded it to reveal a handwritten recipe titled "Eleanor's Treasure" with the date 1887 written at the top.

"We did it!" cheered Larry, dancing on his tail again.

"The original Nanaimo bar recipe!" Cocoa said in awe.

Captain Dave read through the recipe. "It's similar to the Nanaimo bars we know today, but with a few differences. Edward used special spices in the base layer and a hint of orange in the custard cream!"

"What should we do with it, Captain?" asked Larry.

Captain Dave thought for a moment. "This is an important piece of Nanaimo's history. I think we should take it to the museum, but first, let's make a copy so we can try the original recipe ourselves!"

After carefully copying down the recipe in his captain's log, they returned to the museum, where Mrs. Marple was just closing up for the day.

When they showed her their discovery, her eyes filled with happy tears.

"This is incredible!" she exclaimed. "This confirms the old legends and adds a wonderful chapter to our city's history. The museum would be honored to display this treasure."

The next morning, Captain Dave, Larry, and their new friend Cocoa gathered in the galley of the Mellow Submarine with all the ingredients needed to make Edward and Eleanor's original Nanaimo bar recipe.

"Alright, crew," said Captain Dave, tying on an apron over his captain's uniform. "Let's bake some history!"

Together they measured, mixed, and layered the ingredients according to the ancient recipe. The base was rich with chocolate, graham crackers, coconut, and nuts, plus Edward's special spices—cinnamon and a hint of cardamom. The middle layer was a smooth custard buttercream with vanilla and a whisper of orange zest. The top was a perfect layer of smooth chocolate.

When they were finished, they cut the dessert into perfect squares and each took a bite.

"Mmmm!" they all exclaimed together.

"This might be even better than the modern version!" declared Cocoa, whiskers dotted with chocolate.

After enjoying their treats, they packed up a large batch of their Nanaimo bars and invited everyone who had helped them on their quest to a special gathering on the deck of the Mellow Submarine.

The baker from the Harbourfront Bakery, Mrs. Marple from the museum, Old Bill from the pub, and many curious locals all came to taste the original recipe and hear the story of Edward and Eleanor's sweet creation.

As the sun set over Nanaimo Harbor, Captain Dave raised a glass of milk in a toast.

"To Edward and Eleanor, whose love created a treat that would become famous around the world! To the city of Nanaimo, whose name will forever be associated with this delicious treasure! And to friends old and new, who make every adventure sweeter!"

"Hear, hear!" everyone cheered.

Larry sidled up to Captain Dave as the celebration continued. "What an amazing adventure, Captain! We came looking for a recipe and found a piece of history."

Captain Dave smiled and put his arm around his loyal first mate. "The best treasures, Larry, are the ones that bring people together. And I'd say this treasure—" he held up a Nanaimo bar, "—has done exactly that for over a hundred years."

The next morning, as the Mellow Submarine prepared to depart, the people of Nanaimo gathered at the harbor to wave goodbye. Mrs. Marple presented Captain Dave with a special plaque declaring him, Larry, and Cocoa "Honorary Historians of Nanaimo" for their discovery.

The baker gave them a large container of Nanaimo bars for their journey. "I've made them using Edward and Eleanor's original recipe," she said. "To remind you of your time here."

Old Bill handed Captain Dave a small wooden box carved with a ship's wheel. "For your captain's log and recipe," he explained with a wink.

And Cocoa the seal had a surprise announcement. "I've decided to come with you, if you'll have me," he said. "I think the Mellow Submarine could use a chocolate expert on board!"

Captain Dave and Larry were delighted to welcome Cocoa to their crew.

As the Mellow Submarine submerged beneath the waves, Captain Dave looked at his two friends and the beautiful city of Nanaimo growing smaller above them.

"Where to next, Captain?" asked Larry.

Captain Dave smiled thoughtfully. "I've heard rumors of a special maple treat in Quebec that's sweeter than any treasure. What do you say?"

"Aye-aye, Captain!" Larry and Cocoa replied in unison.

And so the Mellow Submarine set off on a new course, leaving behind new friends and taking with them sweet memories and an even sweeter recipe—the true treasure of Nanaimo.

Eddie Van Haddock & The Rockfish: When the night falls softly, and stars light up the sky, Captain Dave tucks his crew in with a gentle lullaby. Dreams of whales and mermaids, of treasures lush and green, Await each little sailor aboard the mellow submarine. 

Windsor Plywood French Creek: Brought to you in part by Windsor Plywood in French Creek, specializing in hard to source interior and exterior home finishing products, including flooring, doors and moldings and exterior project materials such as yellow cedar. Windsor Plywood French Creek carries high quality, responsibly sourced products and are committed to providing outstanding value and personalized one on one service to all of our customers, homeowners, do it yourselfers, renovators, builders, designers, craftsmen, and contractors. Regardless of the type or size of your project, Windsor can help you bring your vision to life, from start to finish. Let Windsor Plywood and French Creek help you with your renovation, new build, or building project. Visit them online, or call 752 3122.