For The Love of Travel

Nestled between the snow-capped Coastal Mountains to the west and the Monashee Mountains to the east, the Okanagan valley extends north from the Canada-US border for about 160 kilometres (100 miles). Glacial lakes run the length of the valley, providing a moderating influence on the climate. As a grape-growing and wine-producing region, its future is full of promise. Most of the vineyards are planted on benches above the valley floor; on varying degrees of slope that assist with air drainage, improves frost protection and increases the amount of sun the vines receive. During the week, I took myself off to explore vistas in the valley. Duck Lake close to Kelowna, had fab yellow tree reflections.

On the weekend, Jacki and Jack showed me the beautiful Naramatta Bench area – a whole day of winery visits (thanks Jack for being our designated driver and ‘sherpa’ of wine bottles purchased). We started our exploration at Bliss Bakery for brekkie, which has a delightful set of paintings for sale on the cafe wall – all pop group related. I liked the one of Keith and Mick the best.  “Therapy” vineyards, we decided was most appropriate for us to start imbibing…followed by “Serendipity”, then “La Frenz”,  “MocoJo”, “Lock and Worth”, which also had fab cheeses and finally Poplar Grove….for a bite of lunch and more beautiful views.Such a great day in the company of lovely friends.

Travelled for an hour and a half past market gardens and farms to get to the salmon run. Lovely clustering of trees on a farm on Yankee Flats Rd that begged for a photo to be taken.

The Sockeye Salmon Run at Adam’s River is an impressive event – over 30 million four year old salmon risk their lives in a once-in-a-lifetime chance to mate . They transform from silver to brilliant red bodies and green head and tails. By sniffing the water chemistry along their almost 500 km journey, the males find their way to where they were laid as eggs four years previously. They mass up in teeming pools waiting to restore their energy to surge up the river, at times even having to leap out of the water over rocks or fallen trees.They fight for their piece of the river and their partner. Once their deed is done, the adults succumb to their exhaustion and starvation, then slip away with the current. Awwwh!  Lovely day to stroll through the park. 

Laid back day on 18th, catching up on blog writing, visit to remedial massage therapist for much-needed attention to ouchy shoulder and left arm and then a little drive to a very expensive gated-estate with incredible water views over Lake Okanaga…just at the end of the road where I’m staying.

Jacqui, Jack and I went out to dinner at Station BBQ – not for vegetarians – major smoked meats place – ribs, brisket, sausages, pulled pork……I tried a new appetizer, “a frickle”- a tangy dill pickle in lightly battered breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Here’s a frickle photo (haha). Will always try once.

 

Yay, we get to photograph Lake Louise this morning. Same pack drill as yesterday and yes, I have made sure I come with memory card in camera. No clouds this morning to provide a special sky pizzazz, but very awesome daylight dawning nevertheless.

Today I am making for Vernon, to catch up friends Jacqui and Jack – it’s a road trip of 380 km on Trans Canada highway #1 going south-west.  I discover that the bulk of the places  along the way that I wanted to visit, are now closed for the winter. And there are many road works, so the journey time will be lengthened.

I take time to call into see the Giant Cedars in Mt Revelstoke N Park. They are awesome. The boardwalk takes you into the heart of the of park’s old growth forest, among cedars that are more than half a millennium old. Benches are provided so you can relax and breathe in the serene forest atmosphere. 

I drive to see Miller Lake but again disappointed as rangers have closed the access road for seasonal maintenance – did see a beautiful deciduous tree, sparkling in its yellow-orangey form.

Got to Vernon in time for dinner with mates and a week’s stay in the lovely Okanagan area. Woo hoo.