For The Love of Travel

A beautiful sunrise this morning over Okanagan Lake as I farewelled friends Jacqui and Jack. Off to Canmore, a 455 kms drive along the Trans Canada highway to the north-east, and once again hopping over the border to Alberta. An uneventful journey, stopping a few times to stretch everything, with yet again glorious mountain and snow views. 

Got into Canmore about 16:00 and the Georgetown Inn where I was staying, had taken great care and pride in decorating the entrance area to the hotel, in anticipation of Halloween. Very quaint!

Drove to a couple of places to take photos – “Rundle Forebay reservoir” and a view of “Three  Sisters” peaks from the newly developed Malcolm (luxury) Hotel. 

 

 

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.