Day 23 Okanagan

I am completely incredulous that there is yet another spot in Canada where I could happily spend several more weeks and know that I wouldn’t run out of things to do that are enchanting!

 

I was up and out very early (5:30) this morning to watch the sun rise over the Okanagan Valley. My photo consultant stayed in bed so pictures are not what they could be! Shooting directly into the sun is challenging apparently, so it was quite some time before I could figure it out. Even at that, it does more to prove I was there than show the spectacle of the sunrise! I decided since I was up and going to take a peaceful early morning walk along the beach toward town. If only I was smart enough to do things like this more often. Granted I don’t always have access to the scenery that I enjoyed this morning, but just watching the world wake up to begin a new day fills me with peace, joy and amusement and is a marvelous perspective adjuster to set me on my daily course. Everything was incredibly calm – the water, the gentle breeze, and the sleepy people I met along the way. The early birds were the only creatures that seemed full of energy and vigor. The only people out were the early morning runner plugged into earbuds so not so social at the moment, the fisherman dedicated to the task at hand (I’m not sure he noticed me), dog walkers (not sure they were even awake yet!) and the homeless man. Without the benefit of shelter, the burgeoning day, with its brilliant sunshine rather insists that the homeless man join the party. He appeared unperturbed with the interruption, and was pleasant in his greeting as we exchanged the social banter of a good morning, a nod to the beautiful sunrise and wished one another a good day as we parted to live our very different lives. In later discussions with Chris I learned that there are a significant number of homeless people in the Okanagan, attracted by the temperate climate.

Our plan today was to arrive at Chris’s by 9:00 where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast (once again on that spectacular balcony!) in preparation for our day. Today breakfast really was preparation for the day – when you start drinking at 10:00 in the morning you need something significant to soak it up! The Okanagan, known of course for its fruit, is home to 87 wineries! Chris, declaring herself our designated driver, hopped behind the wheel of the truck and we were off. When we mentioned the hour, Chris laughed and said when it comes to wine in the Okanagan it’s never too early. Apparently it’s “scrambled eggs and chardonnay” around here!!

The wineries were delightful, from larger operations like Red Rooster owned by Peller Estates, to small cottage industries like Ruby Tuesdays (my favourite, I think) to spots like Hillside that not only has a winery, tasting room and gift shop, but also a restaurant that specialized in  local cuisine, naturally matched with local wines. Our visit there was one of the countless times we lamented not having more time to spend exploring the Okanagan.  We would love to have time to visit the restaurant for example. While we were there the chef came out with a group from the restaurant and they walked with him through the garden as he chose the herbs and garnish for the meal they’d ordered. So cool… They were happy to recommend a lovely wine to pair with our Sockeye salmon that Chris had planned for dinner.

View from the first winery.

Poplar Grove Winery

Rudy Tuesday - my favourite winery.

Hillside had a sense of humour.

I can hardly complain about not having lunch there though when we took the time to stop at another winery, with another spectacular view (they all have that in common!) and a picnic site. We chose a refreshing Riesling to go with our picnic and they offered wine glasses as we sat outside overlooking the vineyards. Chris had packed enough food to feed a small army. Not only did we have our fill but she offered to feed six young cyclists who stopped for a rest and there was food left over… I tell you it was like the loaves and the fishes when she unpacked and packed that picnic basket!!

Picnic view!

 

Following lunch we went back to return the glasses and left with a delicious, local blue cheese and a robust Merlot that Poplar Grove Winery suggested would be a great combo with grilled streak – we were convinced.

We passed over the flowing river that connects Okanagan Lake with Skaha Lake and watched as folks floated downstream on tubes and rafts – another thing that looks like such fun if we had the time! We passed little shopping areas, and sidewalk pubs and bakeries where it isn’t difficult to imagine spending pleasant afternoons. This whole area is delightful and requires a return trip when we can stay a little longer – who knew 7 weeks wouldn’t be enough for a holiday?!!

More than a little sleepy we headed back to Chris’s but on the way were tempted by the beach so stopped long enough to grab suits and sat in the sun with Cecilia and watched Jeffrey and Nancy dive, swim and zipline over the water.

Nancy heading to the beach with her Auntie Chris.

Ziplining over Lake Okanagan.

By the time we arrived back we needed more wine (it had been almost an hour) and enjoyed the hot tub on the deck (with the marvelous view) as the sun went down. Chris created another incredibly fabulous meal and since her house and deck are wired for sound we ended the day dancing under the stars to Michael Buble, another local! Just another day in paradise!

Life doesn't get much better than this! Remember the view from this deck?

Dancin' fools!