Another great ride

Today I join some other members of BC E Bikers group. We are riding from Mud Bay to Boundary Bay, Beach Grove, Centennial Beach and back. 

 The gang’s all here. 

 The flowers along the way are beautiful. 

Gorgeous day. 

In Beach Grove we stop for a little refreshment.

At Centennial Beach we stop for a photo.  This is very close to the border. We could just ride down the road and be in the U.S.

The tide is so far out today. 

And then we’re on our way back. 68 km today. Feels good!  

Off on my bike

On Friday I put my bike on my car rack and headed to Fort Langley. 

I parked at Derby Reach Provincial Park which was the site of the original fort in the 1800’s.

Lovely day for a ride and not too crowded.

The trail runs along side of the Fraser River.

Once I reached Fort Langley I decide to cross the bridge over to Bray Island to explore. 

Some beautiful views. 

Time to head back.  Great day!

The District Wine Village and fires getting close

Heading south from Penticton just before you get to Oliver you come across The District Wine Village.  This is new and what a great idea.  The village is made up of several small buildings where small wineries can promote their products.  You can shop and taste several wineries.  There is also food and music.  It’s very popular.

Lovely piece of art.





Enjoying ourselves once we found a seat.



On the Sunday just before we leave a fire breaks out up the hill behind our cabin.  A little too close!



We enjoyed watching the planes picking up water from the lake and dumping it on the fires.  They worked so fast that they had it under control very quickly.  We were lucky to have a smoke free week.  I don’t think they’ll be so lucky in the next while as more hot, dry weather is forecast.  We had a lovely time.

Naramata, Skaha Winery (Krazy Legz) and See Ya Later Ranch

This is Naramata Inn where we had lunch.  Fantastic food.  The Inn was lovingly restored and they did a wonderful job.

We were the only ones at Skaha Winery (Krazy Legz) so really enjoyed our tasting.  Came away with a lovely bottle of white.





Looking out over the vines.



Then up the mountain by Okanagan Falls to See Ya Later Ranch.



Looking up at the tasting area.  We just sat in the shade enjoying a light lunch.



Beautiful views.



They do weddings here now.  What a great venue.

Kettle Valley Rail and Quails Gate Winery

Fantastic steam locomotive.  This is the only stretch of the Kettle Valley rail that is still operational.  

The trip was 1-1/2 hours.  Very scenic and informative.



The staff were lovely.  You could sense their pride and enjoyment in this railroad.



Very comfortable and the scenery was beautiful.





Then we headed to West Bank, Kelowna to the Quail’s Gate Winery.



Great views over the vineyard.



Enjoying an iced coffee….and yes we did have wine but I’m driving!



What a lovely day….now it’s back to the cabin and sitting by the lake.  Rough life but someone’s gotta do it!

Skaha Lake Retreat

Time for a little summer vacation.  Stage three of reopening from COVID means we can now travel within B.C.  Feels like such an accomplishment after being restricted to just our health region.  I am giddy with anticipation.  You’d think I was traveling abroad but for now this is perfect.

I leave on Saturday morning and drive to Salmon Arm to visit my friend Anne-Marie.  Anne-Marie is waiting for hip replacement so we enjoy visiting without exerting ourselves.  Always lots to talk about and catch up.  On Sunday we go to Haney Heritage Village and Museum.  This is a work in progress.  Run by volunteers it tells the story of Salmon Arm and surrounding area from days gone by.  We also had lunch at the Sprig of Heather Restaurant located on the grounds.  It was warm but comfortable on the patio.  Later that day we went to Shiswap Cider Company.  All cider is made using local products and is delicious.  We had the sampler and I think my favourite was the Lavender Honey.  Very nice.  Sorry no pictures.

I left the next morning for the cabin at Skaha Lake where I’ll be meeting my sister Sue for a week of R&R.  It’s about a 3 hour drive.

Our little bit of heaven.  It’s very warm (mid 30’s) but when you’re at the lake that is perfect.

So beautiful.

On the beach…heading out on our floating chairs on the lake.

On Tuesday we head to Kaleden which is a small community across the lake from us.

and find the Linden Gardens

 This is beautiful.  The gardens are lush and cool.  We wander through and admire the many beautiful plants and trees.  This stone sculpture was resting amongst the flowers.

Different looking plant.  Doesn’t look real.

This is Frog City Cafe which is located in the Linden Gardens.  We had lunch here and also enjoyed fresh from the oven cinnamon buns and coffee one morning.  So good!  It’s now my favourite place when coming to Skaha Lake.