Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19, 2021 (A trip to West Kelowna, BC - Part 1)

Friday (June 18) we had the car packed and we were on our way at 10:00…we’re going on a road trip to Kelowna to spend the weekend with my brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Suzanne. It has been over 2 years since we have seen them in person…so looking forward to this trip!

Approaching West Kelowna...on beautiful Okanagan Lake...

It was noon when we pulled into the parking lot of their condo in West Kelowna…they were both waiting for us and greeted us with big hugs! Seemed so strange to hug anyone else other than Steve but, oh, it felt so good! All of us are fully vaccinated and are cautiously enjoying more contact with loved ones.

After carrying our things up to their condo, we had a light lunch and then drove to a local park to walk Dunkin, their Yorkie…he’s a 14 year old boy that is going blind but the sunglasses really help him see when outside.

We parked at Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park.....Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park is a 4-hectare park located on the shores of Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna. The park has a heritage nut farm as well as a playground, short walking trails and a small beach.

...and took Dunkin on his favourite walk...

Homes along the lakefront have some very nice docks!

The Cove Beach Resort....very nice!

Before going back to the condo, we did a little sightseeing...

After our walk, we left Dunkin at home and walked down the street to Truck 59 Cider House…

Established in 2017, the Truck 59 Ciderhouse quickly established itself as a local favourite in West Kelowna and Okanagan Wine Country at large. The quality of the cider and incredible lake views cemented Truck 59 as a go-to hangout spot almost immediately. For couples with young families the luscious patch of green grass provided the perfect opportunity to allow their kids to run free, while simultaneously taking some time to socialize with friends. The young, hip, and family friendly Truck 59 vibe was born!

We had a look around, learned about the ciders…

...but decided to carry on to the Crown and Thieves Winery, just down the hill first for tasting there before tasting cider. 

Crown and Thieves...same owner as Truck 59...

Inside...

This is the ceiling...

We went downstairs to check out "The Broken Hearts Club Speakeasy"...very cool...

But we chose upstairs on the patio for our wine tasting...

Amazing view!!

Well, after all the wine tasting, we decided to pass on the cider as we walked home. Besides cocktails and dinner await! Nothing like having a cidery and a winery within walking distance from home!

 

A beautiful start to the day Saturday (June 19) and a fabulous view from the deck, as we had our morning coffee...

We started with one of Suzanne’s delicious muffins for breakfast and then headed out for a walk that Dennis and Suzanne do regularly. We parked at the lakefront and headed off...

We passed these beauties...

This section of Gellatly Nut Farm has some heritage buildings. There is a self-guided tour...

We had a great walk...just shy of 5 kms/3miles...time to head home for showers and get ready for the rest of the day! But first, a drive to more scenic views....

Once we were all cleaned up, we headed out on a tour of Summerland and Peachland...south of West Kelowna...along Okanagan Lake.

Our first stop was at Dirty Laundry Vineyard...

We weren't doing any wine tasting today...Suzanne and Dennis just wanted to show us a very cool and unique spot...

...with a great gift shop...

A popular spot for lunch...

Clean laundry...LOL!

We decided to stop for a bite to eat at Peacock's Perch Pub in Summerland...

And then we carried onto Peachland. That little speck in the middle of this photo is Rattlesnake Island...it has quite a unique history. Read a very interesting story about The History of Rattlesnake Island and Peachland Castle.

Peachland...

We parked and started our tour of Peachland on foot. First stop was the Peachland Museum...

They had a very extensive train display...

Frank Richter was a friend of Steve's parents...

This train display follows along the walls with stops at various BC locations...

The museum was small but crammed with lots of interesting local history...

Tools of the pioneers...

Peachland is a very pretty little community! Ray Kandola Heritage Pier...

Lots of cool looking dining spots...

European dining here...

Suzanne thought it would be a good photo-op if she looked like she was just climbing out of the water...LOL!

After our tour, we stopped for a visit with my niece, Karli. She and Colin have a cool little spot that they are remodeling. Karli is my brother, Don's daughter. They run a vacation rental by owner on site...

Suzanne and Dennis on the left, Karli in the middle, Colin...and Tasha visiting from Vancouver Island. Natasha is Karli's cousin (her mom's sister's daughter). So good to see them all!

Nothing like a St. Bernard that thinks he's a lap-dog!

Fun watching the dogs play...one St. Bernard and 2 Bloodhounds...wow!

And family pictures before we leave...Steve, me, Suzanne, Karli and Dennis...

Steve, me, Tasha, Karli, Colin and Dennis...

What an awesome visit with them!....and an awesome day!

Stay tuned for the rest of our fabulous weekend!