Tuesday, July 18 to Thursday, July 20, 2023 (West Kelowna, BC)

We have a long drive to West Kelowna today Tuesday (July 18), with the time change probably about 8 hours including rest stops, so we wanted to get an early start. With the car packed up, we said goodbye to Ken (we said goodbye to Charlene last night) and hit the road. Thanks so very much for all your hospitality Ken and Charlene! Always good to see you and catch up!

We made our way to highway 1 via 1A and enjoyed this view of Ghost Lake...

The Rocky Mountains are looking a little hazy. I should give you a warning...I took lots of pictures as we drove through the mountains!

We ran into some construction...a new wildlife crossing...

Bow River...

As we entered Banff National Park, I was too busy taking this picture to actually read what it says...we ended up in the wrong lane. Steve relies on his navigator and also didn't realize there was a "through lane". In our defence, when we went through Jasper National Park, there were no "through lanes" so didn't expect one here. So we were delayed as we waited in line with those purchasing a park pass. If you are not stopping in the National Park, you do not need to get a pass. 

There are quite a few wildlife crossings through the park...

Hey...what's with all the clouds?

Glacier ahead...

This is the Connaught Tunnel as we near Rogers Pass...

Rogers Pass is the lowest route between the Sir Donald and Hermit ranges of the Selkirks, providing a shortcut along the southern perimeter of the Big Bend of the Columbia River from Revelstoke on the west to Donald, near Golden, on the east.

We stopped in Revelstoke, BC for a quick lunch and then I took over driving...so Steve is on the camera for a while.

Clanwilliam Lake as we near Three Valley Gap...

Three Valley Gap Heritage Ghost Town...

Three Valley Lake Chateau...

Looking back at the Chateau...

Three Valley Gap Lake...

We left highway 1 at Sicamous, taking highway 97A south...this is Mara Lake...

Swansea Point (still on Mara Lake)...

We stopped at a gas station in Vernon to use their facilities, and pick up a drink...from there Steve took over driving. Kalamalka Lake...the water is such a pretty colour!

Crossing Okanagan Lake from Kelowna into West Kelowna...

Crossing on the William R. Bennet floating pontoon bridge...

We arrived at Dennis and Suzanne's (my brother and sister-in-law) just before 4:00...they were waiting for us and after big hugs, helped us take our luggage up to their condo. They are on the top floor of a 3 story building and have a beautiful view of Lake Okanagan in the distance. 

After catching up over a few bevies, Dennis grilled burgers for dinner...

...and then since the sun had gone down behind the mountains, we went out for an evening walk in their neighbourhood. This vineyard is full of grapes almost ready to be harvested...

Sunset...

Walking towards the Crown and Thieves Winery...

Such a cool place! Last time we visited, we went inside but today there was a private function...besides, we were just out for a walk. This is the rear of the building...

What a view!

We walked back up the hill through the Truck 49 Cider House orchard...

This doe was checking out the apples...

Truck 49 Ciderhouse...

Wednesday (July 19) morning we were out by 7:00 to beat the heat, driving down to Okanagan Lake for a walk along the waterfront. Dennis and Suzanne walk this route every other day. Such a beautiful walk!

Hmmm...Vultures!

Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park...

Wildlife as we walk through... 

A second fawn...

The Cove Lakeside Resort...

Such a great walk...and way to start the day! Now to go back home, have Suzanne's delicious muffins for breakfast and shower!

Dennis and Suzanne took us out for a tour of the Kelowna area. Like, so many communities, it is growing like crazy with construction cranes everywhere!

We started by driving up to a spot with a great view...

We parked the car and walked through the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. There is a canal off the lake...with a lock to go through to get into the lake...

Towing washrooms on a barge...

Houseboats for dinner cruises...

Kelowna is really a very pretty city...and a tourist hotspot in the summertime! Walking back to the car, we stopped for a beer in the casino, contributed a little money to the slots...and then carried on with our tour.

Back over the pontoon bridge into West Kelowna, and Black Swift Vineyard and a walk around the grounds. A beautiful property!

With a fabulous view...

Next stop was The Hatching Post Brewery ...

Of course, we had to sample their brew...

Another very cool spot!

Our last stop was at Frind Estate Winery...

We walked through the tasting room...

...to the grounds out back...

The water looked inviting as it was quite warm out...

There is access to the property next door, Boucherie Beach Resort. The beach directly in front of the resort is only for resort guests...

Such a cool spot...I would imagine it would be pretty pricey to rent one of these cottages!

How about a place on a canal just off the lake where you can keep your boat right in your backyard?

We stopped back home to get cleaned up a bit and then headed to a nearby pub for an early dinner. It was wing night at Whiskey Jack's Pub....yum!

Thursday (July 20) morning Suzanne served us her homemade sausage Quiche...it was delicious, as were the accompanying bacon and fruit. 

More touring the area is on the agenda for today. They started by taking us way up to the top of a ridge to see the homes up there as well as take in the view...

And then we headed south on highway 97 towards Summerland. In early June, there was a landslide that came down blocking the highway and closing it temporarily. It is now open to single lane traffic as they work on the mountainside. See the man working up there!

Our first stop today was at Dirty Laundry Vineyard...a very cool and unique spot!

The laundry facilities! 😂

It had just opened shortly before we got there so it wasn't busy yet...a couple of years ago when we were here, it was packed!

Beautiful courtyard...

Huge clothespin and hanging laundry... 

In addition to wine tasting, they serve beer...The Bottoms Up Saloon!

Lingerie behind the bar...

We decided to get one flight for us all to have a taste...

Lake views beyond the vineyard...

Next stop was at Summerland Sweets...In the heart of the Okanagan Valley, liberal sunshine and warm weather give us delicious tree and vine ripened fruit abundant in natural flavour – fruit which provides our company with the means to make our jams, syrups, fruit leathers, and candies.

No pictures were taken here (my photographer is slipping, LOL) as we wandered around inside the store trying to decide what we wanted. We chose Pumpkin Butter and Peach and Orange Marmalade...haven't tried the marmalade yet but the pumpkin butter is delicious!

Another scenic picture as we drive back down to the highway....

On our return we had a short wait as they blasted the hillside...

We are heading north now, going towards Peachland...

We stopped at the Edgewater Bar and Grill in Peachland for lunch...well, more like a snack. 

Driving along the waterfront in Peachland...

Steve spotted what he thought were jet skis that looked like killer whales. He researched them and found out they are called a Seabreacher that dives and breaches. Check out the link as these are super cool!

Another great day out touring the area. The whole Okanagan area, right down to Osoyoos, near the US border, is absolutely beautiful and definitely a tourist hotspot in the summer!

We've had a fabulous time with Dennis and Suzanne but tomorrow, it's time to continue west. We have one more stop before we take the ferry back to Vancouver Island...at Chris and Angela's, from where we started our 3 week vacation!