Vernon Ventures

Vernon is in the heart of the Okanagan region, home to lakes, mountains, vineyards, distilleries, and a full range of outdoor pursuits. Basically, Queenstown enlarged.

Cathy and Lee were our awesome hosts, and quickly ensured we got into the spirit of things.

This included wine tasting, and the wine was naturally fabulous. What was even more fabulous was Mary's attention to detail. 

One of the vineyards proudly displayed an award they won in 2014 for one of their white wines, which was a red glass ball sitting on what at first looked like tendrils, but was actually an artist's rendition of a hand holding a grape. Mary asked "If it is a white wine award then why is it red?" 

Apparently that's the first time in 9 years that anyone had asked that question. Neither the vineyard staff nor any previous visitor seems to have noticed... 

At the second vineyard, we were advised that to really taste the subtleties of the wine one should bend foward at the waist with one's head down to let the wine accumulate in one's cheeks. Which Mary duly did, but did not promptly rise back up again, much to the concern of the sommelier, who thought Mary had perhaps sampled one wine too many and was therefore about to keel over. 

Mary was of course fine, and was able to confirm the effectiveness of the technique! 

We decided a bit of hiking was in order to work off the wine. New Zealand does not really have any dangerous animals in the bush, except other people. By contrast, Canadian hikers by necessity are well schooled in the appropriate ways to deal with bear encounters. I had also researched the issue, and the most succint advice I had found was "If the bear is black, fight back. If the bear is brown, lie down", to which one experienced hiker had added "If the bear is grizzly, bend over, put your head between your knees, and kiss your a*** goodbye"... 

It was therefore comforting to know that on our first venture in the wilds we would be with Cathy, a very experienced hiker. Some of that comfort changed to trepidation when we discovered that A.) Bears were assumed to be in the park; and B.) Cathy had inadvertantly left her bear repellent spray behind! How would we cope with the wandering wildlife? As it happened, the wildlife was only mildly interested in us:

Having survived the death-defying walk to Cosens Bay,  the next day we felt a safer option to further explore Kalamalka Lake would be by kayak. Even better, unlike Bordeaux we did not first have to sit an examination, instead, we simply signed a waiver. Then were given kayaks, paddles, PFDs, and best wishes for a nice trip. Easy as that.

We did in fact feel very safe...

... at which point someone advised we should perhaps try moving forward a metre or two... 

Which we did. 

The only real hazard we encountered were a few idiots in wake boarding boats, who passed so close at such high speeds that at times our kayaks started surfing. To be fair, the vast majority of boats were very well driven and courteous, etc. It was just a few young louts who added a little bit of tension to an otherwise beautiful paddle on a beautiful lake. 

By now we were very comfortable with the Canadian outdoors, so time to step it up a bit, by climbing Silver Star. In winter, Silver Star is a popular ski field and resort. In summer, it's equally popular as a hiking and mountain bike park. And reasonably hazard free - there's excellent separation of hikers and riders, and the noise made by the riders was sufficient to discourage any self respecting bears from venturing anywhere near the park. 

A word does need to be said about the bike trails. They do have 'beginner' trails, true. What they also have are what we might call 'suicidal' trails. My personal favourite was one particular bridge. Riders come hurtling down a tight, twisting track, and straight over this solid structure:

What's tricky about that, you might ask. Well, they then drop down a 45 degree wooden ramp, off a 1 metre fall, and immediately onto a sharp left hand turn across the face of the track. All amongst large trees. 

At the top of the trail is a 'mild' 3 metre jump, next to which was this excellent advisory notice:

We prudently decided two feet were safer than two wheels, and were rewarded with spectacular scenery on the way to equally spectacular panoramas, and wildflowers galore. 

This whole region is dotted with lakes and camping grounds, one of which is Mabel Lake. It is worth noting that some campers use tents. However, most use caravans/trailers or motor homes, towed behind large 4 wheel drive SUVs/trucks. 

Most of the trailers are significantly larger than what we would see back in New Zealand, and include separate bedrooms, enclosed showers, full kitchens, air conditioning, and so on. 

And then there's Cathy's parents beautiful mobile home, which took things to a whole new level...

As well as all the 'usual' features, this has 4 TVs, a full lounge with leather furniture, and the most palatial passenger seat I have ever seen, basically an electric La-Z-Boy with a seat belt! 

Even the locals sat up and took notice... 

Having thoroughly sampled the Great Outdoors, we did not forget the Great Indoors, including the Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery, where we we had such an awesome tasting experience that we completely forgot to take photos, and breakfast at the 'world famous in Vernon'  Diner On 6. 

On top of all the above, there was berry picking, 

riding the Okanagan Rail Trail, 

golf, 

and swimming in the clear lake water which, while indisputably and refreshingly cold, was surprisingly warmer than the sea at Vancouver. 

All accompanied by great friends, fabulous food, and delicious soothing beverages. Awesome! 

I am tempted to close the blog with a detailed report on the Vernon Cards Tournament, where for a number of evenings we played 500 with Lee and Cathy. 

However I suspect the Ladies Team would prefer I glossed over that sad chapter in their lives....