Shorter Days

Shorter days and longer nights are becomming more and more evident this week.

Highway Construction

Highway construction in our area is a real challenge at the best of times, however, five days ago, a huge crack developed in a massive rock, which necessitated closure of this major highway. Unfortunately this has not been resolved as yet and has completely cut off access from the southern communities to Kelowna. A temporary forrestry road has been made passible, however regular travel to any extent is not encouraged.

Mission Hill Bells

Anthony von Mandl who founded the winery in 1981 dedicated each bronzed bell to a member of his immediate family, his late father, Martin, his mother Bedriska, his sister Patricia and one for himself. The bells chime at full chorus precisely at 12 noon and 5:00 p.m. every day.

Mission Hill Winery Bell Tower

As we pass through the archway entrance leading to the Mission Hill Family Estate Winery we get a full view of the majestic Bell Tower. Enhancing the top is a lightening rod and pelican weathervane taken from the von Mandel family crest. Inside the tower are four bronze bells, hand-crafted in Annecy, France by the Paccard Bell Foundry.

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery Entrance

Footpath entrance way to the Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Canada's Winery of the Year, which is internationally recognized for its award-winning wines, architecture, Cuisinede Terroir-based Terrace restaurant and championing the Okanagan as an international sought after wine region.
Visible beyond the guest welcoming archway is the 12-storeys tall the Bell Tower.

Winery Parking Lot

Although within a short walking distance from our home, we elected to visit the Mission Hill Family Estate Winery on this somewhat cool Sunday afternoon. Obviously we weren't alone as depicted by a photograph of their visitor parking area.

Autumn in the Okanagan

Looking out the window each morning brings a new view of the magic of autumn.

Grand Opening

Lurking cooler temperatures bring about thoughts of warm relaxation and what better but to open up a modern spa facility at this time of year.

Tulip Planting

Tulip bulb planting time in the Okanagan today.

Little White

Photo taken from our deck shows Little White with it's first snow cap of the season. Although our daytime temperatures range in the area of 12 ºC - (50 ºF ), Little White having an elevation in the area of 2200 meters (7,217 feet) is snow covered for the majority of the year, with the exception of perhaps approximately four months during the heat of summer.

Autumn in the Okanagan

White strolling on one of the local walking trails, we came upon a pond reflecting autumn's glory in full color attire.

Smart Car

Smart cars are a common and popular form of transportation in the Okanagan Valley. Manufactured by Mercedes-Benz for the prime purpose of energy efficiency and preservation of natural resources in hand with protecting the environment. Practical and functional with fluctuating fuel prices the manufacturer also quotes an admirable safety standard.

Recycling Day

Yesterday was a major recycle day in the City. Numerous volunteers offered their services by directing traffic, offering free snacks, recycling bags, and unloaded vehicles of all toxic household substances gathered by residents throughout the previous year. The lineup moved through the system quickly and efficiently. Kudos to all the volunteers and residents who participated in this important venture of protecting our environment.

Creative Advertising

Came upon this unique advertising method today. Definitely artistic and no doubt effective if you are in the market for a swimming pond.

Lunch Time In Kelowna

What an ingenious chap this bunny is. I first became aware of him as he was moving on the lawn towards a wild berry shrub. Amazingly he stood up on his hind legs and helped himself to an abundant serving of a delicious lunch.

Just Wondering

Could this possibly be one of the last rose bouquet of summer? OOPS where is my optimism....on occasion we have had roses competing with poinsettias for Christmas.

The Starlings are here

The Starlings have again arrived creating one of the greatest hazards to the grape industry. These birds are extremely quick, they fly in droves often in the most interesting formations which although are a vision of awe, are they are most destructive where ever they land as they will destroy a grape crop in a matter of second. Local grape growers take many precautionary measures, such as netting the tops or the sides of the grape vines as well as periodically firing off cannons in an effort to ward the starlings away. It's an ongoing battle often lasting until snowfall.

Red Wine Grapes

A majority of the wineries and vineyards in British Columbia are located in the Okanagan Valley, which enjoys an ideal climate for grape growing. We have four distinct seasons and ample sunshine. These dark colored grapes produce red wine. In total the valley harvests approximately 38 varieties of red wine.

Grape Picking Season in the Okanagan

Autumn is a busy time in the local vineyards as tons of grapes are being gathered and moved to the wineries for processing. A select few acres will be left in the fields in anticipation of freezing temperatures for the production of Ice Wine. Once the grapes have been frozen, the sugars do not freeze but the water does resulting in a smaller amount of a more concentrated very sweet dessert wine. This is a labour intense risky production process and a rather costly end product.

Autumn's Glory

Slightly cooler temperatures bring forth more of autumn's Ceremonial dress.

Changing Seasons

The arrival of the autumn season is clearly upon us as mother nature proceeds to change her jackets.

The Dolphins

A front and rear view of the Dolphins condominium complex which is situated next to Discovery Bay and borders City Park and it's waterway. A premium piece of property in an ideal location.

Discovery Bay

One of the newer residential complexes constructed in Kelowna's downtown area adjacent to City Park is Discovery Bay. Residents of these condominium complexes are allowed to rent boat slips for their private vessels to park and enjoy throughout the summer months.

Boardwalk

A spacious boardwalk separates a portion of City Park from Okanagan Lake. This boardwalk is usually packed with tourists as well as locals. Had it been the heart of summer this picture barren of people would not have been possible

Floral walkway

A walkway in City Park adorned with a variety of florals.

Quality Green

For those who are unable to travel to the orchards another source of local fresh fruit and vegetables are available at Quality Green privately owned and operating throughout the year.

Apples

Apples are in their prime right about now, very sweet, juicy and crunchy. They don't come any better than fresh off a tree.

Plums

On the heels of the peaches, the plums were ready. Plum muffins, plum cake, plum pie, is that why I never seem to make it out of the kitchen??

Peaches

The local peach crop was between two to three weeks later this year than normal due to an inclement spring, however, when they did come in, they did so in a flurry. Large, sweet and very juicy, the cream of the crop in abundance.

Blackberries

It's blackberry season at the local Farmer's Market. This rather expensive soft fruit is alleged to contain polyphenol antioxidants and is eaten raw or used in desserts, jams and seedless jellies as seen in the foreground.

Farmers Market

A typical farmer's market operates in Kelwona every Saturday and Wednesday mornings throughout the summer offering farm fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, crafts, bakery goodies as well as a vast array of other products. It is very popular, necessary and well attended.