Then & Now

While we were showing you photos of the southern part of Okanagan our Province has been experiencing record breaking heat with the accompanying dryness. Consequently, as expected we are dealing with a number of aggressive forest fires. Although we ourselves do not appear to be in danger, at least not in the immediate future, our valley is plagued by smoke. The two submissions represent the before and current view taken from our deck.

We are having guests arriving this evening who we expect shall be with us until mid month. As we are keen on spending quality time with our company, we shall be signing off for a period with this writing.

Thank you for visiting our blog and we hope you are all enjoying your summer.
Frankie & Nick

Oliver 3

Further up, we find that a foot bridge crosses this body of flowing water enabling hikers and bikers to explore the opposite side. Incidentially this paved walkway goes on and on for many miles.

Oliver 2

Having once been covered with cacti and sage brush, you can see that Oliver has now been cultivated into lush productive land well known for its vineyards and orchards. These photos show each side of the paved walking trail which perfectly represent a visual of this lush community

Oliver 1

The endless paved walking trail referred to in our previous posting ideal for bikers as well as walkers.

Oliver

Boasting a population of approximately 5,000 residents, Oliver has several very comfortable R.V. parks. We chose this particular one due to it's close proximity to the centre of town as well as a wonderful paved walking trail which appears to be endless.

On The Road

On the road again and travelling southbound along Vaseux Lake we will be passing though Oliver, BC located between OK Falls and Osoyoos. We will soon be visiting Oliver which is also approximately 25 minutes north of the US Boarder

OK Falls 3

A scene taken from the previously referred to hiking trail looking in a southwesterly direction.

Treasurers

As we step off of the boardwalk and begin our stroll on the path we glance to the left edge and we spot an expectant Mama happily sitting on her nest of treasurers

OK Falls 2

Our last posting from the boardwalk faced south towards OK Falls. Facing north, this boardwalk connects to a walking trail that continues onward for 12 miles (19km). Many bikers and even some ardent hikers take advantage of this distance ending up in Penticton.

OK Falls 1

Continuing from our previous post this photo was taken facing south from the boardwalk onto the shores of OK (Okanagan) Falls. This charming little community is well known for it's famous Tickleberrys; home of the largest ice cream seller in the valley. It is surrounded by two prestigious wineries and offers a diverse variety of outdoor recreation.

OK Falls

Continuing southbound we arrive at OK Falls situated on the far end shore of Skaha Lake. This pleasant little community boasts a wonderful boardwalk extending over part of Skaha Lake leading hikers across the water to endless miles of trails. This boardwalk is also an extremely popular fishing spot for enthusiasts while many dive off of it's edge into the deep clear water below.

Kaleden

Photo of vineyards located on the opposite side of Skaha lake taken from the picnic area in Kaleden.

Keleden Hotel

Located 13km (8 miles) south of Penticton is the picturesque community of Kaleden. The original Kaleden Hotel is one of the main landmarks along Skaha Lake. This tiny historic community made up of vineyards and lakeview orchards offers visitors good bed and breakfast facilities coupled by excellent beaches and picnic areas.

The Canal

Tubing down the canal is one of the many popular attractions of Penticton. You may bring your own float or just rent one at the starting point and go for a few kilometer float from Lake Okanagan on the north end to the Skaha Lake on the south. The Fun Bus is available to transport the participants back to the start.

Penticton Beach

Penticton is situated between two lakes, namely the Lake Okanagan to the north which extends approximately 90 miles skirting the shores of Kelowna and coming to rest against the north shores of the City of Vernon. On the south Penticton borders Skaha Lake which extends for seven miles onto the shores of Okanagan Falls. The photograph represents a typical summer's day at the beach.

This photo taken in the early spring will give you an idea of the scope of this south beach.

SS Sicamous

Our high temperatures coupled by lack of moisture have caused several local forest fires in the immediate area. Thus our absence is attributable to Fire Watch 2009. The winds have now dissipated and the situation is being stabilized. Optimistically there will not be any significant changes to the contrary.

In the meantime we will pick up where we left off in the Penticton area. This is another view of the SS Sicamous, as per our initial postings of July 15th.

Penticton 4

Facing in a north easterly direction from the north shore of the city. Penticton is situated at the far end of the 90 mile long Okanagan Lake

Water, beaches and boats, a common every day summer site in the Okanagan.

SS Sicamous

The SS Sicamous portrays the history of lake transportation via paddle wheel boats transporting people along the communities of the Okanagan Valley. Launched in 1914 this 228 foot vessel also contains 40 staterooms for the affluent to occupy during their journey and is now a tourist attraction situated on the north shore of Penticton, BC.

Penticton

The city of Penticton which is located approximately 30 miles south of Kelowna is also a well known vacation paradise.

Pitch& Putt

A local Pitch and Putt Golf Course located on the edge of Okanagan Lake.

Strawberries

There are several strawberry growers in the valley which attrack many locals as well as tourists. Often choices are offered between U-Pick or simply purchasing the picked product at a slightly higher cost per pound.

Marmot

A local marmot, which is actually a large ground squirrel that loves to reside in mountainous areas such as ours..

Summerhill 1

Summerhill's organic wines are aged in a self sufficient replica of Egypt's Great Pyramid which was erected using no ferrous metals and orienting it to true vs. magnetic north.

Summerhill Winery

Summerhill Pyramid Winery which overlooks lake Okanagan to the west is a Certified Organic Vineyard which uses no herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers in the soil.

Cherries

Local cherries in their abundant prime this time of year.

Homeward Bound

Almost there as we approach closer to Vancouver and the ship's docks located near the sails become visible. We will be on home land soon

Vancouver

Although there is so much more to see and do in pristine Alaska we feel that we have shown you a small sample of that beautiful state. As we prepare to disembark we can not help but admire the majestic structures of Vancouver visible in the foreground.

Alaska

Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush this narrow gauge railroad climbs 3,000 feet in just 20 miles and features steep grades up to 3.9% with cliff hanging curves of 60 degrees through two tunnels, numerous bridges and trestles. . A world class historic civil engineering landmark where tourists experience the breathtaking panorama views of mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and historic sites from the comfort of vintage parlor cars.

Alaska

Although at first glance it appears that this glacier contains vehicular tracks, it is not so. The dark markings are as a result of one glacier crushing against another.

Alaska

Eagles and sea lions a common site in the state of Alaska.

Alaska

Rainmobiles appear to be the logical choice in a city that accumulates up to 30 feet of rain per year. Should walking be your preferred alternative choice of mobility there are containers of free umbrellas readily available for pedestrians use. Who would think of that but unique Ketchican!

Alaska

Yesterday's post was taken from a foot bridge which separates the bubbling brook from the retail shops in an area called Creek Street in Ketchican. This photo was taken from the brook or backside of this retail sector.

Alaska

This bubbling brook was taken at the one of our port city visits, Ketchican. It was drizzling when we arrived and much to our surprise we learned that this city gets up to 30 feet of rain within a period of a year. We say much to our surprise as it was always sunny and warm during our previous three visits.

Alaska

A common Alaska scene.

Islands

At early evening photo taken from the ship's deck of two islands surrounded by water.

Glacier 2

Whether its nature of climate change, glaciers do melt during the short warm summer months.
This is a close up of the melting that is taking place on one particular glacier. You will note the steady stream of water which is continually pouring into the ocean.

Glaciers

One of Alaska's many glaciers. This particular one is located in Glacier National Park which is accessible only by boat.

Alaska

We have just completed our fourth cruise to Alaska and for those of you who have not had an opportunity to visit this beautiful state, we will post some random photos over the next few days.
Hope you are all having a great summer.

Over @ Out

The plume of smoke pertaining to yesterday's post has now been put to rest and is currently in a mop up stage.
We on the other hand are off to Alaska again. We shall catch up with you in just over a weeks time.
Take care of each other.

Our temperatures cooled substantially over night. During the latter part of the afternoon what appeared to be an insignificant number of clouds filled the sky. We were momentarily graced with a few sprinkles of rain, some flashes of lightning and a bit of thunder, the latter being somewhat abnormal for our area.
We were in the kitchen at approximately 5:00 p.m. when we noticed a plume of smoke rise
near the mountain top across the lake. Upon checking with the fire authorities we were informed that it had just been reported. Within minutes a rain cloud moved in and soaked the area for a short time.The ministry of forestry has confirmed that the fire was ignited by lightning which is presently being attacked by air tankers and helicopters.

No Smoke

What a difference a day makes. Same photo as taken and submitted on June 4th less the smoke which was moved off by a welcome breeze.

Dogs

Just sitting and waiting. Saw this at the mall parking lot, don't normally like to see animals in the rear of vehicles, but these two looked so cute the way they were synchronized.

Smoke

We have an aggressive forest fire located approximately 180 miles from Kelowna. It has been blazing for a couple of days and has expanded to 15,000 hectares at last report. The area is hot and dry in the vicinity of 100 degrees F. Its smoke arrived in the valley this morning. This photo taken from our deck shows it's intensity.

Barge

This barge is transporting building materials used by contractors who are constructing boat docks along the shores of Okanagan Lake for homeowner's personal use.

Shade

The day warrants a change of plan and we hit the shade of the walking trail instead of roaming around in the heat of the day.