Papa and Nana On the Go   GRANDPARENT RAMBLINGS – AS FAR AS THE MONEY WILL TAKE US

Sad having to leave Vancouver with less done than we had wished due to the weather we moved eastward.  We don’t really like to think of it as beginning to move towards home but so it is.  There is still much to see and do and the weather has suddenly become our friend.  We were able to see a beautiful Bridal Veil Falls along our way.  Seems like every place that has waterfalls has a Bridal Veil Falls.  This was a nice one.  We moved through Manning Provincial Park which had soaring mountains and seemingly endless forests.  It was soon clear that we were in bear county and sure enough, nearing the Okanagan region we spotted a young cub.

Another Bridal Veil Falls.

Giant moss covered trees.

Manning Provincial Park looking into the US.

Don’t blow away Nana!

Big Horn Sheep.

We finally arrived in Kelowna.  You probably haven’t heard of it.  For those of us who had not heard of it, well, we are idiots.  This place is fantastic.  Low accessible mountains all around, wineries by the dozens in the area, beautiful lake, trails, food, cherries and other fruits, cheeses, vegetables of all types, crafts and most of the food you eat will be locally produced.  We stayed at Myra Canyon Ranch which is a B&B.  It is up the ridge and the last ranch before entering a large park area.  The views to the valley below, Kelowna, the lake and the mountains, are stunning.  Easily enjoyable from the large hot tub, a great place to survey the vistas and sunsets.  The owners are gracious, helpful and make a really good breakfast with homemade bread and local produce.  No TV’s here.  Peace.  Well except for the dogs that get a little concerned about the welfare of the estate or are trying to keep the horses in line.

From here can be explored the wines, foods and trails of the region, all in close proximity.  More on that in the next post.  You have to wonder, do the people who live and grew up here appreciate fully what they have?  Isn’t that often the case?  Isn’t that one reason we have traveled nearly 4,000 miles, looking for more when sometimes we don’t allow what we have to affect us as fully as it should?  So when this journey is done, maybe it will be time to do just that.  Appreciate more fully what we have.  We do love North Carolina.  So many we have spoken to want very much to visit there.  Do we just crave something different when we should crave beauty wherever we are?  Yes, that is harder to do in some places more than others, maybe almost impossible.  For those in those circumstances, especially those that are young, do all you can to get out, move on and find a place that later in your life you will have no regrets for the choice you have made.

Myra Canyon Ranch Bed and Breakfast

View of Kelowna, lake, mountains in trees in the heart of the Okanagan.

First sunset.

Day is done. But up here the light lingers on the horizon until nearly eleven o’clock.