September 3rd we packed up the motorhome and
headed for Penticton.
In Abbotsford sunflowers bordered a cornfield with Mount
Baker as a backdrop.
The weather this summer has been hot, day after day. That has
it upsides and downsides but no one can argue with the sunshine and blue sky.
The downside is the smoke from forest fires. We often can't
see the blue sky and sunshine.
Ralph and I drove Highway 3 to Penticton. From the Sunshine Coast Sue
and Fred drove the Coquihalla and arrived at the exact same time as we did. Let
the visiting begin!
In Penticton we all setup in Oxbow RV Resort. Al and Gail
have been there all summer and introduced us to the benefits of the Okanagan
Valley. Our first night provided a glorious smoke enhanced sunset.
The Oxbow River is clogged with water lilies.
The birds enjoy the environment.
Last year Al and Gail treated us to an all day wine tour. They outdid themselves this year.
The six of us were picked up at the RV park. Everyone could
enjoy the wine without being concerned about driving. We then picked up another
couple at their hotel. We were all about the same age and mixed beautifully
as a group.
Our first stop was Sumac Ridge Winery. Many of the wineries
provide educational meals featuring their own wines.
The grapes were just waiting to be harvested.
Back Door Winery has an intriguing history. The property was
abandoned and overgrown until Peiter
Smits envisioned its potential. Crows had taken over the property so Peiter
moved their nest and took the birds as the symbol of the winery.
The only thing worth saving on the property was the back door of the house. Today visitors can autograph the door.
Our tour included a lovely lunch at Zia’s Stonehouse
Restaurant.
Dirty Laundry Vineyard has an equally fascinating story.
In
the late 1800’s Summerland was a growing community as gold miners and cattlemen
set out to find their fortune. Whatever else they needed, laundry was a
necessity. One enterprising railroad worker left that difficult, dangerous work and set up a
laundry.
Clean clothes are great but a vast number of men wanted more
entertaining activities. A bordello was established upstairs with cards, drinks
and women. Downstairs provided clean laundry and upstairs options put a smile
on the men’s faces. Dirty Laundry was born.
The Laundry Suds are unique.
Thornhaven Winery invites guests to enjoy the view.
Summerland Sweets and Sleeping Giant Winery offer jams, syrups and wines from local fruit.
Summerland Sweets jams and syrups are excellent and available in other locations.
The Sleeping Giant cliff offers the profile of a sleeping
giant. Unfortunately the best view of the cliff was obscured by smoke.
Our driver returned us to the RV Park full of wine
experiences and in need of naps.
The final touch for the day was a limo to Salty’s Beach House
for supper.
Lots of great wine and food and no drivers required. We couldn’t
ask for more on a summer day in the Okanagan Valley. Thank you Gail and Al.
The next day Ralph and I drove up into the hills behind
Penticton. The pear orchards were loaded with delicious looking fruit.
The apple orchards were eye catching with vivid red and
green bounty.
Many of the orchards have switched to high-density plantings
where smaller trees are planted close together. These trees produce fruit
earlier, yield larger crops and are easier to harvest.
Last year we visited Ruby Blues Winery and had a gorgeous
view across the lake.
This year there was a view of smoke.
Our visit to Penticton was topped off with a potluck lunch
(and wine of course) with former colleagues who are now enjoying
retirement. A great visit with everyone.
