In the cellars of the night, when the mind starts moving around old trunks of bad times, the pain of this and the shame of that, the memory of a small boldness is a hand to hold. -John Leonard, critic (25 Feb 1939-2008)
As Lady Dar needed our Equinox for a
number of errands she drove me to HH where Lulu Lemon was only one
waiting in lot. After my reluctant chauffeur drove away, we chatted for a
few minutes before deciding to head for Summerland as it
didn't appear anyone else would turn up. Found a goodly group jawing in
the IGA lot and after greeting one another, Jud, Jos and I were
consigned, sardine-like, to the back seat of Chuckster's car, while Tiny
Tim rode shotgun. Didn't take long before we pulled
off to the side of Bathville Rd, just short of Princeton Summerland Rd,
and we tumbled out to gather our gear.
Glorious day, sunny and warm, so many of the group busied themselves removing their outer gear, a preemptive strike against the probability of overheating on coming trek up the slopes of Cartwright Mountain. Close friend of Drill Sarge Tinka, Jana, was part of the assembled company, together with her daughter, (Andrea), and son, (Mr X), and two of their friends, siblings, Tarrin and Atticus. This being the case, the average age of the OF plummeted to 16 and I felt young again, a virtual spring chicken given the glorious weather!
To start, we followed an ATV trail, wending our way up gentle slopes, through widely spaced pines, padding over thick carpets of their crunchy needles. Had never seen so many wonderful, naturally sculpted fallen trunks in such profusion, in such close proximity to one another. Of course, Specialista Tronco Tinka was in his glory. Nevertheless, he didn't drop his drill sergeant's steely demeanour, for so much as a second, relentlessly driving us upward towards a hideously barbed wire fence, using the live ammunition of his barked commands to send us scrambling, terrified for our chic hiking gear, if not our lives, under its jagged talons.
Once we'd survived this ordeal, he did allow us brief respite but only because he was busy cooing over another stump. Our adrenaline levels back to normal, we continued on, traversing more easy slopes and quite enjoying the quiet and tranquility. But not for long as we next encountered a reasonably steep climb, a rock faced composed of soccer ball sized boulders. Needed to watch one's step but jagged surfaces offered pretty good purchase so progress, though slow and steady, was not overly difficult. Once at the top of this particular ridge, we were more than rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding hills, a stunning look of Giant's Head, in particular, so all our earlier travails were soon forgotten.
Having eased our straining lungs, we pushed on, up and over a number of small ridges to stop for a lunch break, around 11:00 am, I think. As we sipped, munched and chatted we were afforded slightly different perspective of aforementioned, regal Giant's Head and even, for the eagle-eyed, a sliver of Okanagan Lake. However, not content to let his troops bask in the luxury, sheer luxury of the warm sunshine, some closing their eyes for a few brief moments, Harsh Task Master Tinka gave the order to move out. With much reluctance we complied, although there were low grumblings and grizzlings from the disgruntled.
Quite a bit higher by now, we traversed a number of small patches of snow but nothing of much note. Surfaces of same were well frozen and even when I tried I couldn't sink my boots but an inch or so into them. Any snow on the lower parts of the next few ridges we had to ascend offered better purchase, for the most part, as the exposure to the sun had softened the crust. Had thought, after the lunch stop, that we were going to be heading downhill but this was not to be the case and I must admit that my legs, (I'd had the longest ride of the new year the day before), were becoming even wearier than they had been to begin with. For my part, the last few ascents were made at a snail's pace, one baby step at a time. Lorenzo agonized with me as poor chap had slipped on some black ice the day before and his ribs were very, very sore. Still, we persevered, though envying the boundless energy and flexibility of our young companions, always well ahead and patiently waiting for the geezers!
Regrouping, atop the final ridge, we did begin to head back down and although there were a couple of tricky, steep slopes, on which I needed careful pole placement to negotiate descent, we were soon back on the gentle, soft pine carpet and my knees exhaled a long sigh of relief. Always enjoy this part of the hike as there is often a chance to chat with one's companions and Anthea and I were able to visit, although she needed to keep a weather eye on Tia who was most intent on eating things not meant to be consumed! Funnily enough our lovely pooch missed a number of deer skulls, (we imagined), Zoologist Timber came across and skewered with his poles. We left one atop a small stump, a grisly signpost for other hikers brave enough to venture up Deer Ridge!
Back to the vehicles and then into Summerland to have java at Good Omens. By chance, Madcap Michaelo and his long-suffering wife, Mariola, (Hope spelling is correct!), were already seated there, so we rearranged some tables and joined them. Sorry to learn that Mike had suffered a pinched nerve but he was now on the slow mend so hope he will be able to join us on next few hikes. Turns out that he plays bridge so Josinta, Spamela and I were delighted to learn of this. The circle expands! After we chatted for half an hour or more, we thanked "Tyrant" Al for another exhilarating hike, made our fond farewells, and then Lulu very kindly dropped me off on my doorstep back in Penticton, where, once I'd showered and changed, I had a delicious, extended nap! 'Ain't Life Grand! Stats for hike:
Glorious day, sunny and warm, so many of the group busied themselves removing their outer gear, a preemptive strike against the probability of overheating on coming trek up the slopes of Cartwright Mountain. Close friend of Drill Sarge Tinka, Jana, was part of the assembled company, together with her daughter, (Andrea), and son, (Mr X), and two of their friends, siblings, Tarrin and Atticus. This being the case, the average age of the OF plummeted to 16 and I felt young again, a virtual spring chicken given the glorious weather!
To start, we followed an ATV trail, wending our way up gentle slopes, through widely spaced pines, padding over thick carpets of their crunchy needles. Had never seen so many wonderful, naturally sculpted fallen trunks in such profusion, in such close proximity to one another. Of course, Specialista Tronco Tinka was in his glory. Nevertheless, he didn't drop his drill sergeant's steely demeanour, for so much as a second, relentlessly driving us upward towards a hideously barbed wire fence, using the live ammunition of his barked commands to send us scrambling, terrified for our chic hiking gear, if not our lives, under its jagged talons.
Once we'd survived this ordeal, he did allow us brief respite but only because he was busy cooing over another stump. Our adrenaline levels back to normal, we continued on, traversing more easy slopes and quite enjoying the quiet and tranquility. But not for long as we next encountered a reasonably steep climb, a rock faced composed of soccer ball sized boulders. Needed to watch one's step but jagged surfaces offered pretty good purchase so progress, though slow and steady, was not overly difficult. Once at the top of this particular ridge, we were more than rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding hills, a stunning look of Giant's Head, in particular, so all our earlier travails were soon forgotten.
Having eased our straining lungs, we pushed on, up and over a number of small ridges to stop for a lunch break, around 11:00 am, I think. As we sipped, munched and chatted we were afforded slightly different perspective of aforementioned, regal Giant's Head and even, for the eagle-eyed, a sliver of Okanagan Lake. However, not content to let his troops bask in the luxury, sheer luxury of the warm sunshine, some closing their eyes for a few brief moments, Harsh Task Master Tinka gave the order to move out. With much reluctance we complied, although there were low grumblings and grizzlings from the disgruntled.
Quite a bit higher by now, we traversed a number of small patches of snow but nothing of much note. Surfaces of same were well frozen and even when I tried I couldn't sink my boots but an inch or so into them. Any snow on the lower parts of the next few ridges we had to ascend offered better purchase, for the most part, as the exposure to the sun had softened the crust. Had thought, after the lunch stop, that we were going to be heading downhill but this was not to be the case and I must admit that my legs, (I'd had the longest ride of the new year the day before), were becoming even wearier than they had been to begin with. For my part, the last few ascents were made at a snail's pace, one baby step at a time. Lorenzo agonized with me as poor chap had slipped on some black ice the day before and his ribs were very, very sore. Still, we persevered, though envying the boundless energy and flexibility of our young companions, always well ahead and patiently waiting for the geezers!
Regrouping, atop the final ridge, we did begin to head back down and although there were a couple of tricky, steep slopes, on which I needed careful pole placement to negotiate descent, we were soon back on the gentle, soft pine carpet and my knees exhaled a long sigh of relief. Always enjoy this part of the hike as there is often a chance to chat with one's companions and Anthea and I were able to visit, although she needed to keep a weather eye on Tia who was most intent on eating things not meant to be consumed! Funnily enough our lovely pooch missed a number of deer skulls, (we imagined), Zoologist Timber came across and skewered with his poles. We left one atop a small stump, a grisly signpost for other hikers brave enough to venture up Deer Ridge!
Back to the vehicles and then into Summerland to have java at Good Omens. By chance, Madcap Michaelo and his long-suffering wife, Mariola, (Hope spelling is correct!), were already seated there, so we rearranged some tables and joined them. Sorry to learn that Mike had suffered a pinched nerve but he was now on the slow mend so hope he will be able to join us on next few hikes. Turns out that he plays bridge so Josinta, Spamela and I were delighted to learn of this. The circle expands! After we chatted for half an hour or more, we thanked "Tyrant" Al for another exhilarating hike, made our fond farewells, and then Lulu very kindly dropped me off on my doorstep back in Penticton, where, once I'd showered and changed, I had a delicious, extended nap! 'Ain't Life Grand! Stats for hike:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1063508891#.Vs-H09XZyfs.email
That evening Lady Dar "constructed" a simply delish, designer pizza and we quaffed a 2013 Upper Bench Riesling, 12.5%, with just the right amount of spritz and acidity. Cora Lee wants to see as many of the Oscar nominated films as possible so back with On Demand, this time to watch Trumbo:
...a 2015 American biographical drama film directed by Jay Roach and written by John McNamara. The film stars Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, Louis C.K., Elle Fanning, John Goodman and Michael Stuhlbarg. The film follows the life of Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo and is based on the biography Dalton Trumbo by Bruce Alexander Cook.
Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston) is a screenwriter whose talent places him among the elite of Hollywood. However, his active membership in the Communist Party of the USA draws the contempt of staunchly anti-Soviet entertainment-industry figures such as columnist Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren) and actor John Wayne (David James Elliott). Trumbo is one of 10 screenwriters subpoenaed to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) regarding alleged Communist propaganda in Hollywood films. They refuse to directly answer questions, confident that a liberal majority on the Supreme Court will overturn the convictions for contempt of Congress. The unexpected death of Justice Wiley Rutledge ruins Trumbo's plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. In 1950, Trumbo serves 11 months in Texarkana prison.
An extremely interesting period in American political history and film's re-creation of life and times was marvellous. While I really liked Cranston's portrayal, I must admit that I kept seeing him as Walt, in Breaking Bad, the Netflix series we became addicted to!
Message from Al Tinka: 15 souls, including 4 delightful children, and 1 beast
Many ups and downs, some snow, some rough terrain, many vistas Good time had by all I am sorry, I had to resend it, because some of you would have difficulties opening the first album. I enjoyed the hike, Still a little sore. Sorry I wasn't up for coffee. Thanks
Hi Patrick I will leave a key under the front door mat for you , but keep the key to the liquor cabinet. Your bedroom is up the stairs and on the right. We should be back 10-1030 ish from our dinner. My cel phone number is 604-218-4916 so you can call or text if needed. Looking forward to your visit and drive carefully as you eat your dinner en route. Cheers Mick PS please note that the key turns to the right to open, not to the left as most modern keys
Hello Keeper of the Keys and Locks! Thanks for key location, phone number and assigned bedroom! Much appreciated. Unfortunately, for your malt cabinet, Mick, we have been watching so many crime/detective series, (Swedish Wallender has been terrific!), of late, that I am now an expert on lock picking! Don't worry about when you are back. We have made arrangements to have a drink/visit with former UBC colleague, Jo-Anne Nasulnd, and her husband, Colin, up on 16th, across from Byng, once we drop off our bags. We'll give you a shout, around 10:30 pm to see how you are doing as we don't want to be overly late ourselves.
Cheers, Patrizzio, Elite Cyclist, Food and Wine Critic for the Burns Street Gin Joint and Hot Sheets Hotel! Pic: Yesterday's poifect cycling sky!
Hi Patrick Super will look forward to your call and visit. Weather has been excellent -- spring seems to be here. 52km what a ride! Enjoy the sun today as the weather is supposed to change. Alas just in time for the weekend. Cheers for now Jo-Anne Hello Marps! Grand that we've finally settled our get-together! Not to boast, but 52 km was the halfway mark! Take care of yourselves. Counting down already! All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Here's one that will bring you a chuckle!!...Enjoy!!...hope you have a great Friday!! Had a wonderful day at the Harbour and EAST beach today here in Santa Barbara!!... Waves were amazing!!!...weather sunny & warm...like 28* C.
Hi Murielle! Grand that you've been enjoying such wonderful weather and outings at the beach. Take care of yourself. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Sir Pat and Lady Corinne. Thanks for your ecard and trust all is well. All is well here and will phone and catch up with you later. Love and Best Wishes. Sir James and Lady Patricia.
Hello Lady Patrizzia and Sir James! Delighted to learn that all goes well with you two. Been pretty busy here. Have seen quite a few very satisfying films of late. Take care of yourselves. All the best. Fondestos from Mme Coriandre to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio, Elite Cyclist, Food and Wine Critic for the Burns Street Gin Joint and Hot Sheets Hotel!
Hello Cornwall! Just had a promo message from Camel Valley so thought I'd send along greetings. Trust all goes well with you two. Cheers, Patrizzio!
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