Speculation is perfectly all right, but if you stay there you've only
founded a superstition. If you test it, you've started a science. -Hal
Clement, science fiction author (30 May 1922-2003)
Hello Spiller Road Treksters! A quick note of appreciation to Famiglia Robson for leading such a remarkable hike. Again, I can only shake my head in wonder, given that we live in such a landscape and have such friends that know it well enough to show us its marvels. Hip Hip Hooray for the tag team meraviglioso!
What follows is a field report I reckoned I might well never write, given, not only the hike along the edge of the abyss but also the ride from Spiller home, with Freewheeling, No Consequences Krannitz! Still, I was able to put pen to paper, if shakily so, and am truly pleased and thankful that it is not my last will and testament, although many, I'm sure, would wish it otherwise! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Campbell Mountain, Diversion Dam and Reservoir Field Report, May 30th, 2016:
Up at 6:30 am to prepare my java and then into the study to write up yesterday's ride. Managed to do that by the time it was time to start to get ready for this morning's hike. Zapped an already baked spudolino and enjoyed it while I packed my lunch, (overleft chicken and two Macs, sliced and lightly salted), and stowed my tucker in my camel pack. Lady Dar, although still grumpy from waking up, tied my bootlaces and I was off, at 8:43 am, to meet the gang at HH. Sergeant Spumoni was there when I pulled into the lot and since we were going to start the hike, off Spiller Road, I asked her if she would mind collecting me en route, driving, as she would be up Eckhardt to Upper Bench. Lady Dar had indicated, before I left the house, that she could use the car if it worked out. She was happy to do so and consequently I hopped back into my vehicle and tore home, leaving my keys there and letting Cora Lee know she had a car for errands.
Walked up Burns to wait for a few minutes, on Eckhardt, before Pushy Pam arrived. Guillermo had, characteristically, taken the front seat, as is his pushy Damn Yankee wont, so I was forced into the back with Eduardo, a far more congenial companion in any event. Pleasant time chatting with him as he's not been on many hikes, of late. Not long and we were parking on Spiller Road, most of the rest of the gang there already. Took a few minutes for everyone to ready themselves and then we were off, Phlegmatic Phil today's non-leader, with Jack Rabbit at the back to ensure any stragglers were always accounted for. Day couldn't have been any better, sky was virtually cloudless, an almost blinding cerulean.
Crossing a large cattle guard at the bottom of Greyback Mountain Road, we immediately took off into the pines, up the fairly steep hillside. However, we followed a well-worn trail, (Quite a mountain biking area, I gather.), so the going was relatively easy as we didn't climb that far before the path leveled off. Not much later we emerged onto a service road and followed this until we reached the edge of the Campbell Mountain Diversion Reservoir. I later learned that the Campbell Mountain Diversion Dam was constructed in 1967 and this watershed is extremely important to Penticton, inasmuch as water collected is used to irrigate farms, orchards and wineries along Naramata Road, north of Penticton. At any rate, I had no idea that this reservoir even existed.
It was along the western lip of the extremely narrow, steep valley, more of a very deep ravine, at this point, that we followed the service road, parallel and quite close to the edge, for a bit, before we stopped to let the gang regroup. I took advantage of the brief rest to take an Official Group Photograph, relishing the fact that I didn't have Autocratic Ansel Al to deal with. Once I'd captured the moment, ever mindful Phillster split the party, (There were twenty-two of us!), into two. Jack Rabbit was to lead the foolhardy along a very narrow track, chiseled into the hillside with a small toothpick, a precipitous drop but one slight misstep away. Those not comfortable with this route could join Prudent Phillipo on the service road which skirted the canyon. The two parties would follow their respective leaders and regroup in a small clearing on the bench near the canyon edge.
I chose to take my life in my hands, (or perhaps, more correctly, put it in Gilliana's palms), and opted for the dizzying drops. Had a number of times to regret my rash decision as we encountered quite a few large trees which had fallen across the narrow track and it was not always easy to make one's way over or around the trunks. Still, I was heartened to have Jud behind me, providing much needed encouragement, pointing out that there was another trail, about 25 metres below the one we were on, and this would certainly stop anyone from plummeting to one's ghastly death! Aside from this gallows humour, the route was more than exhilarating and I was certainly glad I had chosen to brave it out. The views back to the reservoir, into the canyon itself and across to the other side of the chasm were nothing short of incredible.
Once off the "tightrope" we stopped for a short tea break although Painstakingly Punctilious Phillipo began haranguing us to move out almost before we had a chance for quick bite or a needed sip. Grumbling and grizzling, all the while, we packe dup and set off again, up a short, reasonably steep, though short hillside, to rejoin the service road which lead us to a lovely, large, grassy meadow. Crossing this we skirted the edges of Campbell Mountain, having to negotiate a few small gullies but none at all challenging. The path was sandy, or extremely fine soil, very dry in spite of the amount of rain that had fallen most of the day before. Continued on until we reached a ridge on which a small tower had been erected. According to Robertito it was a navigation aid for craft landing at Pentictonthe Airport. Looking north, towards Summerland and across Okanagan were stunning. Underneath us were spread seemingly endless carpets of orchards and vineyards, interwoven in a magcal, living tapestry.
I assumed we'd stop for lunch here but Fanatical Filipo pushed us on, leading us up, slicing across the western flank of Campbell, along a narrow trail through the pines. Very picturesque and lovely and cool in the shade. Going was not particularly arduous although there were a number of short steep climbs before we stopped for lunch, a few minutes past noon. Spot even boasted a small picnic table which Sergeant Spumoni commandeered for Josinta, St Kilian and myself, Dear Reader. The hoi polloi were forced to sit on ant infested logs or on grass, thick with ticks! (Robertito noticed one on Carol's shirt and quickly brushed it off.) Still, no matter where you enjoyed your lunch you enjoyed the vistas the ridge afforded even more so: The blindingly blue sky, mirrored, with the slightest dilution on the surface of the lake, the ever so inviting green of the patchwork quilt farmland, the tiny sailboat scudding towards the marina in Summerland, all cried out for attention, "Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!"
Look we did, and even the scarred, torn hillside of the landfill couldn't dampen our spirits as we broke camp and made our way back to Spiller and our vehicles. This last bit was most pleasant as we folowed a well-worn mountain bike trail, (All moving aside to let one hardy soul pass, legs pumping.), down a fairly easy slope, through widely spaced pines, the path dappled and sometimes drenched with sunshine, ourselves pleasantly drowsy from the food we'd just consumed. Back across the cattle guard to thank both Jack Rabbit and Redoubtable Robson for such an astonishing outing. I had ridden along Spiller the day before and yet had not the foggiest that such a spectacular landscape was but a hillside away. What a formidable tag team, Gill and Phil! They hit you with a double whammy that will knock your hiking socks right off!
As I was bidding fond farewell to the rest of gang, particularly to The Babes, Guillermo interupted my leave-taking, insisting I return, immediatley, to Sergeant Spumoni's Humvee. I did so, if releuctantly, and we were soon speeding down Reservoir Road, at full tilt boogie, warp speed in fact, fishtailing, and alarmingly, dangerously so, at each bend and curve in the road. My life flashed before my clenched eyes and I thought how ironic that I was destined to have my being snuffed out in collision with a semi, en route to the landfill, when I could have died, more romantically, tailspinning into the reservoir canyon from the pencil-thin track. Somehow, Sterling Moss Spumoni maintained control of her careening vehicle and I was mightily relieved to hop out on Eckhardt, at the top of Burns. I really wanted to join the rest for java and debriefing, at the KVR Pub, but didn't think I would chance a moment more in the Death Star. Thanking Pushy Pam for pushing the limits of safe driving, I waved goodbye, managing to avoid most of the violent spray of gravel and dust that shot towards me as the car screeched away, its rear tires smoking, leaving skid marks all the way to Main Street! Map and Stats for hike:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1191459892#.V0yzhHcRTos.email
Hi Pat, Thank you for hosting bridge. I will join you Tuesday evening. Pam
Pat, Thank you for the invitation and thank you for hosting. I will attend😊 Kind regards, Pam Hi Patrick, I will be there tomorrow night, the first bridge for me in many moons, so will see how it goes. Kathy
Hello Bridge Fiends! Due to the overwhelming response for Tuesday's game, we will have enough players for two tables, even if some of the attendees profess a desire to be granted "observer"status! Anyway, looking forward to seeing everyone and thanks for replying. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Significant Others more than welcome!
Sandy/Patrizzio, Forwarded as requested … note user name!Pat - thanks for the very newsy report. And the photos - was a pleasure to be able to share your celebration! Regards to Corinne - enjoy your summer!! Sandy ps - other name had a hissy fit with gmail and nuked it a long time ago
Hi! Mr. Paparazzi Patrick!! Great seeing you & lovely wife at the market. Thanks for the nice pics too. Just heading out for a run, then taking hubby to PRH for his colonoscopy ................... what a bummer!!! Then packing and flying back to ON on Wed. Safe Travels to see Mama & Papa-in-law in Manitoba. See you in July for a hike or bike ride. Cheers!! Mary Lee xo
Dear Patrictric Thanks so much for your well wishes. It will be at least 2 more weeks before I'm up and hiking. On the other hand i'm doing something I rarely do - stay in bed later in the morning, have naps in the afternoon and go to bed early! I am feeling much better than a week ago, so it does get harder and harder to follow the doctors orders. Say hello to all and thanks again for the card. Lou
Hello Spiller Road Treksters! A quick note of appreciation to Famiglia Robson for leading such a remarkable hike. Again, I can only shake my head in wonder, given that we live in such a landscape and have such friends that know it well enough to show us its marvels. Hip Hip Hooray for the tag team meraviglioso!
What follows is a field report I reckoned I might well never write, given, not only the hike along the edge of the abyss but also the ride from Spiller home, with Freewheeling, No Consequences Krannitz! Still, I was able to put pen to paper, if shakily so, and am truly pleased and thankful that it is not my last will and testament, although many, I'm sure, would wish it otherwise! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Campbell Mountain, Diversion Dam and Reservoir Field Report, May 30th, 2016:
Up at 6:30 am to prepare my java and then into the study to write up yesterday's ride. Managed to do that by the time it was time to start to get ready for this morning's hike. Zapped an already baked spudolino and enjoyed it while I packed my lunch, (overleft chicken and two Macs, sliced and lightly salted), and stowed my tucker in my camel pack. Lady Dar, although still grumpy from waking up, tied my bootlaces and I was off, at 8:43 am, to meet the gang at HH. Sergeant Spumoni was there when I pulled into the lot and since we were going to start the hike, off Spiller Road, I asked her if she would mind collecting me en route, driving, as she would be up Eckhardt to Upper Bench. Lady Dar had indicated, before I left the house, that she could use the car if it worked out. She was happy to do so and consequently I hopped back into my vehicle and tore home, leaving my keys there and letting Cora Lee know she had a car for errands.
Walked up Burns to wait for a few minutes, on Eckhardt, before Pushy Pam arrived. Guillermo had, characteristically, taken the front seat, as is his pushy Damn Yankee wont, so I was forced into the back with Eduardo, a far more congenial companion in any event. Pleasant time chatting with him as he's not been on many hikes, of late. Not long and we were parking on Spiller Road, most of the rest of the gang there already. Took a few minutes for everyone to ready themselves and then we were off, Phlegmatic Phil today's non-leader, with Jack Rabbit at the back to ensure any stragglers were always accounted for. Day couldn't have been any better, sky was virtually cloudless, an almost blinding cerulean.
Crossing a large cattle guard at the bottom of Greyback Mountain Road, we immediately took off into the pines, up the fairly steep hillside. However, we followed a well-worn trail, (Quite a mountain biking area, I gather.), so the going was relatively easy as we didn't climb that far before the path leveled off. Not much later we emerged onto a service road and followed this until we reached the edge of the Campbell Mountain Diversion Reservoir. I later learned that the Campbell Mountain Diversion Dam was constructed in 1967 and this watershed is extremely important to Penticton, inasmuch as water collected is used to irrigate farms, orchards and wineries along Naramata Road, north of Penticton. At any rate, I had no idea that this reservoir even existed.
It was along the western lip of the extremely narrow, steep valley, more of a very deep ravine, at this point, that we followed the service road, parallel and quite close to the edge, for a bit, before we stopped to let the gang regroup. I took advantage of the brief rest to take an Official Group Photograph, relishing the fact that I didn't have Autocratic Ansel Al to deal with. Once I'd captured the moment, ever mindful Phillster split the party, (There were twenty-two of us!), into two. Jack Rabbit was to lead the foolhardy along a very narrow track, chiseled into the hillside with a small toothpick, a precipitous drop but one slight misstep away. Those not comfortable with this route could join Prudent Phillipo on the service road which skirted the canyon. The two parties would follow their respective leaders and regroup in a small clearing on the bench near the canyon edge.
I chose to take my life in my hands, (or perhaps, more correctly, put it in Gilliana's palms), and opted for the dizzying drops. Had a number of times to regret my rash decision as we encountered quite a few large trees which had fallen across the narrow track and it was not always easy to make one's way over or around the trunks. Still, I was heartened to have Jud behind me, providing much needed encouragement, pointing out that there was another trail, about 25 metres below the one we were on, and this would certainly stop anyone from plummeting to one's ghastly death! Aside from this gallows humour, the route was more than exhilarating and I was certainly glad I had chosen to brave it out. The views back to the reservoir, into the canyon itself and across to the other side of the chasm were nothing short of incredible.
Once off the "tightrope" we stopped for a short tea break although Painstakingly Punctilious Phillipo began haranguing us to move out almost before we had a chance for quick bite or a needed sip. Grumbling and grizzling, all the while, we packe dup and set off again, up a short, reasonably steep, though short hillside, to rejoin the service road which lead us to a lovely, large, grassy meadow. Crossing this we skirted the edges of Campbell Mountain, having to negotiate a few small gullies but none at all challenging. The path was sandy, or extremely fine soil, very dry in spite of the amount of rain that had fallen most of the day before. Continued on until we reached a ridge on which a small tower had been erected. According to Robertito it was a navigation aid for craft landing at Pentictonthe Airport. Looking north, towards Summerland and across Okanagan were stunning. Underneath us were spread seemingly endless carpets of orchards and vineyards, interwoven in a magcal, living tapestry.
I assumed we'd stop for lunch here but Fanatical Filipo pushed us on, leading us up, slicing across the western flank of Campbell, along a narrow trail through the pines. Very picturesque and lovely and cool in the shade. Going was not particularly arduous although there were a number of short steep climbs before we stopped for lunch, a few minutes past noon. Spot even boasted a small picnic table which Sergeant Spumoni commandeered for Josinta, St Kilian and myself, Dear Reader. The hoi polloi were forced to sit on ant infested logs or on grass, thick with ticks! (Robertito noticed one on Carol's shirt and quickly brushed it off.) Still, no matter where you enjoyed your lunch you enjoyed the vistas the ridge afforded even more so: The blindingly blue sky, mirrored, with the slightest dilution on the surface of the lake, the ever so inviting green of the patchwork quilt farmland, the tiny sailboat scudding towards the marina in Summerland, all cried out for attention, "Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!"
Look we did, and even the scarred, torn hillside of the landfill couldn't dampen our spirits as we broke camp and made our way back to Spiller and our vehicles. This last bit was most pleasant as we folowed a well-worn mountain bike trail, (All moving aside to let one hardy soul pass, legs pumping.), down a fairly easy slope, through widely spaced pines, the path dappled and sometimes drenched with sunshine, ourselves pleasantly drowsy from the food we'd just consumed. Back across the cattle guard to thank both Jack Rabbit and Redoubtable Robson for such an astonishing outing. I had ridden along Spiller the day before and yet had not the foggiest that such a spectacular landscape was but a hillside away. What a formidable tag team, Gill and Phil! They hit you with a double whammy that will knock your hiking socks right off!
As I was bidding fond farewell to the rest of gang, particularly to The Babes, Guillermo interupted my leave-taking, insisting I return, immediatley, to Sergeant Spumoni's Humvee. I did so, if releuctantly, and we were soon speeding down Reservoir Road, at full tilt boogie, warp speed in fact, fishtailing, and alarmingly, dangerously so, at each bend and curve in the road. My life flashed before my clenched eyes and I thought how ironic that I was destined to have my being snuffed out in collision with a semi, en route to the landfill, when I could have died, more romantically, tailspinning into the reservoir canyon from the pencil-thin track. Somehow, Sterling Moss Spumoni maintained control of her careening vehicle and I was mightily relieved to hop out on Eckhardt, at the top of Burns. I really wanted to join the rest for java and debriefing, at the KVR Pub, but didn't think I would chance a moment more in the Death Star. Thanking Pushy Pam for pushing the limits of safe driving, I waved goodbye, managing to avoid most of the violent spray of gravel and dust that shot towards me as the car screeched away, its rear tires smoking, leaving skid marks all the way to Main Street! Map and Stats for hike:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1191459892#.V0yzhHcRTos.email
More is correct...Holy cat fish Over! DBJS Holy Smoke and Land of Goshen! PAMJD!
Country me in please! Jos Hello Josinta and Mr Chester! I'm sorry but Penticton is No Country for Dutch Bridge Players! On another, more serious matter, I'm terribly sorry to have heard about Aarturo's obviously severe knee problem. Aside from curtailing many of his normal physical activities it is quite worrisome, of course. Anyway, we are both pleased that both upper-crust Summerland Families will be able to attend dinner this coming Sunday. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Lady Dar's fence painting project and flowering cactii and English lavender!
Country me in please! Jos Hello Josinta and Mr Chester! I'm sorry but Penticton is No Country for Dutch Bridge Players! On another, more serious matter, I'm terribly sorry to have heard about Aarturo's obviously severe knee problem. Aside from curtailing many of his normal physical activities it is quite worrisome, of course. Anyway, we are both pleased that both upper-crust Summerland Families will be able to attend dinner this coming Sunday. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Lady Dar's fence painting project and flowering cactii and English lavender!
Hi Pat, Thank you for hosting bridge. I will join you Tuesday evening. Pam
Pat, Thank you for the invitation and thank you for hosting. I will attend😊 Kind regards, Pam Hi Patrick, I will be there tomorrow night, the first bridge for me in many moons, so will see how it goes. Kathy
Hello Bridge Fiends! Due to the overwhelming response for Tuesday's game, we will have enough players for two tables, even if some of the attendees profess a desire to be granted "observer"status! Anyway, looking forward to seeing everyone and thanks for replying. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Significant Others more than welcome!
Sandy/Patrizzio, Forwarded as requested … note user name!Pat - thanks for the very newsy report. And the photos - was a pleasure to be able to share your celebration! Regards to Corinne - enjoy your summer!! Sandy ps - other name had a hissy fit with gmail and nuked it a long time ago
Hi! Mr. Paparazzi Patrick!! Great seeing you & lovely wife at the market. Thanks for the nice pics too. Just heading out for a run, then taking hubby to PRH for his colonoscopy ................... what a bummer!!! Then packing and flying back to ON on Wed. Safe Travels to see Mama & Papa-in-law in Manitoba. See you in July for a hike or bike ride. Cheers!! Mary Lee xo
Dear Patrictric Thanks so much for your well wishes. It will be at least 2 more weeks before I'm up and hiking. On the other hand i'm doing something I rarely do - stay in bed later in the morning, have naps in the afternoon and go to bed early! I am feeling much better than a week ago, so it does get harder and harder to follow the doctors orders. Say hello to all and thanks again for the card. Lou
Dear Corinne & Patrick,
Hope
your anniversary celebration was grand, indeed. I envisioned your
endearing fans arriving by the bus loads to be greeted with fine
cuisine.
I
can remember attending one such fine celebration in Van. When you
decided to re marry and then there was Annie’s ninetieth. I sort of went
All
out for seven years entertaining the masses on New Year’s Day and
finally burnt out. Can no longer multi task, the thought is exhausting
and that is okay.
But
I can remember way back when on that one fine day on Jan. 1 when you
arrived at our house to experience a house full of strangers, it was
then that I
Asked
myself what was it all about. I never had the time to talk to anyone; I
really must let you know how unhappy I was that I did not have time to
visit
With you. The open house became so impersonal as I am not an extravert, it became a task.
But I find myself organizing again but for a different reason. My Mom’s 100th birthday. It is going well; the concert is in the works and spend a great deal
Of
time writing to the directors and instructors as to the flow of the
concert. Women’s choir, two dance groups and an orchestra. It is all
quite exciting.
My cousin will sing ‘Ridna Maty Moya’ Dearest Mother. It is on You Tube.
Had
our friends out from Wpg. Jim & Diane Wood see attachment. Jim has
had a shoulder replacement and needs both knees done but has major back
problems.
Was
a football player in his young life. Some fifty years ago, Jim &
John were heading out on a trip to Europe, but I came along and plans
changed.
Our fiftieth anniversary is this year.
Heard
you will be touring the island come this fall visiting your many
friends and you are more than welcome to spend the night here, I am
sure John will treat you
to one of his many fine cuisines.
Heading off in the morning for a week touring the islands with the hounds. Weather is looking good.
To Blue Skies Above
Much Love,
Jean & John
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