Rippley’s Gate Deer Ridge Blues: Thursday, May 5th!

Life is a foreign language; all men mispronounce it. -Christopher Morley, journalist, novelist, essayist, and poet (5 May 1890-1957) 

Rippley's Gate Field Report: Up at just after 7:00 am to ready myself for a hike today. Very pleased as there had been a hiatus in the Thursday offerings ever since Tyrannosaurus Tinka "retired" from leading them and Ricardo's very difficult, lengthy treks are not an option, (or on offer!), for/to me, at this time. I left home at just before 8:30 am and as I drove to Summerland I listened to Anna Maria Tremonti interviewing evacuees from Fort McMurray. As I'm sure most everyone knows, every one an unbelievable, simply nighmarishly harrowing story. Felt almost guilty as there had been a slight drizzle all morning and it persisted when I stepped out of the car at the IGA parking lot. The unseasonably hot, dry weather and fierce winds, in the afflicted region have been major factors in stoking the infernos and everyone, the residents of the Fort McMurray itself, those directly involved in fighting the fires and Canadians across the country could only wish for rain to dampen, if not extinguish, the raging, ravenous firestorm sweeping through the boreal forest, devouring and destroying whatever lay in its, by now, increasingly menacing, malignant, self-generating path of truly unimaginable force and fury.

Offering a silent prayer to those struggling with lives turned upside down in almost the twinkling of an eye, I went to greet my fellow hikers. Was delighted to see Maid Marian and Tiny Tim as they have not been on any of the Monday hikes since they started back playing tennis. Furthermore, the South Okanagan Princess was back, after her travels in Inja, so it was a grand reunion all around. Even Spumoni had opted for this outing, instead of one which Sunny Jim was leading, near Twin Lakes, I believe. Once greetings had been exchanged Autocratic Al didn't waste any time before he started barking out orders and we were sent to our respective carpool vehicles with directions for where to park once we'd reached base camp.

Left Summerland, eventually following the Princeton-Summerland Rd until we turned off on McLennan Road, proceeding on it until we came to Rippley's Gate, the entrance to a private ranch, I believe. Had been here, or close to here, a number of times before, most recently in late December for the wrap-up picnic party. Once Top-Dog Tinka had a brief confab with Juggernaut Jud and Jumpin' Jack Flash and those who wanted to don rain gear, (It was still drizzling, albeit extremely lightly.), were kitted out, we set off, up a reasonably steep slope, dotted with Balsam-root and Penstemon, the latter immediately drew Ansel Al's attention so entire troop had to wait, for hours, it seemed, until all the necessary close-ups were taken. Once atop this first ridge we found ourselves on a well-maintained road. Knowing this easy passage would not last long, we enjoyed it while we could!

Sure enough, a few minutes later we encountered two felled trees, so cut as to block the wide track. (Rumour had it that on his recce, a few days earlier, the Crafty Creative Blunderer had brought them down so as to provide an irrefutable argument for heading cross-country at this point! My own feeling, (although I kept my thoughts to myself), is that he suffers from a form of Agyrophobia or Dromophobia, cloaking his affliction, rationalizing it, by proffering, whenever one pleads to stay on the straight and narrow, his characteristic bromide that "Roads are boring!" OK,  Afflicted Al, make the rest of us suffer just because you won't see a shrink!

Disregarding the angry mutterings, he immediately decreed a group photo, thus solidifying, concretizing his absolute control. Understanding, full well, that resistance was not only foolhardy but also quite possibly dangerous, the unhappy trekkers put forced smiles on their faces and first posed for the Iron-Fisted, Fearless Non-Leader until Patrizzio was ordered to take a propaganda shot of the cowed followers adoring their cult leader. After this tense session, people started to relax, given the more than pleasant terrain we found ourselves in: the soft soil of the hillsides usually covered with a layer of pine-needles, resplendent with vibrant green tussocks interspersed with still flowering Balsam-root. Going was easy, even on the few steepish climbs we encountered and once we'd gained a few ridges Tireless Tinka called a tea break and a grudging peace prevailed. 

However, Jumpin' Jack wasn't all that happy with the leadership and he took off, after knocking back his wódka-infused herbata, in high dudgeon, searching for an easier route than one proposed by Totalitarian Tinka. Following him, like the sheep we were, through the surrounding pines, we were delighted to come across a small pond at the base of a cliff, a decorative fan of scree covering the hillside above, its jumbled talus forming the shore across from where we squelched through the muddy sedge. Much of the pond was filled with dead or dying reeds, their brown stalks, swirled by the wind on the mirror still surface were remarkably lovely, graceful in repose, especially as they were set against the ultra green of their living fellows.

Then, after a bit of backing and forthing, we headed upward again, on a huff and puff climb which saw our Overheated Overseer peel off his sweater while we waited, meekly compliant, tame, ever obedient creatures that we had been turned into! Stopping, shortly thereafter, yet again, for Tree-Trunk Tinka to give free rein to his stump fetish, we managed to negotiate a rocky outcropping, with a convenient, if small, flat area, perfect for lunch, or so most of us thought. Sad to relate, our hopes were quickly dashed as Adamant Al insisted we continue our quest and we were harangued and harried as we strove to achieve one last peak. Fortunatley, for the foot-weary the going was not overly demanding but imagine our distress, Dear Reader, when once there, we were told, in no uncertain terms that lunch was to be taken below!

It all happened so quickly that the small group of malcontents didn't have time to even think about mutiny and we followed Tireless Tinka down a reasonably steep, rocky slope to reach, of all things, a wooden bench perched near the lip of a rocky knoll which afforded magnificent views of Giant's Head and parts of Summerland, a snippet of Okanagan Lake and Naramatia and many of the surrounding hill sand mountains, as we devoured our picnic fixings. Since there were still a few droplets of rain coming down, the vistas were not as crystal clear as they have been on sunnier days. However, the muted effect was not at all unattractive for the wonder we witnessed was overlain with a translucent gauze of fine mist which rendered most everything softer, more alluring, more visually seductive.

Was quite enjoying the serene aspect, literally basking in it, when the peace and quiet was broken with more barked orders, (Thoughts of an axe-murder, [In front of the bench was a small rock-ringed fire-pit and in front of that there was a large axe embedded in a log being used for firewood.], ran through my mind but I was able to contain my bloody thoughts and I joined the rest as we began the return leg. Almost immediately we came across a huge, fallen pine tree which had collapsed across the path. At this point the banks, on both sides, were reasonably high so we were able to walk under its massive trunk without even having to duck our heads. Had not much of its root system been visible I would have guessed that it was another intended roadblock, this time botched, by Agyrophobic Al!  

From the very beginning, most of the way was down an often rough, large rock strewn track, not unduly steep, so not as taxing on one's knees as descent might otherwise have been. Still, one had to keep one's wits about one as with rain, even though it was gentle, the exposed earth was very slippery at times, giving away frighteningly quickly beneath an unwary step. No mishaps, fortunately, and not far above the group's winter picnic spot we headed off the track, slicing across the gentle hillsides here as we needed to make towards a ridge above where our cars were parked. Once this was achieved we had one last, fairly steep descent but footing was sure so we were all soon safely down and loading our gear into the vehicles.

Casting off his armour-plated psyhological and emotional exoskeleton, Amber Ale Al invited everyone back to his lovely home for a beer. First back to IGA to collect cars and then down Peach Orchard to reach Tinka Town. I had never visited the idyllic orchard property before so it was a delight to see a bit of the back-story I had heard about but never witnessed. By the time I arrived, along with Famiglia Dunn, the rest were sitting at a large picnic table, in the cool shade of the orchard, near the top ot the sloping property, a full case of Granville Island beer, of various sorts, available for the taking, spread out before the thirsty trekkers. While I didn't imbibe, (Josinta drank my share and more!), we spent a most pleasant time chatting, Agronomist Al a fountian of wisdom about everything from fruit flys to spraying, from apples to dark fruit, from the life cycles of pests to the length of growing seasons. Even the beasts of the wild were drawn to this Grove of Academe as we witnessed two deer and a pheasant, (announcing its presence with a distinctive, harsh kok kok kok call), between the trees at the far end of the orchard.

Needing to sober up after their unchecked imbibing, the Hootch Hounds decided to go somewhere for java to try to make the world stop spinning. Not needing to detox I bade farewell to the gang, thanking my more than gracious, generous host for his hospitality and his always, ever remarkable outings. This Natura Filosofia, [In contradistinction to Monday's hike, through the sage, this one was all "misty wet with rain", as Van would say. When I remarked, over the course of the hike, that the drizzle was persisting, Terse Tinka offered another gem, another nugget: "It keeps the dust down!"], is truly a local, if not national/global/interstellar treasure, and should be recognized as such. Perhaps we could commission Dorothea to paint a portrait of our Love-to-Hate Non-Leader so that, once framed, we could hang it, in a still operating coffee shop, someplace, where we would meet to debrief, after a given hike, and throw very sharp darts at his likeness! Just kidding! At least about the sharpness of the darts! Thanks and Cheers, Unrepentant "but Ever-so-Ever-Pleased to be, somehow, part of this Astounding Assembly" Patrizzio! Map and Stats for hike:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1155672296#.Vy0cPS03tW4.email
 
Awesome ride.... yesterday Patrizzio .. Yes I am up for a ride tomorrow... where should we meet and what time.. need to get more rides under my belt... or my belt will be hidden by my belly.. LOL.. Let me know.. cheers Bad Boy...
 
Hi Bad Boy! Pleased to hear that your legs/feet didn't suffer after yesterday's outing and that you will join us tomorrow. I have arranged to meet with Gilliana at Township 7, just above Upper Bench Road, at 10:00 am. If you'd like to cycle to our place, 611 Burns Street, to be here around 9:20 am or so, we could then ride down Ellis to Vancouver and proceed up the hill to T7 to meet Gilliana at the appointed time.   Let me know if this is fine.

Had a grand hike with Big Al today so will send along a blow-by-blow as soon as I've had time to put my thoughts down. Cheers, Patrizzio! sounds good see you around 9.20...at your place..

Hello Black Widow Barrel Tasting People! Corinne and I would like to attend your barrel tasting on Sunday morning. We will be bringing close friends, Zoe and Matt, from Vancouver, so there will be four in our party. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Last set of visiting friends, Rosemary and Andre, from London/Chabeuil, this past April. You must visit them in France!

Hello!! Sorry for the delay in replying - unfortunately we are already engaged on the 14th - but Happy Anniversary all the same! We will miss you.  

Hi Patrick, It sounds as though you had a somewhat challenging but very rewarding hike to the Columns! They are quite spectacular, aren’t they? I want to apologize for failing to thank you for the Easter/spring ecard. I just looked back and found that the card is still available to enjoy again. Ladybugs are very special to me and the flowers are beautiful. Hope that you are having another wonderful experience with the OF today. Cheers  Anthea 

Tummler, I will attend this auspicious occasion armed with a cheap bottle of porch climber as always. Was thinking Porphyry Pearl or Chianti would be apt for the occasion. Jane is away in Ontario so I will be solomente. Let me know what else you have going over that weekend. Love to all, W

Hello Whirlygig! Wonderful that you will be attending our 40th and even better, bringing along such high quality plonk!!! (Sorry, obviously, that Calamity won't be along but Mortadella is always welcome!) In fact, an admixture of Porphyry Pearl and Chianti makes the most wonderful chain cleaner so I applaud your choice of hootch!

Will be a busy time as we driving into Vancouver on May 12th to spend the night, in luxury, sheer luxury at the Inn at the Quay, "New Westminster's most intimate luxe riverfront hotel"! Lady Dar bid on this at Chloë's last Aunt Leah's fund raiser, last October. Friday night it is VWF fund raising event, A Dram Come True, at Hycroft Mansion. I gather 'Orrible 'Ungie will be responsible for Valet Parking!

If you are interested in attending tickets are $120 but you do receive a partial tax receipt. That night, (and Saturday), we will be staying with Sarge, at Heartbreak Terrace, (Flamin' is at a reunion in Calgary.), and we'll probably have a bit of a gathering beforehand to make sure we have something in our tummies before slurping malt! If in town that soon you are more than welcome to join us and we could even have a few hands of bridge before heading to Hycroft. Let me know and we'll plan accordingly.

On Saturday, anniversary shenanigans take place and we are planning to have dinner with Chloë somewhere, afterwards. I'd like to go to Bistro Wagon Rouge, just a block or two away from Chloë's place, so we can walk. Again, you are welcome to join us as it will be pretty informal. Sunday we will probably be off by 11:00 am as we have a very busy long-weekend of demanding Freeloaders, starting on Thursday! Flamin' and Sarge, in fact, en route to Osoyoos for a gathering of Clan Sutherland over the following three days. Next couple, Judith and Ron, on Friday, sometime that afternoon, followed by Zoe and Matt, leaving Vancouver after work so they won't be here until reasonably late. Judith and Ron will only be here overnight but Z/M will stay for weekend. Have just booked a barrel-tasting, at  Black Widow, for 10:00 am on Sunday, May 22nd, so it will be quite a weekend! Must away as I have been instructed to be showered and changed by the time Lady Dar returns from grocery shopping! Fondestos and Cheers, Il Conduttore!!!

Hello Bayswater Folk! I'm sending this message to Elaine, even though she will not be visiting, as she is far more responsible about answering than Theodorakis! Lady Darjeeling would like to know if he and Jimbo will be here in time for dinner on Sunday. Not a big deal and we can dine fairly late, depending on your golf schedule. Just let us know and we'll plan accordingly. For my part I had a glorious ride with Bad Boy yesterday. Bring your bikes instead of your clubs, lads! All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
Hi Pat & Corrine. I know it's a month away but I'm sure you have a lot scheduled for the next several months. I plan to visit my mom, sister & family before moving to Vancouver Island. My sister's B'day is June 1st so I'm thinking of heading up there on May 31st and leaving Monday, June 6th. Would a visit on June 6th with an o/n work for you? Good wishes for all that is good! Lynette Sent incorrect email address, previously.

Hi Lynette! Congratulations on your coming move! Exciting indeed!!! We'd love to see you on June 6th. In fact, we will be leaving Penticton, shortly thereafter, as we are off to Winnipeg/Falcon to celebrate Clara's/Dusty's 71st wedding anniversary. Will be away for two or three weeks as we need to be back for more Freeloaders arriving at the beginning of July! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!!!

Great! Thanks. Is there a not too long/ too challenging hike we can do perhaps the morning of the 7th before I leave? See you soon!

The BC Liquor stores have a decent "house wine" on sale.  It is Grao Vasco from Portugal, and it is on for $6.99.  It is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta-Roriz, Jaen, and Alfrochero.  Hard to go wrong at that price!  

I didn't get a chance to confer with anyone about next Monday so how about Mt. Conkle from Fife Rd? I can get you up to the top and we can decide what to do from there ie: how to get down. Do we walk along the ridge to the south till the rock that looks like a face in profile? Someone would have to lead the way because I don't know where it is from the top (I've seen it from the bottom). Maybe Chuck knows how to get there..... I am hoping the Balsamroot will still be in bloom at the top.... OK, we will then leave the IGA parking lot in Summerland at 9am and Pentictonites can carpool at 8:40 from Home Hardware's parking lot. Pam 

Hi! Cycling Cyclone ................. Thanx for the biking invite on Friday but I have lunch plans with 2 of my senior lady friends from my Cribbage Club tomorrow. I would have enjoyed the bike ride to Naramata & Indian Rock, so keep me in mind for the future. I will be meeting up with Gilly on Sunday for a powerwalk & powertalk. Glad to hear of your biking adventures with Bad Boy. Awesome bike rides you go on .................. you sure cover a lot of ground. Happy Biking and happy hiking the next few weeks. See you on Mon. May 30th Mary Lee :-)