Back-to-the-Beach Blues: Sunday, July 31st!

Language is like soil. However rich, it is subject to erosion, and its fertility is constantly threatened by uses that exhaust its vitality. It needs constant re-invigoration if it is not to become arid and sterile. Elizabeth Drew, author, critic (1887-1965) 

Hi Patrick! Thanks for the invite..... I'm going to my brother and sister-in-law's cabin on Tuesday for 10 days of R and R. Will be nice to hear the loons! Have a great time without me. Pam

Dearest Spumoni! Wonderful to hear you will be listening to the loons shortly but most disappointed that you won't make this particular bridge gathering. You will be missed and terribly so! Enjoy your holiday and we'll look forward to seeing you when back on the next hike or bridge night! Fondestos from Lady Dar. Cheers, Patrizzio! Thanks Patrick! I miss you too! Was nice to see Corinne at church today. Will we see you at the bike ride tomorrow? Hildi puts on a big spread! Something not to be missed...Pam

Another Hello from Summerland, Patrick and Corinne, thank you for the kind offer to host bridge play, but I think it's my turn this time, and I gladly prepare a few tables for play on Tuesday. Please let me know who's coming. Cheers, Jos

Hello My Darling Josinta and Pearly Whites! Trust you are both well. I do apologize for not being in touch sooner! As you know, I chatted briefly, with Aarturo, a week or more ago, regarding the dehydrator from Costco. Are you now the proud owners of one? I ordered the same model but I had to wait until I received my Visa replacement card.

Thank you for wanting to host bridge. Lovely indeed! Lady Dar and I will attend. Spumoni will be away for 10 days or so, leaving Tuesday morning, so she won't be playing. Have not heard form anyone else but I'll keep tabs and let you know. I might see some of the other players tomorrow on the bike ride Jim French has organized. Are you planning to join outing?

Furthermore, I had hoped to have managed to put together a Flickr album of the Folk Fest weekend but with wall-to-wall Freeloaders ever since a week ago this past Friday, (a day after we were back from Osoyoos), I simply haven't had a moment. Chloë drove up this Friday and her very close friends, Katie and Brian, with their two young children, Emma, 7, and Luca, almost 4, arrived later that night, all for the long-weekend. Great visit but busy, busy, busy! The family is off tomorrow, Chloë not until Tuesday morning so I hope to be able to work on album once things quieten down! Fondestos from Lady Dar and Chloë to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Farmer's Market this past Saturday. Jake selling his book. Marian and Tim. Her wrist is much better but still sore so hence the sling when she's out and about. Lady Dar and her new friend, Hope, a rescue pooch, on Front Street!

Visa backstory, only if interested! Replacement card: Somehow I managed to leave it at the FasGas station in Frank Slide on the way back from Winnipeg. I knew it was there as I called, once back in Penticton, same day, and the young woman I talked to said it was beside the cash register, in front of her. She said she would ask her manager to mail it and I asked to be informed once this had happened. When a week went by and nothing was in the mail I phoned back and talked to the manager and he informed me that company policy would not allow him to put card in the mail!

At any rate, I asked him to destroy the card, cancelled it with Visa and ordered a replacement. Then we went to the Folk Fest, followed by our trip to Osoyoos day after we were back. With the threat of a mail strike I had asked chap I talked to at Visa if he could put it into their company inter-bank courier service. He said he would and local branch downtown would phone to let me know it had arrived. Whether my voice mail discombobulated them or not, I don't know, but never had a call or left message so when I finally had a moment to think, I did call the branch and it was there! Long backstory to finally being able to order on-line!

By the time the gang were organized ad ready to leave for Bench 1775 where they were planning to have lunch it was close to 1:30 pm. I spent the next little while tidying up as I was waiting for Telus to call back. I wanted to cancel the Sports Package I'd signed up for in order to record the Tour. Now that Chris Fromme had made it through Stage 21, around the Avenue des Champs-Élysées to claim Le Maillot Jaune as the winner, and I had seen all the Stages I'd recorded, I no longer needed it. Was close to 2:30 pm by the time my number came up and I'd canceled the month long subscription. Wind was really blowing, 20 kph N to 20 NNW, according to AccuWeather, so the thought of riding into   this was not especially appealing, Dear Reader.

Added to this was the fact that angry dark clouds were massing over both Summerland and Naramata so I decided I'd stick relatively close to home, gerbalizing myself around Lakeshore and Riverside. When I left PTC and reached Lakeshore, the wind was fierce indeed and sending bathers scampering for their cars or back to their motels. Large whitecaps covered the lake and the two large, inflatable water-slides near the SS Sicamous were being buffeted like bathtub toys. I thought it had started to rain as I made my way past but it was spray from the lake, such was the force of the wind. I kept on, along Riverside and encountered countless families clutching their tubes and making for vehicles or huddling in the scant shelter of a few large trees, waiting to be collected.

Managed to make one complete circuit of this loop before the rain started in earnest. Showers had been predicted to end by 2:00 pm but forecast was off by an hour and on my second circuit, along Westminster, the gusts were simply incredible, driving the rain horizontally, pretty much soaking me and filling my cycling shoes with enough water so that I was squelching with every push of the pedals. Force of the wind, (Penticton Airport records for wind velocity at 3:00 pm showed 43 kph N with gusts to 60 kph!), was such it necessitated me to pay close attention not to be pushed out into street, away from close to the curb where I wanted to ride. On the Power Street section of the loop ther is a small park with a couple of tennis courts and quite a few huge, huge, towering trees. Every time I rode past them I wondered if I might suddenly be struck or at least encounter some large limb torn from the upper parts of these giants, the road already littered with countless smaller branches.  

Fortunately, nothing of the sort occurred and after about enduring 30-45 minutes of these hurricane blasts the skies started to clear and the sun re-emerged. While the wind was no longer quite as strong it was still blowing very strongly and so I was soon dry again, (though my boots were still quite damp, although not squishy!), as were the road surfaces I traversed on my endless loops. By close to 4:40 pm I had the distance I wanted so I set of for the PTC for one last loop of the roads here and then I was heading up Ellis, making for home. Last time I rode this route, under far better conditions I'd had a falt, near the Peach, on Lakeshore. However, this time I was home-free and felt more than chuffed to have endured the rain and gale force winds to do my basic, minimum outing distance. Furthermore, I was even able to clock a relatively respectable AVG of 21.3 kph, not a particularly noteworthy AVG, but rather remarkable, for me, I felt, given the horrendous conditions over most of the ride. Hard to believe that the air is so still now, at 7:31 pm, as we wait, interminably, I might add, Dear Reader, for dinner! Mangiamo! Mangiamo! Cheers! Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1282613365#.V56fLayvZl0.email

Hi again, Spumoni! Yes, I'm planning to join tomorrow's ride. Hope it won't be as windy as today! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Guys, Just a few photos from Saturday night just so you can get a flavour of the night. Basically 40 crazy people dressed in 30’s outfits that progressively got more and more intoxicated, for those that are interested in the wine consumed LOTS. The whites were mainly from the Barossa and Margaret river pre 2010, the reds from the Hunter pre 2012 and might I say judging by the rapidity of requests for more they must have been OK. Champagnes a local drop fermented in the traditional way due to the limitations of the copy right. The beer many and various, Mexico, New Zealand and Tasmania. 

The food, homemade Mushroom and Almond soup and Asian Pumpkin soup along with a selection of finger food. The main was roast Lamb and Pork with vegetables of course. Desert was a selection of 7 different items including, raspberry mouse, cheese cake, almond slice a rather delicious chocolate mousse among others. The entertainment was by Angel Strings a rather superb string quartet that provided a rather pleasant sound track to what was a good night for all. We are in recovery mode but steadily getting back to the real world. Cheers Greg and Claire   

Hi Patrick, You enjoy a very good life! Denise is so jealous of your tubing adventure! Played singles squash against a 52 yr kid from Queensland on Fri; he beat me 3 straight but the game scores were in the 7-13 out of 15 range, so was not too bad. He was quite fat though, but he tells me he has been playing since he was 12! His quality of ball striking was very high needless to say.

Just came home from the Pride Parade, what crazy fun. The West End was really heaving. Justin looked as charming as ever. Had some more of the Persus 2014 Merlot again -must go down to the Kits VQA store to get some more. Have to start barbing our sockeye salmon now. best regards to the family, Bill.

 
Hi Old Farts, I'm sub'ing in for Jim on the next two OF's hikes (Aug 4 and 11), so... the plan for Thursday's hike (Aug 4) is as follows; - Meet at 0800 Home Hardware car park in Penticton (S'landers at IGA parking lot 0740 to carpool to Penticton). - Carpool and make our way to White Lake (actually, about .5 mile past the end for our hike start point). A car shuttle is needed - have two or more vehicles drive round to Mahoney Lake (hike end); leave at least one and return to start the hike. - Head SE to ascend the knoll then turn N and loop back down to an unnamed Lake. Turn East and head to Mahoney Lake crossing Kearns creek - this part might be an adventure! - I'm not sure if this hike has been done before... anyone know? - Car shuttle back to White Lake and decide on a place for coffee/debriefing/discussion for next hike. - Please let me (Phil Robson) know if you plan to come. I hope I haven’t missed anything important...Cheers, Phil

Luca's and Emma's Farmer's Market Blues: Saturday, July 30th!

I have never thought much of the courage of a lion tamer. Inside the cage he is at least safe from other men. There is not much harm in a lion. He has no ideals, no religion, no politics, no chivalry, no gentility; in short, no reason for destroying anything that he does not want to eat. -George Bernard Shaw, writer, Nobel laureate (26 Jul 1856-1950)

Hi Dangereuse and Wild Bill! Thank you for the thank-you note. We certainly enjoyed your stay and trust that, in the future, you might be able to organize a longer visit. Glad to learn that you returned safely, even if to an un-watered garden! Also appreciated "listening in" on The Kaz and Co! I do apologize for not answering sooner but we started with wall-to-wall Freeloaders after you left!  Busy long-weekend already started with Chloë and her friends, Katie and Brian and their two children, Emma and Luca, arriving last evening for the next three days. Farmer's Market this morning and then more beach time and then a bit more wine-tasting tomorrow.  Keep in touch and you are welcome to stay sometime this Fall if you might have plans for a return for La vendange! At any rate, let us know and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Sir Patrick and Lady Coriander. I trust you got my reply to your e card. I was absolutely thrilled to read all about your great achievement 160 km in under 7 hours and see the map of your route and tricky conditions. Well done! Tremendous effort and fitness. I am vocally fit and will be singing 4 solos for a charity event at church tomorrow.There will be 3 talks on India and I will be performing in between. all our love. Hi Lady Patrizzia and Sir James! Thank you for the note of congratulations on my ride. Much appreciated. I did receive your reply so thanks for that as well. Also pleased to hear your voice is in fine form. Will be curious to hear about how concert went. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Jim Sutherland with Vera keys this past June at her home. The Nurse and the Patient, Friday evening. Chloë had a piece of glass in her foot and Lady Dar was delighted to "poke" around, trying to extricate it!

Hello Bridge Folk! Trust everyone is well. Have missed you all over last few weeks. However, we will be free to play this coming Tuesday and we'd be delighted to host. Let us know if you'll be joining us and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Lady Dar and Patrizzio! Hi, Thanks for hosting but alas Gill will still be backpacking and Phil is painting!! Have to miss this one. Cheers. Phil

Dear Patrick and Corinne, Lots to talk about tomorrow, and I' m happy to host bridge tomorrow because I thought we had been busy with our Dutch friends, but you guys must be pooped after the Invasion you had since your return home. Can't wait to meet hope Corinne. See you tomorrow!

Jos and AartAnother Hello from Summerland, Patrick and Corinne, thank you for the kind offer to host bridge play, but I think it's my turn this time, and I gladly prepare a few tables for play on Tuesday. Please let me know who's coming. Cheers, Jos Thank you Jos, Corinne and Patrick. We are still enjoying big winds at Nitinat lake, planning coming back at the end of the week, so I will take a rain check please. Cheers. Mike Hi Jos and Patrick, I am sorry to have to miss this Tuesday although will be happy having a week out of town exploring part of the Columbia. Kathy

Hi Little White and Ricardo! Thank you for the birthday wishes for Lady Dar and inquiry about September 1st long-weekend. Yes, we'd love to join you on the September 1st weekend. At this stage we haven't thought that far ahead, in terms of when we would drive up. When do you plan to arrive? Let us know and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you, Ruthless, and the Grumpoid. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Farmer's Market! Lady Dar and her friend, Hope, a rescue pooch, on Front Street!

Crescent Beach Fast Track Blues: Friday, July 29th!

I have noticed that when chickens quit quarreling over their food they often find that there is enough for all of them I wonder if it might not be the same with the human race. -Don Marquis, humorist and poet (29 Jul 1878-1937

First lazy sleep-in this morning, until just after 8:00 am, in a week of wall-to-wall visitors. Better have enjoyed it as busy long-weekend coming up with Chloë and her friends, Katie and Brian and their two children, Emma and Luca, arriving later this afternoon for the next three days. Will finish watching Stage 18 time trials before heading out. With the wind at 13 NNW I think I'll return to Summerland and ride up  Garnet Valley Road. Have never ridden here before so looking forward to a bit of exploration.

After I had some yogurt and fruit and filled my camel pack/water bottle did a few chores and was ready to go by 10:45 am. Did my standard route regulare, PTC/Lakeshore/Riverside, noting all the beach and channel tubing activity, before hitting 97. Decided I'd do all the side dipsy-doodles into Red Wing and the small provincial parks along the way to Trout Creek so I had almost 20 km on the clock when I turned onto Wharf Street, In spite of riding into the reasonably strong wind, 13 kph NNW, I was very pleased to see that I had somehow managed to achieve an AVG of 23 kph. This gave me dreams of at least an AVG of 24 kph by ride's end, given that I should have the wind pushing me back home. 

Anyway, I wove my way through the most pleasant residential streets of  Trout Creek with quite a bit of impressive house construction on most of the route. When I left the dedicated bike path and was on Lakeshore Drive South I had a bit of protection from the wind and my AVG kept creeping up so that by the time I had reached Crescent Beach I was at or close to an AVG of 24 kph. Performed numerous gerbil, [Perhaps I should call then "marmot", Dear Reader, as this is probably zoologically more sensitive!], loops there to log 35 km on my odometre when I headed south again. Must say that I felt pretty optomistic about achieving an even higher AVG than I had first hoped for as I was zipping along with an AVG of 24.5 kph when I reached Trout Creek.

Only had to do one short dipsy-doodle to wait for the light at  Johnson Street before I was back on 97 and helped immeasureably by the wind. Almost delirious to realize that I had an AVG of 25.3 by the time I turned of finto Red Wing West to clock more distance. I assumed that I'd drop back down to an AVG of 25 kph when heading on the north run there, followed later by the same direction on Rierside, so I knew I had a bit of wriggle room to maintain that AVG, a terrific one for me, over that particular distance and terrain. At any rate, I was certainly more than delighted to see that I actually increased my AVG over the five or so lopps I did there and was clocking an VG of 25.6 kph when back on 97. 

[Judy Gray You have a great long weekend too. Our love to you all.

Patrick James Dunn Chloë just arrived and after she unloaded the car she repaired to the patio to have Nurse Cora Lee remove a piece of glass from her foot! Greetings from both the Sadistic Nurse and the Wailing Patient to one and all! Cheers!]

Light was red for the highway traffic at the exit of Red Wing so I was able to get over into the left lane easily and when I reached Riverside the light further ahead was in my favour and I was back on that street without having to touch The Dreaded Burning Ground! I was worried that it would be congested on Lakeshore but traffic was light and I was soon on Front Street and then past the two round-abouts making for the PTC. Back on Ellis the wind helped me all the way up to White and there I needed two small dipsy-doodles on Van Horne and Braid before sweeping into our back lane and I was home with an AVG of 25.5 kph, a dream come true! Must have been all the Tour coverage I have been watching that inspired me! Hip Hip Hourra Vive le Tour! Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1279017773#.V5vE2eR6Pv8.email

Hi all, Yes, it is Jim instead of Pam. And it is on Jim-time….late as usual. This coming Monday, August 1st, we are going to try something quite different. We are going to cycle (yes, you heard it correctly) from Twin Lakes to White Lake to Willowbrook to Fairview to Oliver, ending up at Hildi’s place for refreshments. You must provide your own bicycle, and we will need to have enough vehicles with bicycle racks. We will meet at 0900 at the north parking lot of Home Hardware in Penticton (Summerlanders at 0840 at IGA parking lot in S’land). We will send some folks and vehicles to Hildi’s place in Oliver, where we will leave all of them except those we need to transport the drivers to Twin Lakes. The rest of the vehicles, with all the bicycles, will drive directly to Twin Lakes. After the bicycle ride, drivers will be transported to Twin Lakes to retrieve to vehicles.

I know it sounds a bit complicated (and it is). If anyone has a better idea, I am open to suggestions. It will help greatly if we were to know numbers of people and bicycles, as well as the number of rack spaces which we will have available. So, please let me know if you are intending to join us and what rack space you have available. I can be reached by email or by phone and the more notice you can give me, the happier I will be. Cheers, Jim

Happy Long weekend Kenton! Just waiting for Chloë and her close friends. Katie and Brian, with their two children, Emma and Luca, to arrive later this afternoon. Have had wall-to-wall "freeloaders" since last Friday but no reservations fro August some come on out! Upper Bench thank-you dinner for wine club members, last Saturday. Rich, in blue, is originally from Winnipeg! Cheers!

Have a great visit with all your guests. Winston would prefer that no other dogs visit his grandparents'!! Love the "head pooper-scooper". Hello The Sisterhood! Been noticeably quieter here since Thursday evening! Just waiting for the long-weekend Freeloaders to arrive! Love and Cheers, Dad/Patrizzio!

Hi Marcus Aurelius and Krissy! Sorry I've not replied sooner but we've had wall-to-wall Freeloaders ever since last Friday and I've not had a moment to think, let alone attend to email! At any rate, thank you both for your notes of thanks. I'm not sure it would have made any difference if you had mentioned that you were planning to bring Porter but I feel the responsibility is the guest's when staying at someone's home to at least make sure you tell them what to expect beforehand. Anyway, we are both pleased the stay went well and that you had a chance to enjoy the area with The Scots!

Had a break today, from visitors, so was able to go for a wonderful ride. Farmer's Market tomorrow morning and then more wine-tasting. Life is tough in Penticton. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Jack Rabbit Slims and Phillipo! I know you are away in Chelan and I'm sorry I've not replied sooner. At any rate, thank you for your earlier messages, riding and bridge. Not sure if you will be back in time for bridge on Tuesday but Lady Dar and I will offer to host if there is enough interest. Hope there is as I've missed playing and seeing everyone. I'll send out a message to bridge group to see who is available. Trust your camping is going well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Roma and Leonardo! Thank you for the lovely card! Have a wonderful time in Ireland. We were in Dublin in 2010 for a week and had a terrifically enjoyable experience. Thank you for the notice of Kay's death. We did not know about it. I don't even know if Lou is aware that we have moved. However, I will be in touch with her, perhaps even have a chance to meet, as we are back in Vancouver on the 10th of this month. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

 


 

 
 

Penticton River Channel Tubing Blues: Thursday, July 28th!

We are social creatures to the inmost centre of our being. The notion that one can begin anything at all from scratch, free from the past, or unindebted to others, could not conceivably be more wrong. -Karl Popper, philosopher and a professor (28 Jul 1902-1994)

Quite warm when we went to bed last night so I tossed and turned until it started to cool down around 2:00 am. Slept pretty well after that and then was up at 7:30 am to find Janet had already stripped her bed! Made a pot of java and we chatted for about an hour while she had some toast and honey. Lady Dar joined us around 8:30 am and we all visited for a bit before I made my own breakfast as did the Sleepy Head. After tidying up kitchen we all changed into our swimming togs and applied sun-block to make the short drive to the Channel. Place opens at 10:00 am and we found a place, in the shade, just down from the entrance, so after paying, ($12 per adult which includes a tube and return bus ride), we were on the concrete steps of the landing by about 10:15 am. 

Lady Dar is now a local expert on tubing here, having done it three or four times already. She recommended we tie each of our tubes, one to the other, and to this end we'd brought along some used bike tubes. She "claimed" this would keep our flotilla together as individually, the tubes might float apart given different body weights and current flow, and we wouldn't be able to enjoy the experience together. Once we were secured, we hopped aboard and we were off, spinning lazily as the current caught our rubber tubes and we floated away from the concrete steps. Loads of other people on the Channel, amny in craft of their own, some huge floating platforms capable of holding six people or more. One family, on such a carrier, had their two children swimming ahead and behind, both wearing flippers and masks.

Day was gorgeous, not overly hot but sunny enough for me, even with a long-sleeved shirt, for sun protection, sun-glasses and a hat. Plenty of ducks  about, almost all of them coming right up to all the craft, of whatever size, abviously looking for a handout. Still, it was delightful to see these lovely creatures, up close, in their natural habitat. And so we continued our meandering, moving from one side of the channel to the other as the current pulled us this way and that. Often bumped into the grassy embankment but nothing serious as one is never really moving very quickly and the overhanging grasses usually buffer the impact. 

Shortly after we passed the half-way mark, I tired of trying to tell The Sisterhood which way to paddle with their hands. When they were not simply drifting along they seemed to paddel against one another so progress was quite limited if we needed to move away from one bank or another. Good fun but I wanted to see what it would be like on my own so I untied my rubber inner tube and struck out on my own. Funnily enough, given he vagaries of the wind and the current we see-sawed beack and forth, for most of the rest of the float, once leading and then being overtaken. Towards the end, about 400 metres before the landing stage, I was slightly ahead as I used my feet to propel me into position and my hands to steer, one way or another. 

When the two-some arrived I was waiting, standing in the shallow water below the steps and was able to assist them, holding their tubes as they slipped off. Handed in our tubes to the lads working at this end of the run and then waited for the bus to arrive. It was a bit late in arriving so we were pretty dry by the time we hopped aboard. Bit of excitement while waiting as a woman who was waiting to collect two people was concerend that something had happened to them, en route. She asked the bus driver, when he arrived, to use his phone and apparently she called the police!

We all thought it was a bit of an overreaction but since we didn't know the circumstances thought it was better to be safe than sorry. Not long afterward we were back at the entrance to Coyote Cruises and I asked the driver, as I disembarked, if he knew what had happened. He said that he thought that since the people in question had left at 11:00 am they wouldn't arrive at the bottom of the Channel until at least 12:30 pm. It was just after 12:05 pm at this time so we hoped she had no real reason to be upset. Anyway, Lady Dar went to collect our car keys and we were soon on our way home.

Dropped Janet off first as we had to pick up a few things at the IGA. Preserve Woman wanted to make apricot chutney this afternoon and needed more apple cider vinegar. Bit of lunch when back and then Janet wanted to stroll Lakeshore so she left for the rest of the afternoon. Mme Coriandre started her chutney preparation and I watched Stage 17 of the Tour, digitating all the while, until the very exciting finish. What an incredibly punishing Stage!

Janet was back just after 5:00 pm and by the time she had packed her last possessions we chatted for a few minutes and then it was time to drive her to the airport. She wanted to be there by 6:00 pm so we had plenty of time as YYF really only 15 minutes away, even with traffic. Sun was bakingly hot when we left the house so I was pleased that we had gone tubing much earlier in the day as I can feel a bit of heat on my face as I scribe now! Nevertheless there was still plenty of "traffic" on the CHannel as we drove parallel to it on Channel Parkway. Janet only had a small suitcase and an even smaller knapsack so not much unloading to do. Hugs and kisses and thanks, on both sides, for such a pleasant visit, before we waved goodbye and it was back to Burns Street Hot Sheets Hotel and Gin Joint, for the first night without visitors since last Friday!   

Hi Patrizzio Thank you send this. It was a pleasure meeting you. We look forward to seeing you again. Rich Hi Ricardo! Glad you enjoyed snaps. Let us know when next you are in town and pop by for a drink! Cheers, Patrizzio!Hi Ricardo! Glad you enjoyed snaps. Let us know when next you are in town and pop by for a drink! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Tasting goes on without you! Picnic at Painted Rock and dessert at Noble Ridge this past Tuesday!