Bad Boy Thunderstorm Blues: Wednesday, May 4th!

It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence. -William Kingdon Clifford, mathematician and philosopher (4 May 1845-1879)

Thanks Patrick for making this lengthy somewhat slog of a hike (except for the scenery and people of course) into an interesting journey. I enjoyed it from Calgary where we are getting acquainted with a spanking new grandson Kobi Alan Jungen born on April 20 to our son and daughter in law.
 
Sounds like another very enjoyable outing for the OF folks. I was just thinking you may soon have to include an index or reference list so I will know who all the nick names belong to as I do enjoy the light hearted nature gently poking fun at one and all. We should be
 
Home later this week so hope to join y'all for the Monday hike next week. Also I am thinking of going on the Mother's Day Tea hike with The folks who invited our group along somewhere along an old fur brigade trail in Garnet Valley. Cheers, St Kilian

Hello St Grandfather! Congratulations, indeed, on Kobi Alan! What a wonderful experience! All the best to the parents, as well, of course!

Thank you for your kind comments on the Hike Diaries! Loads and loads of fun and another simply remarkable outing for this "boy" from Vancouver, new to all the surrounding wonders of this incredible landscape.

Anyway, a great outing which gave my tired legs a very good stretch. I'm supposed to ride to Seacrest with Bad Boy this morning, We have arranged to meet in the hospital parking lot as he only has to glide down Carmi, as you know. Will give him a call shortly to confirm ride. Forecast is for showers and perhaps a thunderstorm or two so perhaps we might postpone outing until tomorrow.

At any rate, I will be on the Mother's Day Fur Brigade Trail hike as well. Marian and Tim invited me to join them. We will be carpooling from their place so perhaps we should be in touch to ensure that we take as few vehicles as possible. Look forward to seeing you then and on Monday's hike as well. Anyway, let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Travel safely. Cheers, Patrizzio!This is what I appended to album I sent out to The Sisterhood!

PS: I've include Lady Dar and parts of her garden in album as I took the snaps while we were waiting for Mary Lee to collect her for birthday lunch, to which I was not invited, I might forcefully remind everyone!

Hello Cousine Cousin! Thanks for sending along directions to your place for Sunday's outing. I have taken the liberty of forwarding your message to St Kilian as he mentioned he was interested in the hike.

Have missed you both, terribly, so I trust tennis is going well. Anyway, a great outing yesterday which gave my stiff legs a very good stretch. I'm supposed to ride to Seacrest with Bad Boy this morning. We have arranged to meet in the hospital parking lot as he only has to glide down Carmi. Forecast is for showers and perhaps a thunderstorm or two but we'll be roaring along, faster than a speeding train so we'll outrun the rain! At any rate, very much looking forward to the Mother's Day Fur Brigade Trail hike and catching up with you both. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!


Hi again, St Kilian! In case you wish to meet at the Dunn's. Cheers, Patrizzio!
OK then.......will plan to meet u guys at Dunns house then........can walk there from my house like almost next door! Cheers.......Kilian

Hi Famiglia Dunn! I just heard from St Kilian and he plans to join us on Sunday's hike. He will walk over to you place to be there at 10:00 am. I just wanted to let you know in case there is an issue regarding carpool vehicles. I'm happy to take my car if we need to do so. Must away to bed as I'm joining Big Al's hike tomorrow morning. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!


Thanks Patrick, We should be able,to travel to Peachland (Hardy Falls) in two cars. Tim, Marian, Aart, Jos, Pam, Kilian mad Paul. Cheers, Tim

Hi Bad Boy! Just a quick note to thank you, once again, for the more than grand ride! I trust this might well be the start of many, many more. Guess we had the timing right as we had quite a downpour here about half an hour ago! Hope to see you soon, either hiking or cycling. Let me know when you might like to ride again and we'll plan accordingly. 

In case it works, I'm riding with Gilliana, on Friday, probably to Naramata, so you are more than welcome to join us if you are free and interested. Will be a pretty gentle outing as she tends to need to stop quite frequently. I just ride ahead, slowly, or circle somewhere. I'd like to make Indian Rock my destination. In the past she waits at the turn-off to Chute Lake while I have gone all the way to the community below, cattle guards be damned! Anyway, let me know your thoughts and we'll plan accordingly. My biased, skewed account of today's ride, below, if interested. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Over the course of Monday's hike, Bad Boy and I had talked about riding together on Wednesday. He called about 7:30 am to confirm outing. Forecast had predicted some scattered showers over the course of the morning, as well as a thunderstorm or two, around 3:00 pm, perhaps 4:00 pm. When I mentioned this to Keen Ken he dismissed it out of hand and our ride was on. We were to rendezvous in the parking lot of Penticton Hospital as he lives on Carmi, just before sub-station, in a gated community, Carmi Heights, I believe.

At any rate I was there a few minutes before he came whizzing down the hill and we met on Government and were heading for OK Falls, initially. Wind was out of the North at about 13 kph so we had a nice push along Eastside Road. Took McLean Creek Road and since this is a far less travelled road we had more of a chance to chat. Soon into OK Falls and then on towards Oliver, although we weren't going that far south, only to Seacrest Road. Once at Gallagher Lake we took a dipsy-doodle into Gallagher Lake Village Park to take a look at where Dave Whitton is currently building a home. Not sure if we saw his lot or not but when I last chatted with him he said his house was overlooking the river so I think we did ride by the construction site. Then a quick detour to show Bad Boy the distillery there, Dubh Glas, just at the north end of Frontage Road. I'd been to a tasting there, two or three weeks ago, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Grant Stevely, owner/distiller, is a wonderful individual and his products are superb!

Back on 97 to cross the Okanagan River and we were on the approach to Seacrest Hill. This would be the second time I'd ridden here, in the last month or so, and I'm starting to feel reasonably comfortable with the climb. Hardly any traffic so we huffed and puffed our way to the top, passing Covert Farms Family Estate before making our way to Willowbrook Road. Now we had to face a head wind but it wasn't quite as strong as I had anticipated so was pleased about that. Once again, traffic was almost non-existent so we were able to ride, side by each, most of the time, chatting amicably.

Not long before we had reached the tiny community of Willowbrook, then Mahoney Lake and after a few short, gentle climbs, we were zooming past See Ya Later and I was able to clock 63.4 kph on the new stretch of tarmac there. Had to brake as soon I was at the bottom of this first hill as the curves of The Wall start shortly thereafter and the road is both rough and pitted. Furthermore, it is often littered with debris, sand and small stones, light gravel in places, so one needs to proceed relatively slowly and carefully, particularly on the tight bends and curves. 

Still, we made it down without mishap and then the reward, another adrenaline rush descent on the long downhill straightaway there. Bad Boy was able to clock just over 60 kph but I could only hit around 54 kph. Mad Man Mayert has racing handle bars so he can crouch much lower than I'm able to do, with my regular bars, (My lower back won't allow such prolonged crouching, unfortunately, for me.), so his riding profile is much more aerodynamically streamlined. As well, the road surface here is pretty good but I'm still a tad wary about some of the spots one encounters. I've ridden it enough times to be reasonably familiar with conditions and, not being a speed demon, anyway, I was content to let Bad Boy have bragging rights!

On into OK Falls and then back on Eastside Rd. Wind seemed a tad stronger here, as it usually is when out of the north, although Bad Boy wouldn't know as he was more than content to draft behind me all the way to South Main, letting my older legs take all the punishment! Managed to leave him behind on climb up Dawson and took a bit of rest where it intersects with Dartmouth, circling for hours until he caught up! After that I followed him but by this time he was going so slowly that there was little, if any point in even trying to draft, although the head wind was blowing too, too fiercely for our mutual liking. 

Took a jog up Commercial Way to avoid some of the heavy traffic on Carmi and once we were back on Carmi we had a very good, long climb up as far as Cleland Drive where entrance to Carmi Heights is to be found. No sight of Bushed Bad Boy so I continued on to just past the sub-station and then circled back to find him waiting for me, spread-eagled on the ground, bike abandoned further down Carmi, right across the entranceway to his gated community, speed dialing 911! Since it is one of my basic riding tenets never to touch the Dreaded Burning Ground until the very end of the ride, I chided him for his silly behaviour and he grudgingly showed me the unit where he and Joyce live. 

He did invite me in for a drink but declined to accept his kind offer as I wanted to log 100 km and knew that by the time I was close to our place I'd have at least 88 km on the clock. Thanked Bad Boy for the wonderful ride and amicable company and waved goodbye. Down Carmi with a slight dipsy-doodle detour along Dartmouth and then King to see if this was an alternate route to Government. Not really so back on the Government to Ellis.

Then my route regulare to PTC, [Funnily enough, I noticed Phantom Fantini, cycling mate, (just back from Australia where he's been for last six months), putting his bike into his van, in the parking lot near the roundabout, just down from the Prague Café, so I said hello as I circled. He had an appointment so needed to be off. (Of course, I couldn't stop either!) We agreed to touch bases over next day or so and set up a ride.], along Lakeshore/Riverside with only a few loops of the side-streets there collect the necessary mileage and then I was headed home, the wind at my back for most of the way, allowing me to maintain my basic AVG, 20 kph.Was quite pleased, given the overall distance and the number of decent climbs we had to negotiate. And not a drop of rain! Just finishing off the account and the thunder is rumbling overhead. Had one pretty good downpour already so Lady Dar will not have to water the garden this evening. Happy, as well, of course, that the two rain barrels are being filled as I scribed.  Map and stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1154225324#.Vyp5N7DM-KU.email

Hello Patrizzio the Younger and Grumpy Grammarian! Wonderful to talk to you, Patrizzio! Lovely to hear your voice and know all goes so well with you, your studies/work and Jo Nesbø! Here is the list of malt I mentioned:

Some of what we'll be tasting at A Dram Come True, at Hycroft Mansion, on Friday, May13th:

• Ardbeg 10 Year
• Auchentoshan American Oak
• Bowmore Small Batch
• Highland Park 10 Year  and Dark Origins
• Macallan 1824 Amber and 1824 Gold
• Stroanchie 10 Year
• Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky
• Canadian Rockies 21 Year
• Gordon & Macphail Linkwood 15 Year
• Tullibardine 500 Sherry Cask
• The Glenlivit Founder's Reserve, Nadurra First Fill, 15 Year and 18 Year
• Abelour 12 Year and A'bunadh
• The Dalmore 12, 15 and 18 Year

Here is the title I believe you chatted about with Cora Lee: On the Move: A Life by Oliver Sacks. Must away as Lady Dar is calling for me to prepare a salad. She'll be doing turkey burgers on the bbq and she wants me to open a couple of bottles of local wine, a white to savour while food preparation is underway and a red to knock back with the burgers! Will probably put on a fire as with the thunderstorms it has cooled off quite a bit. Fondestos from Mme Corandre, to her favourite Swedish Twins. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Jake, (and Wild Bill!)! Trust you are well. I've been meaning to send along the album below ever since I saw you and Virginia at the book launch. No excuses but plenty of reasons! At any rate, sorry it has taken so long to send along all this. Too many hikes! Hope I'll see you on one in the not too, too distant future. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling you you and Virginia. Cheers, Patrizzio!
  
Hi Patrick, That was me honking at you and saying, "Hi," on Ellis Street last week as you were cycling like a pro. I was just coming home after teaching art to the middle school kids at the Penticton Art Gallery.

Your photos are amazing, and give such a true picture of the area, especially after reading your journal of the day. It sounds like quite an undertaking but I really enjoy visiting the Keremeous columns and was sad to miss it. Thank goodness no one stepped on a rattlesnake. I have a bad cold, and have been coughing up a storm, and my nose has been running like a tap, so obviously I had to sit this one out. See you on the next hike, Dorothy 

Hi Emily Carr of the Okanagan! Thanks for letting me know that it was you who honked! I assumed it was a friendly blast of the horn but I didn't have time to see who was driving. I was hoping that, at some point, I'd find out. Thanks, as well, for your always appreciative, kind comments about my snaps and what I've taken to calling The Hike Diaries.

I'm delighted, of course, to learn that you are so willing and generous to share your scintillating talent with young students. I think Lady Dar might like to sign up for one of your classes as she enjoys "dabbling". She took a one-day water-colour course with Nel from Llyod Gallery, on Front Street, this past February, I think it was, and enjoyed it muchly, although I don't think she feels that water-colour is the medium for her, (Too unforgiving as I'm sure you well know!), at least at this point.

So sorry to hear about your nasty cold. You sound as if you have had the same bug as Lady Darjeeling. She came back from Vancouver, a week ago yesterday, and was laid low! She still has a bit of a cough but is feeling much, much better, so much so that she joined The Flatlanders for their regular Wednesday outing. They carpooled to Liquidity, off Oliver Ranch Road, and then walked to Blue Mountain for a tasting! Quite the group!!!

For my part I had a glorious ride with Bad Boy, (Ken Mayert), today. My biased, skewed account of today's ride, below, if interested. At any rate, I do hope you are fully recovered soon as you are sorely missed by one and all. I plan to hike with Tyrannosaurus Tinka tomorrow. (In case you didn't receive mailing and are interested and able:

Greetings to all Gentle Breeze hikers:

There is going to be a GB alternative to the regular OF hike this Thursday, May 5^th. If you are interested in coming along, please, respond to me by Wed. midnight. The area we will be going to is not particularly environmentally vulnerable, so we could be a larger group.

Details:

·         Meet at the Summerland IGA at 9:00

·         Carpool and drive to the Rippley’s gate (Start of our X-mas picnic hike)

·         Hike to the SE to a point overlooking Deer Ridge

·         Loop back by a different route

·         Slow and easy, 3 hrs max

·         Refreshments anywhere except GO – we don’t like them any more I wonder how many we will be…Cheers, Al)

Hope to see you soon, Dorothea! All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Mr T(for Tyrannosaurus!): I'd be delighted to join you on tomorrow's outing so thanks for providing such a wonderful, viable alternative! See you at IGA at 9:00 am domani. Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
Hello Boithday Goil! I gather the party was well attended and much fun. Knowing this makes me even grumpier not to have been invited!!! Glad you enjoyed my snaps, nevertheless.



I'm delighted to be riding with you on Friday. I have an appointment with my barber at 2:00 pm so I'd like to go around 10:00 am, if that is convenient for you. As mentioned, we could meet at Township 7 then and proceed towards Naramata Village. I've invited Bad Boy to join us if he is free and interested. Told him I'd like to make Indian Rock my destination and that on our past ride you waited at the turn-off to Chute Lake while I have gone all the way to the community below, cattle guards be damned! Anyway, let me know your thoughts and we'll plan accordingly. Hello to the Toothless Wonder! All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Sounds good Patrick. I'll be at township 7 at 10am  - I won't be late so you don't have to put your feet on the ground waiting!!! Read some of your todays exploits - don't think I could keep up with that. Great for Ken to come too on Friday. see you bye Gill

Hi again, Gilliana! Great! That is one of the things I adore about you, you are incredibly sensitive to my biking needs, unlike so many of my other, so-called biking friends! Haven't heard from Bad Boy, as of this writing, but it would be fun if he does join us. Cheers, Patrizzio "Afraid of the Burning Ground" Neurotic!

Hi! Patrick ................ Thanks for the pics from our bike ride. I lost the gang when I stopped to chat with a friend along the trail (just before crossing over the bridge by water dam). Glad that you were able to join us. Sorry, you weren't invited to the 'Birthday Party' but it was for 'Girls ONLY'. We got an amazing turnout of about 18 gals with a wonderful assortment of delicious dishes & summer salads & yummy desserts.

Just to let you know that I will be unavailable to do the next 3 Monday Hikes. I have a girlfriend coming in from Kelowna on Monday for a hike & visit. The following Monday, I will be in Boise, ID visiting a girlfriend. The next Monday, May 23 is my volunteer day at Soupeteria kitchen. Will catch up with you on Mon. May 30th hike before I head back to ON on June 1st. Happy Hiking & Biking!! Mary Lee

Hi Whirlwind Woman! Thanks for letting me know that you won't be around for next little while. You'll be missed terribly! I knew you had stopped to chat with another friend, last Tuesday, so wasn't worried. Not sure about your schedule but in case it works, I'm riding with Gilliana, meeting at Township 7 at 10:00 am, on Friday, so you are more than welcome to join us if you are free and interested. Bad Boy might even join us. Anyway, let me know your thoughts and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick Cool group!  Thanks for the note. Hope you have been behaving.  What are you doing for your anniversary? Please advise. Jo-Anne




 

Between and Betwixt the Lakes Blues: Tuesday, May 3rd!

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. -Niccolo Machiavelli, political philosopher and author (3 May 1469-1527) 

Patrick, You are delightful in your essays on your days. You make life sound pretty darn good. Great photos too. Boy you sure have settled into Penticton and area nicely!

We are looking at a possible trip to the Okanagan some time this spring but will certainly let you know if and when we do so. We actually went to Calgary last week for an opera as our good friend’s daughter was Queen of the Night in the MAGIC FLUTE. We are not opera fans but did marvel at Ambur and we think she has tremendous stage presence plus an exceptional voice. We drove there and back but were on a tight time frame as we were flying home from Vancouver so didn’t even dip down to your area but instead went from Kamloops on the freeway. Are Chloe and Ayn and family coming up for your anniversary party? Cheers, Dawn 

As my legs were still a tad weary after the Monday "expedition" I was more than delighted to join Colonel Klink and The Sisterhood this morning for one of their regular rides. We met at the dog park, (I rode from our place as it is only about 10-15 minutes away.), near Windsor Plywood, at 9:00 am and once all the Goils who were riding, were there, we rode along Green Mountain Road and then turned south along Penticton IB Road to make, eventually for Skaha Lake Park. Did a circuit here and then back north along the bike path, parallel to the Channel.

I had never cycled on the path here before so it was a route I wanted to become familiar with. We went north until we crossed the bridge/floodgates where the channel starts. The water was roaring underneath us so I was pleased to see this aspect of the water control system. Along Lakeshore Boardwalk to the small lookout off Marina Way where School Teacher Schneider gave us a fascinating account of the history and development of the lakeshore around and near the Art Gallery.

She pointed out the house, on Vancouver Ave, I believe, where she had lived. She said she used to walk down to the lake and swim there, something she did religiously for thirty years! I did not know that this area of town was an industrial park, more or less. There was a CN station here and numerous warehouses/stores which took goods barged down from Kelowna. Twenty or so years ago, she said that during the winter the barges were pushed up onto the ice which covered the lake from about Summerland south, (Talk about climate change!), by tugs, acting as their own icebreakers! One year the weight of the barge couldn't crush through the ice and the barge remained, marooned, until the spring thaw!

After we had the obligatory quiz, (Colonel Klink is a stickler at briefings!), we proceeded to the Penticton Tennis Club. Jos had never been here before and she is a tennis fiend! After thanking everyone, I left the gang there and cycled up Ellis back home. Gilliana accompanied me as she had parked her car near our place and she needed to be back home. Mary Lee had organized a luncheon to celebrate Robo Robson's birthday, at noon, at their place up above Township 7 somewhere, (I've never been.), so she only had an hour to ready herself for party! Mary Lee came to collect Lady Dar at 11:30 am as she was on the guest list as well. I tried to inveigle myself into the celebration but The Sisterhood would have none of it! 

Hello to The Sisterhood! Thanks very much for allowing me to join you on the wonderful ride and history lesson! (Please pass along message to Renée as I don't have her email address.) Great good fun and what an added bonus to learn more about Penticton! Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: I've include Lady Dar and parts of her garden in album as I took the snaps while we were waiting for Mary Lee to collect her for birthday lunch, to which I was not invited, I might forcefully remind everyone! Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1152542688#.Vyj0CY9V0vY.email

Thx for photos Patrick and nice garden Corinne bye for now Gill Thanks Patrick, what a great place to live and Play. Klink

Hello Boithday Goil! I gather the party was well attended and much fun. Knowing this makes me even grumpier not to have been invited!!! Glad you enjoyed my snaps, nevertheless.



I'm delighted to be riding with you on Friday. I have an appointment with my barber at 2:00 pm so I'd like to go around 10:00 am, if that is convenient for you. As mentioned, we could meet at Township 7 then and proceed towards Naramata Village. I've invited Bad Boy to join us if he is free and interested. Told him I'd like to make Indian Rock my destination and that on our past ride you waited at the turn-off to Chute Lake while I have gone all the way to the community below, cattle guards be damned! Anyway, let me know your thoughts and we'll plan accordingly.


I had a glorious ride with Bad Boy today. My biased, skewed account of today's ride, below, if interested.  I plan to hike with Tyrannosaurus Tinka tomorrow. Hello to the Toothless Wonder! All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Nadienka Wyss

Dearest Host Vati! I'm booking my flight to Vancouver tomorrow, so I'll be arriving somewhen around the 2nd of July I might be able to stay with a friend downtown and maybe the Sutherlands will take a backpacking refugee for a few days too...☺️ I texted with Nicolina and they're planning on going to Oakanagen on the 15th of July so I might join them. When will be the best time for me to visit you guys? And what's the best way to get to your place?
I'd love to go on a bike tour with you or do some hiking if your old heart is still up for it?;) Can't wait to see you both again! Trust you are well. Fondestos, you cruel Host Daughter

Sorry if you are getting this twice. Pam Greetings to all Gentle Breeze hikers: There is going to be a GB alternative to the regular OF hike this Thursday, May 5th. If you are interested in coming along, please, respond to me by Wed. midnight. The area we will be going to is not particularly environmentally vulnerable, so we could be a larger group. Details: · Meet at the Summerland IGA at 9:00 · Carpool and drive to the Rippley’s gate (Start of our X-mas picnic hike) · Hike to the SE to a point overlooking Deer Ridge · Loop back by a different route · Slow and easy, 3 hrs max · Refreshments anywhere except GO – we don’t like them any more I wonder how many we will be…Cheers, Al
 

Keremeos Columns Blues: Monday, May 2nd!

Man can be the most affectionate and altruistic of creatures, yet he's potentially more vicious than any other. He is the only one who can be persuaded to hate millions of his own kind whom he has never seen and to kill as many as he can lay his hands on in the name of his tribe or his God. -Benjamin Spock, pediatrician and author (2 May 1903-1998)

At Victor Harbour. I am planning on coming to your place next weekend, just trying to secure a day off. I go back to work on May 9 so want to take the following Monday off. Corinne, marry me? :) Lots of love E August is our wedding month! What is Corinne's availability? That would be super cool. Must brush my lips, they are purple. Went to McLaren Vale, Bench, Shaw and Smith and Petaluma. got lost trying to find D'ArenburngNever found it but had fun trying. Love you lots E
 

Hello Lost Lush! Too, too bad you couldn't find d'Arenberg as it is one of our favourite wineries in McLaren Vale! On our first visit to this region, in 2000, we stayed in a fab campsite, in a cabin, just on the outskirts of the town and I used to run uphill to d'Arenberg and jog through and along some of their vineyards! 

Wonderful to learn that you will be returning to Penticton. Obviously, you have been doing your wine homework! Cannot speak for Lady Darjeeling, as I know you know, but I believe that she would be more than honoured and delighted to marry you, drunk or sober! You are more than welcome to stay whenever you toddle into town. Let us know what your schedule is and we'll plan accordingly. Must away as I'm off to hike the Keremeos Columns this morning. Take care of yourself, Aquitaine. Fondestos from Mme Coriandre, still abed. Love and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: We were playing bridge, yesterday at a friend's house in Summerland.

Hi Elinor, I'm available any weekend except the August 19th one. Just let me know and I will send you the procedure through the company I'm working with,
Love Corinne
Hi Patrick, I talked to Jack B. last night. A few people goes today, they don't know where yet, but they will start at 9:30 from IGA in Summerland. There should be about 7 people: Jack, Judd and Luise, Ed, a lady I don't know, probably Jim Brian, and I supposed to go.  But I decided not to go yet being afraid it could be too long hike for me at this time. I will go just with my friend neighbor for a short hike instead, probably to Pinnacle Rocks (not sure about spelling :-) ).
 

I mention to Jack about you, so you are welcome to come, you know all people anyway. Unless you prefer to go with me and my friend, and in this case you are welcome as well. I will go probably around 10:00 for maximum 2 hours.
So choice is yours, and either way have fun. Thanks again for awesome evening, say hello to Corinne from me please. Cheers. Mike

Hi Michaelo! Thank you for wonderful afternoon/evening! Lovely, lovely time indeed. Will send along snaps once I've a minute.  
 

Thanks very much for hiking update. About half an hour ago Mary Lee called and I've decided to attempt the Keremeos Columns! However, I do appreciate you telling me about the other two options. In future, I may well join you if things work out. Sorry that you are not yet back to longer hikes but one step at a time! Thanks again, for everything. Will be in touch. Fondestos from Lady Dar, still abed! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Magic Flute People! Thanks to one and all, especially, Spumoni and Chuckerini, for organizing and leading such a sublime outing. Wonderful to see everyone and enjoy your scintillating company. Field notes, below, if you care to follow my misguided reconstruction of the day's wonderment. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Basalt Blues: Was up at just after 6:00 am, this morn. Hadn't set my alarm as I wasn't quite sure if I was going to join the regular Monday hike or not. Spumoni had told me, a number of times, over the preceding couple of days, that she felt the outing might well be too long and too taxing for me. However, I was most keen to see the Keremeos Columns so in spite of her efforts to dissuade me, (I should say, Dear Reader, that her reservations were only made out of concern.), I was leaning towards going. When Mary Lee phoned, about 7:30 am, to ask me if I wanted a ride to HH, that was all I needed and I quickly set about making my lunch, filling my camel pack with cask strength malt and readying my hiking gear.

My chauffeur arrived at 8:40 am and we were soon at HH saying hello and good morning to Spamela, Jimbo, (who'd been away for three weeks or so, back east visiting family), and Bad Boy who'd not been on last couple of hikes. Rest of Pentictonites started to drift in and it was with great delight that we all welcomed Gilliana and Fillipo, back after being away, for the winter, (in Sedona), and then a couple of glorious months in the Antipodes. Shortly thereafter the Summerlandians, such as the small contingent was, arrived and we hugged and greeted them before Chuckerini made sure the drivers of the three vehicles we needed knew where we were going to park to begin the hike.  

Hell-Bent-for-Leather Hanneke was our Sterling Moss driver and, with five of us squished into her car, (Colonel Klink appropriated the front seat by virtue of her rank!), we held on, for dear life and pretended to enjoyed the wonderful morning, catching glimpses of ripple-less Skaha whenever we dared to open our petrified eyes, as we caromed, via 3A, at breakneck speed, swerving and slithering around tight curves, towards Keremeos, turning off at Liddicoat Rd to park near Pincushion Place, I believe. Breathing sighs of relief each and every passenger in the Batmobile kissed the tarmac once the car doors opened! 

Keeping an eagle eye on her charges, Obergruppenführer Krannitz made sure that her troop was suitably kitted out before she led the way, following the aforementioned Liddicoat Road for a short while, then heading cross-country, into the maquis, mainly sage, at this point, its wonderful, volatile fragrance, a mixture of camphor and turpentine, filing our nostrils as we brushed against and between the plants, working our way up, ever upwards! However, the footing was excellent, the low shrubs not at all impenetrable, quite easily negotiated, in fact, the bulk of the time, the omnipresent tufted grass and surrounding overburden of soil, softly cushioning our steps.

After following a very narrow, well defined path, sliced into the hillside, at times through a copse or two of pines, and up some pretty steep slopes we found ourselves back on Liddicoat Road, or at least a continuation of it, as the service track serpentines its way to the Columns themselves. Over the course of the hike we inevitably and invariably crossed it, on more than one occasion, following it, both ascending and descending, until it was determined that creative blundering would save us time, distance and energy. After the first, prolonged, fairly taxing climb, we stopped to catch our collective breath, on a small, flat clearing, off to the side of the road and then, almost immediately, had what little air we had managed to fill our lungs with, snatched away as we gazed, breathless with wonder, at the simply stunning views of much of Keremeos below, (the orchards and vineyards quilted beauties), the mountains across the valley, rightfully proud of their magnificently rugged cliff faces, exulting in their very own, spectacular stone spillways, two in particular, foaming Niagaras of rock fanning out into deltas of scree or talus, (depending on your obsessive-compulsive taxonomic bent of mind), at the base of these brooding giants.

Recovered and awed, we returned to the slog, keeping to the well-worn ruts of the road for a goodly time until Bad Boy sent us back into the hillsides of sage, following a well trodden animal track, cows or horses, I presume, at one point. Mary Lee and Olga Polga were right behind him, followed by me, I'm chuffed to report, Dear Reader, when we all heard the distinct warning of a rattler! Kenneth saw him slither off the track, where he'd been happily sunning himself, and then Rolly Polly spied him, coiled, in all his diamond-back glory, staring at her, shaking his tail-gourd angrily, from under a small sage bush. Mary Lee and I moved, quickly and warily, past the spot where he had chosen to set up his point of last retreat, the on-going rattles waning us not to tread on him or further provoke.



Earlier in the hike a fellow trekker had stopped to chat. Gerry, I soon discovered, lived in Keremeos, and this was one of his regular routes. We parted company, further along, to head cross-country, and he mentioned that we should be careful as there were rattlesnakes in them that hills! Truer words were never spoken. I knew this to be the case but, to date, had never actually seen such a reptile. Olga Polga had a good look at him, as had Bad Boy, but all I'd heard was the tell-tale rattle. Should be pleased, I suppose. Not long afterwards, back on the road, Chuckerini stopped me to point out a snake's imprint in the dust. Another sunbather, I presume.

By this time we had been on the go for almost two hours and there were angry grumblings, from many stomachs, about stopping for lunch. However, hard-nosed Obergruppenführer Krannitz would not listen to reason and drove us on, across more flatland and over slight rises, threading our way through the omnipresent sagebrush, me at least, ever alert for a snake in the grass! Back on the road, yet again, we passed through a barbed-wire cattle fence, Bad Boy acting as gatekeeper, and once around the next corner we caught a glimpse of the Columns, still a way above us but far, far closer, of course, than they'd been from where we'd parked our vehicles and had first spied them.

We soon came upon a gorgeous thicket of Trembling Aspen, growing near a lovely, burbling stream. A rancher, I assume, had fashioned a steel watering tank, fed by rubber pipe from the stream and a number of the overheated cooled themselves down with a splashes of the crystal clear cold water. A perfect spot for lunch but Krankenheimer Krannitz would have none of it and we were forced to march along, barely stopping in the inviting shade and coolness, to leave the road, yet again. Bit more creative blundering and we were more than rewarded with our first close-up of the Columns. Bad Boy and Chuckerin led us up a rocky outcropping and through the surrounding pines to a gorgeous gently sloping spot, at the very base of the Keremeos Columns, our goal for the day.

Having only heard about their very existence, a week or so ago, I knew nothing about them. Professor Google, aka Luigi, very kindly did a search on her phone and read out some of her findings, augmented by what Field Guide Fletcher contributed. Absolutely fascinating, especially when one is munching one's sandwich and gazing directly at these truly remarkable, natural monuments! For the benefit of those readers as uniformed as I was, here is a brief description, cobbled together from a search I conducted back home:

The Keremeos Columns are tall columns of basalt resulting from Volcanic activity, some 30 million years ago. This spectacular sight is 30-meters high and forms a 100-meter-wide cliff, with more or less regular fractures of basalt. These volcanic monuments of slowly cooled lava, with the characteristic vertically-hexagonal columnar jointing of basalt, loom out of the surrounding forest. This is the same geological phenomenon that has formed the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and the Devil’s Tower in Wyoming.

Rocks are continually breaking off and falling from the steep walls. Rarely do entire columns fall, but on remote occasions, they do. Piles of rubble - broken columns, boulders, small rocks, and stones - lie at the base of the Columns, indicating that it was, at some time in the past, larger than it is today.

Yet another "hidden" treasure we've passed by, (The bluff where these Columns are situated is actually visible from 3A if you know where to look and what to look for!), countless times and only discovered, really, by virtue of my privileged membership in this unique group. While we luxuriated in the sight of these marvels, we chatted and munched, some in the sun, like rattlers, others in the shade, per esempio aloof Jimbo, in the shadow of a regal pine, his throne a large boulder amidst the jumble of others, not far from the base of the cliff. Quite a drowsy making stop, so quiet, so peaceful, only the chatter of the chatter-boxes, Mary Mary Quite Contrary and Rapid-Fire Robson, breaking the silence of the eternal moment.

Refreshed in body, enlivened in psyche, a few made closer inspection of the rubble strewn base, snapping away, before we slowly readied ourselves for the return leg. I set out first, just moseying along, following the road, as I knew the speedsters would soon catch up. Just a short distance from where we lunched I came upon long lost Colonel Klink and her adjutant, Boot Soldier Button, collared after going AWOL by Bad Boy. Takes a shirker to one! Pleased that her troop was now back to full strength, OberGruppenApfelEsser allowed the prodigals a few minutes to view the columns and then barked the order to fall out.

By this time, Rolly Polly had joined me and we strolled ahead, still on the road, almost lightheaded, so exquisite were the views of the few snow-capped peaks to the southeast and southwest of us, the dark blue of their slopes cardboard cutouts against the searing blue of an almost cloudless sky. The rest of the gang soon caught up and we made our way, ever downward, over small hill and shallow, scrubby ravine, then back on the road, to stop while Colonel Klink halted to retie her boots and then for the first official quasi-group shot, (Fatigued French lolled in the shade of a lone pine while Runners of the Silver Sage, [Luigi, Mary Lee and Bad Boy], were racing each other, cross-country, through the brush.), of the outing. This captured, we looked back towards the Columns to see a mini-Giant's Head, to the south, ahead to see the ravishing green of the patchwork quilt that was Keremeos below.

Not long after, the final descent began, back, more or less, over the same route we'd climbed earlier. Weary legs by now and with slightly trickier, looser footing, I was soon the last in line, most quite a way ahead. However, ever faithful Olga Polga stayed with me, my own tried and true Border Collie, shepherding me along the easiest and best paths, always complimenting my slow progress, urging me gently on. Still, a terrific last leg, the remaining views, always an eyeful, and we were soon back on the paved road. Shortly after we had reached the tarmac, Fleet-footed Filipo shot out of the sage above us, having chosen the way less taken. Still, his sudden appearance, coinciding with our arrival allowed me to I feel that I had not been an undue burden to the rest of the vets!

Since I had forgotten to turn off my odometere on the last few hikes, I had asked a number of my compatriots to remind me to do just that when we were back. They certainly complied and I was greeted with a loud chorus when we reached the cars. Thanking them, I was very pleased to do so as I really wanted to have a "true" record of this hike, given its very nature, relative to so many of the other, incredible outings I'd been on. While the wildflowers we encountered today were lovely, indeed, the real gems of this hike were the basalt columns, their flutes sculpted out of silent stone as opposed to being formed of ever so delicate, living petals. Jawohl Tatsächlich und Danke Vielmals, Mein Liebe OberGruppenApfelEsser! Stats for hike:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1151500337#.VyfTPAey3s8.email 

Holy Smokes over....DBJS What a way to spend the day;;;;;;;;And to actually spot the snake, before the attack......you folks are so observant.....pays to be....

And...wonderful pictures as well. Thanks for sending......A & S

 
Hello Coconut Oil People! Lovely to see Jossefoos yesterday. Thanks very much for the terrific invitation to SummerGate. We'd love to join you. We'll give you a call or send a message, in the next day or so, to arrange times, rides, etc. Had a grand hike today and hope to have the field report and snapolas edited tomorrow. Am planning to ride with Mary Lee, Colleen, et al, on KVR tomorrow, south from Penticton to Kaleden, I think, perhaps OK Falls. At any rate, I'm keen to get to know this route so looking forward to outing. Thanks again for invitazzzione spectaculare! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hello Sunday Bridge Players! Lovely to see everyone yesterday, including Tennis Woman, of course. Thanks very much for the terrific hosting, Michaelo, wonderful salad Spamela, bbq'd chicken Lady Dar andrtasty kartofellage and dessert, Michalovitch!

We had a grand hike today and hope to have the field report and snapolas edited tomorrow. Am planning to ride with Mary Lee, Colleen, et al, on KVR tomorrow, south from Penticton to Kaleden, perhaps to OK Falls as well, not sure. At any rate, I'm keen to get to know this route so looking forward to outing. Thanks again, everyone, for bridge afternoon/evening spectaculare! Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Well played Sisterhood! Almost forgot to congratulate you and your table talk!!! 

Thanks Patrick, Indeed it was lots of fun to have such a game, and dinner. Corinne delivered as promised, salad was super, pictures tell the whole story.
See you all again. Cheers, Mike 

Sounds wonderful--we'd like to bring along some smoked salmon and cream cheese  with a loaf of rye bread (of course). And a lemon or two just in case.
Congrats! Nancy and David--  

Dear Patrick and Corinne  Thank you so so much for this wonderful invitation. We hope that you will celebrate in style. 40 years is an accomplishment. Unfortunately I am attending a conference on that Saturday in Richmond. Are you coming to Vancouver?? Please advise. Loved this beautiful invite. Many good wishes are sent your way. Jo-Anne and Colin

Hello All, I am so sorry for not saying good bye before leaving to join Jim in Bangkok. I have been so busy and still have a lot of unfinished business to clear when I am back in June. Below is a link to a big event that happened recently. Our youngest son Dean won this battle in Seattle on April 24th. He won a round trip to Europe any time this summer 2016. Check this battle out. You can see he is wearing his Pat of Hearts T-shirt and he said he would do this one for Pat. He has been going to this event for the last 5-6 years. Every year he gets into the finals and his friends say he should have won. Two years ago he was in the final round and it went to a tie twice before the other guy won. Dean was very disappointed. And last year he had no real motivation as Pat had just gone.

So this year he was ready mentally and just let the moves flow out. One of the judges told him later his energy never flagged. Dean also said later that it was a vindication of what he has dedicated himself to. He certainly has sacrificed a lot to get there. He also knows all the guys he defeated. This is a competition but it is also a small world of dedicated artists, and they in fact support each other. That's another reason why he can travel anywhere in the world and find some old friend whom he has met at one of the international battles over the years. It's also an additional reason why he wants to go and work in Japan. So do check this out. https://youtu.be/fwmEg5YqEEw

And that's not all: Dean's other group, the OURO Collective, will perform on May 5-8, 2016 This group is eclectic and has people from different kinds of dance, especially contemporary dance. We are very enthused with their work, which is like nothing we've ever seen before: it's dramatic and comic and very well choreographed. Check this out, and please forward to anyone you think would appreciate highly artistic adventures in combining different kinds of
dance. http://www.ourocollective.com/ Enjoy. Cheers! Jim and Tip  

Sunset Place Bridge Blues: Sunday May 1st!

It's best to give while your hand is still warm. -Philip Roth, novelist (b. 19 Mar 1933) 

Patrick and Corinne it is astounding to think that you are celebrating your 40th wedding anniversary already. It seems like yesterday we were toasting you on the lawn for your 25th. How wonderful to celebrate your 40th. Regrettably, we won't be able to attend but send our very heartfelt best wishes. Cheers, Dawn and Gerry

Hello Donna Maria and Herardo! Thanks very much for the anniversary wishes. Sorry that you won't be able to join us, of course. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you both, dear friends. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thank you for the invitation, and congratulations on the occasion of your 40th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, we won't be able to attend the event to share in the celebration of this great marital achievement. Sally and I are making plans to be there for your 80th anniversary! Best Regards, Filmer & Sally.

Spectacular photos, special times.....and in a great region to enjoy life in.    Your wine tasting episodes are to be wanted......by millions; not fortunate to follow in your learned footsteps.....Enjoy.....Little problem in our house....Sandee can not encompass wine....so, I try and manage alone....She might take a sip or two; but for some unknown (Swedish) reason; she prefers strong beer.   So; we coast along; as did the Vikings; and then by chance, discover a new land; and a new way of life....guess she found it....(I hope).....As ever, like I said before, ENJOY.....  your place looks great; and Lady Dar seems relaxed in the photo.....A & S

Hi Little Problem on the Prairies! Sorry to learn of your enforced solitary wine drinking! You need to send the Strong Beer Swede back to Penticton to stay with us for much needed wine therapy! Until bus arrives, best wishes to your new Polish  neighbours in Vita. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Just bought our tickets for the whole weekend. Very much look forward to
going with the Dunnotiones. I do humbly request an accommodation upgrade
to something worthy of a retired oil executive! Warmest Hugs from Ida Dr. Traa Kroens Hi Folk Fest People! Grand news! Humbly request away, an "accommodation upgrade", as the reason you are Cinderella-ed away, under the stairs, is the for the very reason that you are "a retired oil executive"! Now, had you been a solar panel expert, you would have enjoyed the Idi Amin Presidential Suite! At any rate, trust jet-lag is over. While you were cutting grass or buying Folk Fest tickets, online,  we attended Sip and Savor at Pentâge Winery, at noon, yesterday.  We are off to play bridge later this afternoon, as you know. Cheers, Patrizzio!.... you alcoholistic librarian ....Hi Jenever Joe!

I take it you are referring to my ability to approach a wide range, a complete spectrum of distilled, fermented and brewed concoctions. You should try some. Just returned from a "Flatlander" to your neck of the woods, o Crescent Beach. Managed to maintain an AVG of 24.1 kph so yesterday's tastings were rocket fuel! Happy tennis. Cheers, Patrizzio! Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1149968277#.VyZdIUw2OYs.email

Thanks Patrick We look forward to viewing the pics. Spent a long day in Courtenay shopping. Now going to sit on the beach to distress! Sorry to heard you have a Vancouver bug! Hope it passes soon. Talk to you soon Luise and Dave 

Hello Distressed Courtenay Shoppers! Think you better head back to the Okangan for some additional wine therapy! Lady Dar seems to be on the mend so pleased to report that this is the case. At any rate she was up and about yesterday as we had a full day planned.  

Will head out for a ride around 9:00 am this morning. Wonderful day. Will head to OK Falls and thereabouts. Won't be an overly longish ride as we are off to play bridge in Summerland, with Spumoni, and two other hiker friends, Michaelo, (He of Hooded Merganser fame.), and Jos, just back from Indonesia. Spamela has offered to drive as she won't be having too much Copper Moon with dinner! She is bringing a salad, Cora Lee will bbq chicken and host, Michaelo, will prepare a variety of exotic vegetables.

When she called yesterday, to offer to drive, she tried, gently and kindly, to dissuade me from joining outing as she thinks it might be too difficult for my aging frame. I would like to try and said I could always turn back if going is too, too tough. Anyway, we plan to chat about it this afternoon/evening. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling, on the road to full recovery, to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thanks Patrick I'm worried about your liver ( and truthfully mine too !). But it sounds ĺike you had a fabulous tasting. Looks like a fun crowd. Sorry we missed it. And glad Corrine is back to health. Seems to be a nasty flu going 'round. Had a beautiful kayak today. What a day! Supposed to start the fence tomorrow and of course it's going to rain!! We spent quite a lot of time clearing the fence path. Can't wait for it to done so we can get the garden started! Have to get a seminar ready for a conference I'm attending mid-May. Better get started soon, but other more exciting things keep us busy - time to retire!! Take care Luise and Dave

Hello London/Chabeuil/Gallagher Lake Folk et al! Trust everyone is well. Apologize for not sending out these snaps sooner. No excuses but plenty of reasons!  Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to one and all! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Lady Dar's 40th wedding anniversary present! Figaro is actually owned by owner of Ruby Blues Winery 

Hi Patrick, Will potatos (whoops! another one ) go well with the chicken? If yes, I will prepare some. And seriously, I have plenty of good water, don't bring any ( unless you want to water Mariola's veggie garden) :-) Mike Hi Spud Man!Kartofellage is wonderful! Will bring wine since you insist your water is fine! See you soon! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hello Fellow Fur Brigade Hikers, Apparently, all hikers are expected to meet at Hardy Falls at 10:30 a.m. to carpool to wherever we begin the hike. So we propose that our small group of Summerlanders meet at the Dunns' home at 10:00 a.m. and we can carpool from there to Hardy Falls. (Patrick, our address is 10806 Happy Valley Road, Summerland). Hope that works for you all? Cheers, Marian Sounds good!

Hi all, After a long layoff, it is my turn to put out the weekly info. This Thursday, we will: -meet at HH at 0800 (Please note the earlier starting time!!!) -carpool and head to the west end of Twin Lakes -climb the hills in the area of Twin Lakes Ranch -return and have a debriefing and coffee or ? at a location to be determined This hike should prove to be of a more difficult variety, so be prepared. 

As we have been doing recently, we are limiting the number of people we will take in this group, hopefully doing a bit less damage to a fragile environment. So, I ask you to reply to my email address if you would like to join us. We will be a maximum of 12…the first 10 replies plus Jim Bryan and myself. If necessary, I will let you know when we reach that limit. And if someone else has an idea for another destination for Thursday, please feel free to send out the information, to lead and to organize. Let’s encourage more and smaller hikes on Thursdays! Cheers, Jim French

Hi Patrick, Well done you guys, now had you told us a month or so ago we would have been there, any excuse to visit our lunatic Canadian friends for a few cool beverages in celebration. Also we are not financially able to come any way. Just bought a holiday unit by the beach (just a one bedroom place for our longer term retirement) down Tony’s ay and have to pay for it this week. Oh and also bought the new caravan and we have to pay for that this week as well I think the common term is “asset rich cash poor” just now. But have a great time and as they say many more in front of you Cheers from us over here to you over there. 

Summer Gate, in our humble upper class german based experience, has the best Reisling in the general area. Would you like to join us? Aarturo and coconut oil Ibu Jossefoss

We're now back in Penticton from our travels to Australia and New Zealand in March and April. We were in Sedona from mid Nov to mid Feb. May be going back there in mid Sept. Have a great summer everyone and hope to see you soon. Please call to contact us, email never changes so we're consistent with that!! Thanks Gill and Phil (Robson)