Camping at Ellison Provincial Park – Vernon, BC

Are you looking for a unique place to camp on Okanagan Lake, if so, than Ellison Park in Vernon, BC is the right place!

In July, 2017 we as a family camped at Ellison Provincial Park and we loved every minute of this one week camping trip. It is a wonderful place to go to as a family, it is great that the campsite is clean and quiet, the sites are a good size and there are lots of tall ponderosa pine trees throughout the entire area. There are lots of views in the area and if you like hiking or biking there are great trails which are well-marked. This park is very dog friendly and even has a beach area so that the dogs are able to enjoy the lake too! There is a bit of a walk down to the beach area, but so worth it – there are two more beach areas for everyone to enjoy aside from the dog beach. I really need to share that the staff is excellent and very friendly and helpful, they keep the site and washrooms very clean. It is best to make reservations if you want to camp here, as the campsite is often full. I have read that people are making reservations up to 90 days in advance…however, if you make the trip it is good to know that there are some first come first serve sites, and an overflow area. The park is a 14 km drive from Vernon on quite a windy road, but the views along this road are magnificent.

Check out the photo below, when you are down at the beach area you will be able to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The lake is crystal clear and the weather is almost always sunny and warm.

 

Beautiful Okanagan lake

Beautiful setting along the beach

Love the rocks along the Lake

 

My grandson having lots of fun

Fun with his uncle – lots of laughter

Yep, it was worth it walking down to the beach as the water is so refreshing and clean. It is a nice quiet and beautiful area to enjoy with your family and friends.

Check out the photo below my grandson is enjoying the paddleboard. Our whole family spent lots of time on the paddle boards, as they were so fun and even the young ones were able to use them! It makes me want to buy one for myself – how about this one I found on Amazon it has everything, you see I actually always wanted an openboard kayak, but this paddle board has the option of using it as a kayak with a seat attachment. I also, like the idea of having an inflatable board, so that I can take the board out when ever I want to, as it will be easy to put into the trunk of my car. Sounds good to me! http://amzn.to/2uBNvRH

Does anyone have any suggestions, or comments to help me out in what type of board to get? This one does look pretty good to me…and I love the colour ❤

brothers – precious

Granddaughter on her wooden bike

 

Granddaughters playing in the playground

 

Love this little one

 

Yes, the boys learned how to tie fishing knots ^_^

This was a special event for the kids camping at the park, it was from a ‘Learn to Fish’ program. Great times for the grandkids! How about looking at a fishing rod for the grandsons …  http://amzn.to/2eQD5Is   I must say this looks like a great deal, as it comes with so many extras. Anyone have some helpful tips for me, so I can come up with a great gift for two eager fisherboys?

See even my youngest grandson is giving fishing a go! He is a real little trooper…Oh, he is getting a little helping hand from his mommy!

Some more paddle board fun – the uncle with two of his nephews – wow they are even catching some really good waves!

Then there is beautiful Willis, he surely enjoyed his time at the dog beach!

My grandson – he is quite the charmer!

I went for a hike one early evening with my granddaughter and the sunshine on her was like gold – so beautiful!

We could see our campsite when we were out on our hike! Hi guys … they were all too busy playing a board game to notice two hikers up above!

Remember I told you there were gorgeous views, well take a look at this photo – this is Okanagan lake and the roof tops you see are part of what is called ‘The Outback’ it is a wonderful development!

---

Ok, so the next day more family members got to know about our fabulous hike with great views, so they wanted to come with us, so we showed them the way…they were happy to come along!

I am not sure we were allowed to pick the wild flowers, but my granddaughter found some beautiful light purple flowers…I have never seen this type before.

Grandsons sitting on the rocks on the shoreline…stunning views!

The two cousins are out on the paddle board – (do you see why I want one???)

Alright – my family loves to cook – here we have cedar planked salmon – one is smothered in mayo – salt and pepper, the other one has a maple syrup dressing…and roasted veggies…the salmon was cooked in the barbeque…we wanted to cook it over the fire, but there was a fire ban. There have been so many forest fires this summer…so very sad!

The supper was fantabulously delicious!

Hey, how about buying a bag something like this one my daughter in law bought recently, it still has the tags on it…for your summer beach carry bag???    http://amzn.to/2vMREke I found this one and I love the look of it, kind of a similar idea to my daughter-in-law’s bag …. (wink)

My grandsons couldn’t resist spending a little time with this absolutely adorable little dog … so cute!

Too funny!!!

My granddaughter got so dirty playing catch with her beach ball, she didn’t even realize it, but we did!!! (he he he)

Priceless!!!

Almost forgot about Scout, she too is part of our family – we love you Scout! ❤

Like all things need to end, so did our time at Ellison Provincial Park – will we be back??? Of course we will – next year! Love it here, it is the best place ever ❤ ❤ ❤

So relaxing here, I absolutely adored my time here with my entire family – awe it was special!

Absolutely Adore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.ca.

Ellison Provincial Park – we will be back! Love you ❤ ❤ ❤

The Rise Golf Course – Vernon BC

Spectacular views at – The Rise Golf Course – Vernon BC

My husband and I went  golfing at The Rise Golf Course in the month of July, 2017 with two of our sons and we all had a fabulous time. We were all blown away by the spectacular views that we took note of on every hole we played. The photo below is an awesome example of the beautiful views on this course, check out the sage brush – not only does it look amazing it has such a wonderful aroma. We played twi-light, as this happens to be our favourite time of the day to play, as it is usually much calmer on the course and it helps in that we are often one of the last players out there. The sad story on this particular day was that we were surrounded by smokey air, as a result of the forest fire that took place in Lake Country – our prayers are with everyone involved. Hopefully the courageous firefighters will be able to put out the fire, we are praying for each one of you.

This course was designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates. The Rise is a championship golf course and is situated in our beautiful Vernon, BC. Twelve of the holes on this course have spectacular views of Okanagan Lake and the Okanagan Valley below. This course is located in a magnificent setting high above the valley below and it is such a perfect setting, as it appears so natural – its like this course was always meant to be placed right here.

Here is the address of The Rise Golf Course: 8800 Rising View Way, Vernon BC – V1H 1Z9, Canada. Phone Number: 250 545 7425 or Toll Free: 1 877 243 7417. For more information on this course you can email them at:  www.info@therisegolf.ca

So, if you want to enjoy the best views of this area in the Okanagan Valley and play a challenging course, make your reservations and come and play a great game of golf.

A heads up, there is a temporary gravel road for a short distance on the way up to this golf course. However, it is worth traveling it, as you will leave with a great appreciation for this beautiful setting for a golf course with no end to it’s breathtaking views!

A beautiful view

The photo below is of Okanagan Lake, I wanted to capture the sailboats on the water – they were so beautiful and I loved the colours of the sails. This is a huge lake and it is a great place to go to and enjoy our Okanagan sunshine and our gorgeous sandy beaches.

Okanagan Lake

Okanagan Lake – view from The Rise

Yippers, it is smokey out there! You must know that on a smoke free day the view is much clearer and more colourful – and absolutely stunning!

This photo is of the city of Vernon BC – it is such a beautiful City and there is so much to do in this area, with lakes in the summertime and our spectacular Silver Star Mountain in the wintertime – and so much more!

Vernon BC

I absolutely adore the design of the snack shack, I really think it is a perfect look for this area – great choice!

snack shack

There is always time for a stop at the snack shack

Looking for some wildlife – well up in this area it isn’t strange to see animals such as this beautiful deer. This deer didn’t seem startled what so ever by us stopping to admire its beauty.

interesting plants

I have been looking for a new woman’s driver, I found this Adams brand on Amazon – does anyone have any advice, or comments about this club, or can you direct me to a good choice for a driver? http://amzn.to/2uCl8S2  

check it out and see what you think – I appreciate any advice, or comments…thanks

Our golf cart

Hey, while I am thinking of new golf items why not check out these cool fingerless ladies golf gloves – I want them in yellow to match my golf clubs and golf bag. I think these are great on saving the manicured nails ^_^ http://amzn.to/2uD7NZF

Check out the red sky – it is this colour, as a result of the smoke in the sky.

beautiful sunset

loved the beautiful pond

view of the pond

My Son

My Sons

The pond

Beautiful Okanagan Lake

It is really too bad that you can’t see the clarity in this photo, as the colours would have been wonderful – this is a spectacular view! Well, the time came for us to say goodbye, but we look forward to coming back soon…we absolutely loved golfing on this course.

Absolutely Adore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate adverrtising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to [amazon,ca]

This is a view of Kalamalka lake while relaxing on Kirkland beach 💕

Kirkland Beach on Kalamalka lake – Vernon BC – a very nice secluded beach away from the busy public beach area. My grandkids had fun here and also on the playground 💕

Davison Orchard – July 2017

Davison Orchard – Love spending precious family time at the orchard

It is July 19, 2017 and it sure is smokey outside, as a result of the recent fires we have had in the Okanagan area! We are so saddened by the devastation that these fires bring to the valley and especially how it effects and impacts the lives of those who have lost homes. Our prayers are with all of these families, and our loyal fire fighters and everyone who is dealing with the affects of the fires.

However, even though we are saddened by knowing these things my daughter and I decided to take her kids to Davison Orchards for some fun and relaxation time. This happens to be one of my favorite places to go to in the summer months and has been for more than 20 years. I have to tell you that I eagerly wait every year for what the Davison’s have in store for their visitors, as there are usually some new and awesome additions. Whenever we visit we shop in the produce and gift store and buy something to drink and a treat to eat from the little coffee shop. If its nice outside, we love to sit on the patio and enjoy the beautiful views of the orchard and Okanagan valley.  My grandkids love playing in the playground area near the coffee shop, but they absolutely love the bigger play area up higher behind the produce and gift shop, as there is no end to the fun they can have running from one thing to the next. Of course we can’t forget the new animal barn and the animals inside where the kids love to feed the sheep, goats, and the donkey. There are many more animals to come and visit and enjoy, it is so much fun here for everyone!

You really need to come and visit Davison Orchard as it is a fabulous place! There is lots of fresh local produce, and most of it is grown right on the Orchard. My granddaughter and I went into the produce store and tasted many different salsas and even some blueberry syrup and a veggie dip. I really want to come back soon and purchase some of the apple salsa, as it was delcious. Yes, there is always something unique to taste at the produce store like jams, jellies, fresh apple juice, salsas, dips and sauces and much more. If you love pies as much as I do, then you really need to purchase a freshly baked pie, as they are amazing! How about jumping on an apple cart pulled by an old John deere Tractor and go for a guided tour around the orchard, its a great way to see and learn what is grown here. The produce store also, has a gift shop and there are so many different things to admire and purchase such as kitchen ware and many other home decor items, and all of it is so wonderfully displayed.

Here is a photo of what it looks like by the produce and gift store at Davison Orchards.

Davison Orchard – 2017

I absolutely adore hydrangea

love hydrangeas

Love visiting Davison Orchard

Coffee Time at Davison Orchard

Flowers galore at Davison Orchard

So much fun at Davison Orchard

Love the displays everywhere celebrating Canada

Lots of vintage vehicles at Davison Orchard

1940’s Tractor

Flower display – Davison Orchard

Fun cows at Davison Orchard

Old lantern – Davison Orchard

Loved this colourful display – Davison Orchard

love the animal barn – Davison Orchard

Davison Orchard – love this old car used as a sandbox

My grandson – Davison Orchard

Apple trees at Davison Orchard

Grandkids had fun with the cow rubber duck at Davison Orchard

Davison Orchard – fun with the cow rubber duck

Wee! Look at the cow rubber duck go!

Old wagon wheel

love the sunflowers

my grandson loving the old farm equipment

fun with climbing the ropes – Davison Orchard

Loved the look of the ropes – photo time!

My granddaughter on the horse swing at Davison Orchard

This is an awesome birdhouse – Davison Orchard

Davison Orchard – We will be back soon – We love you!

Jamberry Nails!

Have you tried Jamberry nail wraps yet?  They are awesome!  A friend invited me over for a fun girls night at her house to do nails and I got introduced to these wraps and was hooked!  They are so much fun and come in sooo many different styles, patterns and colours.  So much to choose from that there is always something that will go with your outfit, mood or the season!  The best part is that they last so much longer than regular nail polish.  Mine usually look amazing for 2 plus weeks!  Regular nail polish is usually good for a day if I’m lucky!  And they are non-toxic which is something that I am constantly looking for in all the products that I use!  

I love how these wraps look and they are so easy to apply.  They are just so much fun and add a little happy to your day!

Young Living Essential Oils – Starter Kit

Young Living Essential Oils – Premium Starter Kit

A couple years ago a friend asked me to come and learn more about essential oils.  Loving all types of natural products I agreed!  I did some research after learning all about Young Living’s essential oils and I was sold.  I was impressed at the fact that the company had been around for more than 20 years and that they have a seed to seal promise.  They are involved in every aspect of their oils from the seed that gets planted to when they send out their bottles to you.  I love the fact that all their oils are 100% organic and are a therapeutic grade oil.  I had been looking for ways to reduce toxins and chemicals from our home and this is the way we have done it.  There are so many uses of all their oils and I am continuously learning.  My family has seen the benefits of these oils and not a day goes by that I do not use my oils and diffuser for something for myself, my husband or my kids.   Whether you use these oils for aromatherapy, personal care or household uses these essential oils can be incorporated into your everyday living.

Railtrail – Okanagan BC

Okanagan Rail Trail! – Kalamalka Lake, Vernon, BC.

On sunday, my husband and I decided to go for a walk on the discontinued rail trail alongside Kalamalka Lake. We began our walk by Kekuli Bay campsite and went down to the rail trail and headed North, towards Vernon. What a wonderful recreational activity for the people living in this area, as well as for any visitors we have coming to this part of the Okanagan valley. We certainly were not disappointed, as we walked alongside the lake. I really want to let you know that while walking  the trail, there is an amazing view of the beautiful lake, the rugged rocks on the hillside and much more. We noticed and took note on how this trail provides our community with such a great place to go for either a walk, a run, or even a bike ride. I have often wished that we had more public access, so that people are able to enjoy this type of recreation along one of our lakes. Well that day has finally arrived, and now we have a trail right along side my – personal favorite lake in the whole wide world!

I did some research and discovered that this discontinued rail trail is 50 km long and actually connects – Vernon, Coldstream, Lake Country and Kelowna. This gives access for anyone wishing to travel by foot, or on a bike, to and from some of these areas in safety, by being able to travel off of the highway.

You know what is so cool about this trail, is that there is hardly any elevation to be concerned about. I believe it won’t take long and you will see lots of people using this trail for recreation purposes, and what a treat to be able to enjoy the beauty of the Lakes and the surrounding area.

So, if you haven’t already done so, come and check out our rail trail, I am sure you will be so thankful that you did! We can’t wait to go again, and walk the next section of the Trail – and hope to do so soon!

Railway walk along Kalamalka Lake – Vernon, BC

 

I absolutely adore – Kalamalka Lake ❤️

Vernon, BC – the view in the distance

Sage Brush ❤️

Love the stacked rocks!

Private Dock

Rattlesnake Point in the Distance

Wall hanging – granddaughter’s room

My granddaughter’s delightful wall decor

My daughter, made this wall hanging for her daughter’s bedroom, I think it is so pretty and it blends with the colour and feel of this room! It’s so adorable♥

Quail’s Gate Winery – West Kelowna

Quails Gate Winery, West Kelowna – BC

Quails Gate Winery, is located very near to the Mission Hill Winery, and I must say that the views from their tasting room and the outdoor patio is absolutely breathtaking. The restaurant, also offers stunning views and while there you will  be able to enjoy the experience of having a fine dining experience – apparently the food is amazing!

The tasting room has a wonderful assortment of gift items: various pottery pieces, wine glasses, unique cook books, and even some paintings of the Okanagan area and much more!