The Rise Golf Course in Vernon BC – it’s a jewel to us 🏌️❤️

Hey son, you can do it just don’t look and drive that ball over that pond! You can and you will do it! 💕

I just got to stop a minute and check out these plants…never seen anything like them before!

Wow! The skies have been smokey almost all summer long! Even so, take a look and see the gorgeous Okanagan Lake … this lake is seen on the other side of the course too! There are so many stunning views up here…love it 💕

Hey little brother, that shot didn’t work out for you too well! I’ll just wait for you over here while you go hunt for your ball! Better hope for a better shot next time 😉

Look over there it’s the snack shack! It looks fabulous

Another view of the cool looking snack shack!

Time for a cold drink – yes, I am gong to go to the snack shack! Now that is what I needed on a hot summer afternoon 😉

And we are off to the next hole…great time with my husband and two sons!

Now you don’t see a deer on a golf course everyday…let’s just stop and enjoy the beautiful sight!

Well, it is hard to believe, but our golf outing is almost over the sun is going to set soon

There it is, oh it is so beautiful – look at the stunning colours! The Rise you are a real gem, we absolutely adore you and we will be back, if not this year…next year! ❤️

 

Canyon Farm RV – fun times

 

Taking our granddaughters on a get away trip is always fun times for us as grandparents. We discovered this small RV site in Kelowna and love it because it is situated on a small hobby farm. The hosts are so hospitable and have even brought me flowers once on Mothers Day while we were staying there. The host sells farm fresh eggs from the chickens on her farm and even delivers them to your RV. My granddaughters love exploring and climbed up the ladder to check out this tree house.

There are so many beautiful flowers on this hobby farm, and we especially love the huge dahlia flowers 🌺 My granddaughters took the time to smell the flowers!

They have such beautiful dahlias growing in a flower garden and these flowers are gorgeous. My granddaughters loved them, and so did I, of course 💕

Oh grandma look at how beautiful this flower is and it is so pink…yes, it sure is sweetheart 💕

Ok girls one last look and its time it’s time to go and explore some more things around this area.

There are lots of chickens in there grandma, and they are all brown! Yes, farmer Val has beautiful brown chickens and later on today we will buy some eggs from her.

Hey, be careful up there you two! These girls went up a ladder to check out the tree fort! Oh we could play house up here for hours and hours grandma! I know girls, but  it’s time to go see the horses.

I really really love this horse grandma and he is so very big…I would love to have this horse! I know, but for now just spend some time and admire the beautiful horses.

This horse is beautiful too grandma, look at her … I love her so very much! 💕

Let’s go girls! Ok, goodbye horses she says, as she blows a kiss! I think that there really was a love between this horse and my granddaughter 💕

I love the horses too, grandma, but they scare me a little! I know little one….let’s go back to the farm and look at the flowers one more time.

Girls, I love this garden and love coming here at this time of year to admire their beauty, but most of all to spend time with you two, my precious darlings 💕

Oh look at the bee on that flower! Yes, we always enjoy our time on this farm with our granddaughters and look forward to our next visit. We love you Canyon Farm RV…💕

 

Kangaroo Creek Farm

We were off driving down the road and heading for the Kangaroo Creek Farm in Lake Country BC. Now I have to tell you, I have never been to the Kangaroo Farm before, unlike my daughter and grandkids; they were all eagerly telling me all about the kangaroos and sugar gliders and other interesting animals living on the farm. After parking our vehicle we headed down the road, payed our entrance fee and then began our wonderful adventure!

Not only were there Kangaroos, but other farm animals like this goat…he is so cute and he really loved the attention my grandson was giving him. “Can I keep him mommy?”
There were chickens and roosters and even some very exotic chickens on the farm…they were all roaming around. Check out the black and white chicken, it happens to have  a pretty cool head of feathers.
So my granddaughter decided after climbing up on the fire truck situated on the farm, that she wanted to be a fire chief for the day! Hey, I think you are much to young for this job young lady…how about you come down from there and come see some more animals…
Hey big brother who is in there? Oh, there are some kids playing inside…it’s ok, we can go in there too if you want to little brother?
I really want to go and see some more kangaroos, come on let’s go Mom?
Wow, there were Kangaroos everywhere even  underneath here, and one of them is white with pink eyes and a pink nose! I have never ever seen a white Kangaroo before. Look at all of the people and the cool looking buildings, I have to tell you,  its way bigger here at the Kangaroo Farm than I even imagined! I really love the look of all of the rustic buildings!

There is even an old car on the farm! Wow she sure must have been a real beauty back in the day ❤️

Hey, I am not sure you should be in there? You better get out now…oh no… he is beginning to get a real love for these vintage cars!
Love the flowers and decor … everywhere you look there is something special awaiting! ❤️
Little brother, I think you and I should build a bird house together one day!
I see you peeking around that corner…come on let’s go and see some more animals …how about the sugar gliders?
Here is an adorable baby sugar glider 💕
Oh, they are so cute!
Look up there, it’s a ledge filled with decor items and bird houses
When looking at the bird houses on the ledge,  this verse came to my mind!
Love the old watering can in his little garden area.
Flowers galore
An old tricycle 💕
Another old bike in a garden area
Flowers … they are all so beautiful 💕
Love love love it! ❤️
Look at these two brothers, they both really loved the animals ❤️
An old phone booth…hey, I think these two kids want out! 😉
I think the brothers are wantng to check out and see what is actually inside this building! Of course they do, they are just two very adventurous boys!
Love the rustic decor…
One more pet of this very soft Kangaroo, and it is time to say good bye to all of the animals and the fun adventure we had at the Kangaroo Creek Farm. Oh, we will be back for sure … can’t wait!
You really should go to this place and visit, it is awesome! ❤️

Wine touring in the Okanagan Valley

Walnut Beach Resort – Osoyoos, BC

April 2017 – We made a decision to go for a weekend getaway to Osoyoos, with our brother and sister-in-law. We really love coming to Osoyoos at this time of the year, as we know it is a fantastic place to go to when you need a little break away from the hustle and bustle of life. In the Okanagan, we are finally saying goodbye to some of our cooler winter weather and are happy to be feeling some of the warmth from the sunshine that Spring time has to offer. Knowing that Walnut Beach Resort is a top-notch place to stay, it was easy for us to make this one of our top choices when it was time for us to make a reservation. This Resort actually has its own private beach and while visiting and relaxing on the beach, we are always awed by the gorgeous view of the lake and surrounding area. I would love to come back here with a kayak and paddle on the relaxing lake waters – check this paddle board with the option of using it like a kayak out >http://amzn.to/2uRPL7F There is a beautiful heated pool with a large wrap around deck, and in addition there are two hot tubs, one is set at 101 degrees and the other one is set at 104 degrees. There are kitchen suites in the hotel, which is something we thoroughly enjoy, making this stay a wonderful feeling of being at your very own home away from home. Another interesting perk, is the option of being able to do some barbequing, as there are a number of barbeques on the outdoor deck. Walnut Beach Resort is located at 4200 Lakeshore Drive, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V6 – Phone # 1 250 495 5400

We were ecstatic to go and explore some of the wineries in the Osoyoos and Oliver area, which happens to be the wine capital of Canada. Every winery is unique and has something special to offer its guests – some are small and quaint, while others are expanse and elaborate, but the most important detail we learned is not to judge a book by its cover. The South Okanagan Valley is a semi-desert area, and we are proud to share with you that there are over 300 wineries for you to explore, across the Okanagan Valley. Continue reading and I will take you on the tour we took this past weekend to 5 different wineries; I will, also share some of the photos I took of these amazing wineries.

 

Here is a view of Osoyoos Lake from the dock by the Hotel. This area is so quiet and peaceful at this time of the year, but that will soon change when the warmer weather arrives.

Here is a view from inside the hotel from the 3rd floor looking down towards the main level entry. It really is a great place to stay for a holiday, and we highly recommend it! We will be back ♥

Black Hills Estate Winery – Oliver, BC

The first Winery we visited was Black Hills, and when we arrived we were very impressed with the modern style of the building, the outdoor pool and large patio area. The views of the vineyard and surrounding hillside and the South Okanagan Valley is absolutely stunning. I would imagine that the pool, known as a “water feature” is pretty impressive and fitting on a hot summer day!  It was such a nice treat to be offered a chair by a table, so that we were able to sit down and experience the wine tasting, which gave us a nice opportunity to relax and visit. We chose to sit on the outdoor patio and as it was a bit cool outside, we were offered the use of some nice warm blankets to wrap around us. Hey if you want to contact Black Hills Winery for yourself their email address is: http://www.everythingwine.ca/BlackHills/Wine or call them toll free at: 1 844 989 9463

According to some of the reviews about this winery, there is a menu which offers an option to choose appetizers, or a meal – as a choice to pair along with the wine tasting. Perhaps they do not have the restaurant open at this time of the year, as we were not offered a menu. Whatever the case, we decided to share the portfolio tasting which consisted of 2 ounce servings, of six different wines; which equalled 12 ounces of wine – at a total cost of $20. This is a place to go to when you have some time and when you look forward to relaxing and enjoying the taste of some delicious wines. While sipping on our wine we were given a lot of information by a knowledgable “wine evangelist” about the different wines and the vineyard, in which the grapes are grown. It was so wonderful sitting down in a very relaxed and un-hurried environment.

I love wine glasses – how about getting a few like these >http://amzn.to/2uR9gwY

The gazebos’ below must be wonderful to sit in on a sunny and warm day, as they offer a shaded area for guests visiting the winery.

The vineyard must look so incredible when it is lush and green later in the Spring and Summer months. Perhaps we will be back later this summer, or early fall – I certainly hope so, as I love seeing all of the grape clusters hanging from the vines, it is so beautiful!

I have seen photo’s of the pool – “water feature” when it is later in the season and it really looks amazing and so very inviting. I am sure it would be wonderful being here when it is warm outside sitting around the pool area, sipping on a glass of wine!

I was drawn to the framed photo of one of BC’s landmarks, which is the magnificent McIntyre Bluff, located in Oliver. This is a view of the Bluff (also known as Indian Head) taken from Vaseux Lake. There are anyways 2 hiking trails which take you up to the Bluff and either trail takes about 2 to 3 hours. The views from up there are breath taking! If you are interested in taking a hike to the Bluff, why not take the trail which leads you there right by the Covert Farm Winery? That sounds like a great idea to me! I should get myself a pair of good hiking shoes for this summer – these look good to me >http://amzn.to/2uUGOc9

Yes, there is still some snow up on the mountains!

I took a photograph of – 2 bikes parked near the building, as I thought it looked like a fun and interesting way to travel around in this area. I began to wonder if the people biking were out on a tour, checking out a few wineries. If so, what a great way to enjoy the South Okanagan Valley and the vineyard views! Perhaps I could get a bike carry bag like one of these cool purple ones for on my bike – I may even do some wine touring on a bike one day too! >http://amzn.to/2uRWQoH

VinAmite Winery and Wine Lounge, Oliver – BC

Our “wine evangelist” from Black Hills Winery, recommended VinAmite Winery and Fairview Cellars, as good choices for us to go to on our self-made wine tour. So, off we went and headed to VinAmite and when we arrived, I wondered what such a tiny Wine Lounge would have to offer us? However, once the door was opened I was pleasantly surprised by the pleasing decor inside, it was so inviting that it caused me to move inside with anticipation for what this tiny Lounge had to offer! It is beautifully and carefully decorated with an impressive French theme.

We met Catherine and she was so warm and friendly, she made us feel right at home. She told us that she moved to Oliver from Montreal and has never regretted this decision. She has thoroughly embraced and fallen in love with Oliver, BC and the wine industry and is proud to call it her home! If you would love to visit VinAmite Winery and meet the hostess Catherine here is the address: 5381 Hwy 97, Oliver BC – (this place is hiding in plain sight) the contact phone # 1 250 48=98 2234 and the email address is: INFO@VINAMITECELLARS.COM

We did not order anything from the menu, but were told all about the different meals and appetizers, and in addition we had the privilege of seeing photos of what we could order. It all looked so very good and it was very tempting, perhaps next time we visit.

I have to say that we were so pleased to be able to read a wine list, which was placed on our table, so that we were in the know of the names of the different wines we were given to taste. It was, also wonderful to learn some interesting details about the wines we were tasting. Catherine gave us details about how their winery began and where it is at today – we were very intrigued by her story. She definitely has a real passion for her families winery. With a friendly smile, Catherine kindly promotes the relationship the wineries have with one another in the South Okanagan Valley.

Many fine details were thought of at this winery, and this was definitely shown when our designated driver was not over looked, as she was offered a cool refreshing and tasty nonalcoholic drink. This was such a nice gesture, as we were very appreciative to have our sister-in-law drive us to the wineries – and VinAmite Winery shows their appreciation to the designated drivers, too!

I am going to pass on to you something life changing for me that I have learned this weekend about wineries – “don’t judge a winery by the size of the building, or vineyard, as some of the little wineries have absolutely amazing wines.” VinAmite Winery and Wine Lounge – We will be back! Hopefully when everything is lush and green and the weather is warm, so that we can enjoy some food pairings on your outdoor patio.

My husband and I are huge fans of industrial style furniture (reclaimed distressed wood and steel) – I found out that Catherine and her family, purchased a lot of their furniture at the LakeHouse Home Store, in Kelowna, BC. We frequent this store, as we thoroughly love everything that this store has to offer – it’s totally our style! ♥ I have some fabulous rustic looking bar stools at home, but if you are interested in something like this for yourself – check these out > http://amzn.to/2f53cvq

Even the young children are not forgotten at VinAmite Winery…

Absolutely Adore this menu

Thanks for everything VinAmite – we will be back – because we absolutely adore you ❤

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Stay tuned, because I have many more wineries to share with you!!! ❤

Silver Star Mountain – Vernon, BC

Psst – We found a fantastic condo to rent for our family at Silver Star Mountain ❤

Yay! It was the May long weekend and my family threw a surprise party for my husband’s 60th birthday. Wow – was he surprised, when he pulled up to the chalet with our oldest son and there we were the whole family shouting out our birthday surprise to him from the sundeck. It was a fantastic weekend and our entire family of 13, celebrated this event together.( My husband and I – our 4 children our son-in- law and daughter-in-law and 5 grandchildren)

Our daughter made the arrangements and found this fabulous chalet for us to rent for the long weekend. It was a beautiful 3 story chalet with 4 bedrooms – and a couch with a pullout bed. This is a luxury duplex chalet ski in/ski out with a private hot tub, laundry room and garage. This chalet sleeps 12 and has 4 bedrooms- (7 beds – 1 King bed, 2 queen beds, 1 queen lower bunk, 1 twin upper bunk, 1 twin sofa/hide-a-bed and 1 double sofa-bed/hide-a-bed) and 5 bathrooms. If you are interested in renting this condo the property ID # is 214151 – Just contact Owner Direct Vacation Rentals – Toll Free USA, Canada 1-888-869-6377.

The grandchildren couldn’t get enough of the fun they had in the hot tub and we loved watching them spend lots of quality time together. I must say we all had fun enjoying some relaxing time while visiting and having some great conversations and lots of laughter in the hot tub.

The weather was fantastic and we were able to enjoy the outdoors without a need for a jacket. This is a rare thing even for us living in the Okanagan Valley, as the May Long Weekend is often on the cooler side as far as weather goes.

Our daughter and daughter in law and grandkids decorated the chalet for Papa’s 60th birthday. I love how the grandkids painted the letters on the papers – they did a great job! The colour theme was so wonderful and it looked great in the chalet – I love what they did ♥

60th birthday celebration

Birthday celebration

Loved the wood details in the high-peaked ceiling in the kitchen area! I would show off photos of the counter tops and more details, but our kitchen was often covered with dishes and food items etc. there were so many times when someone was found prepping something special in the kitchen for the family to enjoy!

kitchen highlights

living room

This is one of my favourite photos from this weekend – I don’t know quite what it is about it – but, I absolutely adore it! It’s a photo of my daughter-in-law and my grandson, Hudson ♥ Oh, and our whole family loves this chair, it is so comfy!!!

special moments

These wooden decor balls are so cool – I love them! Wow – I found a driftwood  ball decor on Amazon – check it out > http://amzn.to/2ucdoEd  I am not sure I will buy it, but I would love to have one for myself, as I think they look great. My daughter made one for her home when she lived in Slave Lake, Alta she gathered lots of driftwood and glued it all around a balloon in order to create the circle shape for her driftwood ball decor…

 

wood decor

I really want an end table like this one in my house! Yep, I checked on line and I found one and even though it looks different then this one, it will look great beside my red chair in our living room –http://amzn.to/2hgqNKl

side table – wooden stump

The chalet is a duplex – and our family stayed on the left side.

silver star condo

silver star condo

silver star condo

Wow! Fantastic details in the rock feature wall right by the entry to the house.

rock wall

I love this painting and stopped to admire it a number of times! We have a couple of this style of paintings in our home, as it is my husbands favourite style of art! Anyways, maybe I could get him another one for a birthday gift, what about one like this??? http://amzn.to/2hghtq0 – I think the colours are gorgeous ❤

native art wall

decor

silver star condo

The family each had one or 2 meals to prepare and we all contributed to the appetizers. Our daughter made a meat lasagna and a seafood lasagna and they were both amazing!

dinner

dinner

She also, made us waffles with fresh sliced strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast the next day – Yummy!

breakfast

I made pulled pork and we had coleslaw, pickles and some fresh fruit for lunch – it was good, but the pork should have cooked in the slow cooker longer, as the meat was not soft enough to pull apart – oh well, next time!

lunch

My one son, prepared halibut with rice and beans, asparagus and some fresh pineapple salsa – Wow! it was great and it was paired wonderfully with a mojito made by my daughter!

dinner

Our cheese board – was prepared by a number of us for our evening fun, as we spent time together playing board games around the table.

appetizer

Our daughter-in-law made a blackberry and pecan brie cheese served with crackers – delicious!

appetizer

Our daugther-in-law made this amazing curry dish with naan bread – fabulous!

dinner

Our son made this lovely egg, cheese and ham toast baked in the oven with a fresh fruit salad – sorry for the messy looking presentation, but my sandwich kind of slid around and made for a bit of a disarrayed photo!

breakfast

Some of the lovely homes near Silver Star’s village area.

silver star mountain

silver star mountain

We all went for a walk around Silver Star’s village area, and we couldn’t help but notice that it was so quiet and hardly anything was open!

silver star mountain

silver star mountain

silver star mountain

silver star mountain

silver star mountain

silver star mountain

silver star mountain

silver star mountain

Aha! The Bulldog was open – so we all went inside to have something to drink and enjoy the ambiance inside!

silver star mountain

bull dog

Beautiful!

granddaughter

Funny!

grandson

Sweet!

grandson

Adorable!

granddaughter

Cuddly grandson!

grandson

Our youngest son!

son

Our middle son!

son

Our Son-in-law!

son-in-law

Our daughter-in-law

daughter-in-law

Our oldest son!

son

Our daughter!

daughter

daughter

Our kids! ♥

my kids

my kids

my kids

Our 4 kids!

my original 4 kids

Our girls!

daughters

kids

Such a cute hairdo!

granddaughter

Time to say farewell to Silver Star Mt. – Loved our time here so very much! ♥

I want to share the photos of the appie that my son made for his Dad’s birthday celebration once we were home again…it was absolutely delicious…these were muscles baked in the oven – I don’t have the recipe, but I can tell you that it is one of his own many wonderful creations!!!

appy

appy

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If you are looking for a fantastic getaway condo to rent for one of your family vacations, or special occasions – Silver Star Mountain in Vernon, BC is a great place any time of the year! It is a holiday stay that is over the top – amazing!!!

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!

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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.

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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!

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

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!