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!

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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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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!

Scenic drive Okanagan, BC

My scenic drive home from work – Vernon, BC

May 23rd, 2017 – On my way to work today I made a decision to take photos of the beautiful lilacs, apple blossoms and a small pond which is situated close to where we live. I look forward to admiring these pictures throughout the year, just so that I can revisit the beauty of this time of year. 

Travel

Point Roberts, USA – Lighthouse Marine Park

My husband and I camped here and were so delighted, as the campsite is so close to the Pacific Ocean. We both grew up near the ocean in the Lower Mainland, BC – so we love to be close to the open water and smell the fresh salty ocean air! We would sit on the beach in the mornings before exploring out and about, and every night we sat on the beach to watch the beautiful coloured sunsets – every night was different and always spectacular!

This campsite has 30 available sites and even has a kitchen shelter located near the beach. If you are interested in camping near the ocean you can book your stay from April 1st through to October 31st. I honestly, want to go again, as it is so peaceful here and it is a nice place to take your bikes and bike around the area and just enjoy a slow pace of life!

We loved this vacation spot as it was quiet, on the ocean and only 35 km away from Vancouver, BC. While vacationing here, we went on many excursions and ventured into the Vancouver area to take in some shopping and entertainment.

While relaxing on the beach we spotted a pod of Orcas and a number of boats following them on the Ocean. It was a spectacular sight and we didn’t even have to pay a cent for the sighting!

We went for a hike at lily Point Park and enjoyed the beautiful views of Lily Point and boundary Bay from the top of the bluffs. The walk was not difficult and it was only about a half mile before we reached the view point. We absolutely loved it!♥

One morning we watched this man do some fly fishing right in the ocean!

These are interesting buildings located near the beach area.

Spectacular sunsets – every night! ♥

Loved all of the drift wood and wanted to take some home!

 

Absolutely silenced by the beautiful sunsets! ♥

Loved seeing some of the homes on the beach and the natural landscaped yards! ♥

View from Lily Point – breath taking! ♥

We love hollyhocks – and these look like black hollyhocks – Wow! ♥

Point Roberts – we will return ♥

Travel

St. Eugene Golf Course – Stunning views

I couldn’t get over the beautiful building situated on this golf course, in Cranbrook, BC,  it is spectacular! This building used to be a residential school where it had native children taught and housed. Over the years the St. Eugene mission has instead been transformed into a beautiful hotel, with an adjacent casino and an 18 hole championship golf course.

This is a beautiful – major tourist attraction and is owned and operated by the Ktunaxa Nation and it is so very impressive and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to visit here and enjoy its beauty.

While visiting St Eugene we noticed a wedding taking place right outside on the lawn in front of the beautiful hotel. The setting couldn’t be more perfect and magical…I would love to have had such an opportunity as this for my wedding ceremony!

We loved the course and after our game we enjoyed dinner and drinks at the club house and enjoyed the spectacular views! A must see – Absolutely Loved it ♥

I saw many beautiful flowers in the lovely garden areas located around the Hotel.

 

I really must share the following photo, as it is a view of St Eugene golf course from one of the other golf courses in the area (can’t remember the name of this course – sorry)

We love – St Eugene ♥♥

Travel

Kimberley, BC – Platzl

Last summer, my husband and I went to the Bavarian-themed Platzl in Kimberely, BC. We used to have family living in Kimberley, so we have visited the Platzl a number of times, and last summer we really looked forward to returning to this area, and walk on the pedestrian-only brick streets. The street is full of life, as many tourists come to visit this area in order to come and enjoy the beautiful Bavarian themed Platzl. While strolling the streets it is wonderful to stop and take note of the relaxed and refreshing atmosphere. It is so wonderful to see all of the stores and the restaurants with options for visitors to sit outside while dining and enjoying the sites and the soak up the soothing environment. If you haven’t already visited the Platzl, please do try and add it to your bucket list – it is absolutely wonderful!

The city of Kimberley is a former mining town and these life size sculptures are great to see, as they give us as visitors   an opportunity to reflect on the history of the lead and zinc – Sullivan Mine. There is also, the famous large free-standing Cuckoo Clock, which features Happy Hans. Kimberley is known as “the Bavarian town in the Rockies.” The Bavarian theme was chosen for Kimberley in the 1960’s and is a real gem to be found in the Rockies.

It has become a happening place in regards to golfing and skiing, as it is an absolutely gorgeous area, and Kimberley is right at the base of Kimberley’s Alpine Resort, located only 3 km from town. I have heard that they have fantastic powder snow conditions and is internationally renowned for its world-class skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.

There are 3 Championship Golf Courses, and more than 7 other courses are located less than a half hour away from Kimberley. My husband and I have golfed Trickle Creek, Bootleg Gap, Shadow Mountain and St Eugene and every one of them is awesome!

We went for lunch to the Stonefire Pizzeria and had a wood fired flatbread and it was absolutely delicious. We loved the atmosphere in this restaurant and especially how we could watch the chef place our flatbread into the wood-fired masonry oven. Loved all of the unique details inside the restaurant, it is so absolutely cool!

You really must come and see all of the hand painted details on the store-fronts they are beautiful!

Here is a glimpse of the inside of the Stonefire Pizzeria – I loved the back of the bar, the tin buckets for lamp shades and the bar stools – not to mention the wood fired masonry oven! Yes – totally my style ♥

 

Hope to see you again, Kimberely ♥