A Summer Road Trip To British Columbia..Part 2
Part Two: The Scenic Route to Okanagan Falls
After two enjoyable days in Vancouver, it was time to leave the coast and continue our journey to Okanagan Falls, where we would spend a few days visiting our friends Ed and Diane.
Instead of taking the fastest route, we chose the scenic back roads so we could see more of the British Columbia countryside.
Through the Fraser Valley
Rain and mist followed us east from Vancouver. For the first hour or so, the drive still felt fairly urban, but eventually the buildings gave way to the green fields of the Fraser Valley. Tall corn filled the fields, while the winding Fraser River appeared beside us at various points along the road.
After stopping for lunch in Hope, we continued north on the Trans-Canada Highway through the Fraser Canyon. We eventually turned onto Highway 8 toward Merritt and then followed Highway 97C east to Peachland.
At Peachland, we joined Highway 97 and began travelling south along the western shore of beautiful Okanagan Lake..
Smoke Over the Okanagan
As we approached Peachland, the scenery changed dramatically. Smoke from wildfires in Canada and north-central Washington had settled over the valley, creating hazy skies and obscuring some of the distant views.
The wind coming off Okanagan Lake was something else. Even with the smoke, the immense lake and surrounding hills made for an impressive drive.
Our route continued south to Penticton, which sits between two lakes—Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south. These lakes form part of what is informally called the Okanagan chain of lakes, a series of valley-bottom lakes connected by streams and the Okanagan River.
After leaving Penticton, we followed Lakeside Road along Skaha Lake before climbing high above its eastern shore to our friends’ home. From there, they enjoy a wonderful view overlooking the lake.
A Quieter Visit With Friends
We usually fit in a hike or two whenever we visit Ed and Diane. This time, however, temperatures were close to 90 degrees, and the wildfire smoke made strenuous outdoor activities less appealing. We decided to slow down and spend more time indoors.
One morning, we went shopping for a few Canadian treats and products that aren’t readily available in the United States. Yes, chocolate was involved.
The following day, we took a pleasant midmorning walk in Penticton, followed by coffee and a sweet treat. Sometimes the simplest outings are the most enjoyable.
Summer Fruit and Good Food
There is always wonderful food when we stay with Ed and Diane, and this visit was no exception. Diane and I share several interests, but one of the biggest is baking. In fact, baking is how we first met many years ago. Because we usually visit in the fall, there are often plenty of opportunities to bake together. This year’s visit fell in midsummer, so our baking was limited to a fresh blueberry pie made with local berries.
Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos of the pie. The bread photo included here is from last year’s visit, but it still represents one of the things Diane and I enjoy sharing whenever we get together.
Our trip happened to coincide with peak fruit season in the Okanagan Valley. Fresh peaches and nectarines were plentiful, and we arrived just in time to enjoy the tail end of the blueberry season.
Good food, fresh local fruit and time spent catching up with friends made our visit feel special—even if the heat and smoke changed some of our original plans.
Next, we begin the journey home, with stops for ripe peaches, Yakima Valley produce and one exceptionally large hamburger.
Coming next: Part Three—Following the Summer’s Harvest Home