What's in your backyard?

Who doesn't like to get away from the winter and go to Penticton? We have mild temperatures here in the winter. The first year here for us, I used a broom to sweep away the snow. Quite the difference from Quesnel's -20 to -40°. Plus the couple of feet of snow that lasted till early-mid May. I like to think that this house might belong to the man in red who spends the off season here before heading back to the North Pole and that he just misses his friends there and so he put these out in his yard.

Heritage sites

When Penticton was first settled, the houses were built in close proximity to businesses. This cottage at 127 Ellis Street, is a prime example. The house dates back to 1899, quite possibly being the oldest of its kind in Penticton. It would have been close to the wharf, to where the trains arrived, to the Penticton Hotel and across from the first post office. These businesses have been replaced by various others throughout the years but the cottage remains as an insight to the beginnings of our city.

Wineries

So you like wine? Then Penticton is a great place to visit. Within a 13km stretch, you can find 45 wineries, 2 distilleries, a brewery and 2 cideries. Quite a few are along, or near to the KVR biking trail. Most have tasting rooms and provide something to nosh on. Wine tours have a healthy business here and talk about picturesque! If that is not enough for you, there are many more wineries in the surrounding okanagan area. Your desire for good wines will definitely be satisfied.

Places to visit -Munson Mountain.

Okay this isn't a huge mountain but rather a hill. Come to think of it, it is actually an extinct volcano, inactive since long before the inhabitants first arrived. Now it attracts tourists from all over who come to make the climb to the top for its fantastic views and see the "PENTICTON " sign. This sign has been around since 1937 (less time than the HOLLYWOOD sign, but larger than that one). It is made of silica pebbles and concrete that volunteers hauled up. The climb is not too bad and there are several benches to sit on along the way. This was the last trip for my grandparents, as all 4 had their ashes spread here.

Wet again!

Yes. I did indulge my inner child while at Skaha Lake's kids Waterpark. Admittedly, I thought there was more space between me and the dumping water contraption. I was wrong. I did dry off on the ride home so we'll worth it.

Peachfest

Penticton Peachfest has been around since 1948. The idea was to draw people to Penticton and grow tourism and the economy. It takes place over 5 days. Free entertainment is provided those days. There are acrobatics, motocross exhibitions, an amusement park, parade, the crowning of Queen Val Vedette (name of a peach) who acts as an ambassador for the city along with 2 princesses, events for kids. There are also musical performances by past, current or upcoming talent as well as tribute bands. Events largely take place at Okanagan Lake but some occur at Skaha Lake across the city. On yesterday's ride, we arrived at Skaha Lake in time for the annual sandcastle competition. This has been around since 1983. Competitors have 2 hours to build their sandcastles before being judged. They even have a separate event for kids.

Snowbirds airshow

As part of Peachfest (See next entry), the flight team of Snowbirds came to perform. While out riding on Monday, i watched them practice their routine overhead. Wednesday after work, Lisa and I biked up the KVR and found a bench to watch from. The skies threatened but I was confident. The parachute team took to the skies with Canada flags and red smoke. However, instead of an airshow, Mother Nature put on a "Rainshow". From our viewpoint, we could see a sheet of rain come across the lake. As it moved along you could here a whooshing sound of massive droplets of rain cascading across the water. Facebook said the show was delayed so we waited. Then it overtook us. For awhile we hid under a sagebrush. Not much shelter there but as it slowed a bit, we decided to outrun the lightning and get back to shelter. Hah. Soaked through, we cheered on other riders on the trail and headed back to town. I could barely see through my glasses. Lisa's handy dandy bell even faltered in the rain and the people we were passing got quite the chuckle from it's dampened sound. Pedestrians, and cyclists scrambled to shelter of trees. Those with cars, jumped back in them. The roads back were now full of water and seemed more like rivers as we crossed them. Rain plagued the would be onlookers as they grabbed their chairs, their kids and their dogs. Back in town, the streets were full of cars with people leaving the park area. Since we were already soaked, we rode through every puddle we came across, hootin' and hollering the whole time. Back home, a quick shower and change before the familiar booming sound. Yep, the clouds had opened up and the Snowbirds took to the sky for those left and people like me who raced outside to catch some glimpse of what we'd missed. All in all, a fabulous ride.

Roadside stands

There are lots of fruit stands in Penticton and surrounding Okanagan areas. Cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, apples and grapes, among

others. (We'll touch base on vineyards later). Today's stand was run by a young entrepreneur. I hope he had a successful day.

What's in your backyard?

Everyone keeps something for themselves in their backyard. I'll have to show you these one at a time. The owners of this first one, change the decor with the seasons/holidays

Heritage sites

Rich in history, Penticton has many historical sites. The Leir House was built between 1927 and 1929. Mr. Leir owned a sawmill and during the depression used his staff to help in the build. It had to be big, and able to withstand the Leir's 11 children! River rocks were used to create the exterior. The family spent 20+ years there and the next 25 years, it housed nurses from the hospital. The city then purchased it and since 1980 it has been a cultural centre offering exhibits, classes and drop in sessions. Of course it is also a beautiful backdrop for photos.

Welcome to my ride in Penticton!

Penticton is a year round destination spot. It is one of 3 cities in Canada that are bordered by 2 lakes. It was incorporated as a city on the land of the Syilx nation in 1948. A new sign recently added to the city of Penticton sign near the northern side of the city says "Waý" meaning hello or welcome in the Syilx language.