Here and There Blog

Murals - who knew? Vernon was supposed to be a quick work related trip to check out the area. As I flipped through the city maps and brochures, a small page opened up with purple stars indicating the locations of the Heritage Murals of Vernon. The descriptions are simple. Below Cowboys.  Indians  World Wars  Kalamalka Lake The murals made an  otherwise routine trip much more entertaining. For more info, click here.

The best part about Mission Creek is the ability to find parking and avoid crowds, even on busy weekends when everyone else is at the lake. You can wander the trails for fun to see what you'll find.  A pond, a waterfall, a distant view.

The trails of Mission Creek are going to save me from stress.  Only a 5 minute drive from my hotel and probably no more than 10-15 from anywhere in Kelowna, the recreational area puts you in the wilderness right next to the city. This sure beats the hotel gym and treadmill!  Mostly obscured by the trees, it is possible to glimpse the mountains if you are willing to scramble up the steeper trails and the creek has several off-shots and ponds. One of the main creeks.  Most of the wildlife I saw were birds. No fish today.  Some color still lingers before summer begins. For more information, click here

Kelowna has dozens of wineries but only one local craft beer company. Easily located downtown, Tree Brewing has a tasting room with a nice variety of the current brews. The first question asked when you arrive for a tasting is "Driver or Non-Driver?"  Non-drivers get a moderate pour (good since nothing is low alcohol) and the Nons' get a fill-up sampler. My favorites of the day were the Amber Ale and the Hop Head IPA. For more information on Tree Brewing click here

Wine Country Kelowna has vineyards next to the lake and views that are made for a glass of wine and plate of cheese. After being in town for 5 days, I had to admit that I hadn't bothered to drive the extra 5 minutes to look at the natural beauty of Kelowna. You don't see this view from the main road, that's blocked by building and billboard. The snow has started leaving us with the recent heat. Thunderstorms are starting now in the hills and may or may not reach the town. Friday at 6:00 pm. I think the wine is ready.

There's been worse views.  We had sun today and some warmth. Today's adventures - finding an ATM and getting cash. Learning that all parking is metered and you need coins all the time.  Shopping at Safeway for cheap food that can be hotel room friendly and was shocked to see the local version of Cup-A-Noodles, the budget staple, was priced at $4.19 per cup! No noodles for me! I still have to remember to find out what side of the rental car the gas tank is located on. Tonight I'm enjoying a local wine from Quail's Gate - quite nice! Must check out the winery since it's only down the road.  Work progresses along.

SD Native.  Everyone says we are rare but almost all of my friends (and family) fall into this category. I guess we stick together and who wouldn't, when your city looks like this? Tomorrow will find me a temporary resident in Canada. I'm sure it will be nice but this is what brings me home.

Wow, home from Spokane and straight into one busy week! Not sure how Friday got here and not sure why I still have 2 more hours of work to do. On Monday I depart to Kelowna, Canada for the next several weeks.  I'm looking forward to living the river/mountain life and seeing what it's like. I hope there's a lot to do since I know I will have at least one day off out of the 28.

Spring in Spokane gives you lingering snow in the hills and scattered showers during the day. After all the beach/desert places I've been recently, it's nice to see pine trees and the end of winter.

April 28 - What better way to celebrate a birthday than at the Nine Fine Irishmen pub in Las Vegas? Located inside the New York, New York casino with everything inside built in Ireland and assembled in Vegas! Good beer, food, and fun with friends! Cheers!