Ogopogo

Friday morning, my mom, David & I trundled into my mom’s SUV (of course, she’s in Alberta. Where everyone and their nan drives an SUV) and drove off into the Rockies.  We drove past Canmore, into Banff then across through Yoho National Park then Mount Revelstoke National Park where we stayed at David’s boss’s gorgeous log house for a bit of R&R.
 

The house was like a hobbit’s country home – all cozy, big logs and gorgeous views of the surrounds mountains and fields.  We went to a local restaurant for dinner, which was completely lovely.  My dinner had a little cray fish on it – first time I’ve knowingly eaten one.  Somehow I felt that I ought to have schnapps and song to sing with it! 

I didn’t know what to expect from Revelstoke, and was very pleasantly surprised. It is a small town, no doubt, but full of charm and a laid back west coast vibe. The house sits at the base of Revelstoke Mountain, a new ski resort that looks set to give the other local ski resorts (Fernie, Kicking Horse) a run for their money. Looking forward to finding some time to get back out there during ski season.

Saturday morning was the local farmer’s market. The peaches were enormous, and we were lucky enough to snag a basket.  We got some fixings for a bbq dinner that evening, and then headed over to Modern Bakery, the town spot for a java jolt, and as far as I could tell, where everyone in town seems to hang out. We got a nanaimo bar (my favourite) which david called a ‘namino bar’ and proceeded to gobble it all up.

Very relaxing stay – mom & I watched Becoming Jane with James McAvoy (yummy!) and David professed to find it too soppy to watch but of course sat down and became engrossed anyways.  He made us a lovely BBQ dinner with the tenderest corn I’ve ever had. Man I love the Okanagon Valley.  We watched Ocean’s 13 after dinner since we couldn’t agree on any other film and Quantum of Solace wouldn’t play for us.
 

Sunday we got up, got coffee from Modern, and then drove on to Kelowna to do a little wine tasting. We headed over to Quail’s Estate for lunch. Amazing. Delicious. The oysters were fab, and the chenin blanc was a great pairing. The added zip of sauvignon blanc kept it from going overly sweet.  And it was kind of exciting to discover it was the same wine that was served to Obama when he visited S Harper!

After lunch we headed over to Summerhill, my favourite hippy/crunchy vineyard.  Totally organic, and all wines stored in the 8% exact replica of the Pyramid at Giza.

Kelowna has grown – it used to be a very small little sleepy town. No more.  We drove by Taco Bell, The Bay, Starbucks, and a whole slew of little shops and businesses.   What an idyllic life – the fabulous Okanagon lake for watersports, the wineries, the fruit orchards and the incredible seafood.  Sigh. Oh and of course the famous Ogopogo, Canadian cousin to Nessie, the Loch Ness monster.

Monday we headed back to Calgary after a visit to the local train museum (very cool – a great place to visit with some trains to board and a great history of the transcanada railway line, and a very appropriate commemoration to all the workers who made it possible).

Lastly we stopped at Emerald Lake, where my cousin was married a few years ago. I can’t believe I’ve never been. Just beautiful. 

The lodge looks like the most amazing place to stay. Cabins with their own fireplaces (and chopped firewood on each balcony).  Uniquely Canadian!