Penticton

Tip to toe, top to bottom, far north to far south, however you want to describe it, today we drove the full 135 kilometer length of Okanagan Lake, from Vernon to Penticton. Of course the highway takes a few more twists and turns and slows through many valley towns, to make the trip a little longer.

It's a bit of a down day with a relaxed and tasty lunch at a Penticton lakeside patio. After lunch, Bill and Michaela part ways with us for the long drive back to North Vancouver. We'll meet up with them again in a few days.

The rest of the crew stroll the  Penticton beach, which is the southernmost tip of the lake. The next few photos show some of the sights along the way.

This can be yours for only $11,000.

The Sicamous. The paddle boat, now a museum and showroom, once ran a daily return trip between Penticton and Vernon.

The vessels' massive paddle.

The girls admiring one of the Penticton gardens.

"The Rose"

The "Thorn"?

Inspiration courtesy of Hollywood ?

Children frolicking sculpture.

 The following two photos of medallions imbedded in a park walkway, apparently represent the final male and female winners of the Penticton "Ironman" competition. As I understand it, the city fathers chose to drop the event in favour of a similar long distance race in the "Challenge" series.

A little story related to the Ironman, Penticton and Okanagan Lake.
Several years ago, a friends' son participated in the Penticton Ironman and while relaxing at the beach the day after the race, he noticed quite a commotion off in the distance. Several people were shouting and pointing at something in the water.

Not seeing exactly what everyone had been shouting about, he asked what had caused all the excitement. Some claimed the legend of the lake had made a brief appearance at some distance off shore. You have undoubtably heard of the "Lock Ness Monster". Well, Okanagan Lake has it's own legendary water serpent called "Ogopogo".

No sign of the legendary serpent anywhere along our journey up and down the lake today though.

Beachside Homes

In several places along our travels through the Okanagan Valley, we have seen orchards (I think that's what they would be called), abounding with apples. Expected to be sure, as the valley is as well known for its apple production as it is for wine. What is interesting (to me at least), is that these are not the typical trees from which I have plucked many an apple in Ontario. These resemble in some ways, vines. At least in that they appear to be only about five or six feet tall, supported and tied to taut wire lines between support posts. Almost like grape vines are strung and supported.

We are still trying to find out what variety of apples grow on this type of plant.

These plants are absolutely loaded with apples.

 Nearing our rental home again, we notice this beautiful piece of the past.

Church? School house? Maybe both.