Okanagan

I just came back from one of the most spectacular regions in the world. If anybody has gone up to the Okanagan (just 5 hours east of Vancouver), you know what I'm talking about. Surrounded by fresh water lakes, this semi-arid area is home to award-winning wineries, stunning valleys, snow-powdered mountains, numerous farming communities and some of the best customer service ever!

Day One - Okanagan Lake

That'd be Okanagan Lake...

This particular area of the lake is called Okanagan Landing,
and it just so happens to be where my dad grew up...


Those that live here are so very lucky...


Day Two - Silver Star

Once upon a time, my dad used to be caretaker up on Silver Star, a fantastic ski resort in Vernon. Before webcams and the internet, snow and weather conditions had to be radio transmitted down to the town below. This was one of dad's tasks, and not always was he truthful about the conditions, especially if there was a layer of fog preventing the town from seeing what was actually happening up on the mountain. He would do this so he could sneak in a few good runs before the crowds caught on that it'd be a super day to go skiing!

Because of him, I got sucked into skiing and became groomed as a fair-weather skier. Over the years, it became tradition to not take photographs on ski trips so that it will be forever imbedded in our minds - moments only shared by dad and myself. Alas, the time has come that I find myself skiing more and more alone, and figured that it can't be such a bad idea to share (what I consider) my most personal moments with family and friends.

Silver Star Village...


My ski guides for the day!

I have got to write a few words about these two people, as I honestly had so much fun with them. We enjoyed each other's company so immensely that what could have been a quick tour of a few runs soon turned into a full day of carving up the mountain. It was my first time up on the hill this year and so I felt the burn in my legs early on in the day, while this nearly 80 year old man had the endurance of a teenage boy! In response to my, "I'm so out of shape" cry, he said, "Don't cry! Just Do!", and that's exactly what I did and plan to do!

The two of them even treated me to lunch, when it really should have been the other way around! I am so grateful for their outstanding hospitality and plan to reconnect with them again soon. I guess the reason why we connected so well is that like me, they live in two places. They are originally from Europe, and live on Silver Star during the winter, and during the rest of the year, they live on an island on the Danube river. Looks like I will forever being going back and forth from Vancouver and Tel Aviv!

The Monashees off in the distance...


Posing for the first time while on skis!


Silver Star at its best...


Another great run...


I was so distracted by the view!


Such perfection...


Many trees are infected with pine beetle...


Ok!!! I know this is blurry, but forgive me
as it's the only photo I've got
that captures the amazing night sky!


Day Three - Part One: A Winter Wonderland

I woke up to find that the entire region was covered in mist and hoar frost. Every single thing was covered in radiating water crystals and the fog made it seem like I went back in time for just a day. I had honestly never experienced or seen anything more beautiful, mysterious and magical in my life.

A tree with red berries in the yard...


Funky trees that lined the driveway...


Vineyards can be a little creepy...


The most perfect example of hoar frost...


Ice sculpting for the Winter Festival...


Polson Park reminds me of a backdrop for the Snow Queen...


Another amazing example of hoar frost...


Hints of blue sky...


A scene straight out of Hanzel and Gretyl...


Farmliving at its finest...


Is this a dragon claw willow?
If you can identify, please let me know!


Day Three - Part Two: A Walk To Remember

I decided to go for a walk around Coldstream, just outside of Vernon. I had no idea what was in store for me!

The neighbour's driveway...


The neighbour's yard...


In the middle, you can see the lake...


Another property off the road...
(two horses are off to the right)


More hoar frost...


A frozen staghorn sumac tree...


A priceless shot...


At the right place, at the right time...


Blades of white grass...


I tried so hard not to step into the
horse droppings when taking this photo,
only to find that they were frozen anyway!


Another perfect moment...


I just had to get a close up of this...


The last shot of the evening...


All of these photos were taken within an hour's walk!


Day Four - Kalamalka Lake

Unfortunately, I had to return to Vancouver at some point. On route to the airport, my most generous host stopped at Kalamalka Lake, known as the Lake of Many Colours due to the intense turquoise and blue tones that often appear and sweep across the lake (google it). Close to 15 years ago, I went to a Jewish summer camp situated right on the lake. Some of you may know it as Camp Hatikvah. I suffered from the social activities involving mean little girls and boys, but thoroughly enjoyed all the water activities, particularly waterskiing with the camp leaders!

View from the lookout spot,
which is also the makeout spot too!


As dad puts it, "This is God's Country"...



...and I couldn't agree more.