Channel Surfing
I got back from Penticton a week ago, but spent most of the time since then doing absolutely nothing and loving it.. that is until I saw the photos that malamaca had put up on our site (lindsaysdiet.com)and figured I better start photoshopping. (make sure you look at the other set of Japan photos too because they are absolutely surreal!)
So back to Pentitcon, for those of you who aren't familiar with the Okanagan, Penticton is a city in south central British Columbia between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake (at one time known officially as "Dog Lake"). Its 2006 population was 31,909 (41,574 in the greater area). The name Penticton is derived from a word in the Salish language, and it is roughly translated as "a place to stay forever". **EDIT - I editing the photos on lindsaysdiet.com to include the lake photos, now the order is all messed up with these ones and I'm much to lazy to fix them.
Lindsay (malamaca), Adrienne (vicious_muse, Joanna (scootergal) & I rented an amazing Toyota Hybrid Friday evening for the drive up there, I really wanted to take the Bug, but after seeing the drive I'm SO HAPPY that we didn't. It took us about two hours to get out of the city (picked up Jo, forgot CD's, went back downtown, got stuck in critical mass, picked up some BK)... Four and a bit hours later (plus a trip to the gas station for some red bull) we pulled into Pentiction - it was late & dark & I was pretty much done hearing Jo talk about her barebacking habits ;)
Saturday June 30th, 2007
Linday & I were up early, I met her parents - who are lovely & insane. We drove up to the Penticton sign on the hill to take pictures with the Holga (that didn't turn out) and check out the view. We had to pick up Jo & Adrienne at Adriennes parents that morning to do some running around before we hit the Penticton River Channel.. which is amazing.
*ahem*
"It's not often that a public works project becomes a major tourist attraction, but that's exactly what happened with the PENTICTON RIVER CHANNEL.
In the early years of Penticton's history, the connecting waterway between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes was a meandering stream that was subject to seasonal flooding. As the city grew, so did the need to harness the water flow. During the 1950's the Penticton River Channel was created and a dam built at the north end to control water levels.
An unexpected side benefit was teh creation of a new summer sport - channel floating. On any hot summer's day hundreds of people - tourists and residents alike - float down the six-kilometre waterway on anything from inner tubes to homemade rafts. Depending on the current, the ride can take from two to three-and-a-half hours, so be sure to bring suncreen. At the south end, wide concrete steps come down to the water's edge, making exiting a breeze. If you don't have return transportation, a shuttle bus service will transport you to the parking area on the north side of town for a small fee. Rental inner tubes are available at a reasonable price.
Even if you're not into water sports, the channel is still a great place to be. A paved pathway runs along the entire west bank, making it a popular venue for walkers, joggers and bike riders all year round."
-2007/2008 Annual VALLEY GUILDE (okanagan-shuswap)
We actually made it to the beach after the channel and Lindsays cousin took a bunch of photos of the two of us being assholes & sitting in the lake. I won't be posting those.
I can't remember Travis giving Lindsay & I a ride back to her parents place, nor can I remember passing out for an hour before dinner. I can BARELY remember posing for 'family photos', the salmon Aub bbq'd or Travis showing up.. this, after only three coolers. I'm blaming it on the sun.
The rest of the photos from Saturday night are us getting ready (aka rainbow'd) to go to the Pepper Club, in downtown Penticton... the bar itself and Monster Jo. :o
-insert drama / head back to Lindsays..-
Sunday July 1st, 2007 - HAPPY CANADA DAY!
Lindsay & I went for lunch with her mom & grandma Sunday morning, then took a drive through Naramata (near Penticton) to check out a vineyard that Jurgen (who works with me) is a part owner of.. it was like being in Italy with the hills & little houses (and big houses!) and vineyards dotting the countryside.
The rest of the photos from that day are posted here, there's a whole other set and I don't want to crash anyones computers by posting them all here too.
My favourites.. from the vineyard & Canada Day party at Lindsays Grandpas house
After the party was fireworks, Penticton stylz (there were like FIVE grand finales)... and then bed, we had to head back Monday morning to Vancouver.
Monday July 2nd, 2007 - Going Home.
this truck was being driven in through Chilliwack by four teens - we saw it on the way home. AMAZING.
So we made it back safe & sound with 10 mins to spare before we had to return the car. I've decided that more road trips are in my (maybe not immediate - but before the end of the summer) future. Even if it's just to Hope & Back.
Next stop - Calgary. July 13th - 16th
♥
*caution - 100+ photos*