#14: Penticton Pause

 

Penticton 's Lake Okanagan is just a few steps away.

Most prairie folk feel a sentimental attachment to the Okanagan region of British Columbia.  This sunny, dry valley with its plentiful orchards and beautiful lakes has been holiday central for generations of Western Canadians who made regular pilgrimages to its campgrounds and beaches  looking for a guaranteed summer experience (something you can't necessarily count on if you live in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba.)

The Mediterranean climate and reasonable cost of living have also attracted retirees from all over Canada.  (I have a theory that in Penticton --beautifully situated halfway down the valley between two lakes, Skaha and Okanagan-- streets are named for the cities from which residents have moved:  Yorkton, Winnipeg, Dauphin, Regina .....even Guelph.)

Nowadays, however, the Okanagan (those of us in the know don't bother to add "region" or "valley') appeals to a somewhat more sophisticated crowd than in the old days when vacationers pitched their tents, lived in their bathing suits for two weeks, and ate nothing but fruit.  As for the newly retired -- they are now more likely to buy a condo with a lake view than a double-wide trailer in a mobile home park.

Blame it on the evolution of viticulture;  all up and down the valley the familiar fruit orchards have given way to vineyards.  In the last 20 years the industry has exploded, and from Salmon Arm down to Osoyoos, there are now well over 100 reputable wineries.  Visitors still come to the valley for sun,  sand, and the occasional basket of cherries, but they also spend spend time and money touring the vineyards, eating in the restaurants, and buying the wine.   

Okanagan beach looks a little classier than I remember back in 1966

We actually didn't care about sun, sand or wine.  We were in Penticton to visit relatives, and it  was Bruce's brother Bob who took us to admire the upscale improvements to Penticton's Okanagan lakefront.  The wine industry effect  has turned a shabby under-developed waterfront into a showplace that now boasts a casino, top-notch restaurant (The Hooded Merganser), and many beautiful paths and gardens.


Even the beach looks very classy, with sculptures overlooking the water.  I wanted to know about the "peach on the beach", a cool kiosk that I remember seeing on our Okanagan honeymoon!  It is still there, but it has had a facelift.  After all these years, it looks as ripe and delicious as ever. 

Three sweet peaches

Bob Ryan has taught tai chi in this Oriental lakeside garden