We had dinner at a lovely restaurant at Tinhorn Creek. This winery is perched way up on the west side of the valley. We were outside overlooking the valley, which filled with twinkling lights as it grew dark. Photos are pathetic, as it was so dark… but the food was delicious.
Bright and early, we packed up and headed to the Okanagan Valley to visit wineries. The four hour drive from Vancouver flew by, through beautiful mountain scenery… first rai. forest, then into the dry landscape of the interior. We focussed on the southern part of the valley, at the US border. Susan and Don have a trailer there, and we “camped” by the lake.
First stop was at NK’MIP winery, which is a large, older winery/vineyard owned by the Osoyoos band. The lunch was delicious, the wine good, and the view fabulous.
We visited one more winery by car, then went to the trailer. It is located on at Lariana winery right on the US border. We tasted there, had a barrel tasting, and went out to try the grapes. Then we walked to another one, next door for more tasting. I had to learn to spit, or I would have been rolling down the hill.
The view from the trailer is lovely, seen here as the setting sun is reflected on the lake. This faces east, and the Canada US border is in the centre of the first photo. The second is to the South, and is the US.
On Sunday we drove to Squamish for lunch. The highway hugs the mountain along Howe Sound and the scenery is spectacular. The world saw the landscape during the 2010 winter Olympics. This is the road to Whistler, and was improved in preparation for those Olympics.
Earlier this year, the Sea to Sky Gondola opened at Squamish. The ride up the mountain took 9 minutes, and the views at the top were wonderful. I really wished that I had the good camera with me. The iPad results are not so good, but here is a flavour.
And, yes, I did walk across the suspension bridge. Still terrified of heights, but had to master this!
We were so lucky with weather. Sunday was the clearest day of the trip.
Glen participates in many kinds of fundraisers. Last year he offered a 5 course dinner as a raffle prize to raise money for a BC Ride for Cancer… he also rode his bike a long way in that one. Janet won the raffle, and we all came to Vancouver to be the dinner guests. Worth the trip!
The photos loaded out of order. We started with the seared scallop, followed by the soup. Then the salad. The main was fresh halibut, with mild Thai sauce. The roasted honey pear salad was my favourite; well, maybe the scallop in Concord grape reduction… actually it was all delicious to eat, and gorgeous to look at. And served with good, good wine.
Josette made the dessert. The creme brûlée was perfect.
Penny's Passage 