Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Okanagan Valley, Wine, Motorcycles, and B&B's

Just got back from a quick trip to the Okanagan Valley in BC, Canada. The weather was the typical spring gamble. We had it all, and had to adjust our intinerary and expectations accordingly.

I've been watching the Okanagan change for the last twenty years and see that the ideal time to invest is almost gone. But the time to enjoy it as a consumer is just perfect. For the savvy "mature" traveler, the shoulder seasons are the best choice. It is not too hot or crowded. You can get a good selection of places to stay for a good price, and the wineries tend to be a bit more generous in their pourings!!!!!!

This year, the biggest change was in the appearance of Motorcyclists. Oh yes, we are talking midlife crisis run amok. Hogs and grey beards galore. What a sight. OK...I'll admit I've never been bitten by the cycle-bug. It only took me a couple rides on a motorcycle to realize I preferred an air-conditioned sedan. My loss your gain guys (& Gals). Now don't get the wrong impression. I don't dislike mature cyclists. Au contraire!!! I think they add a nice dimension to the scene. They are all well dressed, polite, and barring the odd heart attack or bee in the eye, very safe to share the road with. They ride cruising cycles, not those weird rockets. And are nice to just watch, while sipping a glass of wine.......like....geese.....with no poop to step in.

Oh yes.....now to the tip of the weekend. Actually this is something we learned some time ago. Check out the B&B's. I used to travel quite a lot, and must say that the B&B experience beats just about any hotel experience. If you select your place properly, you will get a fantastic room, a breakfast which will carry you for most of the day, inside information on everything local, and a chance to meet people from all over the world.

Our most recent stay was in the Wine Trail Guest House in Naramata BC. They have a two bedroom suite, with full kitchen and private entrance; our own patio & grill; and a parade of local wildlife throughout the day. We opted out of the breakfast, because we knew how great the kitchen was, and I am on such a strict diet right now, the breakfast would just be a needless temptation. They have a listing on the BBcanada site http://www.bbcanada.com/winetrail .

If you are looking for the full deal, check out Paradise Cove B&B in Naramata. I think they have a website on BBCanada.com or their website www.paradisecove.ca . You will see the pics there, but we can attest to the hospitality!

Here comes summer!

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