On Friday, June 9, 2017, we arrived in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada. Osoyoos was the first stop in our Okanagan Valley Adventure. On our trip to Alaska last year, we were too far west to visit the Okanagan Valley, but heard all about its lakes, fruit orchards and vineyards. We later learned our Boomer/Balloonist friends, Dave Lopushinsky and Leslie Manion, live in Penticton, which is right in the middle of the Okanagan Valley. When we met up with Dave and Leslie in Quartzsite this winter, they brought us loads of tourist information to help us plan our trip. We shared this information with our other Boomer friends, Tony and Dee Dee Sparks, who decided to join us on part of our adventure.
We arrived in Osoyoos, a day ahead of Tony and Dee Dee, and set up camp in the Nk'Mip Campground and RV Resort. If you look carefully, you can see our rig parked in the center on the nearest shore of Osoyoos Lake. It took us several days before we finally figured out how to pronounce Nk'Mip (IN-ka-meep). The word Nk’Mip translates to “Bottomland," being located at the southern end of the Osoyoos reservation. By the way, did I mention this RV Resort has its own vineyard and winery.
After getting settled into camp, we walked up to the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Center. We learned that the owners of the resort are the Syilx Band of the Okanagan Nation, who live in eight communities in the interior of British Columbia and Washington. Over 400 band members live and work on the Osoyoos Indian Reserve which stretches from Oliver to Osoyoos.
We watched a really interesting video depicting the challenges faced by young aboriginals trying to find their way in the world without losing their cultural heritage. There were lots of historical displays and artifacts. We really enjoyed hiking the nature trail and learning about this part of the Sonoran Desert and how the Okanagan Nation survived in such harsh conditions. We also enjoyed talking with the young employees. The cultural center and resort go out of their way to provide employment opportunities for tribe members. All of the displays were created by local artists.
Having quenched our thirst for knowledge, we set about quenching our thirst for wine at the Nk'Mip winery!
Each morning we would get up and take our coffee down to the lake, where we were treated to mirrored scenes in the calm lake waters.
One morning, we were able to watch this eagle fish for his breakfast. He or she is actually holding a fish and eating it while perched.
On Sunday, June 11, 2017, Dave and Leslie drove down from Penticton to take us to some of their favorite wineries in the area. As we drove through the rolling hills, we couldn't help but think we were back in New Zealand.
What an amazing day - four different wineries, plus lunch! We are now stocked up after emptying out the rig to cross the border. Here is our Boomer Crew at Tinhorn Creek Winery. Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.