Showing posts with label Kelowna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kelowna. Show all posts

Mar 30, 2020

In Mandatory Quarantine in BC, Canada




No more palm trees, not for awhile anyway!

A friend gave me shit for not wearing my mask on the flight coming home from Puerto Vallarta to Canada. I realized as soon as I got on the 'petri dish' of an airplane that nothing would protect me if I was prone to getting covid 19 so I left it tucked in my safe ziploc bag. I dug it out of the protective ziploc bag when I got off my final flight in Kelowna, BC, Canada and walked down the ramp. I knew there would be people waiting to meet their loved ones, still innocent to the fact that this virus was rampant throughout the world.

No one was there to meet me though, even though some of my family lives in Kelowna. I wasn't taking any chances of infecting those who cared about me. Also, my son is self-isolating because his wife is a front line worker. I made arrangements for a vehicle to be left at the airport for me with the keys inside. I had made the same arrangements with my daughter in Vancouver had the government stopped me there and not allowed me to go any further.

It was a sad, lonely ride home. Luckily our home is set up in such a way that my partner could turn it back into a safe 'duplex,' as it was set up when I first met him. He is not in self-isolation with me as he is still running his business and has to keep his employees safe. My apartment had been stocked with groceries by my partner's daughter, enough to last a month. Hopefully the mandatory quarantine will end in two weeks as long as I don't show any symptoms of the virus.

The first thing I did was mix up bleach water and spray all the counters down that I would be touching. Then I made something to eat and contemplated how my life would look the next couple of weeks. I was used to being on my own and had been in Mexico for two months by myself but hadn't been restricted in my movements. Canada had put protective rules in place so I couldn't even go outside for a walk by myself because I had traveled internationally. I live in a complex that has shared, public access so I have no choice but to stay inside.

I'm not the only one that I know currently in self-isolation. Other friends have also returned from international travel and are counting the days until their quarantine ends. This is going to be my life for the next two weeks. Gone is the heat and sunshine and the ocean breezes of Puerto Vallarta and the freedom to go for a walk. It isn't going to be easy but I know I can do it.

The saving grace of being in quarantine right now is the ability to keep in touch with everyone I know through internet and social media. Even my interaction with my partner is still through whatsapp at the moment or sitting on opposite sides of a wall talking to each other. It's a difficult time but I'm attempting to get back to somewhat normal in this new reality!

For instance, I have been involved in what we call 'choir practice' with a group of people for a number of years in Kelowna, BC, Canada. We don't ever sing....we get together at a pub and have a drink or two once every 2 weeks and visit. It's been going on since around 1992....and now it's not, because of what's happening right now. Last year we even started a 'northern chapter' that meets on alternate weeks in Vernon. I will be contacting everyone today to set up choir practice again by way of the platform 'Zoom.' Hopefully a number of people will join in. On Wednesday I am also invited to a wine and appy get-together on Zoom with a group of women in town which should be fun.

I thought about a young friend living in Spain, a country that is in complete lockdown right now. They can't even go out for a walk as a family. Only one person can leave their home at a time, to get groceries and prescriptions or go for a medical appointment. If they are caught outside they will be heavily fined. We are used to staying in contact through social media and will continue to do so.

I also just talked to a friend in Puerto Vallarta as I was writing this. Mexico has supposedly extended their self-isolation for another month beginning today. I am trying to find out more information about this so more to follow! Stay safe everyone wherever you are in the world!



Mar 29, 2015

Mission Creek Walkway in Kelowna


Sailing on Lake Okanagan
Kelowna is situated in the Okanagan Valley of BC, 6 hours north of Spokane, Washington and 4 hours northeast of Vancouver.  The city butts up against beautiful Okanagan Lake.  It’s a vibrant vacation city with lots to do during the summer.  Whether you are looking for beach time or tasting wines at the many cottage wineries, there is lots to take in.

Walking and Hiking
1.Mission Creek Walkway
One of the easiest access points for Mission Creek walkway is on Springfirld road just north of Orchard Park Mall.  The walkway meanders for a number of kilometers beside the creek.  It is a great place to walk dogs (on leash, of course)  or just to get some exercise while enjoying the fresh air.

2.Kelowna’s Boardwalk
One of the nicest walks along the shores of Okanagan Lake is Kelowna’s Boardwalk.  It starts at the bridge, goes through Kelowna City Park, then past the Yacht Club and the Grand Hotel and Casino.  On summer weekends there is often music in the park.  Continue on past the boat locks and into the beautiful marshland area.  There are places to sit and just enjoy the view along the way.

3.Bear Creek Park
Bear Creek Park is located across the lake from Kelowna.  It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown but worth the journey.  You can walk up the trails above the park and get into some stunning scenery away from the bustle of the city. 

4. Kettle Valley Railway Trail
The Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trail is located just minutes from town.  It’s a great way to spend the day and don’t forget to take a picnic lunch with you.  The trail is also open to bikers and has a total of 455 kms running from Kelowna to Grand Forks.

5.Knox Mountain Regional Park
For those tourists who enjoy mountain biking, Knox Mountain has some challenging hills.  It is definitely a medium to advanced level climb.  The mountain is also crisscrossed with good hiking trails.  Access is restricted one weekend in May for the annual Knox Mountain Hill Climb.

Other Activities
6. Lakeshore Wineries
There are many wineries located throughout Kelowna but one of the most populous is Lakeshore Rd., just east of Kelowna.  Follow the road out along the lake for a few kilometers and stay to the right at the fork.  Take time for lunch and sightseeing as well.

7.Kelowna City Park
The park is a great place to take the kids.  There is a large water play area situated in the center of the park, with lots of open space for picnicking.  There is also a great beach area and swimming zones are marked.  A short distance away you can rent ski-boats but you must have a valid boater’s certificate.

8. Scandia Golf and Games
Scandia is a great place to take the kids.  It has a mini golf course and a number of other things to do including a batting cage.  Big kids enjoy it too!  

9. Golfing
Kelowna has a number of top-notch golf courses that are open to the public.  Whether you want to play just 9 or go out for 18 holes, there are a variety of courses offering different skill levels.

Feb 28, 2014

5 Great Places to Visit in BC

5 Great Places to Visit in BC 
by Susan Gerle

Bucket List Travels Blog is not only about faraway places, but we introduce some of the great trips that people can take in our own country.  I'm going to give a quick overview of British Columbia, Canada.

People have heard of Vancouver, but there are many other beautiful spots to visit in British Columbia, especially during the summer.  Here are 5 of the top places to visit in BC so maybe look at planning your summer vacation in BC this year!

1.The Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley is situated a 4 hour drive from Vancouver, runs 120 kilometers from Vernon to Penticton.  The area is known for a dry climate and the temperatures during the summer range from 25 to 40°C.  It is the only recognized desert area in Canada, complete with rattlesnakes and black widow spiders. There are many lakes in the region for recreational boating, fishing, swimming, and sailing. The area is also known for its cottage wineries, many of which have taken awards worldwide.