Family Time in Naramata!

Some time ago, it was decided that Lisa's parents (Bob and Kathy) should go to BC to see Neil and Liam (their son and grandson, respectively). So we helped arrange the trip all the while lamenting that we could not attend. What Kathy and Bob did not know is that we planned to be there to surprise them!

We flew to Penticton via Vancouver and arrived mid-afternoon at Naramata where we met Neil and headed to the beach to sneak up on Bob and Kathy. Bob spotted us first but was stoic in his usual way but when Kathy realized what was going on the waterworks opened up and soon even strangers nearby were crying sympathetic tears of joy at the family reunion.

Unfortunately, Christos was feeling a little worn out so while Lisa went out and SUP'd (SUP = Stand Up Paddleboard), he rested at the hotel and napped. We grabbed a bite at the local pub that night before getting to sleep with the stillness of the countryside to surround us.

The next day was spent lounging around the beach, exploring the thriving metropolis of Naramata and generally relaxing. We also visited a couple of local wineries and while the Okanagan valley excels at producing fruit, its wine industry still has some roots to grow.

That evening was a fun pot luck dinner at the beach. The locals all bring a bottle of wine, whose origins and name are hidden, and after tasting each wine votes are compiled to determine the "winners" before the reveal of each vintage. While the concept is brilliant and great fun, one can't but help feel that by the fifth or sixth "sip" the ability to pontificate and ruminate on the subtleties of the vintage are somewhat dissipated!

The next day (Saturday), we visited a lavender farm where we purchased lavender oil and raw lavender and enjoyed watching the alambic at work separating the essential oil from the base lavender mash.














In addition to lavender, sunflowers and fruits are also grown on the lovely little farm.

Later that afternoon Lisa relaxed at the beach while Christos went out for a wonderful ride along the old railway line (the KVR). While the trail is amazing, access from Naramata (which is at the water's edge) involves quite a vertical climb; it took Christos almost forty-five minutes to bike up to where the trail access is but only five minutes to bike down! The view from the trail is simply stellar.





That night we had a good dinner at a nearby Tapas style restaurant where the chef hailed from Jalisco, Mexico. We didn't really order anything, he just brought out various plates of food until we were stuffed! Liam, the chef's boy and one of Jen's two girls (Ali) played soccer as dusk settled until we eventually drove back to Naramata for a solid sleep.

The next evening we had a good dinner and an amazing sunset at another restaurant located a short drive from Naramata itself. As it was the last night, there was much talk of how lovely the time had been and how joyous it would be if such events could happen more often!