The Beginning of Sizzling Summer

We ventured up to Silver Star Mountain Resort yesterday.  The last time we were up there, April 8th, it was the final day of the down hill ski season.  There was snow piled high outside all the buildings and hanging from the roofs.  I recall it was actually snowing that day.  Although Silver Star closes in early April, Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, the epicenter of cross country skiing located adjacent to Silver Star, stays open in April for training and then continues to be open for season pass holders until the end of May.
But by June 29th, all the snow is but a memory and the piles of white are replaced by tall lush grasses, green bushes and wild flowers.

Silver Star Mountain Resort, open for biking and hiking

 The resort opened for its summer season on June 27, with ski runs transformed into mountain bike trails that interlace with hiking trails through meadows of alpine flowers.
Yesterday the June rains had lingered all morning, but by  the time we had checked out the incredible sale on cross country ski gear at the Village Ski Shop, the sun had come out. We enjoyed a coffee at Bugaboos Cafe and Bakery, watching the bikers saunter in and out of the village, all of them splattered with mud from head to toe.

Bugaboos Bakery and Cafe

Bikers splattered with mud and ready to go again

Then we headed up to the Gallery Odin, an art gallery located up on the Knoll at Silver Star that features BC artists.  The gallery was hosting its summer reception, so we mingled with other art enthusiasts, enjoying good wine and great art.
www.galleryodin.com      

Today we woke to a clear sky and the usual freshness of a new Okanagan day.  But the sun was strong and by 9 am when we took a short bike trip it was obvious it was going to be a hot one.  We rode along Bella Vista Drive named because of the view of Okanagan Lake, from the orchard covered hills at the north end.and then cruised down the hill to Kin Beach, one of two larger public beaches at Vernon.  It was still early and the beach was quiet.  Then we headed up Okanagan Avenue, looping around to Bella Vista Drive and home.  

View of north end Okanagan Lake from Bella Vista Drive

Shady, grassy Kin Park and Beach

Then we joined good friends at the Kal Club, a private club on the northwest corner of Kalamalka Lake. The original building was constructed in 1909 by the Long Lake Lumber Company.  Tennis courts were added in 1915 for the enjoyment of some local businessmen.  Today it is a tennis/beach club with a very reasonable annual membership.  The members are local families and the waiting list is understandably long.  Today was one of two days all summer that members can invite guests who live in Vernon.  We enjoyed a picnic lunch under the honey locust trees along the edge of the water.  We were comfy and cool, despite the day's high of 32 degrees C.   I think this is the nicest place in the Vernon area during the summer.  We look forward to being members (in about 9 years!)

Kal Country Club, on Kalamalka Lake

Tennis courts at Kal Club

Then we finished the day at a birthday party for our neighbour.  It was a very special birthday as her husband planned the party, a surprise with about 70 guests. He has been very ill this past year but is well on his way to a full recovery.  Having his wife at his side during the 6 month hospital ordeal was definitely a big factor in his survival. Their outdoor pool was full of children splashing and playing while the adults mingled and the air was full of laughter.  It was wonderful to be part of their celebration

A perfect setting for a summer birthday party

Today is the last day of June and tomorrow is Canada Day.  We'd love to bike down to Polson Park for the celebrations and end the day enjoying the fireworks up on hills south of town.  But we are again off to other places for a couple weeks.  We will enjoy our adventures but its tough to leave home, when you love where you live....