23.08.06
Kelowna
So a while ago i invited myself to a few places. One was Calgary to visit my good friends Laura and Miss Kerry Edgelow in October, and the other was another friend Kelsey in Kelowna. Both of the girls have returned to their respective hometowns in the last little while. Kelsey because she missed small town life in Kelowna, and Laura because she is saving up to come down under in 2007.
So first up was Kelwona. Kelowna is located about 4.5 - 5 hours drive from Vancouver on the shores of Lake Okanagan. Kelowna has a population of about 100,000.
The Hotel Grand on the shores of Lake Okanagan.
Lake Okanagan is home to the lake that Ironman Canada takes place in, but that is in Penticton, about 30k’s down the lake, and also to the famed Ogpogo. Lake Okanagan’s version of the Loch Ness Monster. Despite looking and spending about 90 minutes floating in the lake on an inflateable inner tube, acting as bait, i was unable to find and evidence of the mysterious creature.
Friday night in Kelowna i was lucky enough to join the town’s elite at the opening night gala of the local theatre company’s production of Cats. It was a interesting show, but still a good night out all the same. A very classy production was put on.
Sunday was the Kelowna Triathlon. It’s also a 2nd tier ITU Points Race, so there was a decent elite race on. One Australian was racing Josh Rix. I made sure i had the Australian flag out to cheer him on. Despite my encouragement, and that from what seemed to be his fan club Josh faded a little on the run to finish 6th. However, i was also in town to repay a debt as kelsey had watched the Victoria Half Ironman i raced in June when she happened to be in town the same weekend that was on.
Kelsey runs through her race plan in her head as she awais the start.
Aaron sucks up to the New Balance Technical Rep - Stu, hoping for yet another pair of shoes.
The kelowna triathlon is famous for it’s huge crowds.
The Okanagan is also British Columbia’s premier Wine Region. So no trip would be complete with out some compulsory tastings. Kelsey shouted me lunch at the Quail’s Gate Winery, and i made sure i made the most of it.
We tried to take in the views of lake Okanagan and the vineyards, but unfortunately huge Fires south of the border in Washington State were leaving the Okanagan Valley full of smoke, so the views were less than impressive.
It was an enjoyable week up in kelowna, the weather was awesome, 30+ every day with the exception of the last day, and lots of oppurtunities to take in the sun. I also have to say thankyou to kelsey’s parents, Coleen and Paul for their hospitality. I haven’t eaten that well since i moved out of the Heiden residence when i first arrived here in Canada.