Day 2, holiday road. (and day 3)

Day 2 time to hit the road. First stop, beautiful downtown Hope, B.C.

 

I wonder what Rambo's rainbow thoughts are? (Part of the Sylvester Stallone film was shot in Hope in 1981 and 82.)

I have travelled the Coquihalla Connector to and from the Okanagan many times, but this was the first time I have seen moose by the highway. (I suppose they came out to show my Japanese passengers a real Canadian moment.)

Well, I embarrassed myself by getting everyone all excited when we arrived in Peachland. I told them it was a rare loon sighting. (My son corrected me, that indeed, these were not loons, but three common mergansers.)

Our first night in Penticton. I decided to take them to a restaurant that I have been going to since the late 1970's, Theo's Greek restaurant. 

As good as I remember. This platter for 2 was good enough for all 4 of us. 

It wasn't the gorgeous summer Okanagan weather I am used to, but beautiful all the same. My favourite view, looking north from the shores of Okanagan Lake in Penticton.

Ritsue, they are not real kids! (Wow, how much wine did she have, lol.)

The view from our hotel. The next morning the weather was a little better, but now we were dealing with forest fire smoke that had blown in.

First stop, the Penticton Cemetery to pay respects to my family members. 

Then, it was off to Naramata. Lovely view looking south towards Penticton.

A couple of Western Tiger Swallowtails hanging out on the beach.

Ritsue's sister Chiyoko and my sis Tammy bringing out their inner kid.

All that play makes one a little thirsty, time for some wine tasting. This was at one of my favourites, Lang Vineyards. If you make it there, you must try their Maple Ice Wine, delicious! The Naramata bench now boasts close to or over 40 vineyards along a less than 20 km stretch of road.

I did not know that about Lang's.

Well, all that wine tasting makes one a little thirsty and hungry. We headed to Cannery Brewing in Penticton, where it was beer sampling time. The chicken nachos were a very tasty afternoon snack.

Then it was off to Auntie's and Unk's. The Kawasaki models! (Chiyoko is actually from Kawasaki.)

Unk graciously offered to take then for a ride in his 1959 Chevrolet Apache.

They loved it!

Mom's turn!

I had no idea this activity would be one of the highlights of the touristy trip, digging up worms for the chickens!

Later in the evening we went for dinner at the Summerland Yacht club. Pretty good burger at a reasonable price.

After dinner a walk on the shores of Okanagan Lake in Lower Summerland Town. (Looking east towards Naramata.)

Junior joined us for dinner. All in all, a busy, but rewarding day.

The sun sets on day 3 on the adventure. (Almost time for bed, the sun set at 9:07 p.m.)

No grass growing under our feet. (Day 1)

Out and about with Ritsue's family, who are visiting us from Japan. What a nice surprise to see this deer........

 

.....actually all these deer when we visited........

.......my grandparents grave in White Rock. (The deer feel like a good omen.)

The mandatory photo op on Everall Steet in White Rock.

I love this, uhhhhhh, sculpture at the restaurant we had lunch at. (Coincidentally, a Rolling Stones song just happened to be playing while we were there.)

Loved the atmosphere at Charlie Don't Surf on Marine Drive in White Rock. 

Took a stroll on the famous White Rock Pier. At the end of the pier we saw a couple of crab fisherman.  

Looking back towards White Rock.

The mandatory (for me, anyways) starfish pic.

When in White Rock, go see the white rock.

When we went for lunch it was raining. It cleared up nicely in the afternoon.

Oh come on White Rock! Tourist season has arrived, you can do better than this!

Ritsue's mom was approaching the approaching train. I didn't know the Burlington Northern Sante Fe railroad still ran through White Rock.

We accidently ended the day (due to my poor navigation) at Cabela's/Bass Pro Shop in Tsawwassen. It actually was kind of fun, so much to see. Well that's day one of the visit, let's see what happens the rest of the week.

Can not resist. A present for Uncle Dave.

Welcome abroad/aboard

Since we've been back it's been pretty quiet. In early June, Ritsue worked at the Japan Pavilion during the West Vancouver Cultural Festival at Ambleside Park.

That was a beautiful day, temperatures in the low 20's.

Love the view. If it was only a little closer to Burnaby.

 

Yes, some of my down time involves watching the Price is Right. What a prize to win on this day!

Can't remember which sake I bought for myself from the Saijo Brewery District. (Ritsue reminded me it was the one on the left) Oh well, I'm pretty sure I'll get a taste of both.

We finally got a much needed rain day in Burnaby.

Short lived, though. (but I'll take it!)

Hmmnnnn, why this particular flight?...........

......Yay! Ritsue's mom Reiko and her sister Chiyoko have arrived from Japan. First stop, Me'N'Ed's Pizza in Burnaby of course! (It's been around since 1969)

...from her sister, so smooth! 

Let the games begin!