25th May 2025
Today was a hot day (27C). We went out for brunch at Bliss Bakery in Peachland, followed by a walk and wander around the artisan market. Peachland was a cute location right on the water. In the bakery we bought some dark rye bread for our trip. It turned out to be the best bread we had in Canada. Orca speedboats!
Back in the car, Peter drove us to Kelowna itself and the Waterfront Park where there were fish, Herons, Turtles and Ospreys. I should have taken the long lens with me, always the case, wrong lens.
In the evening, we left their house to walk up to the Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. The winery buildings and the restaurant were of concrete, sculpted into an Italian style, there was even a bell tower, with its bell cast in Europe, and a Henry Moore sculpture on display. Lovely surroundings which transported you to a different time & space.
We were there for a wine tasting followed by a gourmet meal with paired wines! Well done, Anne! During the tasting, we heard about the problems of growing grapes in the region; early frosts can devastate the grape crop. To continue production, grapes are sometimes imported from New Zealand.
Our starter of asparagus and tomato tart was light & flavourful. There was a choice of halibut or lamb to follow. Both yummy. Majari chocolate cheesecake & blue honeywuckle berries for dessert. You get the picture. The food and wines really were excellent. The owner is trying for a Michelin star. Our table overlooked Okanagan Lake. Unfortunately the wind was strong when we were seated (it’s on a terrace), so mesh blinds were down. But, towards dessert, the wind did abate, so the blinds went up to give us a clear view of the lake. What a wonderful resource to have on your doorstep! There were many elegantly dressed women visiting, compared with the rather scruffy men.
In the Winery shop there was a book about the history of the BOAC airline (odd choice for a Canadian winery?), which even had a picture of the BOAC Junior Jet Club book, just like mine. I should have bought the book.
Walked up, well repleted. We were met by Anne & Peter two black cats. One is rather cranky, hisseing & muttering at us when we try to stroke it. A shock for cat-loving R!
I really should have included a floorplan of A&P’s house, to explain what happened to me that evening. One long side of the entrance hall is open at half wall-height to another room. On coming to bed, I told R, already in bed, that I was v worried cos I couldn’t see myself in the large mirror in the hall. Had I turned into a vampire, perchance?? “What mirror in the hall?” “The long one on the side.” “That’s an opening to another room!” Not a vampire, then.
