Oh, Canada! You're a beaut: Part I

Monday, June 26th - Thursday, July 6th, 2017

The first Heiken-Prokop extravaganza = British Columbia, Canada

Monday, June 26th

Enjoyed a celebratory drink at MSP airport before take-off. Fly into Vancouver, BC!

Bloody's and beer at MSP prior to take-off. Vaca, here we come!

We took the SkyTrain from the airport to downtown/waterfront Vancouver. Little early for our rental car, so we stopped at Malone's on Pender and Seymour for lunch (including poutine!). Great spot.

Then, we hopped in our rental car, Vic, and headed toward Okanagan Lake and our home for the next 4 nights: Kelowna. Beautiful drive (despite traffic...) with awesome views of Mt Baker.

Found our way to Kelowna! Stopped for dinner at Earl's Kitchen + Bar, complete with deliciously fresh margaritas. We then settled in for our first night in BC with thoughts and plans for the adventure ahead!

Super fresh mango, strawberry and lime margs at Earl's in Kelowna.

Tuesday, June 27th

First up for the day = Myra Canyon. It is a 12-mile round trip (out-and-back) restored section of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail. We rented bikes and enjoyed the glorious weather, scenic views as well as 18 trestles and 2 tunnels!

Dark tunnels and long trestles

View from one side of Myra Canyon and the trestles up ahead!

More of the scenic route along the trestles.

After our bike ride, we washed up and headed to Boyce-Gyro Beach. Beautiful day!

Okanagan Lake.
The water level was really high, most beaches were flooded (look at that tree on the right!).

We found our way to one of the many wineries: Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
We took in the sights, enjoyed a tasting, went on the tour and LOVED the unique musical performance (see below): alpenhorns!

View from Summerhill Winery

Lana and Mary at Summerhill Winery. Enjoying a glass of Cipes' sparking wine.

 

Wednesday, June 28th

To Summerland on the other side of Okanagan Lake. We hike Giant's Head (aka "Giant's Head Grind"): an uphill 1.6 km to the summit of Giant's Head Mountain overlooking Lake Okanagan and beyond.

We also stumbled upon the Giant's Head Freeride, where ~250 crazy humans skateboard down the steep, curvy-ass paved road that snakes its way up the mountain! Nuts! Here's the event website: http://www.giantsheadfreeride.com/. 

At the start of the hike up Giant's Head Mountain.

Okanagan Lake from Giant's Head Mountain.

The summit! Complete with the waving Canadian flag.

Near the top, where the all the skaters gather before riding down the mountain.

After the hike and excitement from the freeriders, we grabbed lunch on the lake in Summerland just as the clouds rolled in.

The clouds and rain held on, so we decided to experience another winery: Mission Hill Winery. Another tasting, great views and unique atmosphere.

View from Mission Hill Winery.

We stopped at a fruit stand/farmer's market in West Kelowna on the drive back. Bought fresh cherries and veggies with plans to cook dinner in tonight: fajitas!

Sam posing with our delicious shrimp fajitas meal.

Cheers - it is Sam and Mary's 3rd wedding anniversary!

What a spot to spend an anniversary.

Thursday, June 29th

So, today Lana and Mary went parasailing! In Lumby, BC, which is up toward Vernon, on the northern part of Okanagan Lake.

A hang-glider at Freedom Flight School.
Also, that cleared patch of land on that mountain is where we launch from!

Freedom Flight School = amazing! Great people, great vibes, perfect day.

Lana and I have our ENTIRE flights available to watch! Just ask :) Sam and Luke enjoyed the weather, had a few beers, played beersbee with a traveling band and patiently awaited our flight.

After that unforgettable experience, we headed to Kalamalka Lake ('Kal') for a dip and some beach volleyball! 

Kalamalka Lake - refreshing and beautiful!

We met up with Lana's boss' mom, Darls, who lives in Vernon, for dinner and drinks at Marten Brewing Company. Great company, great times!

Beer flight at Marten Brewing Co.

Friday, June 30th

We grabbed a quick breakfast at Tim Horton's (of course!), complete with Timbits for the road, and headed back toward Vancouver. Made a lovely stop at Harrison Hot Springs, drove by Sasquatch Inn and munched on famous beef jerky from Deroche on the way.

Caesars in Harrison Hot Springs.

Back in Vancouver, we checked into our legit rental in Gastown ("staying with our friend, Steve"). We took a stroll in search of a Roots store for Canada Day gear, then grabbed dinner at La Casita. Resting up for the big day ahead: CANADA DAY!

Mary and Doug in PDX

Sam's parents came out for a visit to do some sight-seeing. The weather was rainy, but we made the best of it!

Thursday, October 29th:

First stop upon their arrival was the well-known spot for brunch: Gravy.

Later that evening, we walked around and grabbed a beverage on Alberta Street. Then, headed a favorite spot for dinner at Breakside Brewery.

Friday, October 30th:

Although Sam and Mary had to work, Doug and Mary checked out a few cool places in Portland on Friday morning. After checking out Cargo and Hippo Hardware, we all met up for lunch at McMenamin's Kennedy School for a late lunch. 

That evening, our friend, Pat, came over to trade vehicles. Then, we all went to the famous thai restaurant Pok Pok for dinner. From there, we couldn't resist a few beers at Prost! on the way home.

Saturday, October 31st:

On Saturday, we had a wonderful waffle breakfast with Doug's famous syrup and then packed up for a road trip along the Gorge toward Hood River. Along the way, we ventured on the historic highway starting at the Vista House, winding through the big trees and stopping at 5 waterfalls for a few pictures and a stretch of the legs.

First road trip was out to The Columbia River Gorge and Hood River.

Big trees, Big leaves.

Hiking to some waterfalls.

Multnomah Falls.

Another one at Multnomah Falls. This creepy guy was really awesome. He wasn't taking pictures, in fact his camera wasn't even pointed at the waterfall. Oh well, at least he was standing in everyone's way and he wasn't nice enough to offer to take a picture of the four of us without him in it.

Of course we had to sample some Pacific Northwest beers, so we grabbed lunch at Full Sail Brewery in Hood River. There was also a winery stop at Cathedral Ridge; however, no time for a photo opportunity.

The rain really picked up as we were leaving the winery, so we came home to relax. Later that evening, we met up with our friend, Anna, at Cruz Room for tacos, drinks and to watch for crazy Halloween costumes running around in the rain.

Sunday, November 1st:
Sunday morning we munched on some banana bread and then planned to tour around Portland. First up was Henry's 12th Street Tavern, a fun sports bar and restaurant in downtown. With the Vikings games starting at 10AM PST, we made good timing to enjoy the game, some brunch and a Bloody Mary bar.
With the sun sneaking out of the clouds for a bit, we took advantage to then head up to the Pittock Mansion for a view of the city. Unfortunately, Mt. Hood was not visible, but we did see a rainbow!
After that, we spent some good time in the famous Powell's bookstore, looking for gifts and trying not to get lost. Then, we cruised through Nob Hill (Northwest), making our way to cross the beautiful St. John's bridge. We stopped at New Season's for a few items and delicious samples, then came back to our place to watch a little football and relax for the rest of the night. Munchies and football = a great Sunday evening.

Monday, November 2nd:
Sam, Doug and Mary headed West on a day trip to the Coast, including Tillamook, Cape Meares and Cannon Beach. They had a beautiful sunny day on the coast!

First stop Cape Meares Lighthouse.

For the first time, they got to see some Oregon sun. 

The Octopus Tree

Its 250-300 years old and 46' wide at the base.  Nobody is sure why it decided to grow like this.

When you pass through Tillamook you have to stop for some cheese samples and ice cream at the Tillamook Cheese Factory!

Add your own caption.

Cheese. Cheese. Cheese. Cheese. Cheese. Cheese. Cheese. Cheese. Cheese. Cheese.

Usually its' the other way around.  Tillamook also makes some amazing ice cream.

Hug Point. 

We stopped at Camp 18 on the way home.  It's a big log restaurant/logging museum.  The inside features a massive 85-foot long ridge pole (biggest known) and other impressive wood things and logging tools.  Outside, the property is covered in old logging equipment.

Doug on the left, Sam on the right.

That's a big Band Saw.

When the 3 of them made it back from the Coast, we decided on dinner at Bollywood Theatre, a favorite Indian spot of Mary and Sam's. Delicious!

Thank you for coming to visit, Doug and Mary!

Hood River & Dog Mtn

Friday, July 31st - August 2nd, 2015

A weekend getaway to Hood River with Pat and Emily for camping, windsurfing, shenanigans and hiking Dog Mountain.

Friday, July 31st -

Found a campsite (Tucker) along a river. Nice, quiet spot!

View from our 'backyard'

Saturday, August 1st, 2015 -
Today was windsurfing day! Pat brought and took pictures/videos with his Go Pro; however, very unfortunately, none of them turned out... it was a challenging, but very fun adventure nonetheless!

Hanging on the waterfront prior to windsurfing lessons. Trying to pick up on a few pointers from the pros.

Successful afternoon of windsurfing on the Columbia River.

As per usual, a beer or two at Double Mountain.

Evening camping fun with fajitas and shenanigans.

Sunday, August 2nd, 2015 -
Hiking to the top of Dog Mountain today!

Pat, Emily and Mary at the trailhead.

Legit uphill for the entire hike up.

The Gorge.

Almost to the top.

Photo ops!

Pat and Emily - what lovely company!