 |
|
DAY THREE
Sonya from The WineLovers’ Club at Tinhorn Creek Estate Winery was my private host and guide for the day ahead and she arrived as planned with a full itinerary for exploring the Southern Okanagan. Her great smile and wonderful laugh set the tone for a day of fun and adventure.
The next fascinating part of the journey took us through the town of Oliver, BC’s winemaking capital and the surrounding desert landscape. Our first stop was at the Nk’Mip Desert and Heritage Centre operated by the successful and legendary Osoyoos Indian Band. The Centre sits on 55 acres of natural desert habitat that exists within a 1200 acre, antelope brush desert ecosystem. The antelope brush plant is a natural extension of the Sonora desert system that originates in Mexico. Sherry, our warm and well-informed host at the Centre was full of fascinating details and stories about the Band, the region and the exciting future plans that will take the Centre to a whole new level in the next two years.
Centre information provided highlighted that in June 2005, a new 8500 square foot facility will feature a theatre, gallery, expanded gift shop and "Desert Connections” exhibit area. An outdoor garden with interactive displays and “Circle of Life” outdoor performance area will open in 2006. Cactus plants, Rattlesnakes, Big Horn Sheep and other exotics add to the mystique of this fascinating area.
Upon leaving the Centre, Sonya advised me that she had a surprise guest up her sleeve for our lunch meeting at Desert Hearts B&B. As it turned out, Mary Louise, the proprietor and I used to work for the same hotel firm in Victoria about 10 years ago and had not seen each other since. Imagine my surprise when she opened the door to her lovely, modern luxury home overlooking Osoyoos Lake and Anarchist Mountain. Featuring East meets West hospitality, Guests can enjoy two luxurious suites, one with BC West Coast Art, the other surrounded by Newfoundland and East Coast depictions. A sun deck, jet tub, air conditioning, fireplace, laundry, RV hook up and convenient access to local amenities make Desert Hearts B&B an ideal place to base yourself when exploring this exciting region.
A great way to top off your day of desert explorations is a wine tasting at the award winning Tinhorn Creek Estate Winery. Better still, consider taking part in their exclusive Wine Lovers’ Club that features everything from wine workshops, luxury onsite vineyard accommodations, wine and food pairing extravaganzas and a multitude of year round adventure packages. Best of all, you may also get to meet Sonya who hosts groups of up to 11 guests. First hand experience allows me say with confidence that you will not be disappointed.
Next on the agenda was a return the Argos Guest House for the beautiful sunset and a special wine and hors d’oeuvres reception with Flo, Mikos and Preston. Preston impressed with his excellent gourmet skills; the hors d’oeuvres were sensational and the vintage superb.
After our delightful cocktail hour soiree, we were off to Penticton for the evening where we were being hosted at “Magnums” restaurant at the renowned Pentiction Lakeside Resort and Casino. Dinner was fabulous, the wine excellent and the service superb. As well, Gitta from the Sales department extended her friendly hospitality with a full tour of the resort facilities with insight on the plans currently underway to expand the resort with exciting additions for 2005. If you looking for a full service hotel with restaurants, bars, nightlife and casino overlooking a beautiful beach, this property has it all.
|
|
|
Bright and
early the next morning, after breakfast, Daryl personally provided me
with transportation for the next leg of my journey to the desert region
of the South Okanagan. The hour-long trip through breathtaking
scenery of twisting highway amidst rugged mountain terrain wrapping
around the sparkling curves of Lake Okanagan was a delightful warm-up to
meeting to the charming proprietors Flo, Mikos and Preston of Argos
Guest House, who welcomed me into their beautiful home for the next
24 hours. Located just south of the town of Penticton in an area
known as Kaleden, the seemingly secluded Argos Guest House
is a magnificent oasis of modern Mediterranean architecture perched on a
meticulously cultured desert garden overlooking the hills and mountains
surrounding the Lake. First class amenities include large well-appointed
guest rooms and ensuites with hot-air jetted baths, a central courtyard
with swimming pool, fully equipped gym and large kitchen, dining and
living room areas. Upon checking in to my fabulous room, I could have
easily stayed all day, but had yet another exciting day of adventure
ahead that could not be missed.
Upon return
to Argos Guest House, I was offered my choice of hot beverages
for the morning that would be provided on a tray outside my guestroom
door at my desired wakeup time. Once fully awake, I could then proceed
to the spacious open kitchen and dining area where I could read the
paper, watch TV or just enjoy the view through the floor to ceiling
windows as Preston prepared yet another fabulous meal. Needless to say,
I was a very happy camper and highly recommend a visit to this wonderful
oasis.