Lake Front Sports , also known as rent-a-boat. Water a little cold for you? No problem! You can even rent a wet-suit. Waterskiing and tubing is recommended. Families outings you must try Kalamaka Beach, a real treat for everyone. I just love having their burgers and great selection of beers! If you love to camp out close to a beach, then Ellison Provincial Park is a must on your list.
Great for the whole family in the Vernon area at Okanagan Lake. Even locals head to this secluded beach to catch some sun rays and swimming here is fantastic! Want to explore? No problem. Nestled throughout the park are fun hiking trails for everyone.
You can even take a boat cruise for an afternoon. Davison Orchards — last but not all least, is Davison Orchards. Fast forward 25 years and Davison Orchards is a bustling tourist attraction featuring tractor-train rides for kids of all ages, complimented by their homemade fresh fruit pies grown by the selection of fruit on their orchard. We always make it a point to stop by for pie and coffee. I highly recommend Davison Orchards, hands-down! The above Hotels and activities are a small example of the fun you can experience while in the Okanagan Valley.
I have experienced all the above and had a blast doing so. Gray Monk is my favourite winery, but the Okanagan is listed with over wineries throughout. A wine tour is suggested. The best part of the Okanagan Valley? Check out more travel blogs by Bari Demers. But now any one who wanted to hunt was required to take this Provincial Hunters Course, which is totally understandable.
High School in Vernon, B. His dad had just relocated to the small town, working as a Provincial Scaling Officer. Our friendship hit it off from the get-go when it became clear we both enjoyed the outdoors. We spent most of our time hiking and fishing throughout the Okanagan and Kootenays. The group of hunters consisted a mix of old friends, relatives and new friends, like myself. If you ever hiked in the Chilcotin, you know what I mean when I say your in the heart of B.
On one side you could see Big Horn Sheep grazing on the mountainous grasslands while our terrain featured eroded gullies masked in a deep green forest. I was the proud owner of my very first rifle, a brand new semi-automatic Browning featuring a high powered scope.
Needless to say this kind of weapon requires your full attention and respect. It felt good to have learned how to operate and care for your rifle during our hunting course in Vernon. But little did I understand the experience of hunting until my trip into the Chilcotin, an experience I will never forget.
The first few days a group of us younger hunters ventured into the wilderness stocking our prey, tagged for deer or moose. Throughout the week the older hunters had their cache of deer and moose while Darrel and I were still hopeful to bring some wild meat to our families table. Early one morning, around am, Darrel and I hop into his shiny new Toyota mid-size truck heading down one of the many whining dirt roads, eager to start our day.
What made it even more dramatic then I expected, a puddly of water had just finish oozing from the indentation. I learn later he had spotted the Grizzly in the distance, taking note of our presence and then wandering back into the cover of the forest. The chilly morning in November left a light snow fall the night before, guiding us easy access to any visible tracks of wildlife.
Darrel and I began our deer hunt, with me keeping in mind what I saw the day before. The frozen dark forest sent chills through me, even though I was properly bundled up in my red coat with the green and white crest showcasing my achievement in the Hunters course. Drudging up and down the countless valleys on the mountain side we decided to taken a quick break, parking ourselves on an old fallen tree braced at the right height for me to dangle my feet.
I removed the fresh fallen snow with my mitts and sat comfortably. We had fashioned up some gourmet peanut butter sandwiches the night before, which we gladly consumed in minutes. But, I knew Darrel must surely know the way out. I figure it was mid morning when Darrel quickly stopped to look at the terrain ahead.
With my head down, thinking how tired I was from the early start, I nearly ploughed into him. Not a good idea. Instead we went off in our separate way intent on meeting up just on the other side.
I was soon to learn how quickly the forest can play tricks on you when one is not familiar with its surroundings. Four striding Grizzly paw tracks became all too clear, sending an immediate rush of panic into my senses.
Carefully I scouted the area best to my knowledge, not seeing anything. I should know better then to panic. I lost them. They disappear into the thick woods without any trace or sound. To this day I wonder if I really did see them or not? Was it possibly a mirage? Once again I ran aimlessly into the depth of the what now seemed like a monster, than a friendly forest.
Tired and fed-up carrying my now heavy rifle, it made sense to swing it over my back with the straps provided. I stopped to listen. Nothing, not even a squire chirping. During the hunters course they taught you what to do next. Slowly retrieving my rifle, loading it with three bullets, I took a deep breathe, aimed my Browning into the air. Squeezed the trigger and shot off three warning shots. Three warning shots alerts anyone nearby that someone is either in distressed, injured or lost.
If anything I was embarrassed, even with no one around. Placing the butt of the rifle down into the snow I lifted my head to see a huge Grizzly starring directly at me, not moving a muscle, only six feet away. My heart felt as if it was in my throat. It seemed like hours have past before the Grizzly raised onto his two feet, sniffed the air and settled back down on all fours.
The huge beast began to walk away in a slumber stance. Still shaking uncontrollable by either fear or possible a sign of hyperthermia, I was determined to find my way out of here. It was then, I realized the best way to see where I am is by climbing to the top of the mountain so I can oversee the trees. The light was slowing disappearing into the shadows of a very cold night.
This was my last chance before nightfall. Valuable time had past before reaching the top, but it was like setting a new Olympic record when I could barely see the overall terrain beneath me. It was then my eyes caught the most welcoming sign of them all, a dirt road leading somewhere. Even though not knowing where this road would lead me, I knew this would be my best option.
With all the hunters in this region someone is sure to find me. Running frantically down the mountain with my firearm slung over my back, I headed directly to the lonely dirt road.
Must of been a good twenty meters away when the welcoming signs of lights beamed in the darkness. Quickly aiming my rifle into the air, exploding off three shots in a row. Suddenly the vehicle stopped dead in the middle of the road. Crashing through the woods it was clear to everyone, someone or something was coming down to meet them. The closer to my arrival I heard their inviting voices in the cold night air.
It was a hunting party of three who were finish for the day heading to their designated campsite. After a series of questions, they covered me with a blanket and squeezed me into their small cab only meant for two. His worried look greeted me with open arms. Apparently they even set up huge bonfires on skid landings in an effort that I would see them.
Little did they know at the time I was a good ten kilometres away, completely in the wrong direction. Of course I told them of the Grizzly Bear, but not one believes it to this day. Believe you me, if it was up to the Griz, this story may have ended badly on front of Newspapers or headlines for the evening news.
Maybe it was the act of God that saved me, but whatever the reason I have the deepest respect for Grizzly Bears and wildlife all together. Skip to content Who remembers our dear friend Mike Roberts? Way way…way back! Was I nervous? Sure I was, but I thought the trained staff would lead me into a comfortable situation.
Well, was I ever for an unexpected ride of my life. And the lights! So many lights! Understanding he wanted me to snap-out-of-it! BUT — his dragger eyes could have killed! I planned it perfectly. In fact, I was going to be publicly embarrassed on TV. It was obvious where this segment was going. I was stunned. We received a lot of emails and they want you back.
Once again, I was totally dumbstruck! Go figure! Oh well, so what! No matter. Loved it! What did you have in mind? The irony of it all? As for Duane English? But sure enough, it was indeed Sir Anthony Hopkins! The film will be based on the book by Castle Freeman Jr. Well, one can only hope — right?
Just guess who the hunter was? Make it exciting! By Bari Demers P. Fun Activities : Silver Star Resort — a long time favourite of mine with fond memories of my very first skiing lessons at age ten.
Ready for what? The Griz is gone. I think I can do that. And guess what happened next? Looking for something fun to try while staying local? Make isolating with your sweetheart fun with our ultimate guide to having a Kelowna couples staycation…. With trails for both beginner and advanced hikers, there are also options for those who want to snowshoe….
Luxurious Experiences to Try in Kelowna. Continue Reading. Day Trip Exploring Peachland. Thrilling Adventures to Seek as we exploreKelownalocal. Fun Activities to Try for a Date in Kelowna. Ultimate Guide to a Couples Staycation in Kelowna. Winter Hikes within 30 Minutes of Downtown Kelowna. Next Page. Stay up to date by subscribing to our newsletters. Become a Stakeholder. Additional Opportunities. Stakeholder Toolkit.
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