Day 388
Kelowna
After two night's rest in Vernon we were finally on our way to Kelowna to meet Kate. Kate had reached out to us back in January. She had spotted our blog online and saw we had plans to visit Canada and offered to host us for a night or two if we were heading her way. Well that sounded like a plan to us! First though, just a small matter of 45 miles in 40 degree heat!
We decided on an early start to aim to be finished before the heat got too much. By 7.30am we were on our way! We were soon out of Vernon and onto the disused railway line that literally ran beside the Kalamalka Lake. The lake is named after the Okanagan First Nation chief who lived on its northern shores. It is also nicknamed ‘the lake of a thousand colours’. The salts in the water cause the lake to change colour, often different shades at the same time. The restored path was the work of an army of local volunteers and was a joy to ride. We have only just created our top ten of favourite rides but we think one of the original 10 will have to go and be replaced by this stunning route.
There were plenty of cyclists about, all locals, then I heard a kiwi accent behind me. ‘Carly’ was on a fully loaded touring bike. We started chatting and soon realised we were both on the same trip, i.e. riding around the world! We joined up for the rest of the day. Chatting away the miles flew by and soon we had left the lake behind us. Shortly afterwards Komoot wanted to take us on the roads to bypass the airport and though the line was now not much more than a rough track we decided to ride along as far as possible. Eventually we reached the end of the line, a barrier barred our way on. It was frustrating as we could see the track continue but we knew there was about a 7km section not upgraded yet. Part of the land is owned by the local council and the rest by the local First Nation. Talks are underway to upgrade this section but until then we had no option but to divert onto Highway 97 and brave the traffic. It was pretty miserable, especially when we had to turn left across 4 lanes of fast-moving vehicles. No traffic lights to aid us, just (hopefully) good judgement for when it was safe to cross. We made it, but it was clear by the ghost bike there and bunches of wilting bouquets that others were not so fortunate. Let’s hope those talks are soon over and a safe route is created linking Vernon and Kelowna.
Soon back on the line, we loved the last few miles into Kelowna. The sun was out, we rode along a flower-lined path, by new residential developments overlooking the lake. People were canoeing, swimming and generally relaxing in the sunshine. We decided to join them for a while. Tom had a paddle and we ate our lunch under the shade of a tree. Then it was goodbye, for now, to Carly and onwards and upwards to Kate’s. The temperature had risen to 40 degrees and Tom and I were soon melting in the heat. The road wound up and up, it got hotter, but then finally we were there. Out of the sun, cool juice in our hand, we were ready to chill here for the next few days!
