Hello Penticton

October 15
Kelowna – Gallagher’s Canyon – Penticton

Jutta was able to weasel our way into an early tee time at Gallaghers Canyon this morning.  We were scheduled for a 3:10 tee off, but based on sunsets around here with the sun dipping behind mountains to the west, we would be lucky to get in more than 9 holes before reaching for the glow balls.  Morning cancellations are commonplace at this time of year with the chilly weather, and we have taken advantage of this the last couple of days, and scored a 9:27 this morning.  It was cold……maybe 6 degrees……but another round at Gallagher’s Canyon was worth it……fun golf course.  The sun came out and warmed things up, and before long the layers were peeling off.  Playing as a deuce is always a pain in the ass, and even though we played in 4hrs…….felt like 6.

The early start……..made the afternoon free……….so we loaded up the truck, and said Penticton we will be!

Off we went with a few targets in mind around Penticton, but first on the list was a place for lunch…….Dirty Laundry Winery popped up online as having pizza……..on our route……so that was a no brainer.  It was a fair climb of Hwy 97, but overall a great spot for a bite to eat……..they are a fun bunch up there as you will see from the pictures…….great setting, beautiful views, and awesome pizza (you know if I am saying that…..it is good pizza).  We didn’t taste any wine, but had a glass of syrah with the pie and it was ok.

 
The farthest south we wanted to go was Painted Rock Winery so that was our next stop. Lovely tasting, but surprisingly all reds………Joyce’s favourite chardonnay was sold out……completely sold out……not a bottle in the place………luckily Jutta and I found a liquor store in Kelowna that still has a few bottles on the shelf, and after buying just one for dinner the other night, we will go back for more.  So we sampled 3 wines, then there was a special wwiene that we had to try, and then she said “Have you tried the Cabaret Frankie”……so wee did….and then I forgut what the ferst ween taseed like so I had some moer of ittttt.

  
Time was running short, but we managed a quick stop at Poplar Grove in the midst of shutting down for the day, and La Frenz, suggested by Sam, but they were sold out of everything…..everything……..”Come back in the spring when we have wine”……..

So it turned out to be a long, but very nice drive, and now we had to boot it north of Kelowna for our last chance to have a return dinner at 50th Parallel Winery………made it in time…..scallops and pork belly appie is over the top, as is roasted wild mushrooms on toast……finish with Charcoal-Grilled Brant Lake Wagyu Flat-Iron Steak……..nice bottle of Pinot Noir, done, no room for dessert.

 
I am actually writing this post in real time, and now sitting here in Plan B at 10:48……….you are all asleep, but maybe Kate and Pete are just waking up in the UK.  We have a drive south in the morning to play at Fairview, and are hoping the weather cooperates……..if not, there might be a winery or two we can visit……….hope you are all well and staying safe.