(Abandon all) Hope

I suspect if I had asked my friends in British Columbia they might have suggested that we bypass Hope and find somewhere else to stay on our last night before returning to Vancouver. At the confluence of the Coquihalla and Fraser Rivers I admit I was expecting something a little more, well ... nice! It's town centre is a little down at heel and the motels are pretty universally drab. That we chose this day to forget that Nareesa had to work at 7am, was of course not the fault of any motel owner, but with nowhere to sit other than in the room, it has meant that I was up at 6 and out at 6.45, roaming the streets looking for a coffee house that was open. The fact that we had already established that the local Starbucks was closed yesterday due to shortage of staff only added to the anxiety that I might, just might, fail to find an early morning coffee! Oh, tragedy! I might have had to sit out my morning at A&W or worse still, McDonald's!

All that said the town is in a beautiful location, a deep river valley and surrounded by imposing mountains. Just the main street that looks lacking a little love.

But, joy of joys (and I never thought I would write this) Starbucks was open and here I sit, flat white in hand scribbling my usual drivel.

Other than the slightly disappointing final destination (the occasional price of making it up as you go along), yesterday was yet another wonderful day. First stop Kelowna on the Okanagan Lake, where we wandered in warm sunshine along a lakeside somewhat reminiscent of Lake Garda or Como in Italy. Clear water, boats nipping in and out of harbour, and a beautiful mountain backdrop.

It was a lovely place to while away our morning, including of course the obligatory coffee in a hip and trendy cafe.

From Kelowna we dropped in on a lovely little winery and somehow "lost" about 100 bucks. But I wasn't driving so I got to taste some and it would have been just plain rude not to buy any!

Our mid afternoon stop in Merritt, introduced us to the Bannock! Having never heard of one, it just had to be tried. It turned out to be kind of chewy doughnut, so not that exciting but equally, rather good to eat, and zero calories - honest. We shared - although you can guess who got the lion's! I didn't panic.

From Kelowna to Hope we again hit the high mountain passes, I think for the last time, and again went above the snow line. Cloud, fog and some rain greeted our last hour down the Coquihalla River and if anyone from BC ever tells me again that it rains a lot in Britain, they can expect a sharp word!

That's me done for another day. Vancouver beckons and lots of people to see - some not met up with yet on this trip, others a reunion after a mere 6 weeks or so. Looking forward to them all. Perhaps my liver isn't though! As usual, some last pics of the last 24 hours.

On the Kelowna waterfront.

At Indigenous Wines, overlooking Okanagan Lake.

Last night's dinner venue in Hope - Rolly's saves the day! Our first and only "family" or "mom & pop" restaurant. It did the job - and we didn't drink! That will be about 3 days I have managed in nearly 7 weeks!

Apparently chain saw carving is big round here!

And my last word for now. The picture below was taken in a Vernon mall at about 10.45am yesterday. I've seen this or a similar scene in most North American cities and towns. How on earth do these businesses survive?