more wineries and wishing

The next day was a rest day with a leisurely visit to Mission hill winery with its gardens and bell tower which rings every hour.There was lots of space for the kids to run around while the grand parents looked in the gift shop and sampled more wine.

Heather and Finlay enjoyed throwing coins into the wishing well, I'm just curious as to what the little rascals were wishing for!!!

Next it was a trip along the road to Quail's gate winery and a spot of lunch. However this place seemed to think it was a little up market and as we walked into the restaurant one of the waitresses came up to us and offered us a seat outside, as it was a cooler day with some wind, she kindly offered to put on the gas heaters. Oh I knew where she was coming from......
As we sat outside and waited eagerly for our food while the lovely breeze blew around us, the waitress came out again and said,"Seeing as it is so windy we were wondering if you would like a blanket".... Thank you so much I thought but a seat inside would be better...."Just the soup for me thanks...". Not much of a lunch for me but that was expensive a 9 bucks. James had the gourmet burger and Mum and Dad had some salmon dish and I then helped the kids eat the pasta!! Quail's gate too posh for kids!!!

Naramata wineries...by bike!!!

Relaxing by the beach.....what do you mean?

Of to Penticton to rent 2 bikes for our bike trip along the Naramata bench where there are many wineries, with bistros and ongoing wine tasting. By the time we kitted the oldies out with the bikes and reminded them how to use the gears and brakes and how to ride on the wrong side of the rode, we hadn't gone far when there were calls to stop for lunch. The weather was warm and the trail was dusty, requiring frequent stops for water.

Having a well earned picnic stop

Having another well earned water stop.

Eventually we arrived at the Hillside vineyard, winery and Bistro and we walked straight in to some wine tasting and that is when the real smiles appeared. Heather enjoyed their "wine for kids" as she aptly named it.

And it seemed that this pair were really enjoying the tasting too.

The smiles say it all!!!

After a few glasses of wine, the purchase of two bottles to sample over dinner we headed back to town, everybody had smiles on their faces and the down hill return trip was certainly enjoyed and appreciated by all.

Peachland

Beach front accommodation.

 The beach to ourselves

 So by 1.30pm BC time we arrived in Peachland to glorious sun and a beach front apartment.

Couldn't really ask for much more.

And we all quickly got into the holiday mode and enjoyed playing in the sand and running on the beach. Giving us a long awaited opportunity to get those feet and legs out of hibernation!!! It felt sooooo good.

Peachland journey begins....

Because we had such a cold and snowy winter we had decided to take the grand parents to a warmer, less rugged part of Canada and we decided on a trip to Peachland on the side of the Okanagan Lake in British Columbia. The climate is milder there and conducive to growing flowers, trees, vegetables and especially grapes which we all know you can turn into WINE !!!! So the grandparents were looking forward to this . However as with tradition to a Gunn's holiday it did come with a bit of activity, or as most people seem to call it...Boot camp!! And no getting out of it.

The trip started early with a wake up call of 5 AM. Kids in their pyjamas with teddy and blanket....they were happy. Quick stop at Tim Hortons for a tea....adults were happy and off we set on our journey. An hour and a half later  at 7am we stopped in Golden for breakfast  and then reset our watches for 6am time change.We then were able to arrive at the Enchanted forest by 9am. I think the Grand parents were in two mind whether to allow James out of the stock and barrel, however they found that they didn't really have a choice!!!

The kids had fun exploring the forest and finding all their favorite fairy tale characters and visiting their houses.

Bow falls

The following day was a trip to Banff to see Bow falls and then swim at the Banff springs hotel. The morning had started off casually stopping at the coffee shop to get the oldies their caffeine fix before they were fully awake to enjoy the walk and a detour up "Heather's Hill" to see the Bow falls.

Kids posing like angels!!!

 

Then the kids showed them how swimming is done in Canada, outdoors in a warm heated pool and we were blessed with a sleet shower just to prove that we are still colder and hardier than most countries in May.

Arrival in Canmore

 

Granny and Grandad arrived on the 4th may and within 24 hours of arriving the kids had set the pace for the holiday!!! First day was a trip to the bike park and a cycle ride round Canmore. Heather and Finlay enjoyed showing off their tricks and Heather biked all the way down town, round town and back home on her little run bike.

                                                            

Grandad showing off his balancing skills

So the pace was set for an active holiday tailored for the young and tailored for the old.

Pizza makers