Getting Back Into Okanagan Life

So, Michelle and I have settled back in to life in the Okanagan (at least I have, and it is all new to Michelle). Among other activities, I really enjoy being out on the water. Unfortunately, I don't have a boat anymore, so have to rely on the kindness of others to 'invite' us on their boats. I've managed a waterski, and a couple of wakeboarding trips so far, and look forward to a few more. I haven't been pulled behind the boat in a few years, so the next day, the muscles sure hurt!!

I've also managed to get out mountain biking, camping, playing beach volleyball, while Michelle got back into sailing and racing on a crew. I've even managed to get out on the sailboat for a night on the water. We've been to many BBQ's and managed to catch up with lots of my old friends, whilst making some new ones through sailing and work!!! *Stub

Cowboys and Indians at the Cottons

Paul and Dana Cotton moved into a big new place, which is a huge change from their 1 bedroom condo. The house has at least 5 bedrooms, so now a new office for Paul, and a massage therapy studio for Dana downstairs.
So, of course, there had to be a housewarming party. The theme was cowboys and Indians. Some great costumes with the whole Cotton family coming as Indian (one East Indian - Al). I managed to sort through the tickle trunk and come up with this one.
Next to me is Kevin Holmes who actually had a pickle plate as his belt buckle - creative. We even had a Brokeback Mountain cowboy, as Spenny graced us with his presence.
A good night for all, and especially Dana who managed to see the sun come up whilst finishing some drinks with the last 2 remaining guests!! *Stub

Camping Trip - Sugar Lake, BC

Another favourite Okanagan activity for us is camping. We joined Don, Nicole and the girls, along with 3 other families on a camping trip up to Sugar Lake - about 2 hours NE of Kelowna. We love camping, so it was nice to get all our gear out of boxes and put it to use again. The tent was as comfy as usual and sitting around the fire was fantastic. And of course, the food was amazing. Either cooked on the fire pit, or on the BBQ's, you just tend to eat all day long while camping.
Some managed to get out on little fishing trips, but unfortunately, Don had caught all the fish in the lake apparently - at least so he claims!
Don also had 2 Quads and was looking for a partner to accompany him on a ride. So, I thought I would help him out. We took off and gained a lot of altitude (4000 ft) on the little logging roads and trails. These things really fly too, as I had mine up to 90km/h on the trails and apparently was up on two wheels often while cornering!! Some great views along the way, but then the rains came. Heavy big drops that turned into hail. It was tough riding as it felt like little rocks being thrown at you at high speed. We suffered through the pain though and had a great ride. *Stub

24 Hour Relay with Site360, Kelowna

I'm sure you were all wondering when I would get a job again. Well, I finally started back to work at the end of May with a Civil Engineering/Landscape Architecture firm called Site360. So far, the work has been interesting and fun. The office has a great atmosphere, and the people there are friendly and fun. It is only a small company of 22 people, but growing due to the residential growth in the area. Like I said, a very good atmosphere at the office, and we manage to quit early on Fridays for beer in the lounge!!
After only 2 weeks at work, we joined the group to do the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay. It was a great way to meet the new colleagues outside of work and overall was a good time. Our team won Best Spirit, 2nd most fundraising and Most Laps/Distance run over the 24 hours. We also managed to party it up at night, with some of us staying in tents on the side of the track. All good fun, but the next day was a bit of a write-off!! *Stub