Friday, Aug. 23, 2019: Penticton to Naramata Bench

 

Beautiful Lake Okanagan

Friday, Aug.23
Penticton

After taking a day off from the bike to do touristy things, I was looking forward to getting back on the bike.  So, the TCT continues on the KVR  (Kettle Valley Railroad - rail trail).  Lake Okanagan dominates the views today.  Leaving the support crew to do some shopping,  I left to take a dip in the lake, and I believe that is a first for me -swimming in a Canadian lake. Water temperature was very comfortable; I think as I continue on the trail, I will make a note to take a swim, in the notable lakes along the way.  So this one is lake number 1.  Then  it was time to get back on the bike, now on the eastern side of the lake.  And just as on the west side of the lake, now the trail climbs (and climbs) out of the Okanagan Valley. The trail uses a long switchback and a tunnel (not open) to negotiate the climb.  Fantastic scenery on a nice day; the view from  above the Naramata Bench (next to last photo below) is considered one of the premier views along the entire TCT.  No argument from me on that appraisal.

The trail wends its way amid the wineries and other fruit farms of the region.  While riding, I had to make a stop at a quaint little restaurant, that can only be reached by the trail.  Interesting that they can make a go of it, situated where it is.  I think some people walk along the trail to get to the restaurant:  it was only a short ways to the next crossroad.    The menu is comprised with many dishes that use the fruits and berries harvested here. The  restaurant clerk told me to take a plum for free. Plums aren't my absolute favorite fruit, but the sweetness of that plum was beyond any I've ever eaten before.

Finally it was time to meet up with my support crew at a spot we had selected in advance.    I was approaching the meeting point, which was a park area; turns out  there were other folks there also.  Then, ahead on the trail, I saw a large black bear, just amiably walking on the trail toward me.  I did a leisurely turn around, and calmly cycled away.  I know that you should not run away from a bear, because that may induce the bear to chase.  Happily, the bear did not follow me. I was able to take a road as an alternate path to the the meetup point.  The bear was not far from where they were waiting, but when I told them of the adventure, looking back along the trail we did not see the bear, so it must have ambled off the trail.  The other folks  also were excited to hear of the bear sighting, but fortunately the bear did not make an appearance at the park.

Some times I believe in premonitions; it seemed to be a good signal that it was time to end my trek along the TCT for 2019.  Up to this point, I had made steady progress, with a vacation each year along the trail. Little did I know that I was not going to be able to ride in 2020, because of an event that affected the entire globe.



Swimming in a Canadian Lake !
Getting ready for a swim
Cozy restaurant along the trail



Lake Okanagan from Naramata Bench

    That is a BEAR!  Good-bye!

Comments

  1. AudreyJuly 18, 2025 at 5:55 AM

    Yikes!! You took a pic of the bear! Great story telling!!

    ReplyDelete

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