Summer is only four hours away.

Over the long weekend, Tom and I decided to do a spontaneous trip out to the Okanagan--via Kelowna, Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos. Being super-spontaneous on a long weekend is normally not recommended, but we got lucky with a place to stay in Kelowna.

Monday was a lot of fun (so much, it didn't feel like a 'Monday' at all). After a beautiful lunch at Quail's Gate, we meandered down the 'wine route' from Kelowna, and hit so many BC wineries of varying sizes. Generally, one can sample any wine there (some complimentary, some with refundable fees if you bought something). Definitely a much more relaxing way to procure wine than at the liquor store. It's also more likely that one will come away with a new favourite.

The landscapes were lush, and the weather hot (35 degrees at the heart of it). Just looking at it all was relaxing, especially with the rolling hills and abundant orchards and vineyards.

Wanting some peaches, we stopped off at a U-pick orchard and got to roam amongst the peach trees selecting the best fruit. There is nothing sweeter, and makes store bought ones look sick. The time spent at the orchard was, for me, the most relaxing and I just felt so darn wholesome afterwards.

What a great way to beat the stress with a change of scenery and pace.
Away from the inbox, cell phone off. Glorious.

See the highlights on my flickr set here>>