Darke Lake Blues: Thursday, October 1st!

For there is no friend like a sister / In calm or stormy weather; / To cheer one on the tedious way, / To fetch one if one goes astray, / To lift one if one totters down, / To strengthen whilst one stands. -Christina Rossetti, poet (1830-1894) 

Unfortunately I can't do the hike today. I'm hoping someone will get this message that's going today. Cheers Teresa

Hi Patrizio! Thanks for the update from the wilds of B.C. Yes, we certainly do miss playing bridge with you, but more importantly, we miss you! Actually we were visiting our friends cottage in the Sushwap area 2 weekends ago, and were so close to you, but didn’t have the time. However, we definitely will see you in the early Spring. Will let you know and maybe we can visit. So continue to sharpen up on your bridge playing so that we can have some competitive games. (hah) Charlie

Up just before 8:00 am to have a quick mug of java while I made my lunch and filled my camel-pack for coming hike. Cora Lee was up and dressed by the time I was ready to leave. She needed the car as she was planning on shopping, for the weekend, later on. After she helped me on with my socks and hiking boots we headed for Home Hardware. No fellow hikers there so I assumed all the Pentictonites who might otherwise have been there had opted for the overnight trip to Manning Park. 

This being the case we made for Summerland and ours was the second car there. St Kilian was first to arrive. Aarturo rolled up just after Bad Boy and I introduced Mme Coriandre to my trek companions before she sped off. Mr Ski Patrol and I clambered into the back of Kenneth's truck and we headed for the Summerland/Princeton Highway to eventually turn off on Fish Lake Road. About 24 km from the IGA lot to the shore of Darke Lake and a wonderful drive through picturesque Meadow Valley. Have never been through such a thick forest of Golden Aspens, a member of the poplar family I learned, also considered a hardwood.

Darke Lake is not all that large but certainly makes up for its size with its stunning beauty. Most of the hike was a fairly steep uphill grind but we often followed various trails so the going on such was fairly easy. However, at times, we had to cross very thick patches of dead fall so the going here, for me in particular, was pretty slow. Came across a four very large piles of Black Bear scat so rest of the group were happy that I was usually so far behind! Still, most enjoyable. Once at the top of the second highest peak we decided to go no further as it was the considered opinion of them what knows that there wouldn't be a view from there. Stopped on a small, rocky, open clearing to have our lunch. St Kilian revealed it was his 71st birthday so everyone congratulated him. Only discovered this as he was replying to birthday wishes on his phone while he munched.

Refreshed, we headed back down. Going again, at times, was slow when we traversed more dead fall, but other than that the steep slopes were not all that difficult. Back on the shores of Darke Lake after about four hours so a pretty comfortable outing. Headed back to Summerland once we returned to the truck and St Kilian invited everyone to his palce for a beer. He had offered to drive me back to Penticton as he wanted to take his new motorcycle tires into the Honda dealership there. The tires were to be replaced on Friday so this way he could ride his bike and not have to ask his wife to bring them in for him. 

We stopped at IGA to change vehicles and then met at St Kilian's home, a few minutes away. He and his wife, Shirley, (Ken's cousin), have a lovely home and we sat on their back deck and chatted for half an hour before heading off. Birthday Boy dropped me off just as Cora Lee was off to volunteer at Richard Cannings' campaign office so she visited with St Kilian for a few minutes before he took off to deliver his tires. Wonderful hike and it was fun to have such a small group. Terrific lads and I'm very fortunate to have been introduced to them. Stats for hike:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/915785079#.Vg3YiyownS0.email

Hello Three Musketeers, D'Artagnan, et al! Thanks to the Hulkomaniac for such a wonderful, wonderful outing! Thanks, as well, to the Birthday Boy for refreshments, at his place, after such a terrific hike. Only complaint I have is that all the Babes were sorely missed, by Aarturo, ((one with hat, glasses, 'stache and pearly whites!), especially! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Rosita! Still waiting to hear back from you! Thought that you and Dusty would enjoy seeing our attempt at making ripe tomatoe pickle. We started once we were back from an art opening at the Lloyd Gallery. We strolled down around 7:00 pm. Artist is Robyn Lake, in green, leaning against counter. Some of her larger canvases are priced around $3,000, so tell Dusty to get working! Last one is the pickle production line! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio, still your Favourite Son-in-Law! PS: Note, (above), is one I sent with album of today's hike. 

Thanks for the photos Patrick!! Beautiful scenery!!...looks like you had a fun day!!...am really enjoying the Monday hikes!! Did I thank you for the photos from White Lake?? Can't believe how fast the week has gone by!! Cheerios!!...A la prochaine fois mon ami...

Hi Murielle! Glad you liked the snaps. Thanks for all the thanks! Missed you and the rest of The Sisterhood today but will look forward to seeing more of you this coming week. Enjoy the weekend. Cheers, Patrizzio!

I like that!!...Sisterhood!!....:-) That's the type of male relationship I miss...
Have one brother who lives in Edmonton and too busy to visit!!...still works as a realtor!! Grew up with many 1st , 2nd & 3rd cousins...there was no hidden agendas with relationships Simply good times,...good laughs and good results!!
See you Monday!!.... Murielle:-)

Thanks Patricio, your emails are always so refreshing! Great Shots. Aarturo 

Hi Aarturo! Glad you enjoyed the snapolas! We strolled down to the Lloyd Gallery around 7:00 pm this evening for an opening. Lovely food, from Wild Scallion right across Front Street from the gallery. Artist was Robyn Lake and since some of her larger canvases are priced around $3,000, I think we should start painting, en plein air, instead of hiking! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Patrizio! Thanks for the update from the wilds of B.C. Yes, we certainly do miss playing bridge with you, but more importantly, we miss you! Actually we were visiting our friends cottage in the Sushwap area 2 weekends ago, and were so close to you, but didn’t have the time. However, we definitely will see you in the early Spring. Will let you know and maybe we can visit. So continue to sharpen up on your bridge playing so that we can have some competitive games. (hah) Charlie

Hi Champagne! Great to be missed. I miss all your put downs! Thought that you and O Susannah would enjoy seeing our attempt at making ripe tomatoe pickle. Have to do it on our own since Rosita and Dusty are not living beside us any more!

Went to an art opening at the Lloyd Gallery this evening. Prices are such that I might even give up cycling/hiking and start painting, en plein air!  Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio, still honing his more than formidable bidding skills!