Tea at the Top returning for another year
The 19th annual Okanagan Shuswap Century Ride on May 28 is full. “Filled by 8:30 a.m.,” perennial organizer Lisa Jaffary of Kelowna said this week.
Online registration for the 475 spots opened at 6 a.m. last Monday, but it is so popular that within a few hours, cyclists from far and wide had registered. There were 263 from Kelowna and West Kelowna, 10 from Revelstoke, one from Williams Lake and others from Rossland, Calgary, Lower Mainland and Washington.
Here is the breakdown: 388 for the 100-kilometre Century Ride from Armstrong to Sicamous and back, 81 for the 56K distance and four for the 14K route around Armstrong.
“More and more riders are riding the 100 kilometres,” noted Jaffary.
*** A reminder that the BC Interior Sportsman Show wraps up today at the CNC, 4105 Gordon Dr. in Kelowna. The show hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The show promises the latest and greatest in hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation gear with a full lineup of guest speakers, door prizes, exhibitors and activities for the whole family.
Tickets are $10 for youth and adults with kids 12-and-under free with an adult. Parking is free. Tickets are available online or at the door. For the full lineup of speakers, activities and door prizes, go to bcinteriorsportsmanshow.com.
*** With good air-quality and venting conditions this week, controlled burning continued in a portion of Black Mountain / sntskëilínt?n Regional Park (sinch-KEEL-en-tin).
When weather conditions are favourable, fire hazard debris collected as part of a five-hectare fuel modification project in the park is being burned. The park, located on the east slopes just outside Kelowna, is closed to the public. The fuel management work is part of the ongoing effort to prepare it for future access.
As well, over the coming weeks when open burning is allowed, debris piles collected last year will be burned in a portion of Rose Valley Regional Park above Bear Creek Road off Bowes and Pettman roads in West Kelowna. BC Wildfire Service crews are continuing a multi-year fuel-modification project in this 10-hectare section of the park.
Be aware that trails in this area may be temporarily closed while crews are working.
For more, go to the Regional District Parks Services webpage: regionaldistrict.com/parks, email parks@cord.bc.ca or call 250-469-6232.
*** Dr. Jasper Lament will highlight the conservation work of The Nature Trust of British Columbia at the monthly meeting of the Central Okanagan Naturalists’ Club at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Evangel Church, 3261 Gordon Dr., in Kelowna.
Since 1971, The Nature Trust has acquired more than 175,000 acres with a special focus on the Okanagan including Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, the Antelope-brush Conservation Area, Vaseux Lake complex, Peach Cliff, Skaha Lake and Turtle Pond, said Lament, The Nature Trust CEO.
Prior to that, he was a senior environmental coordinator at BC Hydro where he focused on fisheries and species-at-risk compliance.
*** A reminder that the Kelowna Canoe and Kayak Club’s next general meeting is at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the May Bennett Wellness Centre, 135 Davie Rd., in Kelowna.
Jim Ongena, an avid outdoorsman, will share his Powerpoint presentation and talk about the importance of first-aid in the wilderness when you are far from cellular service.
The club will also have a buy-and-sell table so members should bring any items of interest to paddlers. You can also bring paper or digital photos or a description of large items e.g. kayaks, canoes. Remember to bring a lawn chair as there are a limited number of chairs in the meeting room.
*** Following last year’s very successful Tea at the Top event, The Trail of the Okanagans Society is inviting everyone to the 2017 edition at 1 p.m. on May 28.
The destination (two options) is the Fur Brigade Lookout, 400 metres above Okanagan Lake with panoramic views from Penticton to Kelowna. Participants will also learn about the history of the Fur Brigade Trail from historian Dr. David Gregory, says Dianne Hayley, one of the organizers.
Option 1: An interpretive hike from Hardy Falls south of Peachland. Access from Highway 97. Arrive by 10:30 a.m. and park at Hardy Falls Regional Park to join a carpool one kilometre to the trailhead on Log Chute Road. A 3.5-kilometre hike (7K return) on rough trail surface with a 300-metre elevation gain. Bring a bag lunch, water and hiking poles (optional). Wear sturdy shoes and dress for variable weather. The outlook is a bit cooler than the valley. Back at your car by 3:30 p.m.
Option 2: Bicycle ride from Priest Camp at Garnett Lake. Take Garnett Valley Road north out of Summerland and continue past the end of the paved surface. Arrive by 11:30 a.m. and park at Priest Camp (Garnett Lake) just past the dam. A four-kilometre ride (8K return) on rough road surface with an 80-metre elevation gain. Bring a bag lunch, water, helmet and a sturdy bike (mountain bike preferred). Back at your car by 3 p.m.
“Cookies and tea are available. In support of our fund-raising activities, cash donations are accepted. Proceeds will be applied to Fur Brigade Trail enhancements connecting Summerland with Peachland through Garnett Valley,” said Hayley.
Register via email by May 21 to trail.of.the.okanagans@gmail.com with the subject line Tea at the Top registration.
You can find out more about the society at facebook.com/OKTrail.
Tea at the Top is a designated Chain of Events and a Canada 150 event. It is sponsored by the Summerland Rotary Club and Peachland Historical Society, the Summerland heritage advisory committee, the Okanagan Historical Society (Summerland branch) and the Summerland Museum and Archive Society.