Okanagan Ode

Okanagan, farewell to thee,
O happy, fruit-filled warm valley -
A weekend getaway,
Kelowna's where we stayed.

A lakeside suite was really grand,
And sunset views were on demand
Hors d'oeuvres and big buffets
Workshops to fill the day.

When work was done, we took a drive.
On Knox Mountain some trees survived
Despite the firestorm.
It wasn't very warm.

On Saturday, southward we headed
All afternoon, for we intended
To drive along the shore
In search of beast of lore.


Alas he showed not his maned head.
We pitched a tent and made our bed
In a Provincial Park.
Our campfire lit the dark.

The ranger in his pickup truck
Collected our twentyfour bucks,
Shortly after the dawn
While coffee was still on.

Peachland, a town that's rather fey,
Did welcome us on market day.
Coffee at Rocky Top
To sip and window shop.

That afternoon, the best of times -
A sampling of BC wines!
The first stop was Deep Creek,
Presentation was weak.

Our final stop was Mission Hill.
Tranquility, e'en though a chill
Of autumn bit the air.
The wines beyond compare.

Then, down "the Coque" we swiftly rode
Onward towards our own abode.
Through lofty mountain passes,
Swiftly the grandeur passes.

Merrit - Canadian country's home,
Where gas is cheap and cattle roam.
For hot springs detoured some,
To check out Harrison.


And so the trip came to a close,
In our own bed we did repose
And happ'ly dreamed of thee,
Okanagan Valley.