We stopped at Van Hyce beach for a short break on the way north and a few of us went in for a swim.
Today was scheduled for a paddle and a hike. We stopped again at the far side of Commando Bay, the GPS says we travelled 8.4 km.
We came across a Merganser duck family out for a paddle.
The hike was planned with Orion from Sagebrush Nursery in Oliver. He showed us and told us about various native plants we came across on the hike. One of the plants that can be trouble is poison ivy and here is what to look for if you want to avoid it. (Leaves of three - Let them be)
Here are the kayaks on the beach at the start of the hike.
We even came across a rattlesnake. Can you see it in this photo?
We were hiking up the trail in a draw and we heard the rattling in the grass beside the trail. I guess he was just letting us know he was there. He didn't get excited, just kept slowly moving away through the grasses. Probably 3.5 to 4 feet long. Apparently that is a rather large specimen. A Western Diamondback we were told.
If you heard a scream echoing down the lake around noon on Sunday, that was Janet after seeing and hearing the snake beside the trail.
It was great to get up on the mountainside and get a few different views of the Okanagan valley.
This is looking south to Penticton.
At one point, Janet and I came across a school of good sized fish all swimming near a large tree that had fallen into the lake. I tried to get an underwater photo, but manoeuvring the kayak in the waves and wind and trying to lean over getting the camera in the water and of course the fish not knowing what I wanted them to do; made the job rather challenging. Here is the only shot that sort of turned out.
On the way back, Janet and I stopped again at Van Hyce beach for a swim and a rest. Beautiful day out.
Here is a photo of us on our way back south.
Wildlife seen included quite a few fish, a Merganser duck family, a bald eagle, and of course the rattlesnake.
Thanks for visiting and keep on paddling.
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