Rock-Awn 5.0: At Home Travel

Once upon a time (a mere six months ago), it was relatively easy to hop on a flight to travel to another country and go on an adventure. We all know how that changed and currently times are very different! Previously, all Rock-Awn adventures were international, and though we miss those times very much (and eagerly anticipate their return), we’d rather give a domestic Rock-Awn a try then have no Rock-Awn at all. So, with time to spare and good weather to be had, DawnO headed to Kelowna to check out Rocky & B-Rod’s digs. Though RobO wasn’t able to physically partake in any of the adventures, his presence was felt through his contribution of the name of this particular adventure as “Mini-Pop”

Rock-Awn 5.o Mini-Pop Highlights

• YXH-YLW Road trip
  • helping someone who doesn’t like road trips tolerate a road trip
  • making a 1 day trip extend to 2 days and taking the longer way
  • Ymir hotel
    • initially pronouncing it as “yee-meer”
    • later finding out it’s actually pronounced ‘why-mer’
    • double bunk beds
  • getting tips along the way
    • Nelson hike & eats
    • Christina Lake
    • Deadwood Junction
• Kelowna and area
  • Rock-Awn Brody scavenger hunt
  • Myra Canyon Trestles
  • fruit challenges
  • hikes and long walks
  • beer crawl
  • good eats

Though DawnO isn’t a fan of road trips, I think I helped her think this one was ok. This adventure was a bit of a role reversal in that I did a lot of the planning and logistics. Not sure if I should feel accomplished, or if I should worry that I have proven that I can take on that role 😳 I planned for us to go to Nelson as our halfway point, but found somewhere way cheaper to stay overnight. $54 for the night with the option of double bunk beds?! Yes & yes!! You know you have found the right travel buddy when there is no doubts in your mind as you are booking that they are going to be as excited about those features as you are!

We stayed at the Hotel Ymir which was built in 1896. Let’s just say the hotel and town of Ymir was “interesting.” However, it was unique, provided some good stories and laughs and the people at the hotel were very friendly and helpful.

After a restful sleep in Ymir (and after assuring myself the hotel wasn’t haunted – it’s not!), we hit the road again. I had consulted with some family and compiled a list of must do stops along the way. Part of the “game” was not telling DawnO all of the places we were going and letting them be surprise stops. I had fun with that!

Finally arrived in Kelowna where B-Rod was waiting to feed us. The next day was an epic one. I planned it as (a what Rocky & B-rod know as) an ‘exploration quest’ and what DawnO refers to as “superdate.’ Did I mention I love surprises? All activities were kept as surprises for DawnO while B-Rod was oblivious to the first activity. The first item on the agenda is something I’ve been wanting to do for awhile, but wasn’t exactly sure how it would go. I had come across the website Let’s Roam recently which has scavenger hunts in various cities in North America. How convenient they have one for Kelowna! So, with our team named as “Rock-Awn Roddy,” we headed downtown to start our challenge.

Next up . . . Myra Canyon Trestles. This was B-Rod and my fourth time up there and I don’t think we will ever tire of it. We’ve walked part of it twice and now biked it twice. If you’re ever in the area and make your way there I highly, highly, emphatically recommend biking it!! According to DawnO, the bike rental of $40 . . . worth it!!!

My bro has started a tradition of food related challenges. DawnO, liking a good challenge, wanted to give it a try. We completed 2 in the time she was here. The first was the plum challenge where we discovered we ended up eating the equivalent of 5 plums . . . . EACH!! We smartened up for the apple challenge and cut pieces a lot smaller. Both fun, but let’s just say lesson learned!

While B-Rod headed back to work, we went on a beer crawl to explore the breweries in the neighbourhood. We quickly learned that splitting flights was a better strategy, but not early enough to feel a little bit “jammed”

Of course we went for long walks, did a few hikes and enjoyed some lake time.

And let’s not forget the food!

It was a great week! This adventure has taught me that domestic Rock-Awn still rocks!! Rock-Awn Roddy is pretty good too! We live in a cool place and I make a pretty decent tour guide (though I guess I should hold out on making that assessment until I actually get a five-star review!). Thanks for the visit, adventures, and good time DawnO. Can’t wait to see where Rock-Awn 6.0 takes us!!