Our last few weeks in Penticton flew by rather quickly. In fact everything seemed to accelerate with the turn of the season. February had been colder and snowier than normal in our little BC town. But now March was breaking records for warmth and sunshine. The snow that had lingered since before the new year seemed to disappear in a flash.
And it wasn’t just the deer that felt frisky. A flicker (a type of wood pecker) discovered that it could amplify its mating call by banging on the cap of our chimney. It was incredibly loud and annoying as it echoed down the pipe and through the house.
This went on for over a week. Each time I’d go out and throw a snow ball at it to chase the damn bird away. But eventually it stopped — must have found a good mate with all that racket.
Funnily, I had been complaining to Byron and Paula, our friends in Corner Brook Newfoundland, about how cold and snowy Penticton had been through February. For some reason, they were unsympathetic. Here’s the picture they sent me of their front yard.
Happily, we were in Penticton, where the change in weather not only pleased the local wildlife, but also the Master as well. Maxi the Cat started staying outside almost all day; only coming back to demand food, and then he was gone again.
With time ticking away we managed to get a few projects done that we’d brought with us from the boat. Using one of Dave’s amazing sewing machines, Ann managed to restitch our two sail covers that had been coming apart. Meanwhile, I was drying and packaging food to restock our boat supplies. We now have about a month’s worth of dried veggies and meat.
And speaking of sewing, I also used Dave’s machine to finish a sewing project which I actually began about five years ago. It is supposed to be a solar food dehydrator. I got the basic plans from an old Hippie sailing book (Sailing the Farm). It ain’t pretty, but I think it will work.
In addition to the small projects, and general servitude to Sir Demands A Lot, Ann kept up her incredible swimming pace, while I practiced with the Tuneagers community choir. This was in preparation for our big spring concert which happened just days before our departure.
Despite having to sing a medley of tunes from the Sound of Music, 
the concerts went off without a hitch, and the audience seemed to enjoy themselves. I was even invited to sing with a small sextet that performed the southern spiritual Oh Mary Don’t You Weep.
I have been so warmly welcomed by this wonderful group, and I will sorely miss them. It’s certainly one reason that makes me want to come back to Penticton again. Who knows, we may still might…
Another tug at the heart is our nice neighbours, Carol and Mike (and Missy their dog). We’ve gotten to know them over the years we’ve been wintering in Penticton, and we managed to get in a couple of final dinners and card games with them. First over at their place, and then we invited them to ours.
Dave and Leslie, our wonderful house owners, finally made their way back from Arizona. It was great to see them again, and to spend a nice afternoon/evening swapping stories and hearing about their adventures. They have been so great to us, and have already invited us back for next winter. We shall see…
We said our final goodbyes. Packed our little red car, and headed to the land of the big sky. It was sad to leave, but it feels good to be travelling once again. We now get to spend a week or so in Calgary with Donna & Sam who generously support our vagabond lifestyle by allowing us to stay with them.
It’s always great to reconnect with Ann’s side of the family. Everyone is so sweet, and kind, and … funny 🙂 . Ann fits right in 😉 .
As the saying goes, you can run but you can’t hide. The horror that is constant curling followed us from Penticton. They even made me watch the final game. Or maybe bribed me is more accurate.
Everything seems better when viewed through the lens of a margarita 😉 .