Cycling in Kelowna
That’s what the man shouted in the lobby of the Delta Hotel in Kelowna. We had just hopped off our bikes, locked them, and went inside. I put my arm around Jan as we walked down the lobby and there was this fellow with his wife on the sofa. He must have been around 70. He looked as us and he looked at me and he shouted “You’re a lucky man! ” We laughed and I said “You’re doing pretty good yourself,” and off we went.
We have been in the Kelowna area for a few days after being invited by Harry Buddle and spouse Judy. (Harry will be Rotary 5370 District Governor the year before me, 2011/2012). They have a summer home here near Oyama, BC overlooking the lake. When they invited us for the weekend we thought about it for a day, but – being kid-less now – thought “Why not!?”. Friday we drove the 1000 km’s in 11 hours or so. It was very smoky from the forest fires. Our eyes watered at times but it was a pleasant drive none-the-less. We stopped in Kamloops for a great bike ride…
The Buddles and Jan and I having lunch.
The Buddles treated us to a nice boat ride and some fine suppers. Jan and I went to Kelowna with our bikes for some great bike riding today and yesterday. We compared some Rotary “DG notes”.
It has been a wonderful weekend and a reminder of how fortunate Jan and I are. Two healthy kids now out in the world (Catie in Poland this week, then Montreal to Uni, Karly in Japan for the year on exchange), healthy, happy and enjoying a great time of life. And me – I guess that 70 year old man is right. Indeed I am a “very lucky man”!
We drive home tomorrow.
Kevin Hilgers 