Nk’Mip RV Park Osoyoos BC June 16 -19, 2017
Wow, we were expecting about 15 coaches at this rally but were surprised to have 32 coaches register. We had 25 coaches from British Columbia, 2 from Alberta and 1 coach from each of California, Oregon, Washington, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
The rally kicked off Tuesday evening and we all met at the RV Park’s hall for a “meet and greet”. Our hosts Donna & Ken Chura welcomed everyone and outlined a general agenda for the 4 day rally. After some cheese, crackers and wine, we had draws for some wonderful prizes provided by Rick Kalinocka of Country RV in Kelowna. I was lucky enough to win one of the great camp chairs he provided. Thank you Rick. The evening ended with a game of Bonko which I had never heard of but it got everyone mixing and visiting. There were a few bottles of wine and some wonderful jewelry donated by Jeanine Taylor that was awarded to the winners of the Bonko game.
On Wednesday, 27 of us boarded two vans for a 5 hour tour of about 6 of the 43 wineries in the area. It was very entertaining and included a lovely lunch at Tinhorn Winery. It ended with a very comical but informative presentation by Elena at Silver Sage Winery. I can also report that dozens of bottles of wine were bought and some of us bought so much that we had to have it shipped to our homes as it would not fit into the vans.
On Thursday morning Ken & Donna Chura along with some help by people like Chris Taylor prepared everyone a wonderful breakfast of crepes and fruit. There was enough to have seconds and even thirds for some of us.
Late Thursday afternoon one of our participants, Jack Habart of Vancouver, facilitated a group discussion on amenities, modifications and devices added to our coaches. There was also a discussion on problems experienced, which usually had a solution recommended from the group. The discussion was well attended with probably 50 people or so in attendance. It was very well received and went on past the scheduled time. We had to eventually bring an end to it so that people could get back to their coaches to prepare supper.
Over the 3 days many of us got off on our own to visit the iconic Home Hardware in downtown Osoyoos; visit the amazing Osoyoos Desert Model Railway museum with 43 operating miniature trains; visit the Nk’Mip Desert Culture Centre; do some hiking or play some golf.
Friday was departure day for everyone except those who decided to stay on for an extra night or two. After organizing our coaches for departure, most of us met on the large grassed area in the centre of our camping area to say our goodbyes to some old friends and many more new friends.
I am sure I speak for everyone in attendance when saying “thank you” to Donna & Ken Chura for organizing and co-ordinating, what to my knowledge, is the largest LTV Rally the Western Sunsetters have ever had.
Comments