Hike near the top of Mount Boucherie

Yesterday we almost hiked to the top of Mount Boucherie. Mount Boucherie is a weathered 50-million-year-old stratovolcano in West Kelowna. 

What started off as a simple hike in the woods ended as a surprisingly scary climb near the summit of Mount Boucherie, The trail was pretty narrow with a sheer drop off in a places while other parts were loose rocks on a steep incline. At one point we had to scramble under a fallen tree that seemed determined to block our progress. I'm surprised and grateful that neither of us sustained any serious injuries (although my knee is quite fond of reminding me of my age).  

While the views were spectacular, we didn't make it up to the actual summit. It started raining and the trail became narrower and narrower until it eventually disappeared. We decided to turn back rather than tempt fate any further. The journey back down from the "near summit" was tricky and I was much slower than my incredible wife. After making it back down the sun came out and we decided to take the roof off the Jeep for one final celebration of the end of summer. We stopped at Volcanic Hills Winery on the way home for some wine tasting. Their Syrah and Gamay Noir are excellent. 

We drove by our favorite local brewery and were shocked to see Little Tokyo had not yet sold out of their incredible ramen noodles. Little Tokyo makes the greatest ramen I've ever tasted (even better than the ramen I've had in Japan). They operate out of a tiny red trailer parked in the back of Barn Owl Brewing and are only there a few days a week. They frequently sell out so we felt very lucky to enjoy their delicious noodles. Barn Owl makes a great Stout - probably not the best pairing but I am a sucker for a good Stout.  

Yesterday was a wonderful reminder of how incredibly blessed I am. God is good indeed.