Meaning narrowing waters is 2.2 km north of the American border, lake surrounded by mountains is hot and arid, fruit, wineries and horticulture abound, think Central Otago but bigger! Weather just like a hot summer day in central. Lots of accommodation for vacationers plenty of camp grounds, that is one thing Canada does well the facilities for campers are first class. We stayed at Nk Mip camp ground run by the local native tribe, they have extensive business ventures around the region and employ many tribe members.
After researching ( love the internet)best hikes to do round here “we” or should I say “I” lol 😆 decided on McIntyre Bluff just north Osoyoos. We head away early choosing a morning walk as it tends to heat up very quickly in the afternoon, we drive 24 km north head up a side road to a winery park up gear up plenty of water on board and off we go. A gentle walk down the vineyard then at trail start big sign ” do you know that bears eat 130,000 berries a day” hence have deer fences and electric hot wire out rigger! So we were in bear territory Shane made sure I was in front! We gradually climb up we notice fresh scat, eyes scanned this way that way… plenty of talking was done so to forwarn any unsuspecting bear of our presence. We keep climbing to Rattlesnake Lake picture perfect reflections and the call of the Looney duck the most amazing whistling very unique. A few more ups and not so many downs we reach the top 5.5 km work out a few steep pinches but generally not too a hike. Once at the top magnificent views looking down the valley to the south, wineries and orchards spread out before us small lakes, mountains. Well worth the effort to climb up to 700m. As the name suggests don’t get too close to the edge it’s a sheer bluff, quite unnerving when you stand near the edge and your upper thighs start quivering! Photos taken we start to head back down, now Shane spy’s bear hair on the track, now we are in a state of high alert! Yes I was in front still, but no bears were seen. Dragon flys constantly gliding by us and we saw the most beautiful iridescent blue miniature dragon fly tried to get photo but he didn’t want a bar of it. Lizards scuttling across the track, swallows constantly on the wing, wild flowers giving a splash of color on the rocky landscape and of course trees, Douglas fir I think 🤔. We made good time on the return leg, an 11 km hit out I can see us doing many more hikes in Canada not sure if Shane will have the same enthusiasm as me.😏