For the Public Good

A view of Kelowna, BC

We loved our day off in Kelowna. The weather was perfect, the 49ers won their game in a thrilling finish with a last-second field goal, and we enjoyed the fresh food and wonderful beer that the Okanagan Valley offers.

Today's ride took us along the Okanagan Trail, which is well-maintained and does not permit motorized vehicles. It was a stunning journey, mostly alongside beautiful lakes. Kalamalka Lake, known for its changing colors, was particularly impressive. With the wind at our backs, the sun shining brightly under a cloudless sky, and a perfect riding temperature of around 70 degrees fahrenheit, it was the most blissful and effortless ride of the trip so far. It was only a 35-mile journey that we completed in less than three hours and it was one of those rides you simply didn't want to end.

A bike repair station along the path.

While the beauty of the natural surroundings stood out, equally impressive was the outstanding recreational infrastructure Canada provides for its citizens and visitors. The design of the trail, combined with its exceptional maintenance, made for a wonderful experience. Remarkably, they have even set up bike repair stations along the trails that include air pumps and essential maintenance tools. We noticed this significant investment in parks and recreation during our eastern Canada ride as well. Parks and recreation seem to be a priority for the Canadian government, and it's something that Canadians readily use and value as a means to promote a healthy lifestyle, community, and fun for families and friends. It’s no wonder why hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing are so popular in this country. Canada’s recreational infrastructure truly reflects the great things that can be accomplished when governments, businesses, and communities make thoughtful investments for the public good. Bravo, Canada, and thank you!

Tonight, I am excited to visit my former boss, Loa, who was the Principal during my four years as the Assistant Principal at the Colegio Americano in Guatemala City. She was a close friend of ours during our time in Guatemala, and we had a blast working and hanging out together. She lives here in the Okanagan Valley, and it’s going to be great to reminisce, catch up, and renew our very cool friendship.

Until Tomorrow