Thank you for visiting my blog today, Life and Random Thinking, is a blog about happenings in my Okanagan region and other musings that I hope you will find interesting.
Today I watched the news of the fires in California
with additional empathy. Normally I can see the valley walls and miles down either of the lakes that are the head and feet of my city, Penticton.
This morning there is smoke akin to fog that has reduced visibility to two blocks here in Penticton, and a campfire taste to each outdoor breath.
Forest fires have sprung up in each direction and yet last night it was clear and fresh draughts of air when I went for a bike ride.
I am praying for a quick end to the smoke filled days
and a return to the fresh air I normally enjoy, and my heart reaches out to the uncountable number of people in California, many of whom are dealing with much worse.
So awful, and sad for these folks. In my thoughts.
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On a happier note,
For years I have wanted my dear wife to try stand-up paddleboarding at night! My wife, Susan, loves paddleboarding but until this year she has not tried paddleboarding at night.
Now she has, and she loved it, and so did I !
Four of us went together, I and my dear wife plus my daughter and her husband. Of course different paddleboards LOL, and my words are probably going to be unable to explain the experience.
Skaha Lake which is a short walk from home, has a business that does GLOW paddleboarding, which is led lighting which creates a beautiful glow illuminating the board.
We all had life jackets on, and multi-coloured glow sticks on our wrists, ankles, paddles etc so it was much like the Disney Electrical parade! –
Since it was dark, the boards seemed to float, and the lake was so calm – very relaxing as a cool breeze swept over us.
Unexpectedly I was able to spy 18 inch long fish lazing below me as I ghosted along in the changing red, green, blue and gold lights.
Ten of us in silence on the lake, just cruising along in very companionable ambience.
I found a youtuber who has done this, so you can see what it was like, a video being worth a million words approximately, fortunately its a short video. Click here.
To learn more – Glow SUP Adventures
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Thanks so much for dropping by, and having an interest in my blog – I look forward to chatting with you in the comments. – David
Life and Random Thinking 
Yep, Paddle boarding is fun – even better when the water is warm
Wild fires scare the hell out of me.
In 1975 i was part of an emergency team digging/creating fire breaks when the Malvern Hills rough brush went on fire. it burned for four days. the fire brigade’s answer was fire breaks and they need manpower.
When the wind shifted we were engulfed in the smoke – and had to evacuate.
However, we worked through the night and manage to stop the fire spreading – a job well done.
Enjoy your paddle boarding.
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Hi James, I imagine the fear, and adrenaline of such an experience stays with you. What a contrast – smoke, heat , danger versus cool, zen paddling in the early quiet after sunset. Thank you for taking the time to visit and comment. Sincerely David
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Wishing you well
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Thank you 🙏
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I’ve never paddle boarded at night! Might have to try that! I’m in California and dealing with an enormous amount of smoke! C
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I recommend you try the paddle boarding if you are interested Cheryl. I have smoke here also with the fire west of me on Green mountain. Best wishes
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I’ve been watching the California fires on TV and it’s absolutely horrifying. Some of the smoke from the Washington fires blew into our area today, although not as heavy as it is in your area. Let’s hope for better times!
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I always look forward to your comments Debra. Thank you.
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Love that you guys went to do this together! Sounds like such a wonderful experience.
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It was and thank you. I love that we did it together, and she enjoyed it. I got wet and cold and it took me hours to warm up, but that will be just part of the memory. I would do it all again. hugs.
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What a wonderful experience! I have always wanted to try paddleboarding, maybe I will soon, but I will start in the daytime.
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I think starting in the daytime is very wise ! LOL, what about pickleball? Have you tried that? That is a indoor sport and the cooler climes are ahead of us now. – David
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My son used to play that as a kid, I am afraid my eye to hand coordination has never been great. We love playing Bocce though.
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You gave me a smile, as a kid I played kick the can! It’s like hide and seek 👍
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Hoping the air clears soon! I’ve never heard of glow paddleboarding but it looks like fun, as I love anything that involves glow sticks!
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Glow sticks are kinda neat I agree but I feel guilty the next day because of their one time use They looked neat on the water on the lake
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What an amazing activity! It looks like fun.
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Like something from a Robert A Heinlein novel – do you grok? I hope you get the reference or I can explain.
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Wow, what a cool experience! Looks so beautiful & serene!
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It was fun, and collecting more memorable experiences is always fun. Hugs
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Paddle boarding at night sounds like fun! I am amazed that you are feeling the effects of the fires so far north. Hoping for a break in this weather.
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This is desert in Canada. We have sage brush, rattlesnakes, etc but also wine , fruit, and warmer winter
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All my favorite things, including the rattlesnakes! Even when I live in an area as diverse as Texas, I make assumptions about cold Canada…🇨🇦
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Hi Kerry, the smoke from Washington, Oregon and California is felt in Canada strongly and not just in the Okanagan, also in Vancouver where my Dad lives. Paddleboarding is very safe, you would enjoy it and the boards are very stable. At night the lake is extremely calm.
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I am sorry to hear about the smoke – it is the last thing we need with a respiratory pandemic. Paddle boarding is not for me – I am frightened of deep water…
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Nice always to hear from you Kerry. I know smoke particles could make an infection worse!
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I was driving through Northern California yesterday. It was a truly scary sight. 9:30 in the morning looked like early evening. Had to use head lights and the street lights came on.
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Sounds awful!
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It was.
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I can’t imagine how smoky it is there when I see how smoky it is here, 1500 miles away.
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about 10 times more smoke.
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My brother is about 30 miles from the fires, he said it is moving away from them now. Prayers to everyone out there, thank goodness for the fire fighters and pilots helping in all of this.
The paddle boarding looks amazing, the photos are awesome, I have never heard of that either but the photos are definitely worth it to do. I am going to go watch the video next. 🙂
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It has been a tough year for fires on the USA west coast and not done yet. I hope some days of rain are in the forecast. It has been a relatively quiet year for fires in Canada, and the one close to me was under control quickly although they “mop” up for a few weeks after. Now we see planes leaving to drop fire retardant so Washington fires don’t cross over. Our fire crews are all in USA now. Lots of natural forest in parks close to the border.
The paddle boards were fun, glad we did it- I think we will do it next year again and organize a group of our family. 🤗Sandra
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Sounds awesome Dave. Love how you are loving your life. Stay well and safe and happy.
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Thank you Ilona. I enjoy hearing from you always. 🤗
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That’s so neat! And so lovely to do as a couple, romantic!!
Sorry though about the fires, in California and now returned again to your area. So much devastation, and loss. Lots to deal with these days. Take care, keep safe and healthy.
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Thanks Claudette for your sweet comment. It is sad about the fires, I hope it ends soon, a huge number of people are affected. – David
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I have to admit I have never paddle boarded. But it looks amazing. Please stay safe.
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Thank you Lisa. My thoughts are filled with thoughts of fires still, the ones in USA. You stay safe also please
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