Thank you for visiting today, I look forward to hearing from readers. I am always grateful when someone tells me that they read my blog as the nature of the blog writing is little bit like putting a note in bottle and throwing it into the ocean. The writer always wonders who found the bottle and if they found it, if the writer will ever know who?
I have been missing moments in the sun lately due to the forest fire smoke in the Okanagan. Today the skies partially cleared and I was able to get out and ride my bike for a nice spin.
My first topic involves steam and a bear sighting while riding the Kettle Valley Steam Railway ♥
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The train chugged, steamed and blew it’s whistle all the way around the valley side. 
The sights, smells and smiles of that day will be revisited many times in the future. 
We were three generations that day we rode the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. Interesting note is that my Dad used to work on the railway and he told me that he unloaded hundreds of luggage cars exactly like this one back when he was a stationmaster. 
I think that smile could sell tickets ! Yes we all loved our experience together. ♥♥♥ 
Here’s a peek from the side of the closed car and the engine up at the front. 
Standing high on the Trout Creek trestle and looking east to Okanagan lake. The Kettle Valley Railway (now Trans Canada Trail) goes south to Penticton from Summerland and then crossed through Penticton and climbs the valley on the other side of the Okanagan lake and heads northeast. 
This is a peek to the closed car ahead of the Winslow – took a quick peek when I climbed the train stairs. 
Our car was the “Winslow” -it’s an open car. Perfect car for a summer ride – the view of the valley was amazing.
August 9 was a day of steam and smiles as three generations boarded the Kettle Valley Steam Railway ( KVSR) in Summerland. Some track still remains thankfully so that the volunteers and staff of the KVSR can still relive the experience with their passengers.
It’s a trip to remember on the #3716 The Spirit of Summerland.
The steam whistle, the clanging bell, the sight of a black bear clambering up a bank beside the train – it was a morning of smiles.
Be careful which train trip you book because there have been train robbers sighted, they arrive on horseback and pistols but it’s all in fun for everyone. If you are interested in a 90 minute or 120 minute experience – you can learn more hear HERE.
Hear the train whistle and bells at the 40 second spot if you don’t want to watch the whole video.
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I wonder if I should really end this post here on a happy note because writing this post did make me happy.
However I think it is worthwhile to add one more thought.
I will sometimes ask someone how their day is and their response is along the lines of nothing new, same old thing. I think you understand, they mean nothing too exciting happened.
I was reminded today that many people today could be wishing for a “nothing” day. They could be mourning, suffering through an invisible pain that no one else can see, feel or appreciate.
Just a plain glass of water is boring to some but to a person on dialysis, whose water intake is restricted, a plain average glass of water is a treat. A treat to be sipped and made to last.
Even a light breeze in a doorway, is special to a hospital shut-in.
In the bustle of life, I think it is important to remember and be grateful for the simple things, and remember what I take for granted, many can’t.
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A quote to end my post today and wish you all the best. Sincerely, – David
It is better to elevate our words than our voices.
Flowers are grown by rain, not thunder.
Unknown
Life and Random Thinking 
The train trip sounded great David but that poor bear got spooked. You are correct about simple things meaning more to others. Whatever it is that you cannot get will be valued the most.
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Summerland gets lots of bears. That bear could really move ! Someone close to me has had a life blessed with good health but when a couple of years ago they had major surgery it really came true the only saying about health before wealth. When it’s hard to get up, have a shower, go to the washroom or tie your shoes it changes your perspective. Thanks Wayne for visiting and commenting. Muchos gracias.
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You always share a genuine and heart felt opinion David!
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I should be so fortunate to look as good as your dad, say Hi for me. Bob
Sent from Mail for Windows
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Absolutely I will. He and I just had a pedicure together. ♥ A late father’s day gift.
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The train trip sounds like a really fun experience. The last part of your post is sobering, but a good reminder to treasure the simple pleasures. Have a good week!
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Thank you Linda ! Thanks again for correcting me! hugs
Have you ever listened to Phil Keaggy’s Master & Musician?
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I’m sorry to hear about the forest fires.. There has been a lot of that recently. That train trip sounds great. That too, with three generations. Amazing! We take some things for granted and we never realise it’s value until it’s taken away from us. What’s nothing to us can mean the world to someone else. That’s a lovely message. That’s something we should always keep in mind. Take care. I hope you have a great week
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Thank you Shweta, I am in agreement with you. Have a wonderful week.
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You’re most welcome 🙂
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I like the thought that people are wishing for a nothing day. I’m sort of going through that now…
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I think it was Oprah who once made a comment about the highs and lows of life. We can’t exist in either place all the time, it’s important to be happy in the middle.
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True
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I’m glad the skies have cleared, Dave, and that you’ve been able to get out. You know, the more we go through in this province, this country, and the world, the more I appreciate the small things, and worry about how easily they can be lost.
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You strike me Debra as a thoughtful person; one who pauses to see the sunset and absorb special moments. I hope my comment was alright. It struck me that day to be mindful that while I enjoyed an uneventful day that many others were not. I think it is important for me to always be mindful of the blessings I have and what seems small like being able to walk around the block; could be a miracle for someone else.
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Thank you for your kind words, Dave. I try to be thoughtful, and I realize that my life is such that I can afford to pause and see the sunset. I think a lot about those who cannot here in Canada, and around the world. All the more reason to appreciate what we can. An excellent post, Dave. 🙂
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Hi David,
I loved to hear about the train trip and seeing all the pictures!
Thank you for reminding me to appreciate every single moment, even if it feels like nothing.
Blessings! ♥♥
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It was so nice. The experience was awesome. We rode in the shade and enjoyed our company looking out at the valley. I know these are the moments that I will or maybe someday my son will look back and see them as priceless.
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Your perspective inspires self-reflection. Thanks for the reminder that the simple things—like trains and sun, bears and smiles, breezes and water—are priceless.
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hugs also 🙂
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The train ride looked wondrful. It’s been some years since I had the thrill of being on a steam train. I’m glad the forset fires didn’t affect your day.. You’re right we should be grrateful for what we have rather than dismissive.There’s no saying just what something simple mean to those without. I like your final saying too.
Hugs, David
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Hi David, thank you for your thoughts. Days like those do stick with me. Take care, hugs David
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What a great experience! I saw the images on IG and thought that this must have been a fun thing to do.
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Thank you Pooja. I think you have loved the bell ringing and steam whistle as much as I did. – David
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I’m sure I would have 😀
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