I was honestly kind of avoiding it since I'm not a huge fan of zoos and would rather see animals in there natural environment. But while watching YouTube a recommended video popped up about what to do in Calgary and the Zoo was highly recommended, largely because of the penguin plunge. Its this walk through corridor with tanks and planforms for the penguins and you can get real up close to them. While I was watching them swim around and build nests with pebbles, one of them splashed me! He got me real good and then I smelt like salt water and fish for the afternoon. 

 What defines summer in the Okanagan more than wine touring?? (for adults of course) 

This time we had the chance to spend the afternoon with Justin's parents and enjoy some wine and beautiful lake views, well Carol and I did. The men just enjoyed the lake views. 

 What better place to celebrate than Echo Lake. Although it rained a fair bit, being around nature is the best. The one bit of sun we got we rented some canoes. I promptly bailed into the water while getting in and a bunch of fishers had a good laugh. 

 Just some beautiful photos of the iconic Okanagan's colour changing Kalamalka Lake.

Just imagine jumping in the cool clear water after hiking on the dry railway trail. 

For years I've had the terrace restaurant on my bucket list. The beautiful views and out of this world food and service I couldn't wait to see. The world renowned Mission hill winery right along the Okanagan lake is like stepping into a Italian winery. The terrace restaurant is built on two wings with an outdoor amphitheatre between, all overlooking the lake and the vines. Since Justin booked it, I wasn't really sure of the cost, until we sat down and the preplanned out 5 course meal boasted a price of over 150 per person. Needless to say we didn't do anything else for our anniversary a couple weeks later.  Lol Have to say I would Definity go back and do a tour and tasting in the future. 

The day starts by a call at 4am to confirm the temp is alright, then we met at the Kelowna Mall with the pilot and crew. They send up a weather balloon of there own to see the direction of wind. Then we changed locations, more towards the airport. They explained that they have to stay away from Okanagan lake. Its so big that it creates its own wind currants and draws the hot air balloon to the middle of the lake and "traps" it there. Which has apparently happened before. 

Having done the hike up sulfur mountain under the gondola because Carla and I didn't want to spend the money last time, it was sure a nice change to actually ride it up. 

This private built residence turned museum was amazing. I think I finally convinced Justin into a limestone exterior for our dream home. I loved his tea house on the mangroves and the love he had for his gardens. The Italian/roman style "bath" will have to be a must for us too.

We started with a land tour around the pink house of commons. Pink was the cheapest paint back in the day, so now all government buildings are pink and law enforcement buildings are a pastel green. Next, to the water tower and the old Fort Fincastle. The water tower used to supply the entire capital with fresh water. Now they pump it from another one of their 700 islands and ship it to the other islands. They have and island that is completely pink sand and another that is illegal for any human to step foot on because it's the laying grounds for the green sea turtles. (Turtle Island) 

Daredevils peak is 135 ft high and about a 20 sec ride down twisting around the whole tower. It was crazy fun, especially with my new found aqua ear plugs. I was able to have fun for the first time in a long time at a waterpark without the pain of water logged ears and headaches for 2 days after. 

The massive chandelier and open 3 levels of dining gave a majestic vibe. They say its a throw back to the glory days of cruise ships and I definitely agree. The class and vibe are on a different level in there. We again had a 3 course meal and steak.

The amount of restaurants and bars is incredible. The scale of everything, so huge, a massive resort and the entertainment around the clock but on the water.... insane. 

Justin wanted to watch the ship pull way from port and man was it worth it. We pulled right past the Miami Beach. The whole beach stretches' for miles and is lined with skyscrapers. Gorgeous! 

So here's what nobody tells you about missing a flight — your brain goes into this weird survival mode where you're furious and panicking and also somehow laughing because what else are you supposed to do. We're standing at the counter watching them type and I'm doing the math in my head on rebooking and new hotels and I can feel my blood pressure doing things it shouldn't be doing.

My apartment looked like a behind the scenes set for a shoot that was never going to happen because the photographer couldn't physically reach her camera.

Barney: "What is my second word that begins with B-O-N?"
Ted: "Bon Jovi"
Barney: "What's my third favourite word that begins with B-O-N? BONUS! As in end of the year bonus."

This HIMYM episode is still one of my favourite standalone episodes. It makes me laugh every time.