Ideas for Next Run........Vancouver??? - Page 5

psycho-squirrel · 05-14-2008, 07:46 PM

Good work rader!

Now we just have to get everyone settled on where we go.

Perosnally, I don't mind driving wherever, but many people have expressed opinions "I won't go there" or "it is too far" or "there's not much to do there".

Honestly we appreciate everyone's input but it is hard, if not impossible, to please everyone. Aug 2nd for example just wouldn't work out for accomodation so we had to switch to Aug 9th, which didn't work out for everyone. Sometimes we have to compromise. We all need to understand that.

I agree that Kelowna would be farther for Calgary or AB solstices and sky's to drive but would that really be a deal breaker considering that Kelowna has much more to offer?
We would be much closer to world class wineries, parks, beaches, neato places to see and drive to. Is that a negative or a positive?

If kelowna is honestly just too far to drive please let us know before we settle on the hotel and people make reservations.

rader · 05-14-2008, 11:07 PM

It would be great for us Vancouver area folks to consider the #3 over to Penticton then north to Kelowna. Lots of twists and turns over the Hope-Princeton. My biggest concern with the 'other' route is the recent snowfall on the Coquihalla and the amount of shrapnel that might still be waiting for us there.

feedback?

King-Oka · 05-14-2008, 11:46 PM

Coquihalla will be clear by then - so no issues. Crows Nest from Hope through manning park will add miles and time, but it would add a different set of scenery. Fraser Canyon is also nice that time of year and Sea to Sky is good for folks in North Van.

I used to live in Van, and travel to Kelowna often, now I live here and don't do so much travel to the coast. Generally when I go, I want to get there NOW, so I take the Kelowna connector to the Coquihalla. From Vernon, the route through Kamloops is about the same time/distance but has more traffic and single lane, so I avoid it.

My two cent summary - suggest you take the Crows Nest ( Hope-Princeton) up for scenery, and teh Coquihalla connector back ( smooth sailing, four lane, easy driving, and still very scenic).

Calgary folks may want to consider the Ft McLeod loop through Osoyoos, then up to Kelowna. Back over teh Rogers Pass.

I know it's further from Calgary, but your gas costs will be about the same as Van, cuase you can fill up with the cheap Alta gas before you cross into BC (bring cash).

Ramada is OK - I think - never stayed there, but the Airline folks do. Beaches are great that time of year, wineries are always fun, golf abounds. What more could you want? Say it, and I'll look for it.

WoWwii · 05-15-2008, 07:30 AM

Is it quicker to go down south through the crows nest or through Banff/Golden?

Miner · 05-15-2008, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoWwii

Is it quicker to go down south through the crows nest or through Banff/Golden?

Last time I went through the Revelstoke way to Kelowna, it took me eight to nine hours - mind you there was a lot of construction going on at the time. I am not too sure if I am up to driving that long one day only to turn around and come back the next day - no matter how much I love driving my Sly.

However, concensus has it and now that we have a date, when a place is decided, I will make my decsion as to my attendance or not at that time. I have already offered my opinion so I will go with what every one else wants - or not.

Thanks to every one who has contributed or offered ideas - hopefully we will get something going.

Cheers

Sol-Seeker · 05-15-2008, 12:22 PM

I'm in with whatever the group decides.

Tomorrow I'm heading up the Coquihalla to Vernon, and then back to Kamloops on Sunday.....so I'll report on the Coquihalla. But I'm sure the snow will be gone as we're expecting a hot weekend this weekend!

"M" Pearl · 05-16-2008, 12:03 AM

Hello Everyone - Unfortunately, I will have to pass on August 9th, it doesn't work for me. And I understand, it is nearly impossible to juggle everyone on such short notice. Maybe in time we will set a calendar well in advance (a year itinerary), then everyone will be able to plan ahead. So, have a great time and I'll try and attend the next event thereafter.

Cheers - M Pearl

brendand · 05-16-2008, 12:35 AM

8 or 9 hours. Ugh. Ya, I love driving my GXP too, but I actually hate really long drives. But I do like the idea of visiting a winery. I've been to one in Napa...hhmm... or was that Sonoma? I don't remember. I went with a friend in California. Anyway, I love the idea of getting together with everyone... I just don't know about the distance.

I made a contact at Stamped Pontiac today who said he'd send out an email to some of their recent Solstice buyers with the link to this thread. Maybe we can get more people. The drive might be more fun with lots of Sols/Skys in a big long line.

My wife already told me she won't want to go, so I'll either be solo or with one of my kids.

WoWwii · 05-17-2008, 09:09 AM

Wine Restaurant Tour.
Grapevine Restaurant Kelowna BC Okanagan Fine Dining Winery
or
Quails Gate Okanagan Valley Winery Award Winning Pinot Noir Chardonnay Wines

I'm sure once we have numbers, we could make a reservation at either one. (or any others)

As for the Golf....I guess we could Fed Ex our clubs out

brendand · 05-17-2008, 05:30 PM

So if I do go on this run, my 14 year old son will most likely be coming with me (unless he changes his mind from now to then). Will he still be able to attend a winery tour? Obviously he won't be drinking any of it. Anyone else got any teens they might be bringing?

King-Oka · 05-17-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brendand

So if I do go on this run, my 14 year old son will most likely be coming with me (unless he changes his mind from now to then). Will he still be able to attend a winery tour? Obviously he won't be drinking any of it. Anyone else got any teens they might be bringing?

Read the link above - kids under 18 are free

Sol-Seeker · 05-20-2008, 10:55 AM

I'm back from my 1,000 km's long weekend journey to Armstrong B.C. We drove from Vancouver to Princeton, then took the #5A north to Merritt and that is an AMAZING trip. The #5 is a one lane windy highway with minimal traffic that runs along several lakes and cottage country. There's still snow on the ground at some of the summits but the roads are very dry and drivable. We had the top down all the way up and back and had to stop for a swim in Princeton it was so hot.

Anyhow there was lots of radar, but if you drive sensibly then you won't get caught.

I would seriously recommend this route for part of the trip depending on where we decide to end up.

Olson · 05-20-2008, 12:25 PM

Just got back from the Long weekend trip from Calgary to Penticton.

We left on Friday at 4:30 PM and stopped at 3 Valley Gap for the night about 9 PM ( this included a meal break at the Smitty's in Golden).
Left 3 Valley Gap at 8:30 AM and arrived at Penticton at 1 PM (with a meal break in Kelowna).

Coming back we left Penticton at 8 AM and arrived in Calgary at 5:30 PM (with 2 meal breaks during the trip).
The reason we left so early was to get through the highway closures near Golden. There wasn't any delay when we went through that area but the road was sure dirty at the mudslide.

The traffic was heavy but flowed well.

The most noticable thing on this trip was the lack of Solstice/Sky on the highway.
I saw everyother type of convertable. Maybe it was to early in the year.

The times list above are local times and do not take into account the time changes.
The trip would be less if only going to Kelowna as I have to drive through it to get to Penticton.

If you go the south route on the #3 you should add about another 2:30 to the trip.

Sol-Seeker · 05-20-2008, 01:23 PM

I didn't see another Solstice or Sky on the entire trip. We had people pointing at our car everywhere, and when we drove thru Falkland the rodeo was on and the parade was about to start, so we drove right thru town in front of everyone congregating for the parade!!! Man did that feel great!!!

That's great that you have written in Olsen.....I was hoping that we call could come to a "final" decision on our destination, and now we have a Calgarian perspective on travel times.

Are we thinking Revelstoke or Kelowna? Did we decide??? I think we need to finalize the hotel stay in order for us all to be able to make our plans.

Skybright · 05-20-2008, 07:47 PM

Looking at the blog trail some of our friends from Alberta are thinking it is too long of a drive to Kelowna. We have no problem driving to Revestoke but may I make a suggestion of Vernon. It is 445 km from Vancouver and 556 from Calgary. There are several hotels and many things to do. O'Keefe Ranch for one. I have never been there but heard good things. Here is a link to it.
Things to See and Do at Historic O'Keefe Ranch - Historic Okeefe Ranch

There are lots of hotels in Vernon as well.
Welcome to Vernon Tourism - Explore everything Greater Vernon and the North Okanagan has to offer: hospitality, attractions and accommodation, all with a sense of adventure!

I would love to see lots of cars on this run so lets see if this works on getting more from Alberta.