APEX MOUNTAIN (NEAR PENTICTON) – Lately, the weather around the Okanagan Valley has been – well – sh*tty. It’s a mish-mash of low-hanging cloud, cold slushy rain, gusty winds – not to mention the shorter days. It makes you want to hide inside, unless of course you’re a skier or snowboarder. But these folks are already buffing their skis and waxing their boards. So I’m talking to the rest of you. It’s time to layer on, gear up and head out!

CATHEDRAL LAKES, BC – Bump, bang, drop - WHOA! Have you ever been on the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland? If you haven’t, a trip up to Canada’s highest full service wilderness resort offers the same hair-raising, need-to-change-your-pants thrill ride, only this time it’s for real.

ABOVE PENTICTON – Pardon the expression, but whenever “shit hits the fan” in your life (family, professional, relationship, health or financial), escaping into the bush is one of the best ways to find clarity and perspective. Whether it’s walking, hiking, biking or climbing – when you’re on a trail it’s just you, the trees and the occasional rattlesnake. Nature sharpens our survival senses and allows our emotions to take a break. Where am I going here? Let’s just say I needed a marathon hike this week and Skaha Bluffs south of Penticton, along with some good friends, offered the release I needed.