Dating. My heart flutters at the thought – the anticipation, the getting ready, and yes, another opportunity to know my beau better. But you sure don’t have to be single, a honeymooner – or even young – to enjoy dating! In fact, the older I get, the more value dates have. As an active senior gal, I “go out” as much as possible!
The thing is I date my husband! Though married for many years, we’ve kept the dating habit, an important part of our life since we met. Whether a spontaneous surprise or a planned escapade, quality time has long spiced our relationship. Not always expensive, a coffee here, a walk or picnic there often fits the bill. Occasional nights out, an intimate dinner, maybe dancing or a stage play has kept life interesting and romance alive.
“Alone time” was important to us even when our youngsters were growing up. Frequently aided by doting grandparents, we escaped overwhelming schedules, duties and responsibilities whenever possible. Having fun as a couple enabled us to strengthen our ties, improve communication and tackle challenges. We were able to refocus priorities and re-energize with the return to the “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” status; we’d once more fall in love, and then continue to balance family and job demands throughout our hectic lives.
But unlike the younger singles we used to be, as committed partners we have developed a level of common interests and compatibility, friendship and familiar comfort. No need to struggle to impress each other, since we’ve accepted each other’s limits, preferences and certain foibles. This always makes for a natural atmosphere, so we can be ourselves to relax and dream, review past adventures and visualize a wondrous future.
Now retired empty nesters, date breaks happily continue. Still connecting, re-acquainting and relating, we are continuing our memorable times together – though sometimes moving a little more slowly!
Throughout the years, unique encounters or sometimes get-away weekends closer to home always make for interesting shared times and, like during our early years, often test out our boomer limits with new diversions: horseback riding, kayaking, bicycle trekking and tubing come to mind.
So, as we yearned for a slower pace recently, we travelled to what could easily have been a romantic slice of Tuscany – except it’s in Penticton’s Wine Country, a few hours from Vancouver.
Perched alongside a private mountainside amid rows of lush grapevines and apple orchards, Gods Mountain Estate proves a restful retreat, perfect for unwinding. Here, we share a mix of activities. I like walking or hiking; cycling is one of Rick’s passions. And of course, we both love to investigate wineries.
Eagerly anticipating four days of togetherness, we soon set out to thoroughly explore this idyllic 47-hectare Mediterranean-style estate. Filled with excitement, we hike to unspoiled meadows along gentle trails that crisscross the mountainside behind the vineyards, where old growth pine and majestic rock cliffs provide homes for local wildlife. We soothe ourselves in peaceful quietude and take in the mega-views of shimmering Skaha Lake that extend below us. As fair-weather cloud puffs morph into whimsical creatures, we laughingly point out fluffy rabbits, elephants and dragons as we did in childhood games.
Down below, we read in secretive nooks and crannies along the expansive verandah. To maximize our time in these exquisite outdoors, we visit lazily swimming fish in a garden pond, and while Rick later swims laps in the beautiful swimming pool, I soak in the bubbling spa.
Daily sightings of family dogs, elusive cats and a handsome white horse nibbling on juicy grapes generate feelings of countrified comfort. Sumptuous Breakfast Room buffets heighten our warm feelings of ease and good cheer, kicking off our days at a civilized 9 a.m. Enfolded in comfortable chesterfields and overstuffed chairs a little later, we sip mid-morning coffees and chat away more morning time, already a world away from our city life.
Exhilarating cycling excursions fill up our afternoons. First, we ride along Corkscrew Drive toward Okanagan Falls and sip and sample along the way. At Blasted Church Vineyards, labels such as Dam Flood, Blasphemy and Revered Chardonnay catch our eye. We learn that this winery celebrates pioneer ingenuity. To dismantle and move an iconic 108-year-old church from a mining camp, 16-miles (26-kilometres) away, it was dynamited; not one single plank damaged! And under a migration flyway nearby, Wild Goose Winery offers us award-winning God’s Mountain Riesling from grapes grown up in the estate’s picturesque vineyards.
From Okanagan Falls, another scenic ride takes us along a gentle trail paralleling Skaha Lake, ending with a quiet stroll in Pioneer Park and an unhurried patio lunch in the quaint community of Kaleden.
On our last day, the pedal uphill on the newly gravelled KVR trail tests my spunk! But with the road warrior’s patience and my perseverance, we stop frequently to appreciate spectacular views above the Naramata Bench – and observe a curious black bear that watches us from a side trail. And after we forge onward to Chinese-built rock ovens left by Kettle Valley Railway workers, we blissfully descend to revive our spirits at Kettle Valley Winery. With their popular Brakeman’s Select sold out, we select Adra Station Chardonnay named for the old train station beyond the KVR’s longest tunnel.
In our extraordinary roofless room back at the estate, glasses of robust merlot conclude each satisfying sunlit day as we frequently toast the simple life, fond memories and hopes for the future. Wineglasses poised, we nestle into blue wooden rockers pulled up to a tiny wrought iron table; incredible wraparound views backstop our leisurely late-afternoon Scrabble games.
The blue-sky ceiling of our unique room transforms into sunset yellows, reds and mauves. And cuddled under cozy covers each magical night, we sleep under star-studded black velvet skies.
Following this string of enchanted days on God’s Mountain, we’re ready to plunge ahead with enthusiasm again – until our next time out! Laughing and playing throughout our married years, keeping stress low and love in the air.
When You Go:
- For everything Penticton has to offer www.tourismpenticton.com
- B&B details at Gods Mountain Estate www.godsmountain.com
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