May 2, 2021

Sunshine gleamed on the Okanagan Lake as the calm waters beckoned me. It was time to get on the water and take Serendipity to her slip at the Manteo marina. Warm spring air filled the valley and I felt the energy of the day.

Captain Rob has been hard at work polishing up Luxury Lake Tour’s 2015 Campion Biltmore. She gleamed as if brand new again. The deep blue and grey colour shone in the morning sun, and I couldn’t wait to see the reflection in the brilliant water. I stood and admired Rob’s hard work, our vessel was primed and ready for another season. 

We finished loading up our 24 foot fibretoon party boat. I looked forward to floating on the water and soaking in the glorious sunshine. Rob followed me to the Westbank yacht club boat launch. Before we left I looked at Rob and wondered if the launch would be busy. “Naw it’s only May 2, how busy could it be?”

Famous last words as the saying goes.

Where was everyone coming from?  Traffic was heavy in our growing city, it’s hard to believe there were that many people living in The Okanagan. With all the building going on it’s not that surprising things have gotten so busy. In the last year, it seems traffic has doubled. Where is everyone going, was my next question. 

I drove my rig into the parking lot for the boat launch and cringed. There wasn’t a spot to be had and boat trailers lined up down the road, no parking in sight. Rob followed me into the launch in his car and had to park illegally while I maneuvered into position to launch. It was clear to me there was only one real solution. 

I told Rob we needed to go back to my place leave his car. Then, drive together back to the launch, drop me into the water, and then take my truck and trailer home. I was meeting Krista at the dock and Serendipity would be home on her slip. I was lucky to have the option. The parking at Westbank launch is terrible, but with covid, the lake was really busy already. What would the summer be like if this is how it was at the beginning of May.

Today’s “first world problem” is the lake was too busy…

I’m sure the people of India would love to have such problems. 

I felt a rush of air intake into my soul as I cruised across the glass-like water of Okanagan Lake. The warm sun-filled my being with delight. I felt a rush of glory and I grinned as I opened the throttle and accelerated toward the far shore of the lake. I was freed of the restrictions of solid ground. I pulled up to the dock and my honey and her friend leaped aboard. On the water, it is a feeling of openness that is hard to duplicate when on dry land. 

It was a connection with two of the four elements that brought us back to the basics of life. A fancy boat doesn’t hurt either. Still, the feeling is the same if you are floating on a kayak or a 36-foot sailboat, something relaxing and exhilarating filled the soul. Combined with the warm life-giving sun it was a great way to recharge. 

I think that is why the lake is so busy. Everyone seeks a connection with mother earth and the lake is a great way. One of the only ways right now 

It was a beautiful start to a season on the water. I look forward to many more days of sunshine and calm waters.