My Mission Statement

Today I thought I'd invite you to visit a very well known part of Kelowna: the Mission Creek Greenway.    Over the nearly seventeen years that we've lived here, I think I've traversed 80 percent of the seventeen kilometre trail.  My favourite stretch is the section at the far end of Hollywood Road South.  It's the most challenging for me with some steep hills to climb but the views and the incredible variety of landscapes and vegetation make it well worth the effort.  I've only done it once, but hope to try again later this summer and post the photos here.

Today Max, Pitou and I walked our most travelled section of the creek. It's a 2.5 km loop that starts at the Mission Sports Field entrance, one of 15 access points to the trail.  We usually head east and then cross over the creek at Casorso Road heading west on the north bank of the creek until we cross back over again at Gordon Drive and continue back to where we started on the south side.  

Some sections of the greenway that are farther east are fairly close to Highway 97 and you'll can hear the sounds of the traffic as it rushes past.  Along this loop, there are a few spots where you can see through the trees and notice the trail travels through agricultural land, golf courses and ball diamonds.  The rushing sound you hear is the creek and other than the twittering of birds you can be assured of a fairly peaceful walk.

 

This year I've seen more wild flowers and swallow tailed butterflies than I can remember. Squirrels, robins, red winged blackbirds, sparrows, and quail are also plentiful and though I can't seem to capture the flickers with my camera, their presence is evident.

With more than 1,000 people using the greenway each day, you might think it would be a sea of people jogging walking and cycling past you, but I find I can stop and look east...

...and then west...and not see or hear a soul.

You will surely encounter a few people..

...families, seniors, cyclists, joggers, runners, pole walkers and dog walkers, all enjoying this oasis in the middle of our busy city.

And if you greet them with a smile and a "Good morning" you are very likely to receive an equally cheerful reply as you continue on your merry way.