McIntyre Bluff

McIntyre Bluff is named for old-timer “Uncle Pete” McIntyre, who lived at the foot of the cliffs; but the face in the rock isn’t Uncle Pete, it’s known as “The Chief.”

Whenever I drive along Highway 97 between Vaseux Lake and Oliver, I hope the light will be just right to bring out his enormous features. I’ve never found a specific connection between the monolithic chief and local First Nations, although the bluffs themselves figure in a ghost story.  (more…)

Spion Kop Trails

You find vestiges of empire in the strangest places. As a huge history buff, I’m all in favour of names that relate to the heritage of an area, be they aboriginal or settler. But I was left scratching my head just a little over the origins of a landmark familiar to Lake Country residents and anybody else who regularly drives Hwy 97 between Kelowna and Vernon. (more…)

Mount Boucherie

Mount Boucherie

Once belching fire and lava from a cone rising 2,000 metres above the pre-historic valley, 50 or 60 million years have reduced the angry volcano to the benign stump familiar to Westside commuters and wine trail travellers. The mountain became known as Boucherie in the 1880s when Isadore Boucherie, who had settled early in both Rutland and the west side of Okanagan Lake, established a ranch on the adjoining land. (more…)