Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Tranquille on the Lake ~ Kamloops ~ BC ~ Canada

We love Kamloops and the sunshine makes it even better when taking a drive.
To quote Winnie the Pooh, “what day is it today?” asked Pooh, “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.  
 “My favorite day,” said Pooh.”  So we are off to see the sights on 'my favorite day', too.

We are looking across the wetland at Tranquille on the Lake
Tranquille Wildlife Management Area
This beautiful tranquil scene is what you will see as you approach Tranquille on the Lake. Today they are hosting the grand opening for their first TranquilleFarmFresh Market (held May 26 and 27, 2012) and it offered a perfect opportunity to see the changes that were happening out there.

Before and after pictures of the barn at Tranquille on the Lake
Changes to the original barn at Tranquille

The most obvious changes were to the buildings that we see as we head up the driveway.  These pictures show the before and after so you can see the difference from my last visit until today.  Now I am very excited to see more.
The Calf barn has gotten a new exterior finish to look new
The Calf barn hosts the Market


The TranquilleFarmFresh Market is open on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday is 10am-4pm and the calf barn is where they have set up some individual displays for local artisans as well as their locally grown produce.  A novel idea for a market, to be sure.
The photo shows the work done inside the calf barn for the Market
Inside calf barn - before and after

You can imagine my interest in seeing what had been done to the inside of the calf barn to make it a presentable market place, having seen it a few years earlier.  I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the bright clean interior.  It isn’t too large but is enough to house several ‘stall’ shops.
These posters show the proposal and the information with plans about the future community in Kamloops, BC
Tranquille on the Lake Project proposal

The Tranquille on the Lake proposal plan is displayed on the walls and gives us the opportunity to see and read what is planned for the village.  It will be a wonderful urban living location when it is completed.  Learn more by clicking on this until you can come out there yourself to see what is happening.
The homes that have been renovated sit down the road at Tranquille Sanatorium in Kamloops
Newly renovated homes for the old Tranquille Sanatorium

There are three renovated homes that would never be recognized as ones that have been here forever. The majority of the cleaning and renovating work has been done by three couples who now live and work at Tranquille on the lake.  Troy & Charlotte, Mike & Joylene and Tim & Annette are hard at work to make this place a home for many .  
The barn is in the background and down in front is the root cellar with painted red doors and the new sign
A new sign for TranquilleFarmFresh at Tranquille on the Lake

I have always understood that there is a lot of work to farming and respect those that do choose that lifestyle.  So much time and hard work is invested into a farm like this and I hope Kamloops supports their efforts.  Click here if you wish to check out their webpage and learn more, such as the concert planned for June 10th.  You can also get on their mailing list to get their news; volunteer; participate in several ways.  Check it out.
The renovated building contains the heritage display of the old Tranquille Sanatorium.
Gallery with heritage display of Tranquille Sanatorium

Mel of St. Andrews on the Square Heritage committee was displaying some photos and newspaper clippings about the old Sanatorium.  The history is fascinating, click here if you wish to read more.  Mel is seeking any and all information or photos and hopes to see anyone who may have a connection to the old hospital. If you have anything for her, give her a call at 250-377-4232 or email her at:  heritage@ocis.net
looking from site of Tranquille on the lake towards Kamloops to the east
Mt. Paul and Mt. Peter in the distance

I was very impressed with the changes that are happening to Tranquille and excited that after several failed attempts by others in the past, Tranquille on the Lake shows promise and I am confident that Kamloops will not be disappointed this time.
I met some of these great people that are working very hard to create a destination for us to visit and enjoyed hearing their plans while sharing my favorite day with them.

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Monday, May 7, 2012

Kamloops, BC ~ MS Walk ~ MS Awareness Month

May is MS Awareness Month and as the MS flag is raised on May 1 in Canada, the activities begin.  There are many people who make things happen in Kamloops and across Canada.  The MS Walk kick starts the activities in Kamloops. It was a sunny May morning as the Kamloops MS Walk gets underway, we couldn’t have had a more perfectly gorgeous day!

The gathering place is decorated with balloons and volunteers welcome the participants.
The crowd gathers for the MS Walk
We arrived early and watched the crowd grow to begin the 10am walk.  Teams met and grouped among the red and white balloons decorating the gathering place for the MS Walk. 

The crowd gathers to hear the appreciation for volunteers and their hard work to make this day a success.
Trina thanks the volunteers
 Trina, the Kamloops Chapter Manager and Fundraising Coordinator, thanks all the wonderful volunteers who put so much time and energy into making this a great day as well as the participants and fundraisers. Let’s throw in a ‘thank-you’ to whoever was looking after arranging the sunny weather for the day!
Cindi is at the Information table with pamphlets to give.
Cindi is ready to answer any questions
Cindi, Community Services Coordinator in Kamloops, BC, works the Information booth with some volunteers who have lots of material to read about the fight against MS and the awareness that is happening. 
The crowd dances the warm-up led by Gwen before the big MS Walk
Gwen leads the warm-up
Gwen’s energetic delivery gets everybody moving and ready for their MS Walk or run in a fun way.  Everyone crowds around and joins in to the musical warm-up.  The enthusiasm grows and everyone is ready to begin this great fundraiser walk to help those with MS.
The crowd follows the MS flag to begin their fundraising walk with the Kamloops royalty cheering them on.
MS Flag leads the MS Walk
The flag is in place and the MS Walk begins.  The Riverside Park is a great place to begin and is very manageable for those in wheelchairs.  There are great cheerleaders along the way keeping everyone’s spirits up with a great smile on their faces.  There are rest stops with refreshments offered along the way, as well. 
The enthusiastic volunteers greet the walkers with cheers.
Runners and walkers begin to return
The Kamloops Royalty are there to welcome everyone back with their applause and high five’s, whether they walked, rode or ran the 1km, 2km, 5km or 10km MS Walk.  
The Lions club have lunch ready for the participants to eat when they return.
Kamloops Lion Paddlewheelers serve lunch
 As in many of these charity walks and runs, you will see the Kamloops Paddlewheelers flipping those burgers and working hard to have lunch ready for all the participants of the walk.
Kim sits in her wheelchair at the start/finish line of the MS Walk and shows the decorations to dress up her wheelchair and celebrate the day.
Our daughter, Kim in the Kamloops MS Walk
The MS Walk for 2012 is over but the battle against MS continues.  May is MS Awareness month but the fundraising and the efforts to find a cure is ongoing. If you wish to volunteer or donate to this cause, click here to learn more. 
World MS Day is May 30th. Click here to learn more of what is going on around the world on this day.

Our family thanks all those who contribute, volunteer and help work to find a cure for MS.
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