Sunday, 1 June The great train robbery

Rain overnight but none forecast for today. Breakfast as usual.

Hedley Community Centre is hosting a car boot and trading table day so Vicki and I have a quick look in, but we can't stay long as we are off for another adventure with Joe. We head off towards Summerland which is past Penticton.

As we have plenty of time, Joe and I do a quick fruit shop at Safeway for a couple more items of fruit for the fruit sticks I am making for tomorrow's afternoon tea party. We are then on our way again as we get to the railway station for the Kettle Valley Steam Train that we are booked to travel on this afternoon.

We board our open carriage and get set to experience the romance of a bygone era in our Steam Train journey through the beautiful and bountiful Okanagan Valley.

Our 2 hour journey takes us along the only preserved section (10 miles) of the historic Kettle Valley Railway built during 1910 – 1915.As our restored steam locomotive No. 3716 rolls through picturesque Prairie Valley dotted with orchards, vineyards and fields of green and then onto the Trout Creek Bridge with a stunning view of Okanagan Lake and the canyon below, we have lively commentary from Sheriff Sam, call girl Linda and train volunteer Doug. We even have our own conductor.

We are even serenaded by a singing cowboy.

There are spectacular views of lake and land from the Trout Creek Bridge 238 ft above the canyon floor.

Our engine needs to now move to the tail end of the carriages to commence the return trip back to the station.

As we go past the station a short distance, we hear gun fire and the train blasts its horn as we come to a stop. Would you believe it, in this day and age, we are being held up by the notorious train robbing Garnet Valley gang on horseback!

Next thing we know, sheriff Sam is being led down the carriages with call girl Linda pointing a gun at his back and then there are a couple of the gang now onboard our carriage, and they are demanding that we all hand over the contents of our wallets and purses!

Just as well I have collected a quantity of Canadian coins that I am able to deposit in their money bags as they come past us, toting guns and expecting those money bags to be filled. What a hoot! They eventually ride off with more guns blazing but not before sheriff Sam had a shot out with one of the gang. Thankfully they are both dreadful shots and no blood is spilt. And with that, or train returns to the station and everyone gets to enjoy a barbecue lunch.

What a top day we have had. I really don't feel like a victim of a robbery, as the gang had been operating for about 30 years and over this time have raised about $300,000 for various local charities. What a fun way to raise money. Everybody involved is a volunteer so hat's off to every one of them. It was another scenic drive home again.

We are all worn out from such a fun long day. A light dinner of stuffed potato skins. A bit of TV and time for bed, but not before we go outside to see if we can see the aurora lights which might possibly be visible tonight, but no such luck.