Calgary Herald from Calgary, Alberta, Canada • 41

April 27, 1986 CI 9 Vernon Hawaii of the north CALGARY HERALD hillsides covered in semi-arid ranchland contrast with green meadows that drop to multicolored Kalamalka Lake. Forested mountains rise in the background. "The beaches are really great and the water is clean," says Willoughby. "There's lots of fresh fruit to pick and it's a great place for fishing." Called the Hawaii of the north, Vernon has much to offer the tourist, not only in terms of scenery, but activities. Concerts, the Head of the Lake Rodeo (May 10 and 11), craft shows, regatta's and fall fairs and more.

There's so much going on it's best to contact the Chamber of Commerce so you don't miss one of your favorite events. By Brenda Southam (Herald start writer) Sparkling lakes and magnificent valleys meet in Vernon. Surrounded by Kalamalka, Swan and Okanagan Lakes, Vernon offers breathtaking scenery in every direction. "It's like a tropical paradise without the palm trees," explains Judy Willoughby, Vernon's Chamber of Commerce Expo public relations coordinator. The first inhabitants of the area, the Salish Indians, believed they lived in paradise and since then many have agreed.

Vernon's climate is tempered by its sheltered position in the valley. From November to February, temperatures average between a low of -10C to a high of 5C which is perfect for the whole spectrum of winter activities which are available. Spring sees the temperature rise to between -1C to 15. Days of sun and showers combine to bring the hills alive. During the summer, temperatures soar to the 30 degrees mark during the day, and cool off to a comfortable 20 degrees for the evening.

Fall brings gradually cooler temperatures to further your enjoyment of harvest time. Vernon evolved largely because of its location with the early fur trade and gold fever giving way to cattle and with the advent of large scale irrigation, to agriculture. Whether you're approaching from the north or south, the drive will be memorable. Rugged Las Vegas MAY DEPARTURES Price includes return airfare, four nights accommodation (complete package) AIR ONLY $283 from SEAT SALE DIRECT FLIGHTS 299 (airfare only) 389 Toronto Price effective June 8, 1986 through June 15, 1986 Windsor Ogopogo: myth or reality? Weekly departures commencing June 2 1986 (return airfare) 389 London, Ont. Weekly departures commencingjune 21, 1986 (return airfare) Call your travel agent or Pacific Western Airlines at 265-0790 All prices quoted are per person and do not include transportation taxes.

Package prices are based on double occupancy, unless otherwise specified. he's caused no damage and hasn't caused any threat to life or limb. In fact it seems to be the opposite. He seems to enjoy teasing people." When asked if he believed, Frederick was adamant with his confirmation. And though he has never seen the monster, his daughter claims to have seen him several times.

"The Misson Hill vineyards, all joking aside, is a good spot to look for him," says Frederick. "It's going to be a good year for him because there will be many people coming through on their way to and from Expo." bur friends in the right places. Lake Okanagan Resort By Brenda Southam (Herald staff writer) Wanted: one sea monster. Reward: $1,000,000. Somewhere in the depths of the Okanagan Lake lurks the mysterious Ogopogo a mythical monster that's long and slimy, has the head of a reptile and skin the color of green seaweed.

The Indians called it "N'ha-a-itk," meaning "something powerful" or, translated a little more loosely, "whatever it is, let's be someplace else when it gets hungry." For centuries they appeased the monster by throwing unlucky dogs into the lake above his home, the marine caves off Squally Point on Rattlesnake Island, south of Kelowna. Today, Ogopogo enjoys fame matched only by the Loch Ness Monster (often thought to be a relative) in Scotland and Sas-quatch in the States and Kelow-nans honor Ogopogo with a statue in City Park. Originally a $1 million cash reward was offered by Lloyd's of London for the capture of Ogopogo with strict guidelines set out for the task. Most importantly, Ogopogo had to be turned in alive and unharmed. In addition, it had to be the real thing.

Only fair angling methods, such as rod and line, were acceptable and nets, harpoons or dynamite were strictly forbidden. To ensure other marine-life were not injured by over enthusiastic searchers, the creature turned in had to be at least 20 feet long. Today, the Okanagan Similka-meen Tourist Association is offering $1 million in Okanagan goods and services, but not much else has changed. "In the interest of animal conservation, Ogopogo must be captured alive and the proof must be positive," says Gerry Frederick, tourism manager for the Kelowna chamber of commerce. As for the capture of the famed beast, there are no limits to the means, except of course, says Frederick, they must be legal.

"I'm not even sure if you need a fishing license," he jokes. Dismissed as fiction by many, Ogopogo does has his believers. And, legend or not, most when asked will not definately state there is no such thing. They'll laugh and make a joke or two, but remain non-comittal. "There are always a lot of sightings," says Frederick.

"And many of them come right after people have been touring the wineries," he laughs. "In fact there have already been sightings this year. The other day I pulled off the road near Summerland to say hello to some visiting tourists who proceeded to ask if the legend was true. "It turns out they had pulled off because they saw something in the lake and were certain it was Ogopogo. On that same day, several people called into the radio station with sighting reports.

"Whether it's an absolute fact or not has yet to be seen, but we do get one or two people a day pulling into the chamber to tell us what they saw. "In 1984, even Jacques Cous-teau was interested in braving the depths of the lake to look for the monster, but was unfortunately called away. He has claimed he will be back." And, says Frederick, if all this talk of sea monsters makes you uneasy just remember Ogopogo has never hurt anyone. "He must be friendly because ONE OF CANADA'S FINEST RESORT HOTELS NOW MANAGED BY CP HOTELS sun, then this is the place for you. Open May 1st to October 25th.

Just 17 km north from Kelowna on Westside Rd. For reservations call toll free 1-800-268-941 1 or your travel agent. Lake Okanagan Resort joins the CP Hotels family of world renowned resorts and hotels. Lake Okanagan Resort is a luxury vacation complex located in a natural setting on the shores of Okanagan Lake. You have a choice of luxury accommodations in two or three bedroom condominiums, chalets and self-contained units, all offering kitchen facilities, or if you prefer, stay in our economical studio suites.

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