A week ago we visited the beautiful Slocan Valley. We were already in British Columbia, so we decided to take a side trip to the Slocan area. We discovered that the Slocan Valley seems to be one of British Columbia's best kept secrets! The highway and area were not nearly as busy as many of the other popular areas in B.C. Part of the reason that the area may not be as busy, is that the Slocan Lake is colder for swimming and water activities. However, the lake is perfect for kayaking, boating and fishing.
We toured throughout the Nelson, Kaslo and New Denver area, but we spent most of our time in the quaint and quiet town of New Denver. We enjoyed spending time at the lake, hiking, walking around the brightly painted main street and visiting the cafes.
The area around New Denver has a rich and interesting history including peoples such as the First Nations, Doukhobors and Japanese Canadians. We visited the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre. The museum is dedicated to the Japanese Canadians who were relocated to internment camps during World War II. There are shacks that contain personal artifacts from some of the displaced people as well as a Peace Arch that they built. A Japanese garden designed by Roy Sumi surrounds the buildings on the site.
We tented in Rosebery Provincial Park. There was a bear nearby, so we had to be cautious and keep our food in our vehicle and our campsite very clean. Campfire Stew is the evening meal I often made because it is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients. It is cooked over the campfire and includes meat, potatoes and whatever vegetables are on hand! Otherwise we ate in town so we could take a break from cooking and cleaning.
On our last day, we hiked along a steep gorge to Wilson Falls. It was not for the faint of heart, but well worth the effort to see the falls!
One of our favourite cafes in New Denver was Sanderella. They had gifts, coffee, smoothies, gluten-free pizzas and crepes, as well as a lovely patio to enjoy a view of the lake and mountains. I really enjoyed the Mint Cucumber Slushies that they made there, so I have tried to recreate them at home. I hope you enjoy these cool slushies in the summer heat!
Cucumber Mint Smoothie/Slushie
1 cup apple juice
1/2 english cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks
3/4 cup spinach leaves or other greens (I have also used kale)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
4-5 ice cubes (or more, if you would like it to be a slushie)
Blend the above ingredients in a high speed blender (such as a VitaMix or Blendtec). Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
*I often double this recipe and add more ice to make 3 slushies! :)
*I often double this recipe and add more ice to make 3 slushies! :)
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