Photography by Roslyne Buchanan — not to be used without express permission of the photographer.

I am forever grateful that my husband and I had the opportunity to actualize a dream of living on an Okanagan wildlife corridor above Naramata Bench near Penticton, BC.

We purchased the land in 2001, broke ground in 2008 and moved into our home in 2009 until May 2021. We loved the tranquility while being so close to town. The diversity of BC birds and wildlife frequenting the property depending on the season was truly amazing. Our foot print on the 12.18 acreage was about an acre, leaving much of our land as a conservation sanctuary. The view was an everchanging kaleidoscope of Mother Nature’s beauty.

Here’s to great memories!

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness,” wrote John Muir. The Scottish-American naturalist and author was an early advocate for preserving wilderness in United States. His words ring true to those of us inspired by mountains and other natural wonders.

He also noted, “Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.”

Our lives are larger for having had this privilege.

We may have lost the odd birdbath or yard adornment through over zealous creatures knocking them down the cliff — a small price to pay for the joy of our window on wildlife.