Oct 21st, On the way home…Grist Mill, Keremeos.

The historic Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos. (https://www.oldgristmill.ca/ )

What a find…..we had seen the signs on previous trips through Keremeos ( my new fruit and egg buying spot……handily on the way to the Ashnola Valley).

…and it was early enough in the day to stop to see what it was all about.

When we arrived it was not open…but such a very pretty little spot. Unexpectedly there is also a little campground here (Creekside campground …11 serviced RV spots on the edge of the creek…)

As we wandered around, the manager appeared and invited us to wander up to the mill and through the gardens. Its a heavenly little place…..with an outbuilding converted into a fine little museum. We continued on up the path to the mill itself. …we started taking some pictures of this quite lovely little early 1900’s mill building… https://youtu.be/XnLzc5psL7s

Carrying on down through the gardens there is a little small but superbly comprehensive museum…It was a delight..!!

When we got down to the end of the path where the mill itself sits, I got a big surprise turning around the corner, as there was an aproned and flat capped gentleman working away in the mill grinding grain. He was a wealth of information….. lovely man…..the history of the mill itself is fascinating. Short version of the story…early 1900’s this area was relatively inaccessible……goods were still being brought in on pack mules via the old mountain trails ( we were shown a photograph from the era when there was a proposal to widen the trail to accommodate two loaded pack horse/mules to be able to pass on the trail.)

This is a link to a video of the man himself…very interesting guy https://youtu.be/hp0GuDQ9VK0

The mill was built in 1877 and built with state of the art equipment of the time…..it only operated for ten years and then the railway came through so removed the need for local milling……

The building was closed up and abandoned…so when they opened it up again all the equipment was still there and in good condition…so it has all been restored…I think they had to rebuild the water wheel….but it is back in operation grinding grain again…we were not able to purchase any cos we were right at the end of the season.

( Another amazing detail he pointed out at the water wheel…is ….if you watch closely as the wheel turns…the water drops actually fall upwards…….its hypnotic..!!😃 )

The guy himself was an architect by trade ….with a specialty in museum display…..and an obvious love for the mechanical beauty of this little gem.

Another amazing story he shared was about the red fife wheat. Apparently this heritage grain which has gained much popularity in recent years, had all but disappeared. They found a half pound of grain at the Grist Mill, and from the small amount they were able to re-establish the variety. If you have ever bought Red Fife….it originated from the Grist Mill in Keremeos.

Wandering through the orchard , the upper part of the garden and back along the creek….this place is entirely dedicated to heirloom species of fruit, vegetable and grain……and its lovely.

Lots of heritage apples……and a little patch of Scott’s fave…..the cacti…!!

Its a great little place….for anyone that finds themselves in this area……its a must stop and see.

Extra pix