Honda Accord Hybrid Road Tripping
This spring Michael and I took a trip to Larch Hills, and Vernon, testing out the Honda Accord Hybrid. Larch Hill’s gorgeous hideaway, the Tin Poppy Retreat, was absolutely our thing. There are several cabins, and a wedding venue, tucked into the forest in the Shuswap.
Our cabin was a solar-powered modern/retro screened-in post and beam structure, built around a 32-foot 1953 Caravan. It was our absolute dream getaway, right during COVID, we saw no one for two days, apart from a super friendly dog that came to check on us.
Michael read and planned his Dungeon and Dragons Strategy, I caught up on podcasts and was able to catch the Cherry Bombe Julia Child Jubilee as there’s wifi, and we packed up our own food and BBQed up a storm.
The trailer/cabin comes complete with a gas fireplace, and it got a bit chilly at night, so it came in handy, there are stunning views, and kilometres of walking trails. As I mentioned THERE’s WIFI and it sleeps seven in a Master bedroom with a queen bed, twin bed, a Queen fold-out dinette and a Double futon (on screened-in porch).
There’s a full kitchen with hot water on demand and a private bathroom with a separate stand-alone outdoor shower too. All kitchen utensils, pots, pans, plates & glassware were included, and there’s even a fire pit outside and next time we’ll pack the s’mores!
Driving down to Vernon, we stopped in at Martens Brew Pub for lunch, where they brew some impressive beers on site. Fun interior, but this was patio seating time only, and the weather was obliging. Went for good old pub fare, fish and chips, and they did not disappoint.
Our next stop was Sparkling Hill’s Resort. Here they are known for their epic spa, but we decided to enjoy that another time as this was pre-vaccine and we didn’t feel comfortable being unnecessarily close to other people, although strict protocols were in place at the resort.
The crystal-encrusted teepee, with artwork chosen by the Okanagan Indian Band greats you as you drive into Sparkling Hills.
We were spoiled by a welcoming dessert plate, vast views from the soaker tub and dining patio, a delicious dinner of schnitzel and tender lamb, and a tasty breakfast (all enjoyed from the in-room dining menu).
What did we learn along the way about the Honda Accord Hybrid? It’s a particularly great ride, perfect to get you around the city, and so smooth out on the highway.
What do we love most, besides the gorgeous obviously slick exterior, is the fact that it’s a HYBRID – yah for the environment and our gas bill. The two-motor hybrid powertrain is even more advanced this year and you can drive in Sport, EV (Electric Only) and ECON mode. We lived in Economy mode and found it powerful and smooth. The Steering wheel has a deceleration paddle so you slow that ride down and charge through regenerative braking.
SAFETY!! Forward collision warning, collision mitigating braking system, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition are superb features that come in very useful on road trips.
The Honda Accord Hybrid’s interior has 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks, that give you more cargo space, and there are heated seats, proximity key entry and rear charging USB ports. We also appreciate the warning when you leave something in the back of the car AND a direct cell phone charger should you forget your cord.
As a bonus, we stopped for a hike at Fintry and then spent a night at the cottage near there and caught up with Mom and Dad, at a distance, of course, it was the first time we’d seen them in over a year. Unfortunately, we lost the cottage this summer in the Okanagan fires, but we were able to treasure this memory and one more grand visit later in the summer. Still heartbroken as we made so many memories there. It burned right down to the lake, even taking out the dock. Getting teary-eyed here thinking about it. Remember to build memories while you can, friends!
