Cherryville, BC

Gold Panner Campground
Site #1 - $18 (x3) p/w/s (poor water pressure)

This is a great little campground. We did a load of laundry and went for many walks. There are a lot of trails and gold digging areas along the creek. Cool exhibits, nice hiking areas.

There was snow in the pass when we arrived and temp was on 1C.

Nakusp, BC

Hot Springs Camping
Site #6 - $18 power only

Camping at springs in stall parking with not a lot of room to turn around. It was nice as far as "Hot Springs" go. The pool was drained nightly, so very clean.

We went for a relaxing and enjoyable soak until a group of biking youngsters who were on a fund raiser showed up. They were followed by a group of 50 teen band members. So much for peace and relaxation.

The wind and rain came up in the evening and it was a very cold night with the snow low in the mountains.

Tuesday morning we did an email check at the library ($1/half hour). We picked up a few groceries and went for a walk along the lake. We then took the 7 minute Faquier/Needles ferry.

Kootenay Bay, BC

Pilot Bay Resort
Site #35 - $19 p/w, wood sale
28C on arrival

This campground is on the lake beside the ferry crossing. There was only us and one other motorhome so it was rather quiet and secluded. The othe couple, Clarkes, were from Nelson and came every year.

We went for a drive to the Gold Course and about the townsite. Back at the campground we had a fire until it began to rain. There was a lot of lightening and we actually saw four different 'strikes' and subsequent fires on the mountain across the lake.

Monday morning we went to a couple of the artisan shops. Watched the glass blower and bought a vase. Also bought a small broom from the broom shop.

NOTE: There is a limit of 2 on propane tanks. We had to get a carrier for 2 and wait for the next crossing.

Radium, BC

Canyon Camp Ltd
Site #82B - $24 (x3) p/w/s *Note: Best sites, 72, 73, 77*

This is a great camping spot. Love the sites along the creek as the 'white noise' is awesome! It's impossible to hear your neighbours! although the sites are fairly close.

We spent one evening at the Springs ($6.) did some shopping in Invermere and drove up to Panorama and enjoyed some evening fires. Temp was around 28C. Gotta love that!

We ran in to Crystal and Kevin Smuddy. Ron had known Crystal from S'toon curling and Kevin was formerly from SC. He knew both Bob and Doug. Visited with them for awhile.

Drayton Valley, AB

City Campground
Site #4 - $20 (X4) p/w/s *price increase

It felt MUCH warmer in town. Also electricity was very much appreciated for heater use! It was however still very windy.

We cleaned up some of the accumulated mud then enjoyed a shower. Wonderful!!

We walked about the park then came home for a hot dog and veggies. We had a fire - assumed the ban was lifted.

Days were spent bike riding, walking and did laundry at Charles. Of course it was the usual after a long weekend weather warm up!

Buck Lake, AB

Recreational Area
$12 (x3) - no services, Random park camping

It was a COLD camping weekend at -1C to 5C and never reached more than 10C. We had a bout of hail and ended the weekend with snow. See white stuff on truck below!

There were various 'come and go' campers including Murray, Bonnie, Cowan, Kyle, Tyler: Mike, Janet, Jerrod; Charlie, Carolyn; friends Wayne & Kim; Ken & Colleen plus others!
We did some fishing, but mostly froze! I caught a decent size fish the first day, non the second day.
Missed being able to shower and we had to ration battery use. Couldn't believe there was a fire ban which didn't help our trying to stay warm. We did make use of tarp surrounds and a catalytic heater.

Sunday we awoke to snow. We broke down and used our furnace overnight which killed the battery completely. We packed and left the campground by noon. I had more than enough (in many ways!). Others stayed on later.

2001 Camping Begins - Buffalo Lake near Stettler, AB

Ol' MacDonald's Resort
Site #84 - $15 p only (off season rate, $29 seasonal rate)

This is a great family resort on a large shallow lake. There is a petting zoo, merry-go-round and other kiddie activities available. Also, a nice sandy beach.