Bye Kelowna

We just pulled out of Doug's yard in Kelowna. It's been a pretty warm stay. Yesterday it hit the 34C mark! Good thing it is still cooling off at nights! So Ron & I 'amused' ourselves during the day while the family was working/going to school. Went for a couple of bike rides in Mission Creek Park - an 18km. one yesterday. I like those 'no uphill' bicycle paths!

On Monday we got to see Remy play ball and last night we watched Ryley. I did a little movie clip of them with all the pics I had taken and burned them on a DVD. They turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. Even though they were 'rush jobs' and I didn't have much time.
(I was up until midnight last night!!)

So the plan is to camp in one of the provincial parks around Revelstoke tonight but we are not sure how long we will stay -- It depends on the campground and how busy the weekend is. Amazing!  It's another weekend already!

Sunny Kelowna

I am sitting in the yard at Doug & Rina's. Both Doug & Rina are at work and the kids in school, so we will only get to visit with them in the evenings.

Last night we went to Remy's ball game. She's on an all girls team playing in a boys league. It was fun to watch them. Remy pitched, played 3rd base, was back catcher and did very well at all positions. The game ended up a tie, but they decided to play an extra inning and the boys won. They brought in their best pitcher for that inning :-) I'm sure it would be very difficult to lose to a girls team so the gals will have a 'tough fight' to get their wins in!! We'll get to see Ryley play tomorrow night.

Ron is busy trimming trees in the back yard at the moment. I think his next project is to fix a dripping tap on the outdoor hose. I'm sure he'll be able to find lots to keep himself busy. In between projects, we'll go for a ride along the bike path! Kelowna weather is looking great..27-32C the rest of the week.

That's pretty much all the news from here. We'll be leaving here Thurs. a.m., but haven't really planned where or which way we'll be going. We'll probably arrive home around June 7 as we pick up Greg, Kim & Connor in Calgary on June 9. Looking forward to their visit!!

Last Day in Vernon

Jeff came for lunch yesterday and spent the day with us. Went for a bike ride, picked up a few groceries, went to see his apartment, out for another bike ride and then back to the campsite.

We arrived home just before a big wind blew up followed by rain.  We got the canopy rolled up just in time. It was pretty nasty out there coming across the lake. Anyway, it all ended in less than an hour and after dinner, we were able to sit around the fire again. Jeff headed home about 11. I actually think us old folks played him out!

We just finished cleaning up after our Sun. a.m. bacon & eggs. I guess Jeff chose to sleep in rather than join us! He'll be by later however, I just chatted with him on MSN and he was heading for the shower. Ron is on the beach with his medal detector. I hope he finds some good treasures.

Although rain was in the forecast for today, the sun is shining brightly at the moment, so I'm hoping the forecast was wrong and we can spend the day outside.Tomorrow it's back to work for Jeff, and we'll move on to Kelowna.

checked in

Sandy Beach Campground
Site #26 - $23, p/w

Well we got our site!! We had to wait an extra 1/2 hr, but anyway, we are all settled in now.

We are on Okanagan Lake, just across the road from one of the beaches. There are lots of boats on the water, and people have been swimming. I stuck my toes in the lake and it's actually not so bad!

Jeff came for dinner last night and we sat around the campfire until almost midnight. He'll be over later this morning and I think we will go for a bike ride. It's a little cloudy today and not real warm yet. It was so nice when we arrived yesterday!

There are many young people working construction who are staying in the campground. And there are some pretty fancy boats and toys. Their pay cheques must be good! There was a pretty large group beside us that came for beers after work and we worried about how noisy it could be, but they shut down at the same time we did and we had a quiet night. Actually the fellow came over a couple of times -- introduced himself and promised us that his buddies would be leaving. Nice guy. 

Vernon, BC

3:30 p.m: It was a bit of an interesting situation. We arrived at a campground along the lake in Vernon that we saw last time we were here. It's very small, but right on beach and would work well for us well we visit Jeff. However., the groundskeeper met us at the gate and said the new management takes over and will be arriving at the site at 4 p.m. for the "switchover", so he can't really issue us a spot until they arrive and inform him of the situation... hmmm...

We've come across some 'funny ones' !!

So, I DO HOPE we have a place to stay. There are empty spots!!?? He said there is a possibility they have taken some reservations. And so we sit on the side of the road waiting for this new manager! to show up!

It does look like it will be a nice weekend. It's currently 24C and sunny! I do have wireless from somewhere in the neighborhood... (lucky how that's been working out for me!).

Leaving Vancouver...

... A very busy time there Kari's and the boys were out a couple times along with Richard. We spent time and had meals with both Kari's & Dave's and we had an afternoon coffee with Uncle Walter. Last night Richard and Janice came for dinner. Two couples from Australia were parked next door with their rental motorhomes and joined us for drinks before dinner... We had a great visit -- really enjoyed their company. We would certainly 'look them up' if we ever travel to Australia... Now we will head to Vernon area. I am looking forward to spending some time with Jeff.

Other than the one day of pouring rain, the weather was pretty decent. Not overly warm, but at least not wet !! It will be nice to do abit more camping... certainly the "RV parking lot" we stayed at in Surrey can't be classified as camping, but it is a good 'stopover' while visiting the Vancouver relatives!

 

 

That's about all the news from here... We were pretty exhausted some days trying to keep up with the grandchildren... Lots of energy there! The one day it poured rain we were all 7 (including Richard who had come for lunch) packed in to our 5th wheel. Richard & Ron really had the boys 'wound up'... They expected to see Uncle Richard next time out and were very disappointed he wasn't' there.!

Busy Times

I am taking a few quiet moments in the sun with my laptop. Kari & the boys will be coming soon. (except for jack who is in school) 

We've had some busy times here. Kari's been out to the 5th wheel a couple times.

and Richard was here. 

We spent time at both Kari's & Dave's and yesterday we had afternoon coffee with Uncle Walter. Tonight Richard and Janice are coming for dinner and then we will leave in the a.m. and head to Vernon area. I am looking forward to spending some time with Jeff.

Last night we were at Dave's for dinner. Sam (Eliz. oldest) was there from CA. He and Eliz had spent the day shopping and buying supplies as he is off to Prince George to plant trees. It will be very interesting to see how long he lasts at that. We saw a short documentary on CBC 2 nights ago about the tree planters and it's a very tough job. Lots of blisters, tendinitis and aching bones! Some kids had duck tape wrapped around all their fingers. Quite a few of the rookies drop out. And so I wonder about Sam. Can he handle it??  Anyway, he was to be on a 9 a.m. flight today and time will tell!  

Other than the one day of pouring rain, it's been pretty decent. Not overly warm, but at least not wet. I am looking forward to moving on and hopefully having another campfire or two. As mentioned, we will do the weekend with Jeff and then probably go to Doug's on Monday for a few days. He and Rina are coming to Vancouver this weekend for Rina's nephew's grad dinner.

Well, must go, I'm surprised Kari isn't here yet.... Her days starts pretty early and she's usually chomping at the bit to get going. Jack would have been off to school at 8:30 and I would have thought she'd be on the road. Ron is out buying some buns for lunch.

Surrey, BC

Tynehead RV Park

Site #68 - $31.50, p/w/s, Internet

We're HOME ~!! Well, we are back in Canada, anyway!!  We left in the pouring rain this a.m., but no rain here. It is a bit cloudy however.

We had a good border crossing. It is always a relief to not have to go through a thorough search!

We will spend a few days here. It looks like the RV park has wireless for me to connect to, so I should be able to stay in touch.

and good news -- our cell phone is available again..!

Friday from Bellingham, WA

Larrabee State Pk
Site #T26 - $31, p/w/s, Temp 17C

We are camped for two nights.  We have to leave tomorrow whether we wanted to or not! The campground is all reserved for Sat/Sun. Not sure why it's so popular, but maybe there are no others close by.  Oh, but did I mention the TRAINS??  Yes, we are right beside the track !! (and they blow their horn going by!!) Actually I didn't hear them in the night but Ron heard one.

We drove to south Bellingham yesterday for propane (and I was able to send / receive email). I enjoyed the quick 'chat' with you, Jeff. I hope your final exam went well this a.m. and now you are done your 3rd year!! Enjoy the weekend. I forgot to ask if you had plans?? And then it will be back to work on Tues already!

We have a short walk down to the beach. Certainly the surrounding beauty makes up for the cramped camping.



I guess that's what draws the people here. We sat and watched the waves rolling in. There are some beautiful homes along the bay.  Like Vancouver, I'm sure they aren't very affordable !@!.





Well, that's it for now. We'll head to town later for a few supplies and I hope to send this then. I'm not sure what our plans are after tomorrow. The Surrey campgrounds shouldn't be full (??) so we may just head there for a few days. All the resort spots will be filled up until Monday.

Ron just walked up to the walk-in campsites and group camping area checking for any 'treasures'. I'm about to check on him.

on the road again

Well, we ended up staying 3 nights at the Tumwater Forestry Cmpgrd just out of Leavenworth. Our 5th wheel battery held up good. It was a pretty quiet stay. Over 84 campsites, but never more than 2 of us staying there.... and such a beautiful place. A few units would drive through but contine on, so I assume they were looking for power.

We have just come through the Steven's Pass. Still lots of snow on the roadside at the top and it was only 6C. Also have noticed lots of campgrounds are still closed in this area. It's 13C here, and pretty cloudy so I hope it warms up!! It was 19C when we left our campsite this a.m. We had GREAT weather there!.

We did a couple of short side trips -- Drove up to Wenatchee Lake - beautiful lake, but the campgrounds weren't as nice - also wandered around Leavenworth and all their neat little shops. Rode our bikes and went on a short easy hike.

Our plan is to spend the weekend at Larrabee State Park south of Bellingham.... so not far from the border. On Monday we will see about getting a spot at Golden Ears Prov. Pk, just north of Abbotsford/Langley area.

Leavenworth, WA

Tumwater Campground
Site #8 - $16, n/s, Temp 18C

We are in a great "National Forest" campsite along the Wenatchee River.  Just out of Leavenworth (not the jail Ron says). This is my kind of camping -- natural beauty - mountains, trees & water, very private (only 1 other camper that we have seen), but there is no power.  We do have a new little catalytic propane heater that we may have to try out in the 5th wheel this eve to keep warm. (The RV batteries aren't charging properly - the inverter/converter must be burnt out.  It's always something!!) We are near Steven's pass in the mountains, so it will likely get a little cool. We do have lots of wood to burn while outdoors.

The Temp now is 21C, however. We have paid for 2 nights.  We may stay longer after we see how it goes. There are lots of hiking trails, a lake, plus Leavenworth is an interesting Alpine Townsite that we look forward to touring.

We actually stopped at a campground prior to this one and, if you can believe it, she told us we were much too early. Check in wasn't until 1 p.m. !!! I COULD NOT believe this !!! At a campground???!!! It's not like there is a room to clean or beds to make up! WHAT'S WITH THAT!!?? Never - ever have we had that happen. (She said we could pay for a spot - of which there were many !! and come back -- yeah, right !!) Needless to say, she'll never see us again!

Anyway, we had a bike ride, lunch and we are now off to town.  I hope my luck with wireless connections continues. We may not get to town again, so you may not hear from me for a few days. We are a little undecided if we will head to Canada before the long weekend (& chance getting a campsite on a busy weekend) or wait until the Monday.

Sunday - 13

I sent my email this a.m. and by the time we got back to the 5th wheel, the wind had let up. So, we had lunch, packed up and hit the road !! We stopped at the "Petrified Forest" area along the Columbia River. They had a great exhibit and we watched a short video. Interesting.

A little further along the way and we ran in to wind again. YUK.... So, we pulled in to the city of Ellensburg to get a few groceries and see if there was a nearby campground. We discovered that we had lost our bathroom vent, so we are now sitting at an RV shop looking to get it replaced!

If we don't stay in town, we'll drive another 45 minutes to Lake Easton State Park which was our goal for the day.

Note: We stayed at the local KOA. Ron had enough of the wind!
          Site # 12 - $33, p/w, Temp 14C & windy!

Another Night at Potholes

We had planned to leave today, but guess what? This desert can get WINDY !! The wind came up at supper time last night and boy did it blow! It seemed to let up in the night, but it's back blowing this a.m. Unless it quietens, we will stay another night. It is not fun bucking winds.

There are 2 large motorhomes parked next door to us. Grandma & Grandpa in one and the daughter, son-in-law, 2 kids plus an adult friend & her daughter. The son-in-law pulled a boat behind his motorhome, and asked if Ron would launch it for him yesterday so he wouldn't have to move the motorhome.

Anyway, the whole gang all loaded in the boat & Ron's truck and Ron took them down and he brought back the empty boat trailer. Everything was left laying around outside while they were gone -- kids motorised scooters and a motorised car etc. etc. They had asked us to keep an eye on their places while they were out fishing. We didn't even know their names -- trusting people! Anyway, Grandpa walked back later in the afternoon to fetch Ron so he could pick them all up again (and pull the boat out of the water)!

Today is a little undecided. If there was a laundromat on site, I'd be there! Good day for that! I did a small load by hand when we arrived, but a machine would be nice now.

PS. I've been lucky down here finding unsecured wireless internet. While here, I am connecting at the fire station from the parking lot. In Lewiston, I used an RV repair shop and the local ice cream parlour -- again, just from the parking lot. Very handy!

Potholes, S of Moses Lake, WA

Potholes State Park (Reservoir)
Site #17 - $24, p/w/s, Temp 26C

This State Park is just south of Moses Lake (isn't that where we get most of our watermelon??). We are pretty much in central Washington and almost straight south of Osoyoos. This is in the Columbia basin desert so more hot weather & no rain in the forecast.  Just what we ordered! There are acres of dry dry sage brush with the only green where there is irrigation and watering. There are a few orchards - lots of grapes - in the area and a high Mexican population working in the orchards.

This isn't quite my style of camping as I prefer more wilderness / secluded sites (with power though!), but it is certainly a beautiful park like setting with lots of grass, towering poplars etc. that have been planted and well watered.  An oasis in the desert. It's on a large dam & reservoir and there appears to be a fishing derby coming up, so lots of boats & fishermen are gathering.

There are quite a few RV resorts around the reservoir and we drove through them with our bikes this a.m. Also, there is a busy golf course -- those who aren't out fishing are playing golf !!

We've been here 2 nights and will stay again tonight as we don't like to move in the middle of a wkend. Campgrounds are busier with the warmer weather. We haven't really got a plan or a spot picked for tomorrow night.

Happy Mother's Day weekend to all the mom's.

NEXT DAY - Tues? Wed?.. whatever!!?

It is 34C/93F today!!! How about those numbers??!! I think we'll just stay here for a month! Luvin' it!

We did a tour and watched the movie at the Lewis Clark Centre this a.m. It was very interesting. I can't even imagine crossing the Rockies through the snow on foot and horseback back in the 1800's.

My relative, George Shannon at 18 yrs. was the youngest of the group of 29 and eventually lost his leg as a result of a Indian confrontation. Anyway, enough family history!



                                       Tsceminicum - "Earth Mother"
We did another leg of the bike path this afternoon. I'm actually looking a little burnt from the hot sun :-) We drove across the bridge to Washington and followed the Snake River up that side for a way.

We hoped to find the Hell's Gate Canyon without going on the 1/2 day boat tour. However, many road bends later, we gave up and came home. It is just too hot to be driving in the truck.

                                         Lewis & Clark Ctre
There are lots of people on the river today -- fishing, floating, boarding, sea-doo-ing etc. (Richard/Charlie -- salmon and sturgeon seem to be the catch of the day.)

The plan is to stay tomorrow night now and we'll peddle along the Washington bike path across the river. yes... This is the life!

soakin' up the sun!

It certainly was a fabulous day! Crazy. We woke up to -3C yesterday and today we were seeking out the shade as it was 28C (or as our American friends would say 82F)! Wow! We put away our electric heater and considered using the air conditioning in our 5th wheel, but we opted for just the fan to keep cool.

Well, it turned out that the radiator wasn't the problem with the truck overheating. As we went for groceries today, it overheated once again. Off to the Dodge dealership and after a 2 hr. sit, and a new thermostat, we are back in business! We are so glad to have it fixed and thankful that we weren't left stranded in the middle of nowhere!

We had our bikes on the back of the truck and went for a long ride on the bike path along the Snake River. Beautiful. What a great view.  The path is newly paved with no inclines and there was not a breath of wind. I don't think I mentioned in my earlier email that Lewiston (Idaho) and our campground actually runs along the river and directly on the other side of the river is Clarkston (Washington). They have a bike path along the river also. We will drive over the bridge tomorrow and check out that community.

We had our own campfire this evening. Wyley, our next door neighbour invited us over again, but we decided to have our own fire. His lady friend is there tonight. We laugh at his name. It reminds us of the days when Grandson, Ryley couldn't say his "r's" and was "Wyley".

That's it for today's update. Time for bed.

Kalispell & Lolo, Montana to Lewiston, Idaho

Flat Head State Pk, south Kalispell, MT
Site #B11 - $13, n/s, Temp 6C

We had a good border crossing this time. They did look through our fridge, but all passed inspection. And guess what? You can even bring chicken across now, although I hadn't packed any. (My eggs were kind of hidden, but they would have been okay !)

And it was on to Kalispell area. This was a really nice State Park. The water was on and we filled the tank before parking. We had also stopped for burger and beer, mostly we needed cash/change for our camp fee. We did have a short campfire before supper. It was chilly and the snow was pretty low in the surrounding mountains. There were actually a few flakes falling on our drive there! We did wake up to sunshine, but it was only 4C.
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Lolo Hot Springs RV Pk, MT
Site #16 - $10.70 p/w (1/2 off season and water main issue), Temp 8C

Saturday: It was nice to warm our bones in the hot pool at Lolo Hot Springs. There was a museum there with a number of books detailing the Lewis & Clark expedition which is of interest to me as one of my early relatives, George Shannon, was a member of the group. They were commissioned by Pres. Thomas Jefferson in 1804 to find a route to the west coast.

When we woke up Sunday morning, it was -3C with frost on everything. Ron turned on the water tap beside us and a tube of ice shot out. It's been so cold thus far.

                        Lunch stop along the highway
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Hells Gate State Park
Site #B60 - $23. p/w (x4)
Temp 21C

We are driving a large portion of Lewis & Clark route in Idaho - through the Lolo Pass to Lewiston. We will visit the Lewis-Clark Centre nearby. It was such a pretty drive coming down the pass - very winding. We had some problems with the truck overheating which was strange because it was all down hill?? Ron took the front inserts out of the truck & it was better then, so he figures the radiator is maybe plugged. He's cleaning it out now.

And FINALLY! We found a WARM spot!! It was 21C when we arrived here yesterday and we sat outside for our morning coffee today. The first time! It was almost too warm in the sun, but I'm NOT complaining!

We plan to stay a few days. There is a great bike path which we road for a bit yesterday. We also joined our neighbor for a campfire last night - a retired widower from Washington who camps here frequently. I think he has a girlfriend coming later.

Anyway, we are off to town for groceries and I hope to find some wireless internet.

Later - Kikomun Prov Pk

Well, 2 new trailer batteries and $200. later and I hope we are set now! Just as we suspected, our old batteries were shot. 

We've turned on our furnace a few times to keep warm this eve. We'll see how those new batteries hold up ! I'm not sure how much battery the furnace fan uses, we might be sorry. We survived last night with a dead battery, so I guess we can make it through tonight! 

I'm not terribly fond of 'dry camping this time of year. I much prefer having a power pole to plug in so we can use our electric heater as much as needed! None of the BC Prov. Pks have power, but they are by far the prettier camping spots. One little bonus is they don't seem to be charging here yet. There was no self-registration box, and even though the park workers have been by a few times, they haven't stopped for $$. (We can use the break - This trip has been pretty costly so far!)

After our 'shopping' trip to Cranbrook, the rain let up and we went for a short walk around the park. We are still the only ones camped here (fools??). It's one of the cleanest places we have stayed. Ron was disappointed as he hasn't even found any can tabs laying around!

We are definitely leaving in the am. so, no more cell service and possibly email for awhile. I'm not looking forward to those border boys! They will no doubt be checking out my fridge and freezer!

First Campout 2007 - Jaffray, BC

Kikomun Creek Provincial Pk

Site #2 - n/s no chg (x2)

Temp 14C

Ron is doing a crossword puzzle and I thought I would send an email while I still can. We have cell service here.

We are at Kikomun Prov. Pk. It was so beautiful when we arrived yesterday. 14C, not a breathe of wind, not a soul around... Just the birds singing. Had our customary beer after 'setup'. Took our customary first time out photo and enjoyed the scenery. Unfortunately it didn't last!! Breeze came up and it started to rain.

We were awoken in the night with our warning alarm squealing. This indicates either propane leak or low battery. In this case, low battery. Couldn't shut it off, so Ron cut the wire and back to bed! Not much could be done about the battery at that time.

Woke up this a.m. to 6C and more rain. Chilly !!! Ron hooked the truck battery to the 5th wheel and charged up. However, it doesn't seem to be holding. We have 2 batteries in the 5th wheel and they weren't hooked up properly to start with, so may have ruined them :-(

so... after lunch we will make a run to Cranbrook (37 km), get the batteries checked and buy new if need be. Assuming all is in order, we will cross the border tomorrow.

If anyone has some sunshine please send it our way!!

Spring Trip 2007 - US, BC

Well, the 5th wheel is home and almost packed. I haven't done the fridge or freezer items yet, but felt the need for a break. It seems I've hardly had the opportunity to 'put my feet up' today and I'm wiped!! (besides aching all over!) We pretty much did the works today. We brought the unit home, vacuumed and cleaned it, shopped for cans, dry goods and loaded them plus, packed our clothes. It's almost too much for us to do in one day now!

Ron's gone to a ball practice. He went to the general practice after lunch, and now he's out with his team. He won't have much energy left either. I'm surprised he had enough for ball tonight!? We may not get away until after lunch tomorrow!

Looking at the weather, it's not great. Rain forecasted for everywhere! I don't think we can avoid it no matter which direction we go!! We'll leave regardless.

We planned to spend the first night (or 2?) at Kikomun Prov. Pk which is about 31 km SW of Fernie - near Jaffrey. From there we will head south to Whitefish area (so no chicken or beef will be packed - damn Americans!!!).

That's about it. Once we leave Canada, we likely won't be doing email unless we find some unsecured wireless somewhere. It's too expensive to use the cell phone. I'll be in touch when I can.

PS. Found out that the Roaming numbers for cell service have been discontinued. Rip off !!