Lundbreck Falls Prov Recreation Area and *HOME*

Site #53: $30 p only, poor cell but can get

We headed to Lundbreck Falls with the idea that we would stay only if "our" site was available. There are only two spots in this park that we would consider camping in. I know... fussy! As luck would have it, our site was free.

Our site is pretty private and is right beside the Crowsnest River just downstream from the Falls. The rushing water cuts out highway and train noise which could otherwise be a bit of a problem. The song birds are abundant. Probably due to all the chokecherry and saskatoon bushes in the area.

Our stay was pretty relaxing. Ron did a couple short hikes to the Falls and around the grounds. We had a Thurnderstorm and rain on Thursday evening so had to nix the fire.

Friday was sunny but very windy. We made the decision to spend one more night and then head home. We had toyed with the idea of Writing on Stone, but weekends can be busy. We took the opportunity to drive to Beaver Mines Lake area to check the camping there. It's a beautiful drive through these foothills with the mountains in the distance -- all the trees, rolling hills, pasture land, vivid greens -- very lush and pretty. There is some nice camping around Beaver Mines Lake and in Castle River area. We also drove up to Castle Mountain Ski Resort. There are a lots of new chalets, townhouses, beautiful big homes and a large area of permanent RV's. This area has all be re-furbished, re-built and improved with many new staging areas and trails for quads. They are hoping to see it become a year round resort rather than just a ski hill.

he came from walk bearing pretty flowers 💘

view of our campsite from upper area

Back at the campground we sat out and enjoyed Friday night cocktails and an evening fire despite the wind. We might have stayed an extra night, but when it was still blowing Saturday morning, it was an easy decision to head home. It is always a little sad to see our spring camping concluded for another year. but we are looking forward to some deck time in the Hat!

Kikomun Creek Prov Pk, Jaffray, BC

Site #29 - $35 n/s ($40 power) Temp 17C

Our last few stops have been pretty short jaunts between campgrounds. We are 'close to home', but putting off going there. So we ended up 89 km south of Wasa at Kikomum Creek Prov Pk which is south of Jaffray, BC. Somebody was camped in 'our' site (the nerve!) so we parked in a new loop overlooking Koocanusa Lake.



That campspot was rather unique in that they created 'hills' between the sites for privacy. It's was nice enough, but I do like our other spot better! More of that "forestry feel". However, the $35 charge on this no-service site is pretty steep and the highest we've paid in a Provincial Park so far. It may be our last visit here.

It was a warm calm evening and we were treated to the sounds of meadowlarks and some beautiful reflections in the lake.








Nice! We might have considered staying another night except for that $35. Oh, and cash only, which we were short of. Anyway, we enjoyed the stay and a fire until 10 pm. That wood Ron found in the group campsite was on them!

Wasa Lake, BC

Site #3 - $30 n/s, (cell, Shaw at entrance)

We always enjoy our stay at Wasa Lake in amongst the Ponderosa Pines. Plus it was a little warmer and a little drier than Yahk. The park attendants are too dam efficient however. They were out cleaning sites and taking any leftover wood before Ron had a chance to get to it. I did manage to find small armful of wood that I hid in the bush. Sure enough park guy was there to clean the site as I drove away on my bike. He took the one larger log that I didn't hide well, but he didn't find my other stash! We will enjoy burning it this evening.

We always enjoy biking on the paved path around this small lake. Thanks to the Lions Club for providing that!

And Sunday was Rib Night! Good food, good wine and good company!

Today, Tuesday, we are headed south once again. I believe to Kikomun Creek Prov Pk south of Jaffray.

Yahk Provincial Park

Site #17 - $21, n/s Temp 16-20C

We should have taken advantage of the internet while camped at Woodbury to check the Balfour Ferry schedule. We just missed a sailing and ended up waiting over 1 1/2 hours for the next boarding. Oh well, it's not like we have deadlines and we did have free internet while we waited.

It was lunch time when we arrived at Crawford Bay, so we pulled over for another break. That gave our fellow ferry traffic time to disperse and we had a nice leisurely winding drive along the pretty Kootenay Lake with no vehicles behind or in front of us.

We spent the next two nights at Yahk Provincial Park. Some of the campsites were roped off due to flooding concerns and the water was certainly high at our site. We left the truck hooked up in case we had to make a quick move. When the campground operator came around, she assured us that we would be fine. The creek had peaked and unless it rained, it should start receding.

There were only three of us camped, so it was a quiet weekend. It is a nice campground, but it is located in town. Also? Trains! We were far enough back that it wasn't a huge problem. The fast moving creek noise helped. I didn't hear them at night although Ron heard one quiet whistle. Another complaint - mosquitoes. ugh.... And then later Saturday when it started raining and our evening was spent indoors. By Sunday, I was happy to be moving on.

We did enjoy both a wiener roast and a pancake brunch during our stay there. Both were firsts on this camping trip!

We drove in to Jim Smith Lake Prov Pk further up the road, but decided not to stay. Instead we drove on to the old reliable Provincial Park at Wasa Lake. I expect we'll hang here for a couple nights.

Ainsworth Hot Springs

Woodbury Creek Resort & Marina
Site #104 - $38 p/w/s, cell and internet

I have nothing real exciting to report about our stay at Woodbury RV Resort. It is one of those places where you are shoe-horned in with the neighbours canopy just inches from your slide. There was no one camped on our front side however, so we did have a pretty decent view down the lake. It was gray, cloudy and spitting rain on our first day. There was also a little flooding going on in that front row.

It was nice to have the power, water, sewer and internet 're-charge time'. Plus three big loads of laundry were taken care of! It was a productive rainy day.

Day Two and things were looking up weather wise.  We spent a couple hours at the Hot Springs. That is always welcome treatment for old bones. I find I have developed a few claustrophobic tendencies however and it took me awhile to feel comfortable in the caves.  I did manage to spend a little time in there though.

Back at our campsite we enjoyed the sunshine and a cold beer... And then it rained again. Our canopy and the propane fire took care of that little problem quite nicely!





All those sweet little flowers surrounding our campsite brightened our stay. I'm not sure what they are but they obviously spread. They were everywhere.

Today we will move along. We are not sure exactly where, but we will probably look for a Provincial Park once again. Bye bye power and internet! :(