Friday, September 09, 2005

Summerland, BC

Okanagan Lake Prov Pk
Site #52 - $22 n/s (x3) wood charge

It was sprinkling when we arrrived at 11 am. We set up and had lunch. Doug and family arrived late afternoon and we had a late steak dinner then sat around the fire.





The weather wasn't great, but we managed to have a good time. The kids really enjoyed themselves. We hiked, biked and had evening fires although much time was spent bundled up under the canopy.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Penticton, BC

Wrights Beach Camp & RV
Site #69 - $29 p/w, no fires

Temps were 27C when we arrived. We took a site on the beach, but they are shoe-horned in. It is difficult to maneuver around in the sand, so we stayed put.  It was a bit breezy off the lake.  We did drive around to check out other campgrounds and there really was nothing better that was open this time of year.

Supper was leftovers and we did enjoy watching the activity on the lake. We went for a short walk before bed.

On Thursday we went for a 20+ km bike ride along the KVR Trail, heading south to Okanagan Falls. We went for another ride after lunch and enjoyed a swim on our floaties.



We had received a call from Greg that Kim was in the hospital.  Connor Anton Armstrong arrived at 7:11 pm (ET).  Pretty exciting for me -- a 'real' grandma now!

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

*WEDDING TIME* Burnaby, BC

Burnaby Caribou RV
Site #92 - $205 week rate (x2) Note: $42/night

The 'Valet Parking' is a welcome bonus as the sites are pretty tight. Each site is paved with small patch of grass and cedar dividers that have 'cut-outs' for neighbours slide. So yes... cozy! We set up camp and Kari and the kids came for supper.



On Thursday we did some biking and picked up a few groceries and Friday was spent at Dave and Elizabeth's for back yard wedding preparations.



And Saturday was the 'Big Day'.





We dropped by Dave on Sunday, then headed to Kari and Gerry's for barbecued salmon with Doris, Smitty, Mike, Darryl and Deanne.





On Monday we wandered around the New West Quay shopping area and went for a walk around Burnaby Lake on the approximate 4 km trail. Such a great wooded park area that helps you forget you are actually smack dab in the middle of a huge city.

We did some shopping at Metro Town Mall on Tuesday then headed to Kari's for a few hours. Back at the RV we had shrimp stirfry and went for a soak in the hot tub.

On Wednesday, Kari and the kids came for lunch and supper. (Gerry sky-trained out after work.) It was a day of crafts, walks and time at the playground.





Our digital camera had suffered some damage when Ron tried to put in a new memory card at Dave's wedding. Luckily there was a repair shop near Gerry's office and he dropped it off for us earlier in the week. It was ready for pick Thursday. We visited Gerry at the office, picked up the camera, went for lunch and wandered around Granville Island shops. We enjoyed a roast beef dinner with Dave and Elizabeth.



Friday was lunch and a visit with Uncle Walter. We shopped Ikea then headed home for supper. After supper we sat with the kids while Kari and Gerry had dinner and an evening out.

After lunch on Saturday, Doug and Rina came to the campground for a swim then we all went to Kari's for barbecued burgers.



Sunday was rainy and we headed to Richard's for barbecued salmon.

On Monday, we once again hiked around Burnaby Regional Park with Kari and the kids and spent time at the campground. Off to Dave's for seafood pasta.



We shopped Superstore and Walmart on Tuesday and Kari and kids were back out for a visit. Again, Gerry took the train and Dave came by after work. We had chicken kebabs for dinner. Eliz was busy with work negotiations so wasn't able to join us.

We said our good-byes to all and left the park by 10 am. In the wind. Highway 3 was a little rough and we encountered a few steep climbs.

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Merritt, BC

Claybanks RV Park
Site #33 - $23 p/w/s

This is the town campground so it is nothing special and no fires are allowed. We went for a walk to the town centre and along the mainstreet. We picked up a few groceries and went for a bike ride.
Our neighbour had to be towed in to the campground with vehicle transmission problems.

Monday, August 22, 2005

Salmon Arm, BC

Herald Lake Prov Park
Site #89 - $22.

Of course all the 'best' sites are the R or Reserve sites. The 'first come' sites not so great. Today's campgrounds are always on the look out to take more $$ from the campers.  Our site wasn't bad except it was a bit open and there was little to no shade available. It was hot.

We hiked to Margaret Falls and along the creek path.





Barbecued chicken was on our menu and we enjoyed an evening fire.

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Golden, BC

Whispering Spruce
Site #10 - $25 p/w

We arrived at 5 pm and it was 29C. Beer time!
We did manage a short walk before barbecuing burgers for supper.  Found this 'modern day tenter' rather amusing!  He had a large TV set up in his tent and he sat at the door on his lawn chair.



We enjoyed our evening fire and were on the road at 9:45 am.  Lunch was on a picnic table overlooking the Shuswap Lake.

Friday, July 08, 2005

Mazenod, SK

Field camping
Power from nearby pumphouse (x2 nights)

We parked behind the old schoolhouse. Just down the way from Ron's old home. The breaker kept blowing the first evening but it was okay after that. It was HOT HOT at 30C. And mosquitoes.

Larry and Phyllis arrived with steaks for dinner and spent the two nights with us.



We spent much time visiting. There were picture displays in the old schoolhouse and in the town hall.  It was a fun weekend with entertainment, a small parade, catered meals and a great fireworks display.

We were back on the *ahem* rough rough roads and headed home on Sunday.


Sunday, July 03, 2005

Post Reunion, Gull Lake, AB

Lakeview Aspen Beach
Site #72, p only - $29. first then $23. (4 nights)

Decent site for 'open stalls' as some bushes and trees. Complaints re showers (distance, pressure and temps) plus the cancellation policy 48 hrs prior to check-in caused some grief. Paid extra nights for some early checkouts.



"Next generation" did the meal planning, shopping, prep and cooking, so that was great! Cooked steaks on the open fire one night.



 Lots of bocci, cribbage, tree climbing and campfires.



We drove Greg and Kim to Edmonton for a car rental so the final night was pretty quiet for us.





We left 11 am on Thursday and headed for a night home to do some laundry and shopping.  A quick turn around and we were off to Mazenod on Friday.