Grand Forks to Creston... or ..??

We did enjoy our stay at Grand Forks. I'm kind of thinking that it doesn't take much to amuse us though. We always seem to enjoy the silliest little things on our travels. Small things small minds?? It has been interesting just to sit in this City Park campground and watch the locals go by. Some great entertainment there!

The bike trail here wasn't great. It looked good starting out, but for such a short distance. They really haven't developed or paved much of this Trans Canada trail at all. We biked what we could, but spent most of our time riding on the city streets. A bit of a disappointment.

On Sunday we opted for a truck tour. Ron headed north on a well paved highway winding up the mountain valley. I suggested we head over to Christina Lake. Ron claimed that particular highway wouldn't get us there. However, I turned on the GPS and "Lee" told us otherwise. We had a most enjoyable tour.

We missed a turn, but decided to continue further up the road. The fall colours and the mountain countryside were truly beautiful. We then returned to that missed turnoff. An hour later we were back on Hwy 3. At Grand Forks. About 500 metres down the road from where we had originally started our drive! We had such a good laugh. And indeed. A left turn down Hwy 3 and a further 20 km drive brought us to Christina Lake. Yup... it's those small things. Thanks for the laugh, Lee!

And Christina Lake? Nothing much has changed. If anything, it has gone further downhill. Developments have started and have been left unfinished. Businesses have closed plus there are "For Sale" signs everywhere. Actually this whole south area of BC seems to be suffering. It would appear that there is an excessive amount of real estate on the market right now. Tough times.

Today we continue east. Towards home. No hurries though. And where we spend the night will be a surprise. To all of us!

on to Grand Forks

Grand Forks Municipal Campground
Site #13 - $29, p/w/s, Internet poor, Temp 15C & cloudy

We quite enjoyed our lazy days at Osoyoos. We thought we might book another two nights for the "pay for 6 get 7th night free" special, but our site was booked for tomorrow night. And so we decided if we had to pack up and move, we may as well just keep going.

Through Greenwood and on to Grand Forks. One hour away. It is cloudy but pleasant. There is a section of the Trans Canada trail that passes through this area, so the bikes will be coming out.

I am happy to be back to the free unlimited internet and using my laptop rather than typing on the little iPod Touch keyboard! It was strange that the internet time limits ran out on the laptops and the newer iTouch, but the two older Touches remained connected.

All for now. Hope you are enjoying the weekend!

more from Osoyoos

Nk'Mip RV Resort
Site #C12 - $184/5=$36, p/w/s, cable, Internet 1 hr. free, Temp 9C on arrival

Turns out that is Osoyoos hasn't been too bad weatherwise after our first day. One can't complain when it's 22C+ and sunny. We would prefer a little less wind off the lake though.

We warmed up in the hot tub when we arrived and haven't been back. We have toured the town by truck and by bike. It never ceases to amaze us how this place continues to grow. There are always new developments springing up. It looks like this Nk' Mip RV Resort will almost double over the next year as the neighboring orchard has been levelled and will soon house another club house and more RV sites they say. Wow.

We ended up registering for five nights and still haven't made plans beyond that. Who said retirement was easy? ;)

I am not happy that we are limited to 1 hour of free Internet every 48 hours. I have managed to get around this somewhat by creating several different accounts on each of the 3 iPod Touches plus the two laptops we are traveling with. Ha! Where there is a will . . .

That is all for now. I must make the most of my hour!

Kelowna and on to ??

Orchard Valley RV
Site #3 - $35, p/w/s, cable, Internet, Temp 23C

We enjoyed our visit with Doug and family. Ryley is a real source of entertainment. A gadget guy. He was attaching motors and propellers to dinky toys and to his lego built planes. Plus he had some cool elastic shooter guns. One was even a repeater! I figured he should sell me his motorised bicycle that was powered by a leaf blower. How cool is that!



So we had a good visit. I did a load of laundry and the Italian lady serves great pasta.

We had a moment of panic when Ron realized his credit card was missing. Long story short, it was left at the last place he'd shopped in Vernon. Jeff called the business, picked up the card and even delivered it to us in Kelowna. He is working on the hospital in Kelowna, so that was perfect. Bonus? We had another visit as he stayed for a coffee and toast!

We had another big discussion about where to go. It is SO tough when the weather back home is better than what we are looking at here. We debated just heading back to AB. Anyway, we ended up choosing Osoyoos. If nothing else, we can soak in the hot tub. It was however the worst travel day we've had this trip. Wind, driving rain and COLD (10C). We would have stopped in Penticton, but most of the campgrounds are closed for the season. So we bucked the wind and we continued to Osoyoos. We are looking forward to that indoor hot tub.

Vernon & Kelowna

Big Chief RV Park
Site #3 - $35, p/w/s, cable, Temp 26C

Vernon. The weather was awesome! It was 26C when we arrived. We felt a little silly getting out of the truck in our long pants, sweatshirts and fleece vests.

We are trying out a different RV Park as we can't drink the water at the Beach campground by Jeff's. It's okay, although the sites are set up alternating so that you face your neighbor. I hate that. It gives the appearance of more privacy when you all back in the same way.

We headed to Jeff's. Owen was so happy to see his Grandma! lol



Actually I got lots of smiles as long as he was on Daddy's knee.

The next morning Grandma wasn't so scary. Owen and I shared lots of giggles. And he learned how to clap his hands.... yaaaaaaay.....!!!! So much fun.





Yesterday we hung out at the campsite and today we enjoyed the sun on Jeff's deck. Well, actually Christal and I enjoyed the sun. Ron and Jeff trimmed trees and put in some new sidewalk blocks. (I think they enjoyed themselves also.) I truly loved spending time with Owen and after that initial meet he seemed to enjoy his time with Grandma!

Tomorrow? It is on to Kelowna.

from Nakusp to Vernon it is

Village of Nakusp Campground
Site #4, p only, cell service, Temp 16C

As cool as it was when we arrived in Nakusp yesterday, the sun came out and it warmed up nicely. We enjoyed our bike ride along the lake and about town.

Plus, it was the first time we sat at the fire both before and AFTER supper. A beautiful evening.

Today after lunch we will head to Vernon. I am really looking forward to see our grandbaby. Who is 9 months now. And crawling! I'm a little sad that the next time we see him, he will probably be a toddler. (Growing up too fast!!)

On Sunday we will visit with Doug and family and then likely head to Osoyoos area. Have a great weekend everyone!

BC - Leaving Mirror Lake and on to Nakusp . . .

Kaslo is an interesting little town. It once housed 27 saloons full of prospectors. Now the rather quaint historic village is home to many museums, galleries and other artsy shops. (I tend to think 'hippies'.)  Also, we had quite the chuckle. Would you get you hair done at the local "Yack & Whack"??

Ron toured the "SS Moyie" sternwheeler and found it very interesting. It is the oldest intact passenger wheeler in the world. It was launched in 1898 and made it's last sailing on Kootenay Lake. When it was dry docked in 1957, Kaslo bought it from the CPR for $1.00. To date they have spent over one million on the ongoing restoration.

We have enjoyed pre-supper campfires, but it has been too chilly to sit out in the evening. We are back to using our electric heater overnight.

This morning we said goodbye to Mirror Lake. Next stop? Ended up being Nakusp. We thought it might be warmer then the forested Cherryville area. However, temp is only 13C. Oh well, we will dig out some sweaters and our bikes! I leave you with this pic of Mirror Lake. Pretty, eh?

BC - Cranbrook to Kaslo

Mount Baker RV Park
Site #11 - $28.45, p/w/s, Internet, Temp 16C

It is not pleasant pulling the RV in high winds. The Crowsnest Pass was horrible. Sunday night was spent at Mount Baker RV in Cranbrook. Downtown Cranbrook. I'm not sure why, except that Ron said he's only ever 'driven through' and has never seen the place. Anyway, now we've 'seen' it :)
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Mirror Lake Campground
Site #51 - $28, p/w, boil water, no Internet or wood

I love the drive north along Kootenay Lake to Crawford Bay. The road is winding, and the views are beautiful. We caught the ferry and headed to Mirror Lake between Ainsworth Hot Springs and Kaslo.

Ron always asks for "a room with a view" and we did have a nice little spot overlooking the lake. Although 'Lake' is a bit of an exaggeration. A pond would be more accurate! However, it looks like a perfect little swimming hole with a nice sandy beach. If only the weather was slightly warmer! We are enjoying the blue heron and the cormorants that are hanging about.

Today we are in Kaslo for a few supplies. And internet. The young lady in our campground office tells us they believe in 'old fashioned camping' so there is no wifi at Mirror Lake. We will spend another night there before heading to Cherryville area.

A Developing Plan . . .

M.D. of Taber Campground
Site #54 - $20, p only, free wood, poor cell, Temp 26C

As we drove away from the condo, I thought we were headed to Calgary and the Bow Valley area. That is until Ron put on the left signal. And, an hour later we were in Taber. Whatever! It is sunny and warm with temps in the mid 20's. Plus there has been no need for the electric heater. And yes, we love free firewood ;)

Today we are in town for a few supplies and the internet. We will continue down Hwy 3 tomorrow to Creston area then along Kootenay Lake, across the ferry and to Mirror Lake. Hopefully we will have cell service and some internet to keep in touch.

2011 Fall Get-Away

Here it is Sept. 14 and we are sitting at home. Weird.
Where has the month gone!?

Anyway, we are finally getting our sh*t together and we are planning a short RV trip before Mr Winter decides to show his evil ways!  At least I hope we can still sneak in a few more frost free camping nights.

We have looked at maps, had many conversations and we still aren't exactly sure where we are going.

The Grand Teton National Park is appealing. Plus we still want to explore more of Utah and the Arches National Park. But, it is such a pain crossing the border when one appears to be on a "Marked List". And there is that whole Medical insurance thing to think about.

so... I think we've decided that we will just hang about in southern AB and maybe BC (?) and we will hope for a few more weeks of sunshine.

A sketchy plan. And, I may or may not have anything more exciting to report than this.