Sunnyside Campground
Site #1 - $43, p/w/s, Visitors $10, Internet $10, Temp 16C
Yesterday we had a relatively quiet day in the 5th wheel. A 'catch up' day of cleaning and some grocery shopping. It was great to see and spend time with the Vancouver gang.
Today? Not the best. Our plan was to head south and meander home the US route. Before we left, my laptop power cord broke. And you know me. It's my addiction, my crutch. Plus it is our 'link' to home when we travel in the US.
So, Ron headed to Future Shop for a replacement while I readied the RV for travel. It was tough to spend the $90 when it is my intention to buy a new laptop. I am hoping to find one in the US. And back at the Future Shop, Ron had to wait until the 10 am store opening. He wasn't real happy about that.
And off we go to the border. We buy a duty free vodka and we sit 1/2 hr in the lineup. We get pulled over for the Agriculture inspection because of the food in our fridge. It always happens. We pass the food inspection. The wood in our wood box? No way. I have warned Ron re this but he likes to think he can get away with it by saying it's lumber. Problem is, the "lumber" has bark. The US customs really doesn't like that. And, it turns out they don't seize wood as with other banned substances. We must return it to the Canadian side ourselves. So back we go. To Canada.
Now? We are on our way to Cultus Lake, BC. We will burn that firewood and we will probably cross the border later this week. At a different crossing! And dammit, I am going to enjoy that duty free vodka that we brought back over the border. Illegally!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Vancouver Days
Tynehead RV Park
Site #71 - $41.50 (6+1 free), p/w/s, internet TYNEHEAD1161, Temp 14-17C
It is Day 4 of our commute between Surrey/Vancouver and Surrey/New Westminster. Ack! The traffic. I will NEVER get used to it! So stressful.
Kari is working all week and of course the boys have had school. They are all home by 3:15, so there is still lots of time to visit. And play games. We have played a variety of board, card and dice games this trip.
Site #71 - $41.50 (6+1 free), p/w/s, internet TYNEHEAD1161, Temp 14-17C
It is Day 4 of our commute between Surrey/Vancouver and Surrey/New Westminster. Ack! The traffic. I will NEVER get used to it! So stressful.
Kari is working all week and of course the boys have had school. They are all home by 3:15, so there is still lots of time to visit. And play games. We have played a variety of board, card and dice games this trip.
Today Richard and Janice picked us up. We drove to New West for lunch and a visit with Uncle Walter. At 89, the crotchety old fella is still pretty sharp and as witty as ever. He and his girlfriend have planned a trip to Hawaii in fall. At first he insisted we add money to the parking meter and stay. It was time to leave when he began checking his watch. And inquiring as to when the parking meter would run out. Then he suggested we might want to avoid the upcoming Friday rush hour ;)
Tomorrow we will pick up Uncle Walter and head to Richard/Janice's for supper. David, Kari/Gerry and boys plus Richard's daughter Shannon/Jeff and son Todd/Tamara and girls are also invited. Ron and I are taking our toothbrushes and will spend the night.
On Sunday there is a "Spring Fling" and flea market at the boys school which we plan to attend. And that? Pretty much sums up the Vancouver Days. Next week? Heading south. To the USA.
Tomorrow we will pick up Uncle Walter and head to Richard/Janice's for supper. David, Kari/Gerry and boys plus Richard's daughter Shannon/Jeff and son Todd/Tamara and girls are also invited. Ron and I are taking our toothbrushes and will spend the night.
On Sunday there is a "Spring Fling" and flea market at the boys school which we plan to attend. And that? Pretty much sums up the Vancouver Days. Next week? Heading south. To the USA.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Hope and Surrey
Site #3 - $25, p/w, Internet cost, Temp 18C
Monday. Hwy 12 from Lillooet to Lytton. Very scenic. But winding and rough. It felt like we were driving on square or flat tires. I had heard and worried about the short stretch that narrows down to one lane with a sheer drop off to the river. Passenger side. Turned out it wasn't so bad. The anticipation was the worst part. Plus there was no on-coming traffic through that stretch.
We spent the night near Hope. Along side Hwy 1 and the railroad tracks. Near a crossing where the trains blow their horns. Frequently! Yeah. It was rather noisy.
A beautiful campground though. There was an awesome "General Store" filled with supplies, fresh baking and vegetables plus some really nice / unique giftware.
We enjoyed a Spring Salmon dinner. Thanks Larry and Phyllis. And we sat around the campfire. Watching those trains go by. Thank goodness they don't blow horns through the night. Our 'wakeup horn' was 7:15 am. And again at 7:25. Fine. We'll get up. Jeez... people live with this daily? So annoying!
Today it is on to Surrey and the Tynehead Campground.
PS A big congrats to niece, Rhonda & Mike, and grandparents, Jim & Jan on the new baby girl born yesterday!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
GribbieTown
Just finished bacon and eggs at David's place. 'GribbieTown' as he calls it. It is cloudy and cooler today. Plus, it has been spitting rain on and off. Dave & Ron have gone for a hike.
Other than that? Just puttering around. Dave painted some trim. Ron cleaned up the flower beds and raked. Things look pretty nice around here. Now Dave just needs a buyer to make an offer. That final goodbye will be a sad time. It is such a beautiful place.
I had made a pot of chili for supper last night. And we enjoyed an evening around the fire. Tonight David cooked us chicken and veggies over the fire. Too bad the old guy forgot to bring the wine ;(
Tomorrow? We will move on. Towards Langley and the Tynehead Campground with a stop along the way. Not sure where that will be yet.
When we arrived here yesterday, Dave had already mowed the lawn. We spent quite a bit of time making satellite adjustments to get his internet working again. Dave & Ron were up the hill with a walkie talkie while I sat at the computer calling out the signal strengths with my walkie talkie. Finally. Success.
Other than that? Just puttering around. Dave painted some trim. Ron cleaned up the flower beds and raked. Things look pretty nice around here. Now Dave just needs a buyer to make an offer. That final goodbye will be a sad time. It is such a beautiful place.
I had made a pot of chili for supper last night. And we enjoyed an evening around the fire. Tonight David cooked us chicken and veggies over the fire. Too bad the old guy forgot to bring the wine ;(
Tomorrow? We will move on. Towards Langley and the Tynehead Campground with a stop along the way. Not sure where that will be yet.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
more on Lillooet
I find Lillooet a rather interesting little town. It is one of the oldest communities in BC. It is Mile Zero on the original Caribou Gold Rush Road. It was quite the little boom town in the 1850-60's with up to 15,000 people. It is the home of "Ma" Murray.
Yesterday we drove to the "Old Bridge" which was constructed in 1913. While there, we watched an Osprey feeding her young. The nest was on top of one of the bridge spans. Cool! This bridge is no longer in use.
Also interesting is the "Jade Walk". Lillooet area was home to the first jade mines in BC. Jade is BC's official gemstone and BC is considered to have the largest deposits of 'nephrite' jade in the world. Thirty different art pieces of Jade have been cut, polished and are mounted and displayed around the town. Both Ron and I are curious as to why noone steals these? Although they would be heavy to heist, they must be worth quite a bit of bucks!?
We enjoyed another campfire last night. It was the first night we slept without the heater this trip! Nights are still pretty chilly. Today looks like a mix of sun and cloud. Hopefully no rain?
And today's plan? Dave will arrive about noon and we will head to his place after lunch. With a pot of chili for supper.
Yesterday we drove to the "Old Bridge" which was constructed in 1913. While there, we watched an Osprey feeding her young. The nest was on top of one of the bridge spans. Cool! This bridge is no longer in use.
The new "Bridge of the 23 Camels" was opened in 1980. It was named in honour of the ornery beasts who were brought here from Asia during the gold rush. Someone thought they would make ideal pack animals, but that idea turned in to a nightmare. They ate the miners clothing, kicked anyone or anything that came close, frightened other animals with their pungent odor, plus their soft feet were cut to ribbons on the treacherous roads. They were abandoned and left to roam in the wild.
Also interesting is the "Jade Walk". Lillooet area was home to the first jade mines in BC. Jade is BC's official gemstone and BC is considered to have the largest deposits of 'nephrite' jade in the world. Thirty different art pieces of Jade have been cut, polished and are mounted and displayed around the town. Both Ron and I are curious as to why noone steals these? Although they would be heavy to heist, they must be worth quite a bit of bucks!?
We enjoyed another campfire last night. It was the first night we slept without the heater this trip! Nights are still pretty chilly. Today looks like a mix of sun and cloud. Hopefully no rain?
And today's plan? Dave will arrive about noon and we will head to his place after lunch. With a pot of chili for supper.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Cache Creek / Cayoosh Creek and Lillooet
Brookside Campsite
Site #76 - $31, p/w/s, Internet 1133557799, Temp 24C
Cache Creek = Friendly neighbors + too much drink. When one of our neighbors was struggling to put up his canopy. Ron offered a helping hand and we then joined them for a beer. Except we'd already had a couple. Plus, when you have Shrimp for dinner, that calls for a bottle of wine. Right?
And? It was a beautiful evening for a campfire. Ron started chatting with the four American fishermen camped beside us. They were pouring Black Russians. Ouch. The fishermen were on their way to Alaska. It was interesting that they were going to Soldotna where our friends (via Charlie) have a place.
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Cayoosh Creek Campground
Site #8 - $30, p/w (boil water advisory), Temp 24C
We are now camped in Lillooet about 15 minutes from David's place. There is a 13% grade hill to get to his place, so we chose not to take the 5th wheel there. He will be arriving tomorrow.
I was hoping to have internet here, but the new campground owners haven't set up yet. We are connecting via the local Remax office. Hopefully Dave will get his internet up and running when we get there?
Site #76 - $31, p/w/s, Internet 1133557799, Temp 24C
Cache Creek = Friendly neighbors + too much drink. When one of our neighbors was struggling to put up his canopy. Ron offered a helping hand and we then joined them for a beer. Except we'd already had a couple. Plus, when you have Shrimp for dinner, that calls for a bottle of wine. Right?
And? It was a beautiful evening for a campfire. Ron started chatting with the four American fishermen camped beside us. They were pouring Black Russians. Ouch. The fishermen were on their way to Alaska. It was interesting that they were going to Soldotna where our friends (via Charlie) have a place.
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Cayoosh Creek Campground
Site #8 - $30, p/w (boil water advisory), Temp 24C
We are now camped in Lillooet about 15 minutes from David's place. There is a 13% grade hill to get to his place, so we chose not to take the 5th wheel there. He will be arriving tomorrow.
I was hoping to have internet here, but the new campground owners haven't set up yet. We are connecting via the local Remax office. Hopefully Dave will get his internet up and running when we get there?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Vernon to Cache Creek
It was a difficult 'goodbye' for me this morning. I truly loved getting to know Owen. Those big smiles for Grandma were priceless. I will miss the snuggles and the cuddles. A lot!
Our time in Vernon? Well, you know what I was busy doing every day. Ron helped Jeff install a new exterior door. It was a bit of a challenge but the end result was that it looks great and it works like it is supposed to! Not bad for a couple amateur carpenters!
Last night, Christal's parents, sister and two children joined us for a barbeque followed by visiting around the firepit at Jeff & Christal's. Fun times. Good to see everyone again.
Tonight's destination was Juniper Beach Prov Pk between Kamloops and Cache Creek. Guess what? No room at the inn. It has already filled up for the long weekend. On to Cache Creek and Brookside Camping. The downside? No river and we are closer to highway noise. The upside? No trains and free wifi.
Oh, have I mentioned the sunshine and 24C weather?
Last night, Christal's parents, sister and two children joined us for a barbeque followed by visiting around the firepit at Jeff & Christal's. Fun times. Good to see everyone again.
Tonight's destination was Juniper Beach Prov Pk between Kamloops and Cache Creek. Guess what? No room at the inn. It has already filled up for the long weekend. On to Cache Creek and Brookside Camping. The downside? No river and we are closer to highway noise. The upside? No trains and free wifi.
Oh, have I mentioned the sunshine and 24C weather?
Monday, May 16, 2011
Kelowna Days
Busy time in Kelowna. Lots of visiting. Good food. A little drink. Some dice & yahtzee. Ball games. Plus Dave installed two new toilets for Doug.
And, oh yes, there was that bike ride. I opted out of the ride when Rina & Remy chose not to go. Male bonding time. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a little early for biking in the Myra Canyon. Did you see the pics? There was still plenty of snow and mud puddles on the trail. Dave discovered that bikes don't forge well through deep snow. He arrived home limping with a groin injury. Doug was limping with sore knees. It would appear that the oldest and the youngest were in better shape! However, all four claim they did enjoy the ride despite the obstacles and their injuries. The three ladies? We were very glad we had stayed home!
This morning we move back to Vernon for a few days. Also. We have decided to camp at Lillooet for the long weekend and we will spend some time with Dave at his Cayoosh Creek property. I believe paint brushes may be involved.
And, oh yes, there was that bike ride. I opted out of the ride when Rina & Remy chose not to go. Male bonding time. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a little early for biking in the Myra Canyon. Did you see the pics? There was still plenty of snow and mud puddles on the trail. Dave discovered that bikes don't forge well through deep snow. He arrived home limping with a groin injury. Doug was limping with sore knees. It would appear that the oldest and the youngest were in better shape! However, all four claim they did enjoy the ride despite the obstacles and their injuries. The three ladies? We were very glad we had stayed home!
Yesterday we watched Remy play ball. Her all girls team plays in the boys league. Remy pitched a great game and I loved seeing those lads get beat! Jeff, Christal and Owen drove up for the game and were able to have a short visit with Dave before he headed back to Vancouver.
This morning we move back to Vernon for a few days. Also. We have decided to camp at Lillooet for the long weekend and we will spend some time with Dave at his Cayoosh Creek property. I believe paint brushes may be involved.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
We are in Kelowna
Orchard Hill RV Park
Site #5 - $35, p/w/s, cable, Internet
And we are camped in the Orchard Hill RV Park where we stayed last year. The apple trees are in full bloom. Very pretty!
Site #5 - $35, p/w/s, cable, Internet
And we are camped in the Orchard Hill RV Park where we stayed last year. The apple trees are in full bloom. Very pretty!
Last night we had dinner with Doug & Rina. This afternoon we are having coffee with Ron's cousin, Paul Seemann.
David is driving up from Vancouver for the weekend. The plan is for all of us to bike the Myra Canyon trestles on Saturday. Forecast: Showers. We are trying to ignore this and hopefully it will go away. Also, Remy has a double-header ball game on Sunday which will be better viewed in the sunshine!
We paid for five nights, but if we can get a refund on that fifth night, we will leave after Remy's morning games on Sunday. The Vernon campground should be open by then and we will head there for a few days. The trick now is to come up with a plan for the May long weekend. Camping spots can be difficult to come by on the first busy camping weekend of the year.
David is driving up from Vancouver for the weekend. The plan is for all of us to bike the Myra Canyon trestles on Saturday. Forecast: Showers. We are trying to ignore this and hopefully it will go away. Also, Remy has a double-header ball game on Sunday which will be better viewed in the sunshine!
We paid for five nights, but if we can get a refund on that fifth night, we will leave after Remy's morning games on Sunday. The Vernon campground should be open by then and we will head there for a few days. The trick now is to come up with a plan for the May long weekend. Camping spots can be difficult to come by on the first busy camping weekend of the year.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Enderby, BC
Riverside Campground
Site #45 - $33, p/w, Internet, Temp 17C
Our destination when we left Bow Valley yesterday was Mara Lake. No such luck. Most of the campgrounds at this lake have turned into Resorts with the lots for purchase only. We could only find two campgrounds that accept over-nighters. They won't be open until the May long weekend.
And so we are in Enderby. At a municipal campground, beside the town Sport Complex and along the Shuswap River. It is decent and quiet at a "not so bargain price" of $33/night. Damn.. camping is getting expensive! I won't mention the $145. fuel costs to fill the tank. Yikes. We are definitely spending our children's inheritance.
The weather? AWESOME! Sunshine, warm temps, no wind. This morning we drove over to Mabel Lake. Pretty scenery. Horrible road. For that reason we wouldn't consider camping there. Unless there is a better way to get there??
Jeff, Christal and Owen drove up from Vernon and spent the afternoon with us. This is where I pull out my 'Brag Book', show you my pictures and tell you how awesome my littlest grandson is... And he is! A little sweetheart!
We decided to spend another night here and check out some more of the local attractions. And.. hopefully we will come up with a plan for the next leg of our journey!
Site #45 - $33, p/w, Internet, Temp 17C
Our destination when we left Bow Valley yesterday was Mara Lake. No such luck. Most of the campgrounds at this lake have turned into Resorts with the lots for purchase only. We could only find two campgrounds that accept over-nighters. They won't be open until the May long weekend.
And so we are in Enderby. At a municipal campground, beside the town Sport Complex and along the Shuswap River. It is decent and quiet at a "not so bargain price" of $33/night. Damn.. camping is getting expensive! I won't mention the $145. fuel costs to fill the tank. Yikes. We are definitely spending our children's inheritance.
The weather? AWESOME! Sunshine, warm temps, no wind. This morning we drove over to Mabel Lake. Pretty scenery. Horrible road. For that reason we wouldn't consider camping there. Unless there is a better way to get there??
Jeff, Christal and Owen drove up from Vernon and spent the afternoon with us. This is where I pull out my 'Brag Book', show you my pictures and tell you how awesome my littlest grandson is... And he is! A little sweetheart!
We decided to spend another night here and check out some more of the local attractions. And.. hopefully we will come up with a plan for the next leg of our journey!