Warm and Green in the Okanogan

Our drive from Banff felt like it was downhill for 300 klms.  The rain shifted from intense to ‘piss me off’ every few klms.  We were delayed by road construction many times but none of them for long periods.  The ‘Twin Hyw #1’ project is alive and well in the National Parks.  That will be a 20 year project for sure.  Incredible engineering feats every few klms to overcome.

Political Statement: Send an email to someone you know in BC Government.  How can diesel/gas cost $1.08 in Banff, a National Park, in a tourist trap, but 50 klms away, a few klms across the BC border on the same National Hwy, the price jumped to $1.39?  Even in Wpg I only paid $1.15 with 7.5cents off at Superstore.  BC, you are being raped.

We had lunch in Revelstoke.  The sun came out just as we parked.  It stayed out for our complete rest stop.  We thought about stopping at Shuswap but it was still very early in the day and the weather forecast for the Okanogan convinced us to press on for a couple more hours.

Bitchin Betty (Our GPS) took us on a route march through back woods farm land as ‘it’ thought it was saving us a klm or two.  Great scenery of beautiful farms but really crap roads.  Bounced us out of our seats for 15 klms till we got back to the 97.

 

We settled into a really nice RV Park right beside Hwy 97 and a lovely lake.  Our plan is to stay for at least another full day.  Kyle deserves a swim and we have heard that there is lots to see in Vernon.

Our sister in law, Marie, posted that her husband (Kaye’s brother Dan) was in Vernon on business.  It turns out it was also their anniversary.  We met for breakfast and Dan heads home in the late afternoon.

Kyle met many friends today.  A short hike, though very steep, brought us to a smooth rock beach at Kalamalka Provincial Park. Lots of other dogs.   Photo Album.  We spent over an hour there, tossing sticks for any pooch who wanted them.  Kyle would have stayed forever. 

We headed downtown to walk the old section of Vernon and view the outdoor wall murals.  This is another must see.  Link to photo album.  We cut our walk short to head home and watch the Stanley Cup finals.  Well done Kings.  Tomorrow we are headed to the South end of the valley.  Not sure exactly where yet.