Our campsite in Hope was very pleasant, if not a bit noisy from traffic passing by on nearby Highway #1 (Trans-Canada), but we were comfortable enough on the foam bed Linda had created to fit in either the back of the car, or in the tent. We left to the prospect of another fine sunny day, at 0900, following Highway 3 (the southernmost route across BC). The site of the Hope Slide (mountain fell down in 1965) passed by on our left, and about an hour later, in the western edges of Manning Park, we stopped to hike a short trail through the woods, surrounded by native Rhododendron plants. Another short hike at the other end of Manning Park took us around a Beaver Dam site, although the only sign of wildlife we saw was a chipmunk, and a bit of bear scat. By noon we were ready for another break, so stopped along the Similkimeen River, at a Provincial Rest site, for lunch under a Ponderosa Pine. Although the name Similkimeen sounds like something out of the "Lord of the Rings", it is actually an aboriginal term from the local natives, so no Hobbits came out to share our lunch. We continued through Keremeos, where we saw the cheapest gasoline so far at 97.9/liter (almost 10 cents/litre less than anywhere else).....but figured (wrongly) that there must be more bargains ahead! Arrival in Osoyoos was at 1400, where we managed to find one of the last campsites available in the Provincial park, on Haynes Point, on Osoyoos Lake. A very nice park, with views, water, flush toilets, and a welcoming Ranger. We managed to get all set up, then drove into the town, 2 km. away, for a few groceries. Dinner at the campsite, followed by an early night to bed, at 2100, had us nicely rested and raring to go by morning.
View of Osoyoos Lake from above....our camp
was on the point (peninsula) jutting out on left
side of photo.
Departure from the campsite was at 0930, with a short day ahead.....we would be going to Grand Forks or Christina Lake today. So we visited the Osoyoos Desert Center for a guided interpretive tour of the desert surroundings (this area is Canada's only true desert area, and extension from the USA). During the tour we got to see a Racer (a fast snake native to this desert area), and a large number of birds and flora specific to the area. By 1130 we were on our way again, heading east, and made only one stop (for lunch) as we toured the route toward the Kootenays. I've been deliberately slowing down from my normal driving habits, with even 5th wheels and little old ladies passing us, but it certainly is using a lot less gasoline, and we're seeing a lot more of the countryside! We stopped for lunch alongside a small lake at a rest stop, then continued on, finally ending up at Christina Lake. The campground here is very quiet (tourist season does not appear to have arrived here yet), but the weather is still sunny and warm (high 20's), and the campground here has wifi, so we can check email and update the Blog again. We took a walk to the lake, where some very bold teens were playing in the water, but for most people, the water is still too chilly for in-water sports.
Tomorrow we get to do some more "graveing" as we look in cemeteries for more long-lost relatives. We may also get a chance to spy a sasquatch with a backpack of beer, as we head deep into the Kootenays!
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