ONWARDS TO KELONA - July 15th

When we left Jasper I thought there might be a let down and I was right.  The scenery changed from the rugged rocky majesty of the Rockies to a different type of mountain.  Still spectacular, mountain driving, especially on the leg from Jasper to Valmont.  We crossed into British Columbia.  We waited in vain for Mt Robson (tallest in the Rockies) to come out from behind the clouds.  It offered tantalizing glimpses of the peakes so we got some nice photos.  The guys purchased BC fishing licenses at the Information Centre there.

At Valmont we headed south, down Rte 5.  This takes us into ranch country.   We follow rivers, but most of them are declared to fast for fishing.  We pass lakes but you can’t get to the shore.  We pulled in to River Safari, another back road adventure over wooden bridges and down narrow, almost roads till we reached a floating affair which housed a bunch of tables and chairs, under a tarp thing, a café counter affair that served burgers and drinks (2 burgers and two drinks cost $27) washrooms, and was the launch point for speed boats that take customers up the river for an hour to (hopefully) see bears.  Cost a mere $75 per person.  No one else was interested so we didn’t go - just had lunch.  They told the guys they could fish from the raft - but they didn’t.

Did finally pull over at a picnic area just before Clearwater, dropped their line in the water for, oh maybe 10 minutes, and declared the water was too fast.  We got settled into the Clearwater KOA Campground, did the laundry, I swam in the pool, ate supper, and then the guys bring out the government regulations re fishing and start studying them.  Basically they decided they wasted the $55 on the license because the regulations are so complicated, and restrictive, that they can’t fish anyway.

Today (Wednesday, July 15) has been one frustration after another. Nothing serious, but annoying all the same.  Mixed orders at breakfast and lunch, missed turns - that sort of thing.  And hot.  We are now in the arid region which begins above Kamloops and continues down into the Okanogan.  Sage brush covers the hills.  Wind and rain have sculpted cliffs and arroyos.  Irrigation is constant in some areas making lush green farmlands which stand out against the dessert coloured hills. Lakes are surrounded by glorious willow trees.  I never tire of this constantly changing landscape which is so vastly different in such short distances.

This is cherry season so we stopped to purchase some freshly picked.  They are so good.  Delightful roadside market - an introduction to the wonderful markets of BC.  One of my regrets along the way has been the fact that we never get to farmers markets and such.  Really was hoping to do that. Soon be at Granville Island, although its not quite the same as farm gate type stuff.

Anyway, we arrived in Kelona, along with major traffic. Its crazy here.  We are wondering why we came - 35 degrees C, dusty, crowded.  Our campsite was very expensive, and is very disappointing.  Just ten gravel pads in a field. With hookups of course.  Wireless doesn’t work. If we thought we could find something better we would leave.  This place is called Apple Orchard RV Park.  Avoid it.

Looking on the good side. We saw a moose today.  Some awe-inspiring scenery.  Tomorrow is right around the corner. 

More next time

Julie

Remember if you want to get in touch email us at julie@seacroftpei.com