Back to the Interior

Our drive on Tuesday leaving Vancouver covered the same area we had driven to get to Vancouver. Our first stop was another provincial park – E.C. Manning for 3 nights. After a stop at the visitor centre to find out about the area we were in, we got set up at our site. Back to the mountains we were and a nice campground with lots of sun for our solar panels.

Right at our campground we found Saskatoon Serviceberry bushes. They were plentiful throughout the park. The timing was great – we needed more jam soon and these berries can make a good jam without the need for pectin so here we go!

We picked enough extrato freeze 5 cups of berries to take home with us. I may make more jam and use some in muffins. We’re in a heat wave so we’re trying not to use the oven if not necessary.

We decided to take a drive up Blackwall Road on the advice we got at the visitor centre. There were a couple of nice viewpoints on the way up.

Leaving E.C. Manning Provincial Park on Friday, we made our way to the start of lots of fruit stands near the Okanagan Valley. As we approached Osoyoos, lots of vineyards and orchards were evident.

Our next campground was Kettle River Recreation Area. It was a nice site, but the only downside was the heavy pine tree cover which meant we got minimal sun on our solar panels. We could manage for the next four nights but had to be careful with the power we used. We also carry a generator as a back up if needed.

We took a ride along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail to the little town of Rock Creek on Saturday morning. There was a mini farmers market we walked around but then rode back to the trailer. While the trail was nice through the woods and along the river, the trail surface was rougher than we are used to and required more concentration to avoid either loose gravel or rocks.

With the heat during the time we were there, we tried out the river for swimming the next day. The water was very clear, and a bit cooler than we like it, but very refreshing on a hot day.

For only the second time since arriving in BC, we could have a campfire. We enjoyed eating outside and popped some popcorn on an open fire on our last night at Kettle River.

Before we knew it, Tuesday had arrived and it was moving day again. Back through Osoyoos and north on Hwy 97 to visit friends. More next time!