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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!

By Friday morning, we had at least a day of rain ahead. They were forecasting a mini atmospheric river with 1-2” of rain. While disappointing, it was also our first significant rain for the trip and we knew how badly needed it was, due to the forest fires in the west. It was a day to get caught up on some paperwork plus a good day for meatloaf and scalloped potatoes baking in the oven!

On Saturday morning, we were pleasantly surprised to hear that most of the rain was done. After a leisurely morning, we headed to the laundry on site. Finally the prices were decent so we did a few extra things. While at the laundromat, I had a conversation with a gentleman who came yearly to fish. He told me we could go see the natives fishing under the bridge beside the park and buy fresh coho salmon. So when the laundry finished, we headed down and for $20, got a 24” salmon. I took it back to the campsite and proceeded to filet it. I was pretty pleased with the results. It gave us a nice supper and the second filet went to the freezer for another night.

Later that afternoon , Paul set out on his bike, across Lions Gate bridge to explore Stanley Park and ride along the seawall. Unfortunately it was very busy, being a Saturday in the summer.

On Sunday afternoon, we had arranged to meet Joyce’s cousin and partner, Dan and Dave. We biked through Stanley Park to West Vancouver to meet them at the Cactus Club Cafe, English Bay for a drink. After, they biked back to our campsite with us where we visited some more and enjoyed supper together.

Vancouver is such a bike friendly city. Separate bike lanes from pedestrians and cars. Many cyclists use e-bikes and use a car share when longer distances require it. With it being Sunday, Stanley Park was very busy as were the trails through it. Many cyclists do not call out notification of their intent to pass and the lanes were narrow at places. I did’t find it a particularly relaxing ride but the area was beautiful!

Before we knew it, it was time for Dan and Dave to head home on their bikes and we did some prep for our next day’s trip to Vancouver Island.

We were heading to the island to meet a couple who were previous back yard neighbours of ours. They had moved to the island a year ago.

Wray and Diane picked us up at the ferry terminal in Nanaimo and we headed north up the coast to Qualicom Bay for lunch. We had periods of sun while on the island. They told us it is a nice climate in the summer – not hot and humid. There hasn’t been much rain and they have watering restrictions in place – no lawn watering at all.

We drove through a provincial park, Rathtrevor Beach, which is only a couple kilometres from their home. Diane regularly walks there. Then we headed to their home where we spent a pleasant afternoon visiting on their patio.

With an early dinner, it was time to get in the car and head back to Nanaimo to get the ferry back to Horseshoe Bay. We had great crossings both ways; cool and cloudy but very calm.

Tomorrow we leave the big city and head back towards the Okanagan Valley (and hopefully more fresh fruit!).