Time flies when we are traveling. I think my last post was from Granite Lake on the Snake River. Lovely RV park, with views of the river and a paved path that, if we were so disposed, we could stroll 16 miles along the river.
We reluctantly moved on from Granite Lake and headed for Sand Point, Idaho. We should not have been concerned- Sand Point is a little bit of heaven in Northern Idaho. We found a camp below the bridge. Sand Point is surrounded by water on two sides. So, it appears to be an island nestled in the jewel of the lake. There is a marina and park just off the main street, and we dined at the Trinity, on the patio overlooking the marina. The boats slowly going out and coming in were our dinner entertainment.
Crossing the border was uneventful, although there were more specific questions to answer for both the American and Canadian check points. Evidently we had the right answers, because we were eventually waved through. Trusting our navigator, we found the campground. We had chosen one in a small town ( we thought ) just over the border, but we were in for a joyous surprise !
Osoyoos is the Canadian version of the Riviera ! It is the warmest place in Canada, and has the warmest lakes. So, every canadian within driving distance, or flying, chooses to vacation there. We chose it because it is located in the Okanagan Valley. Miles and miles of orchards, but also GRAPES. Many wineries, wine tasting, and fruit stands everywhere. First we sampled the wines, then we browsed the vegetable and fruit stands. With our wine cellar replenished, and the inside of our trailer smelling like cherries, nectarines, melons, and apricots, we dined in style.
Our favorite wine, and dining experience was at the Inkameep Cellars next to our camp, of the same name. They have strong red wines, which we really appreciate. We lunched on wine and cheese, sitting on their patio overlooking the Okanagan Valley and Osoyoos Lake.
We pulled out of our camp on Thursday morning, once again looking back, at the beautiful valley. Sweeping vineyards covered the sloping hills, as Caitlin would say “ a violent shade of green “. From the valley, we climbed into the Cascades. The drive was spectacular, as we wound our way north to Vancouver.
The city and surrounding cliffs and ocean are so lovely. We crossed bridge after bridge, arriving at Capilano Campground late in the afternoon. Travis’ family live in North Vancouver, not far from our camp. Diane picked us up on Friday, and we toured Stanley Park. A hurricane devastated the park two years ago, and they are still trying to reclaim it beauty. We traced many of Travis’ childhood haunts in the park, and other parks and beaches. What a lovely place to live. Diane grew up in a forested area, near a lighthouse and beaches. We ate lunch in a quaint Irish Pub, on a street lined with vibrant colorful flowers. Our last stop was a park with a cliff overlooking a sweeping vista, islands, and passing ferries in White Cliff.
A perfect end to a perfect day, we dined with Diane and Ray at their lovely home. After dinner we shared family photos. Travis’ brother Bryn and his wife Gina put together a DVD to celebrate Diane and Ray’s 40th Wedding Anniversary. Featured were childhood photos of Diane and Ray, and their sons- Travis, Bryn and Rhett. They chose music, to match the photos. It was so beautiful and moving, the smiles through the years.
Today, Ray and Diane are sharing some of their favorite places with us. We enjoy sharing our family stories.
Tomorrow, we cross the border and move on down the coast. We have changed our itinerary. Instead of continuing to the Oregon Coast and Bend, we are driving the length of Whidbey Island, taking a ferry to Port Townsend, and continuing to Port Angeles. We will camp near there, and take a ferry over to Victoria for the day. Then we will visit Olympic National Park. Caitlin and Travis gave it a 10 this past week when they were camping there, Ray and Diane spoke highly of its beauty.
We may be out of service area for both cellphone and WiFi, so the airwaves will be silent for a few days. But, we will resurface, with tales to tell.
We hope that all is well in your neck of the woods,
Love, Ellen/MOM/Grandma
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