🍁The Payette River to the Okanagan Valley
From Idaho's Payette River to Washington's Palouse
A beautiful drive north, through the Palouse of Eastern Washington - lovely rolling hills, planted in wheat, recently harvested, some already ploughed under, prepared for planting winter wheat soon.
Wheat Country
Spokane
Arriving in Spokane, we visit old friends Rich and Rennie Miller (and family) for a couple days of fine food and lovely hikes.
The four mile morning hike along the Spokane River to Deep Creek Canyon, is quite scenic and a favorite favorite rock climbing spot.
Colorado Kids
Almost to the top
Girlsfriends
Stray pup needs love
The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Leaving Spokane, we journeyed north to the Canadian border, then west to the Okanagan Valley - the "wine and fruit basket" of Canada. Miles of vineyards, wineries and orchards line the Okanagan River. We stopped for peaches and a cherry pie.
Reaching Kelowna at 6pm, we enjoyed a picnic dinner of fried bagels with cream cheese, spinach, and smoked salmon and smoked trout, washed down by a gifted bottle of 2006 Penfolds Shiraz.
Miles of Orchards
Lake Okanagan
Picnic outside Kelowna, B.C.
Northern Lite Factory and Wells Gray Provincial Park
On our way north, we stopped for a tour of the Northern Lite Camper factory (the manufacturer or our new camper). We had a great visit - an informative tour of the production process, a few minor repairs and an opportunity to meet the staff and the owner! A truly professional organization acheiving excellence in their field.
Mac (the owner) and Russ of Northern Lite Mfg with Sally
After our factory tour, onward along the North Thompson River to Wells Gray Provincial Park - 30 miles off the beaten track in the mountains of British Columbia. A cold night dropping to 20 degrees, but we stayed snug and warm in our comfortable camper.
The North Thompson River
Pyramid Campground at Wells Gray Provincial Park