We
had an enjoyable B.C. road trip. We did the lower southern route. If you have
an idea of our Province, you will be able to appreciate the vastness. From Vancouver we drove through Hope to connect with the Coquihalla Highway. This is a high altitude freeway that winds its way along passes, valleys and mountains, past breath-taking views and rocky vistas. All so beautifully treed and green. We did not pre-book any accommodation; we just wanted to stop, when we felt like it. We pulled off the road and found a comfortable motel at Salmon Arm, a holiday destination on a beautiful lake.
The next day's journey took us to Three Valley Gap, very scenic and then up the to the Rogers Pass and Glacier National Park. From this point the route makes a gradual decent via farmland and Ranches, till you reach Radium Hot Springs. We decided to detour to Invermere On The Lake.
All this area was my old stomping grounds and territory, when I was in Cranbrook. It has been 25 years, since I left this part of the country and it is truly amazing to view the development and growth that has occurred. The landscape is dotted with Chalets, Condos, Golf Courses, expensive homes and pricey shops, outdoor cafes, a very picturesque atmosphere.
We found a quaint little place for lunch and conversed with some of the locals, who echoed the friendliness of the Town. We journeyed on to Cranbrook, the weather was 30 degrees, so the first thing Brenda did, after booking us in the Motel, was to head for the pool. Cranbrook had also grown, from my days. I had to get reacquainted with the city and friends and neighbors.
There are several places to visit from here. We choose to go to Kimberley, to catch up with an Anglo-Indian friend and to see the City Center, which has a Bavarian Theme. The architecture and food is very European and exciting. The place just hops in the Winter Ski Season, with local and foreign visitors. There is a lot of activity in summer, but its great just browsing through the shops and promenades.
We had to take in Fort Steele, which is about an hours drive from Kimberley. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police established the fort in the early 1800. Much of the old buildings have been preserved and it was very interesting to read the history and life styles. It was the rough Wild West, when the living was hard and day-to-day survival was all one could hope for…..
It was difficult to leave Cranbrook, but we had things to do and places to see. We figured we better move on to Christina Lake to stay with a friend, who operates a motel. This is also a very pretty area, we took in the sites, dined at a local pub, the bill was very reasonable, stayed over-night and drove off early next morning.
About two hours later, we were at our new destination of Osoyoos. This area, is called the Okanagan, it is a spectacular holiday resort, lovely lake, shared between Canada and the states, fruit growing capital and several Wineries. The soil conditions, temperature and water are ideal for growth and cultivation. We went on wine tasting tours, most were self-directed. Tasting the various wines, we were impressed with the ice wines, but at $50/ half bottle was too expensive for our pockets.
We purchased some Gewurztramer, which apparently goes well with spicy foods. The usual Merlots, Shiraz and Chardonnay, were being showcased and were very good quality, comparable to the Aussie varieties. The actual wine Festival starts in October.
We came home via Princeton and Manning Park on Hwy. #3; with impressionable memories of the majestic Ponderosa Pines, Douglas Fir, Cedar and Spruce forests, with photos to ponder over. Too often, we miss the beauty that is as close as our back door…..