Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:23:45 -0700
Reply-To: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Trip report. Okanagon B.C. (Long, but some tips)
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Hi all.
This turned out to be a bit lengthy, but info might be useful to some.
TECH:
First off, aside from a few things breaking, am happy to say that head
temps stayed below 400F the whole time, and Dometic worked well when
it stayed lit. It was really windy on way home, but overall van a joy
to drive. Saw some great country, and even though it was high 80's -
100+ (inside van while driving anyways) it was nice at night. Made
myself this:
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil/iWeb/Site%205/FridgeVentPics.html
which seemed to keep flame on in Dometic when driving, er ploughing,
through really windy conditions.
WHAT I SAW/DEALS:
I saw some great scenery along hwy 5a aka "Old Merrit Highway". Worth
taking even just for the slower pace. (especially for us "air heads")
I took #3 (Hope/Princeton) to Merrit then 5a. Really great to see the
difference in terrain comparing the tree studded hills of
Princeton-Merrit section to the Merrit-Kamloops section. The latter
being typical of OK area. Always seems to me that the hills look like
they're covered in a wool blanket.
There are a few provincial sites along the way to Merrit. One spot
worth noting: Allison Lake:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/allison.html
north of Princeton B.C. Lake parking across the hwy, and sites on
other side. Was really NOT busy when I viewed it on Tues afternoon and
when I stayed there last night. (thurs). PIC:
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil/iWeb/Site%205/Blank%2073.html
Hard to see, but there are 2 or 3 empty site in the pic.
Pit toilets and i saw one tap for water. Not sure if for drinking
though. Located above the hwy, but it's quiet at night. (hardly any
traffic at night). $10 Cnd/night. A deal.
Stayed at a BC foestry service site at "Hidden Lake". SE of Enderby.
Also $10 Cnd. And this one was lakeside. The West exposed sites seemed
mostly occupied, but the view from my East facing, was awesome none
the less. Some lakeside sites have easy access for launching your
vessel, though not certain of details as I'm not the boating type
(yet). You do need to travel along a 12 KM logging road to get there,
but it's 2WD and pretty wide for the most part. You need a forestry
service map to find, but if you go East from Enderby to Ashton Creek,
the local General store/gas station can direct you. Actually it's
easy. See store on left, then bear right, following yellow line for a
long block or so, then stay straight. DON'T go left following yellow
line. Follow to narrow bridge, and follow signs.
MY .02:
In general, I don't see any advantage $$-wise in going to forestry
sites via dirt roads. Your van takes a beating, potentially offsetting
any $$ gain in slightly lower fees. Plus, there are BC Provincial pit
toilet type sites at $10-14. But, BCFS sites can offer some
relatively unspoiled surroundings, and less, if not any, of the er, RV
type situation. Not knocking RV's or there owners, I'm just sayin
that's all -- ;^)
Neil.
--
Please send me your Vanagon/Westfalia links!
http://vanagonlinks.googlepages.com/home
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia.
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
