WINTER POSTCARDS

I have to tell you, we had the most beautiful drive up to Salmon Arm, BC the last two days. We left Moses Lake, WA, Monday morning and any storms that were out there seemed to be any where but where we were.

Once on Highway 97, we passed by the Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, which is the second largest hydro power producing dam in the U.S. It produces enough power to supply the whole Seattle metropolitan area. We drove only a few hours passing towns that looked as if taken from a winter postcard, and crossed the border into Canada staying in Osoyoos for the night.

Up early the next morning, we headed towards Salmon Arm. There is an endless supply of fruit stands along the roadway, left empty and boarded up for the winter. The bare limbs of the apple and peach trees, and grapevines seem to wave at you as you drive by. Even after the bitter frost had left its mark, you could still see some stubborn leaves and fruit still clinging on, refusing to let go of its grip.


We followed the road along side the Okanagan Lake, passing small town after small town, envious of the residents whose homes sat on the edge of this grand lake and had this fabulous view to take in every day. Even the overcast, cloudy day could not take away its beauty.


Arriving at the dealership, we had to wait about 90 minutes for the crane, and then follow an employee down the road to a farm about 3 miles away. Making our way down the long bumpy dirt road it seemed as if the mountains surrounded us. We went about unstrapping the boats, but I managed a quick break to take a few pictures.

A light rain fell as the last boat was unloaded and we went about putting the steel frame work away and the paperwork signed. We felt lucky to have escaped the storm that was hitting just south of us along Interstate 5 with the high winds and rain which was causing road closures.

As we headed south along the same route we had just drove earlier in the morning, we had a second opportunity to take in the scenic views, and for me to take a few more pictures for a Canadian winter postcard.