Finding sun, sand and good friends in British Columbia's interior

Many western Canadians make it an annual routine to holiday in BC's Okanagan valley. Not since my childhood have I spent much time in this region so it seemed fitting to wander this way for part of our summer. The main draw was an opportunity to rendezvous with friends and catch them on their vacations. Our drive west followed the Crowsnest highway, with our favourite pit stop being Greenwood, just east of Osoyoos. For the first week we put down roots at Lakeside RV park in Oliver, BC where we hooked up with friends on their annual pilgrimage to this valley. The second week was spent at Mabel Lake provincial park just north of Lumby, BC. A lovely wooded campground that we shared with old Yukon friends that now live in Victoria, BC. On our return trip to Alberta we managed to squeeze in a couple more nights of camping west of Calgary with family before setting our sights on Europe.

Tight squeeze at Lakeside

MacKillop peers from his roost

Okanagan reflect

Chillin' kids

Lake bomb with the Macky boys

OK harvest

U pickers

Catching up with Whitehorse friends in Naramata

The champs of the Lakeside sand castle contest

Mostly what happens at Lakeside

Our morbid creation - Wakeside

Friends since kindergarden

Sullivan contemplates Mabel

Island time with Casson and Fuv

Finding peace on Mabel's shores

Sofia spit?

"Uncle Jeff, do you want to play?"

Lindsay enjoying Mabel Lake

Journey back to Lake O'Hara

One of the fondest memories I have of my childhood were our excursions into Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park. This summer we spent 3 glorious days based from the Elizabeth Parker Hut hiking and exploring amongst the exquisite mountains and lakes. This has to be one of the most beautiful places in the Rockies and includes one of the finest trail networks.

Special guest Sammy enjoys views of Lake O'Hara

Crystal waters

Lake Oesa

Big view towards Lake O'Hara Lodge

Leyla looks little

Toy Leyla

Elizabeth Parker Hut

Hiking boys

Gramps

Frame

Vic's second home

Grandpa plans the day

meadows

Perfect

Meadow girl

Sammy tries pig latin

Buds

Sam and Fuv

Kids playground

The best of times

Sheppard Creek Summer

 July was spent at Sheppard Creek ranch (Grandma and Grandpa's) in southern Alberta. Between the rain and hail we found all kinds of fun tubing in the creek, taking in local rodeos, hiking in the foothills, playing with the cousins and spending quality time together on the porch. We also had some special guests visit us, Sofia and Sullivan each had a best bud come down from Whitehorse for some play time. A big thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for hosting us this summer!! 

Fia's frog

Captain Kubota

Porch life at Sheppard Creek

Hunting for bones

Bison treasures

Serious times with the cousins

Sheppard Creek band

Play time out

Swing time

Georgia on stage

Dawg Days of Summer

Reunion with Mary

Mary and Romeo the handsome

Stampede lights

Back stage with cuz Eric

Free

Big Green Chefs

Shooting Sheppard Creek

Summer Sauna

Joy in the foothills

I love my pillow

Black Eyed Susan

Journey into the Porcupines

Hearth of gold

I love my Mom

The ranch kitchen battle

Anything is possible in summer

Hail ya

Leyla approaching Crypt Lake

Crypt Lake, Waterton National Park

Jeff and Vic on cliff at Crypt

Dip in the crick

Southern Alberta Glory