July2-3, 2015 Christina Lake to Grand Forks

Well it is hot and dry all over British Columbia right now and of course, Christina Lake is no exception



but so far the nights cool off and the mornings are lovely here


My friend, Elaine, has really become a great gardener here

Just look at these roses


Unfortunately the hot weather is causing some of them to only bloom a day



so important to catch them in their beauty


Some were even planted by Terry's mom long ago and still flourishing


and of course there are the lovely red geraniums and white petunias in the planters


Here's a beautiful pale yellow rose


I have to admit I spent


much of the morning and afternoon right under this tree


being here reminds me of happy summers spent in cottages on Lake Massawippi and Lake Mempremagog and a couple of summers on two different lakes in the Laurentions in Quebec as well.


The picture below doesn't reveal Venus and Jupitor that I could clearly see last night!


I was a bit late on the sunset but still sky quite amazing



This morning we were off to the Grand Forks market held twice a week!


Check out these neat bird houses and feeders!


some unique plants and holders



gorgeous flowers

and yes there were fruits and vegetables but I neglected to take a picture!


You could win a catered garden dinner or buy a ticket for a garden tour to support the local library


and how about some lawn and garden ornaments


and there are the famous cupcakes-and here's what we are going to be having


You can see a recreation of an early customs border crossing house









and visit a wonderful gift shop full of temptations


Holiday travels are great fun!

Christina Lake-getting there and Canada Day, 2015

It was time for a road trip and although it was hot I couldn't have picked a nicer day for one!


After a bit of a late start I hit the road stopping at Chilliwack to stretch my legs-just over an hour out of Vancouver.  The heaviest traffic of my trip was on my way here.









It is a beautiful trip and great scenery right in front of you as you drive along to Hope where I switched from Highway 1, the Trans Canada, to Highway 3








Next stop was Manning Park










And then after Princeton I stopped to take in a bit of action along the river...






Soon you get into mining country as you go up and down the mountains










The beautiful picture below was taken just before Keremeos as you enter the Okanagan








Here there are lots of fruit stands and wineries as you travel along between here and Osoyoos









A beautiful winery is Seven Sisters where I stopped to taste and buy a rose.








This is the view from the deck, new since my last visit















Next stop was brief in Osoyoos where it was really HOT!  This has been a popular summer destination for Vancouver families as it could be cool and rainy on the coast but always hot and dry here in British Columbia's desert!








But soon Highway 3 begins to climb again









and you get some incredible views of Osoyoos







and you are in a totally different environment...









Greenwood is a charming little town with lots of history









The next town along the way is Grand Forks which is a very pretty place though I was in  a bit of a rush so didn't linger here Tuesday.






I was only half an hour from my destination, Christina Lake and although it was a beautiful drive I had been on the road for over eight hours...













But with a great dinner and a dramatic lightning storm it was a good ending to a great day!




It was  Canada Day and we had work to do






One of my assignments was creating a watermelon ball bowl!  Elaine had purchased these flags so I thought it was quite impressive




And Elaine produced a colour appropriate lunch as well of cottage cheese and fruit!






with the appetizers prepared we moved on to decorating





We both had collected Canada Day gear!






Terry had to blow up the balloons and we just hoped the heat wouldn't cause them to pop before the party!!!












I think their red and white floral display really help!!!




Ginger the cat




and her brother, Jazzy, had other ways of celebrating!







the party was warm but lots of fun!




And I had a refreshing dip in the lake that evening!


I hope you enjoyed the trip and Canada Day celebration!