Last weekend was our annual Oroville work weekend. This year we decided that a few of us would go early to open the place as in the past it was always done by G & L and as a result few know what all is involved. G & L are aging and when they no longer travel, we will have to be able to do what they do. So, a month earlier than usual, we packed up the tools and some new beds and started out on a most beautiful day.
There was still snow in Manning Park, about as much as there usually is in May. This means that the snow pack this year is low and things will be dry. Even at the Lodge, where the altitude is high and it still looked very much like winter, the weather was balmy and the sun quite warm. The clear blue sky was fabulous!
As usual, we saw many Deer in the Princeton area. 
We were in no hurry, so a little detour off the beaten track revealed this old cabin on a rocky ledge off in the distance. Telephoto lenses do not respect "NO TRESPASSING" signs.
The hills in the south Okanagan are bone dry all year, except for a few weeks in spring. Then there all manner of blossoms and colour. 
This valley just west of Osoyoos is one of my favourite places in all of BC. 
Oroville has its own Golf Course in the middle of the rocky desert. The contrasts are more stunning in the hot and dry summer months.
Sagebrush, pine, and rocks. But the air is fresh and invigorating and the fragrance of Saskatoon Berry blossoms is intoxicating. 
The Samilkameen River east of Oroville. This is very interesting country with a rich history of agriculture, primitive transportation, irrigation, and mining. Here, in one photo, is a narrow dirt road, the river, and an old train road bed as it comes out of a tunnel under the mountain. 
The little white fluff balls on the hill are blooming Saskatoon Berry bushes. The berries are ripe in June. 
This is the road from the Nighthawk border station to Oroville. 
This is a junction just south of Nighthawk border station, going left takes one to the backside of Oroville and taking the right fork will take one to Chesaw Wa. The road eventually joins up with Highway 97 at Tenasket Wa. and is a most interesting drive. It is a motorbike rider's dream ride. 
Fresh spring blossoms among the cactus. This country is true desert and is part of the south Okanagan. 
A half mile south of the Nighthawk USA/Canada border station. This station is open from 8 - 5 daily and one gets very personalised attention here. We took a chance and won. Even though we were totally loaded down with new beds and tools, all the guards wanted to see was what was under the hood. He only found an engine and promptly informed me. I expressed relief that I still had one and they sent us on our way. 
These cattle get very curious when a motorist stops. I suppose it does not happen often. Tomorrow I will post the Oroville projects we got done this year. 
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