Canadian Motorcycle Trip - Osoyoos to Sumas

We took the motorcycle to see our kids in Eastern Washington, and then returned home via the trans-Canada highway.  The kids live within 30 miles of the Canadian border, so the Canadian route is an option for crossing the Cascade Range.  Here we are resting after the 250 mile trip from our house to the kids'.

We followed Tony up to see the house he is working on.  It is really looking good.  Great views, huge big house.  The last time we saw it it was pretty rough, but he has accomplished wonders with it already.  Tony is putting tile in bathrooms and kitchen now.  Then countertops, carpet and trim will finish the job.  Look for it soon on Tina's website.http://okanoganvalley.blogspot.com/

We started our Canadian venture in the city of Osoyoos, on beautiful Lake Osoyoos.  As we climbed out of the city on Canada Hwy 3, we stopped at an overlook of the city where we could see 

Lake Osoyoos is definitely a resort town.  Many boats, jet skis, and swimmers in the water.   A beautiful brick walking path surrounds most of the lake, with many park benches, fountains, and plantings everywhere.

vinyards overlooking Lake Osoyoos.  We were on the official "Wine Route" across British Columbia.  Unfortunately, we were a bit early for a nice lunch and wine tasting at a vinyard.  Most weren't open until noon, and we were passing through around 10.  Haze filled the air from wildfires of the past few weeks.  It was warm and sunny though, with the temperature on the bike reading 78 or 79 most of the way.

The scenery was spectacular - mountains, rivers, wildflowers and a windy twisty road, perfect for a motorcycle ride.

The clouds gathered and we wondered if we might get wet as we crossed the Cascade range on several passes.  The highest was 2129 meters, well over 6000'.  We did get a few raindrops, and the temperature dropped to 68 degrees, but we soldiered on and didn't stop to don a jacket and we were soon back in sunny 78 degrees.
Taking the Canadian route home added about 100 miles and 3 hours to the most direct way home, but was worth it!

A weekend at the lake

Catching stickleback fish - there were hundreds around the end of the dock.  Fun for all ages. 

Grandpa finally gets a turn to hold the baby.

Amy with her newest niece, Daphne

Cord holding Colt - You can see we spent most of our time at the lake by the life jacket.

Cord's kiddos - Cash, Charlize holding Daphne, Adalin, and Colt

Colt is a natural at paddling the kayak at not quite 2 years old.  

Amy with her hard earned degree in graphic arts!

 

Visiting Anne, Vanessa and baby Rowan

Vanessa's beautiful lily.

Vanessa and Gar's house in Federal Way.  You can see my Mom's green thumb has worked its way into the next generation!

Vanessa with her new baby, Rowan.  This baby has so many expressions that I couldn't quit taking his picture.

Grandma Anne

Anne, still beautiful at 50.

Motorcycling to LaConner

Driving through the Skagit Valley where all the fields are labeled and Mt Baker is always in view.  The potato fields are all in bloom.

Quaint farmhouses have been converted to Bed and Breakfast inns.

We found a great restaurant with a big dining patio overlooking the Swimonish Channel.

We watched two tugs maneuver a raft of logs up the channel toward the opening to Deception Pass.

The town is full of cute shops with all kinds of handmade crafts and unique gifts.

Plenty of park benches to stop and sit and enjoy the views and the sunshine.

A bridge across the channel leads to the reservation where a good road makes a shortcut to Anacortes.

Another New Baby in the Family

Daphne Noel Crawford, born July 20, 2010, 7 pounds, 19 inches.

Grandpa Ron with Daphne

Grandma Rosie's turn!

Mom, Lily

Class of '62 - Together Again

The whole group

Terry

Joe, JohnLisa, MaryMichael

Jenny

Bonnie, DianeDonna, Elsie, Harold

Babe, BillBobby