Castlegar to Osoyoos, British Columbia – 5 October 2024

We love the desert, so a stay in Canada’s only desert was a real treat. Osoyoos, BC has vineyards, orchards, cacti, blue lakes and semi arid scrubland. It boasts one of the warmest climates in Canada with the average summer temperature of 28 degrees c, an average annual rainfall of less than 12 inches and 2039 hours of sunshine.

Our campground was part of the Nk’Mip resort which also consists of a wine farm, cellars and hotel. Nk’Mip Cellars is the first aboriginal winery in North America (second in the world). The Campground was on Osoyoos lake which stretches over 12 miles and has a temperature of 25 degrees in summer. It had wonderful mountain views and apart from several amenities, a park area just off our campsite which was handy to take Jax to relieve himself.

The air was filled with sounds of squawking California Valley Quails who were running with their groups very fast across the road into the bushes. They reminded me of the Road Runners in Arizona. These birds have a curving crest/plume on their heads made of six feathers, that drooped forward and would flap as they ran.

What was originally supposed to be a two week stay was unfortunately crammed into 3 nights. We made the most of it with lots of walks in the area admiring all the farms as we walked. It was a short walk into town and along a paved lakeside walkway. We did treat ourselves to a late breakfast at 15 Park Bistro which is part of the Watermark Hotel. It was a lovely sunny day with gorgeous views right onto the Lake.

Later we visited one of our new customers who had recently opened a new Pet store in Osoyoos. Took Jax along to wash him and he made his usual fuss but at least he smelled nice afterwards. I was able to take some good video for our You Tube channel. Its always fun to see how our customers are installing their machines.

All too soon it was time to say goodbye to the sunny desert but we are both determined to return at a later stage for a much longer visit.