Day 14, Sunday, 7 August 2022: Travel Day – Oliver, British Columbia to Chelan, WA

Happy birthday, sister Pat!

After a great night’s sleep, we awoke refreshed and ready to get back on the road. So far we have been fortunate not being near forest fires. Yesterday, one of the intersecting roads was closed due to fire. This morning when we left our hotel room we could smell and see smoke. We are grateful to be traveling in the opposite direction. The change in weather seemed pretty drastic to Peggy. After bundling up in hat, coat and gloves yesterday morning, she was comfortable in Capri pants and short sleeve shirt.

After a wonderful time in Canada we crossed back into the US at Oroville, Washington. Going through Customs and Immigration was a very simple procedure that didn’t take more than 10 minutes including waiting. On the way to the border we passed many fruit orchards, fruit stands and wineries. The empty crates were lined up waiting to be filled. Sadly, you are not allowed to take fresh produce across the border, so we had to drive on by. We continued driving past Okanagan Lake both in British Columbia and Washington State, but once we were south of the border, there was not a fruit stand to be found.

It was a short drive to our destination, Lake Chelan. It is a beautiful area with many wineries. We had hoped to camp at the state park but it was full. The town was very busy with many tourists. The information center employee said that 3 million visitors come to the area in the 3 summer months. While enjoying a wonderful root beer float at a local ice cream parlor, we made some calls and secured lodging for the next 2 nights. Since there is no forecast of rain, we planned on camping in our tent. However, the forecast is for a high of 104. We opted for an air conditioned trailer at Kamei RV and Campground on Wapato Lake. It’s a wonderful spot – quiet and near wineries. Unfortunately, it has the tiny biting no seeums.

Once we secured our lodging, we went to Chelan Ridge Winery for wine tasting and dinner; the quality of wine and food matched the wonderful setting and views. The chardonnay was outstanding and we bought a bottle to enjoy later in the evening while reading. It was a good day to be back in the US.