Turns out that Skimikin was a repair stop as well as a fishing hole and place to hang out. The water heater failed to do it's duty and a replacement of the thermostat ($28) didn't resolve it however a new control board ($313) did the trick. We were able to check that one first fortunately by swapping in the one from Rod's unit. While this was happening the fridge decided to not cool, and we traced that issue to the "recall unit" ($212). So I'm happy to report that the rv parts dealers in Salmon Arm are doing OK. Big thanks to Rod for all his help with these.
We'd planned to stay at Skimikin until time to head south (~Nov 1), but Forestry decided to do some work in the campground so closed it down after Thanksgiving. So off to Joyce Lake (50.56570, -119.60945) for a bit.
Joyce Lake is a nice campground with big trees and nice shade for those hot summer days. Unfortunately we were there in October when the nights are cool and those big trees mean no solar power so lots of Genny running. Also, no clear view to the satellite so I was unable to watch the Oilers while there was still some hope they would do well this season.
So on Oct 24, after an overnight and fuel up at the Vernon Superstore (50.28553, -119.27046) we hightailed it down to Okanagan Lake South provincial campground (49.68222, -119.71844). The campground was still open (water shut off, of course) but on fall rates ($13/night) so affordable. Especially since it was a little warmer than Joyce and also more open for some solar charging and a little TV watching. As you can see the leaves were in full colour and dropping so it was quite pretty.
Wendy just can't shake the pumpkin carving habit this time of year, so she carved these up for the front window. We've also laid in a supply of candy for those trick or treater's that might come by (hey, it could happen). To be environmentally friendly we bought only the kinds that we also liked, so that we wouldn't have to throw out any leftovers. Yup, that's just us being responsible citizens.
The plan is to cross the 49th parallel on Nov 1st so hopefully the next post will be from the sunny (and warm) desert.
